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In an era where AI tools, automated platforms, and digital sourcing solutions continue to reshape the recruiting landscape, it’s tempting to believe that executive search is becoming less personal. But the reality at the highest levels of hiring tells a different story—one where relationship-driven recruiting, emotional intelligence, and industry expertise still reign supreme.

For our most recent FPC Insider, Jeff Herzog, President of FPC National spoke with Mike Dubeck, President of FPC of Troy, and recipient of this year’s FPC Lifetime Achievement Award. With over 25 years in the executive search industry—and prior leadership roles in manufacturing operations, Mike brings a dual-lens perspective that few can match.

“Technology should support your relationships, not replace them,” says Dubeck. “We’ve adopted tools to help us move faster and stay organized, but what keeps clients coming back is the quality of the conversations and the trust we build.”

Longevity Builds Trust That Technology Can’t Replace

Mike’s career spans some of the most challenging economic cycles in modern history—the dot-com crash, the 2008 recession, COVID-19—and through it all, his core belief has remained unchanged: success in search is about people.

“I’ve led through the worst of times,” he says. “You learn how to stay calm, communicate clearly, and keep your team focused. That consistency builds long-term relationships with both clients and candidates.”
It’s this kind of steady leadership that has kept FPC of Troy not only stable but thriving over the long haul. Mike’s experience navigating downturns has also made him a trusted advisor to clients looking for more than just a recruiter—they want someone who understands their business and can help them think strategically about talent.

Industry Fluency = Instant Credibility

Mike’s previous career in plant management and manufacturing operations gives him the ability to walk into any conversation with clients or candidates and immediately speak their language.

“I’ve run plants, managed teams, and implemented lean systems. I know what the challenges are,” Mike explains. “That means when I talk to a candidate or hiring manager, we skip past the basics and go straight to the deeper questions—fit, leadership, long-term impact.”

This technical fluency allows Mike and his team to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive space. It’s not just about understanding job titles—it’s about understanding how each role functions within a larger operation and how to evaluate the right talent for it.

Leading with Humility and Emotional Intelligence

One of the hallmarks of Mike’s recruiting philosophy is transparency. He approaches candidates—especially passive ones—with honesty and openness, sharing both what he knows and what he doesn’t.

“I’ve been on the other side,” he says. “I’ve been recruited myself, and I know how confusing the process can feel. My job is to demystify it and give people the clearest picture possible.”
This approach builds immediate trust and distinguishes Mike in a world where many recruiters rely too heavily on templates and automation.

Team Strength and Leadership by Design

Mike’s long-standing success is also rooted in the team he’s built. FPC of Troy operates with specialized recruiters focused on core functional areas like engineering, safety, and supply chain—mirroring how their clients are structured internally.

“We’re not all the same, and that’s the point,” Mike says. “We support each other, challenge each other, and each person brings a different strength to the table.”

He credits his leadership style, grounded in delegation, mentorship, and shared success—as a major reason for his team’s tenure and consistency. Many of his team members have been with him for over a decade.

“I hated being micromanaged in my early career, so I don’t do it. I give people room to own their success, but I also make sure that success is shared.”

Human-First Recruiting in a Tech-Centric World

As platforms become more sophisticated and sourcing becomes more automated, Mike believes that the human side of recruiting will only become more important.

“At the end of the day, we’re helping people make life-changing decisions,” he says. “That’s not something you can outsource to an algorithm. It takes empathy, insight, and a long-term mindset.”

In that sense, Mike Dubeck represents what’s possible when you blend experience, integrity, and adaptability into a recruiting business. His legacy is not just one of personal success—but of elevating the standards for how executive search can and should be done.

Need help hiring for operations, engineering, or plant leadership roles in manufacturing?
Reach out to Mike Dubeck and the team at FPC of Troy: mdubeck@fpctroy.com

Stay tuned for the next edition of FPC Insider, where we spotlight the stories and strategies driving success across the FPC network.