Jim Schaffer
Chairman & Founder
When he founded the company in 1992, Schaffer Associates Chairman Jim Schaffer brought almost three decades of experience in corporate leadership to the equation. Serving as a senior executive in the retail industry for 25 years, he has extensive experience in directing businesses on both a regional and national basis. In particular, Jim’s focus has been on the hardware and building materials industries, serving in officer-level positions with such companies as Builders Square, Erb Lumber, Diamond Lumber, Grossman’s Inc., and Sears. As a recognized industry leader, Jim has contributed measurably to the industry’s growth. As a result, he has developed a vast number of relationships, as well as a comprehensive perspective of the industry itself. Jim has been a featured speaker at industry functions and has written a number of articles for both trade and national publications. This breadth of experience and exposure serves both Schaffer Associates and the building materials industry well. Today, Jim maintains a highly visible leadership position in the industry in a wide variety of roles. He is a member of the Building Material Suppliers Association and has been a featured speaker at industry conferences. In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors for a major global manufacturer. Under Jim’s direction, Schaffer Associates has become a national leader in organizational consulting and executive search for both industry and Fortune 500 clients. His efforts have resulted in helping companies like The Scotts Company, ICI Glidden, and Ace Hardware restructure their leadership teams to meet the demands of an ever-changing industry. The standards for integrity and professionalism that he has integrated into the practice are unparalleled, and his commitment to producing superior results for his client base is unwavering. Jim earned his undergraduate degree from Lehigh University and has completed extensive postgraduate work in organizational design, organizational behavior, and management. He has the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for JAARS, a non-profit organization that supports Bible translation and literacy around the globe. An active member of Calvary Church, Jim resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife, Jackie. Jim and Jackie have four adult children and ten grandchildren.