The Birmingham Group is proud to announce our 50th anniversary on April 17th, 2017. As one of the first construction executive search firms in the nation, we understand how rare a milestone the Golden Business Anniversary has become. We would like to thank each and every construction firm in Michigan, and around the nation, who has entrusted us with their staffing needs. We look forward to many more years of personalized commercial construction recruiting and consulting services.

TBG History

Fred Bawulski founded Management Recruiters, an MRI Network franchise in Detroit, Michigan on April 17th, 1967. In the 50 &’s & 60s, the field of recruiting was a relatively new concept. There were two staffing firms. On one side, you had boutique retained search firms that charged companies a fee of 33% of the candidate’s first year’s compensation for them to recruit for their most senior level positions. The fee was paid in full, no matter if the search succeeded or not. On the total opposite end of the spectrum, you had employment agencies that charged candidates to help them find a job.

In 1965, Alan Schonberg founded Management Recruiters International (MRI). MRI was based on Alan’s idea that companies needed a 3rd choice. A way to attract the best middle and  upper middle management talent; not just the ones that had to pay to find a job. A new industry was born, “company paid contingency search.” When Alan sold franchises, Fred saw this is a perfect fit for him.

Fred was a visionary. He saw the need for more strategic staffing and job placement. He developed and leveraged a network of qualified candidates, who he matched with open positions in small and midsized Detroit businesses.

His innovative recruiting and placement strategies quickly paid off, as Fred was awarded Management Recruiters Manager of the year in 1969, 1971, 1973, 1976. In 1981, Fred made the move to Bingham Farms, MI—and changed the business name to Management Recruiters Birmingham.

Brian Binke Joins MRI Network

In November 1995, Brian Binke opened Sales Consultants of Bingham Farms (a division of MRI). Brian hit the ground running. In 1996, he was awarded “Top 2 Rookie of the Year”—out of 64 new franchise partners. In January 1997, when Fred Bawulski retired, Brian acquired Management Recruiters Birmingham and renamed his recruitment and consulting firm to The Birmingham Group.

Realizing a growing demand for construction talent, Brian focused primarily on construction and business consulting. Brian has a true passion for the construction industry and its vital role in keeping the American Dream alive. He saw good paying factory jobs being shipped overseas. Brian felt that couldn’t happen in construction. You can’t build a hospital or bridge in China and ship it back here. Construction and infrastructure are not only the cornerstone of prosperity, but jobs in construction even the playing field. Even though TBG places strictly construction professionals anywhere from a superintendent to a CEO, Brian sees the shortage of construction skilled trades is the best way to bring back the American middle class.

Building Dream Teams

Over the years, Brian and TBG have achieved many awards and accolades. The core of this is a strong belief that a great construction company invests as much time attracting top talent, as they do securing new contracts. By learning your company culture, vision, and goals—TBG helps you build the Dream Team you require for sustainability and innovation. With over 20 years in targeted construction recruiting, Brian can also consult on how construction firms can identify and map out new revenue streams.

The Birmingham Group has navigated and excelled in uncertain times, including two recessions and the housing crash of 2008. Recruitment, HR, and staffing have evolved many times over the years, especially with the introduction of online job boards and professional social networking. By delivering a personalized approach, and leveraging cutting-edge recruitment strategies, TBG remains one of the nation’s most tenured executive search firms. Headquarters remain in Berkley, Michigan, but our executive search services are available to construction firms nationwide.

TBG Awards, Accolades, And Achievements

It’s not just our 50th anniversary, but we’ve made some great strides along the way! Out of 800+ Billing Managers In The MRI Network From Around The World, Brian Binke Consistently Made The “Top 10” for the fiscal years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015—and more to come! In 2012, Brian was awarded the “MRI Worldwide Billing Manager of the Year”. He is a sought-after speaker and training recruiter for the construction industry.

Additional achievements include:

  • Fred Bawulski “MRI Manager of the Year” in 1969, 1971, 1973, and 1976.

  • In November 1995, Brian Binke opened Sales Consultants of Bingham Farms.

  • In 1996, Brian was awarded “Top 2 Rookie of the Year”—out of 64 new franchise partners.

  • When Fred Bawulski retired, Brian acquired Management Recruiters Birmingham in January 1997, and renamed his recruitment and consulting firm The Birmingham Group.

  • The Birmingham Group “MRI Network Presidents Club” 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015

  • 1998, 1999 & 2000 Awarded “Best of Class” #1 out of 800 for Customer Satisfaction

  • Lisa Leffler joined the TBG team in April 2005 as Director of Client Services

  • Adam Cohen joined the TBG team in July 2007. Today Adam is Vice President of Construction

  • Jody Carr joined the TBG team in June 2012. Today, Jody is Vice President of Oil & Gas Construction

  • In July 2013 purchased building for new HQ in Berkley, Michigan

  • In January 2014 moved to a new HQ

  • Out of 40 groups within MRI, TBG was recognized as the Largest Revenue Increase calendar years 2014 to 2015

  • Awarded “101 Best & Brightest” 2014, 2015

Please join us in celebrating our 50th anniversary! We will continue to strive for excellence, and recruit on behalf of construction innovators in the fields of Oil & Gas, Energy, Wastewater, Multi-Family, Healthcare, Schools, Commercial Construction—and more. Please let us know how we can help.