At Tandym, we know that success is a team sport, and every month, we take a moment to recognize one standout player who goes above and beyond. Our Teammate of the Month isn’t just someone who gets the job done; they embody our values, uplift those around them, and make a lasting impact. Get to know Stephen Weiss, a Managing Director on our Front Office team and Tandym’s Teammate of the Month for August 2025!

Who are you?

I grew up in Edgemont, a small town in Westchester, New York, with my two brothers, my twin and my younger brother. My parents are both in sales; my dad being a financial advisor and my mom a residential realtor in Westchester, so I was exposed to the fast-paced / high stress world early on. In high school at Edgemont, I was really active in sports. I played football, basketball, tennis, and wrestled, and I ended up being captain and quarterback of the football team, which was a big part of my life back then. After high school, I went down to North Carolina to attend High Point University, where I majored in Business Administration and started focusing on a path toward sales and finance. These days, I’m living in Manhattan. I just moved from Union Square to Flatiron which I’m really excited about. And when I’m not working, I like hanging out with friends, watching movies, working out, and of course, supporting the Philadelphia Eagles.

If you had to compete in one Olympic event, which do you think you’d be the most successful at?

If cold calling were an Olympic sport, I’d like to think I’d be on the podium with a medal or two hanging on my wall. But since it’s not (yet), I’d probably go with table tennis. I actually came in second to Nick K. in our company tournament, which I’m still a little salty about. I like to think I’m pretty agile and quick, and I usually perform well under pressure. But let’s be real, once I got to the actual Olympics, I’d probably get smoked. Still, I’d at least put on a good show before bowing out gracefully.

Who were your heroes / role models growing up?

My biggest hero growing up has definitely been my dad. The guy has basically lived nine lives in the cutthroat world of sales. Whenever I need advice, whether it’s about work, life, or just keeping a positive attitude, he’s the first person I call. Growing up, he never missed a single one of my games or practices, no matter how busy he was. If all that wasn’t enough to make him a hero, the man makes a steak so good it deserves its own Michelin star. So yeah, Dad’s got the wisdom, the support, and the grill skills. I’d say that’s a tough combo to beat.

Would you rather go to a great beach resort or an amazing ski resort?

I’d have to go with an amazing ski resort. I love the warm weather and hanging out on a beach with a drink in hand, but nothing clears my mind like being out in the trees on a mountain. I’ve been lucky enough to ski all over the country in Vermont, Utah, and Colorado. And this past year, I checked Japan off the list. So while I love the beach, if you’re asking me to pick between sunscreen and ski goggles, I’m strapping in and heading for the chairlift.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Well, I like to think I’ve got a couple. For one, I have an uncanny knack for finding things. Remotes, Keys, AirPods, etc. If it’s easily lost, I can track it down. But my real hidden talent is magic. I randomly taught myself some card tricks one day when I was bored, and now I can actually hold my own. I even managed to wow Kyle Mattice at Chairman’s Circle last year. I’m not leaving here to start pulling rabbits out of hats any time soon, but it’s definitely a cool move at cocktail parties!

What’s the best meal you’ve had in Manhattan?

That’s a tough one because living in Manhattan is basically one long food competition. If I had to choose, it’s either the legendary 4 Charles Prime Rib burger or sushi at Nami Nori or Kazunori. The burger is so good it makes you question every other burger you’ve ever had in your life. And then there’s the omakase spot in the West Village, founded by a hedge fund professional because apparently some people diversify with stocks, and others diversify with sushi. Honestly, my best meal in Manhattan is probably whichever one I’m still thinking about weeks later while eating a sad salad at home.

Did you find Tandym, or did we find you?

I’d say it was kind of a mutual discovery. I’ve always known about Tandym (back when it was The Execu|Search Group), but my actual arrival was pretty organic. I was on a summer hiatus in the Hamptons when I met a lifelong friend’s older brother who happened to work here. Next thing I know, I’m spending the whole week hanging out with him, getting the inside scoop on the company, and by the end, he basically recruited me without even meaning to. So, in short, Tandym found me, but with the assistance of a weekend out in the summer and a few happy hours. Haven’t looked back since!

Build me your ideal concert (3 acts max).

This is tough because I like so many different types of music, but if I had to build my dream concert, I’d start with the Rolling Stones. Nothing gets the blood pumping like Mick Jagger strutting across the stage, proving that cardio really does pay off. Then I’d bring out Jay-Z, because as a native New Yorker, you need a hometown hero to make the venue explode. And then I’d wrap it up with Creedence Clearwater Revival, so that anyone who didn’t know the Jay-Z lyrics could redeem themselves by belting out ‘Fortunate Son’ at the top of their lungs.

Not only did you win ‘Teammate of the Month’, but you just got a promotion / title change. How did it feel to be recognized for both in the same week?

Being recognized as ‘Teammate of the Month’ and receiving a promotion in the same week was truly an incredible feeling. For the ‘Teammate of the Month’ award, I was actually watching remotely, and when the slide turned to my face, I was completely taken aback. It was such a rewarding moment, especially when the congratulations started coming in from colleagues and friends. Recruiting is not an easy job, so moments like that make all the hard work feel even more meaningful.

And the title promotion was a whole different kind of euphoria. After keeping my head down and focusing on delivering results for over four years, it felt gratifying to have that effort acknowledged. I’m grateful not only for the recognition but also for the support Tandym has provided along the way, and I hope to continue leading by example while contributing to the team’s success.

If you could watch only 3 movies for the rest of your life, what are they and why?

If I could only watch three movies for the rest of my life, I’d go with A Bronx Tale, Knight & Day, and The Shining. A Bronx Tale has ultimate rewatch value. Chazz Palminteri and Robert De Niro are so good, I could probably quote the whole thing by now. Knight & Day is my guilty pleasure: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, action, romance… what’s not to love?!? And then, of course, The Shining, because every rotation needs a suspenseful thriller to keep me on the edge of my seat.

What are your goals for 2025 and beyond with Tandym?

My goals for 2025 and beyond are centered around growth, both personally and for the team. I want to continue building a cohesive Front Office group, emphasizing good habits, consistency, and a strong work ethic. I’m committed to pushing myself to achieve new heights while ensuring that my clients and candidates feel the same level of appreciation I have for the value of professional collaboration. Nothing feels sweeter than knowing you’ve done excellent work for your clients. After having the opportunity to make Chairman’s last year, I’m also motivated to aim for an encore performance, because once you experience that camaraderie and shared success, you want to keep striving for it. Ultimately, my goal is to keep contributing meaningfully while fostering an environment where everyone around me can thrive.

If you could trade lives with any animal for the day, what would it be and why?

If I could trade lives with any animal for a day, I’d go with a lion. I mean, they’re the kings of the jungle, they make their own rules, and they command respect. Plus, think about it: you get to lounge in the sun, roar at anyone who annoys you, and no one questions it. Honestly, it’s the closest thing to a vacation and a power move rolled into one