Friends:
Over the past 20 months many of us have had the blessing to work with Joel Paul, the founder of the Joel Paul Group. On January 1, 2023 Shepherd Search Group purchased the Joel Paul Group, and we were so very fortunate to add Joel, Ana and Willie to our amazing team. While Willie has run the Joel Paul Group since 2009, Joel started the firm more than thirty-eight years ago, and his reputation is known far and wide. It was just last month a principal from a private day school in New Jersey was visiting my home, and he exclaimed, “You work at the Joel Paul Group! Everyone in my field knows the Joel Paul Group!”
I share these thoughts with you as Joel has decided to retire effective August 31st. For Willie, Ana and myself and many of our clients – it marks the closing of a chapter. While Joel built a firm that dominated recruitment in the Jewish non-profit sector, he touched organizations across all faiths, areas of education and across all disciplines of the non-profit world. When the chance arose to work with Willie and Joel, I jumped at the opportunity. Joel blazed a trail and earned a reputation few can aspire to. Prior to working in recruitment, Joel served as the Campus Director for Hillel International at the University of Pennsylvania. Encouraged by a strong desire to help others, Joel saw an opportunity to serve major non-profits, and he did it with a style and flair our industry had never seen.
I know Joel is looking forward to spending more time with his incredibly supportive wife, Rhoda, and their family. His passion for the business, his faith in the One Above and his desire to lead by example make him a truly inspirational figure. On behalf of Dina, Mike, Kass and myself – I can think of no greater honor than to carry his mission forward. Joel, thank you. Thank you for all you have done to build the Joel Paul Group into not only a nationally known recruitment firm but one whose reputation is unblemished and has helped so many hundreds and hundreds of people.
Enjoy retirement my friend and let’s raise a glass and say: “L’chaim!” To life! You have made it sweeter for so many!
David