PATHFINDER ADVISORY
A Trusted Partner For What's Next
About Pathfinder Advisory
The U.S. Army Pathfinders - Our Namesake
As inspiration for our name, the U.S. Army Pathfinders are a small, elite group of soldiers who guide larger military units safely as they land and expand into new enemy territory. Their storied history and specialized expertise have made them indispensable to military operations for decades. Their motto, “First In, Last Out,” reflects their role as the vanguard - first to go into the unknown and turn uncertainty into great opportunity.
Pathfinders combine grit with precision, mastering skills like navigation and communications to ensure missions success. Pathfinders don’t just scout paths; they create them. From WWII to Vietnam to Afghanistan, their legacy endures as a symbol of leadership and sacrifice, proving that the smallest unit can be critical to help turn the tide and win the battle.
MISSION: To Skillfully Guide and Bravely Lead
In the staffing industry, every move matters. Every decision counts. Pathfinder Advisory is also an elite guide, helping you navigate the challenges you face and seize the right opportunities with precision. Founded by a U.S. Army and Staffing Industry veteran, we bring the Pathfinder mindset to your business - decisive, resourceful, bold.
Our Mission? To help good companies like yours navigate the future with strategies and insights that win battles. To skillfully guide you forward to push the boundaries of productivity and innovation. To bravely lead with you to What's Next. Let Pathfinder Advisory help YOU be the hero - and Find Your Path to Victory.
MOTTO: "A Trusted Partner For What's Next"
In the staffing jungle, the path ahead can feel like uncharted territory - but you don’t have to go it alone.
At Pathfinder Advisory, our motto, “A Trusted Partner for What’s Next,” is our promise to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you, no matter the challenge, and get you where you want to go. We don’t just advise - we roll up our sleeves and walk the path right alongside you.
Ready to conquer your ambitions? Whether it’s a strategic pivot or a bold leap, we’re here to scout the way forward, as your partner, and walk with you to the wins you need.
12 ELEMENTS of SUCCESS
Vision. Strategy. Innovation. Courage. Initiative. Decisiveness. Judgement. Bearing. Endurance. Loyalty. Unselfishness. Passion.
Our Business Philosophy
TRUST
INTELLIGENCE
INTELLIGENCE
THE BEDROCK OF EVERY MISSION: Trust isn’t just a buzzword at Pathfinder Advisory—it’s the steel in our spine. In the high-stakes business world in which we operate, you need a STRATEGIC partner who’s got your back, no questions asked, and will keep EVERY conversation and kernel of data highly secured between us. At Pathfinder Advisory, we
THE BEDROCK OF EVERY MISSION: Trust isn’t just a buzzword at Pathfinder Advisory—it’s the steel in our spine. In the high-stakes business world in which we operate, you need a STRATEGIC partner who’s got your back, no questions asked, and will keep EVERY conversation and kernel of data highly secured between us. At Pathfinder Advisory, we build trust through candor, confidentiality, and a relentless commitment to your success. Think of us as your battle buddy: we listen deeply, act with integrity, and deliver on our word, EVERY TIME.
INTELLIGENCE
INTELLIGENCE
INTELLIGENCE
SHARPER INSIGHTS, SMARTER WINS: In the staffing industry, raw data is just noise without a keen mind to decode it. At Pathfinder Advisory, INTELLIGENCE means delivering insights that cut through the clutter to hit a well-aimed target. We don’t drown you in reports; we arm you with clear, actionable strategies drawn from deep industry expe
SHARPER INSIGHTS, SMARTER WINS: In the staffing industry, raw data is just noise without a keen mind to decode it. At Pathfinder Advisory, INTELLIGENCE means delivering insights that cut through the clutter to hit a well-aimed target. We don’t drown you in reports; we arm you with clear, actionable strategies drawn from deep industry experience and know-how. Whether it’s spotting gaps in your sales engine or mapping out growth plans, our brainpower turns COMPLEXITY INTO CLARITY. With us, you’re not just informed—you’re outsmarting the competition.
ACTION
INTELLIGENCE
ACTION
STRIKE FAST, WIN BIG:
At Pathfinder Advisory, ACTION isn’t a suggestion — it’s our battle cry. In the staffing world, hesitation costs deals, talent, and momentum. We don’t just plan; we charge into the fray WITH YOU, turning strategy into results with the speed and precision of a Pathfinder clearing a drop zone. From rebuilding your sal
STRIKE FAST, WIN BIG:
At Pathfinder Advisory, ACTION isn’t a suggestion — it’s our battle cry. In the staffing world, hesitation costs deals, talent, and momentum. We don’t just plan; we charge into the fray WITH YOU, turning strategy into results with the speed and precision of a Pathfinder clearing a drop zone. From rebuilding your sales engine to closing acquisitions, we roll up our sleeves and make things happen—NOW, not later. Partner with us, and you’ll feel the ground shift beneath your feet.
Meet Our Founder
Tom Schmidt: Your Ally In Battle
When you meet Tom, you’re meeting a leader shaped by a crucible of personal challenge, by numerous individual & team achievements, and driven by a passion for helping others succeed.
In the very beginning, Tom’s character was shaped by the U.S. Army and, in particular, by a course he took @ the Infantry Pathfinder school, 1st Cavalry Division. Hence, the name. This was a grueling experience that branded on Tom the vision, courage and confidence he brings to Pathfinder Advisory today. That same foundation fueled a highly successful 30-year career in the staffing industry, where he rose from a local technical recruiter in the mid 1990s to a global sales leader and North American brand leader, with enviable opportunities to elevate iconic brands @ ManpowerGroup, Volt Information Sciences & Recruit Holdings.
From managing P&Ls of almost $500 million, to something as simple as holding a security clearance as the FSO for MPG, Tom’s learned so much in his career. His US and global experience spans 4 continents, supporting every major industry, and it is this experience that he offers to every great organization looking to move to What's Next. Having personally walked the halls of over 20% of the Fortune 1000, and supported or led sales engagements in another ~5000 companies of all sizes, Tom doesn’t just understand business—he knows what makes it tick, from the way they buy to the art and science of value.
For Tom, founding Pathfinder Advisory was a natural next step—a chance to channel his earned expertise into a humble proposal to guide business leaders, in staffing or otherwise, through their toughest battles. That is his offer to you.
On a personal note, Tom's business success has always been strengthened by his personal blessings, formed in the fire of great necessity and fueled by his inspiring family obligations. These priceless gifts now includes 5 kind, smart and hard working kids (now grown), and 3 beautiful grandkids - so far (Camila, Sofia, and Judah). In addition to family and business, Tom loves fishing, shooting, golf, movies, books on philosophy/faith, the Washington Redskins (yep, I said it), and the Baltimore Orioles.
