The Reserves Network is saddened to announce the passing of Don Stallard, company founder.
Don founded The Reserves Network in 1984 as a one-office executive recruiting firm, which evolved quickly into temporary staffing for office and industrial employees. The company’s name and brand colors, red and blue, are directly influenced by his career in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves. Don retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel, after serving five years on active duty in the Air Force as a jet pilot and decorated Vietnam veteran.
Through Don’s leadership and vision, The Reserves Network has become a staffing industry leader in the areas of manufacturing, logistics, engineering, call centers, finance, real estate, government and healthcare. Headquartered in Fairview Park, Ohio, the company has over 45 operating locations in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and Southwest. Today, The Reserves Network ranks as one of the largest staffing and talent engagement firms in the United States, being named to Staffing Industry Analysts’ annual list for eight consecutive years.
In 2012, Don transitioned his role of CEO to his son, Neil, and throughout the last decade remained as Chairman and close advisor. His children are carrying on a second generation of leadership. In addition to Neil, Don’s son Nick serves as Chief Growth Officer and daughter Amanda Lowe is Vice President & Corporate Counsel.
“Don put it all on the line almost 39 years ago and he could not be prouder of what we’ve become,” said Neil Stallard. “He was the first to admit The Reserves Network today is beyond his wildest dreams. Don brought our values of quality, reliability and integrity to life, and always led by example.”
Dedication to his work, and to the people Don helped, was apparent in the numerous accolades he received over the years. He was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year from INC. Magazine in 1994 and was a finalist in 2000. He was also finalist for the Archer Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to the Human Resources Industry in 2011, which is presented by Crain’s Cleveland Business Magazine; and named to Staffing Industry Reviews’ 2012 Staffing 100, identifying most influential leaders in the staffing industry. Don was recognized as a “Significant Sig” by the Sigma Chi Foundation in 2006, and he was a finalist for the Distinguished Sales & Marketing Executive Award in 2003. He was also active on various boards, including the Greater Cleveland Growth Association from 1999-2003, the American Staffing Association in 1999 and 2000, and the Kent State University Foundation from 2008-2014. He was President of Ohio Staffing Services Association (OSSA) in 1994 and received their Chapter Presidents’ Award in 1994.
Don is survived by the love of his life and his high school sweetheart, Catharina Maria (Vander Schrier); his children Neil (Leisa), Amanda (James) Lowe, and Nicholas (Rachel); and grandchildren Paige, Preston, Riley, Jake, Ryker, Wilhelmina and Vander.
To learn more about his life and legacy, please click here.