The Hunch
About Stu Holmes
I'm Stu Holmes. I've spent more than 25 years in the recruitment industry in Australia, including time as a director of SMAART Recruitment, and I now run The Green Collar, a social enterprise that helps people get back on their feet after prison.
Over that time I've worked with, competed with, and observed hundreds of recruitment agencies. Most are forgettable. Some are genuinely terrible. But a handful do something different — they look after the client, the contractor, and the staff with the same care, and they build fairness right into their terms.
The Hunch is where I keep the list of agencies that stand out. It's not a paid directory. It's not a ranking site. It's a gut feeling, backed by experience, and I'll keep adding to it as I come across more recruiters who deserve to be called out.
"I've seen enough recruitment agencies and people over the last 25 years to know those who are offering something special."
What The Hunch looks for
- Fair pay and on-time wages for contractors and staff.
- Terms that protect the client, not just the agency.
- Real care for people — not just placements.
- Specialists who know their market deeply.
- Leadership that treats the team like family.
If you think an agency belongs on The Hunch — for good or bad reasons — I'd love to hear from you.
