We recently had the chance to connect with Kristi Thornton and have shared our conversation below.
Kristi, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
What’s been bringing me joy outside of work right now is really pouring into the things and people that matter most.
My Bible study has been such an anchor for me—it gives me peace and direction, and it’s where I feel most grounded. I’ve also been so thankful for the friendships in my life, the space to build those relationships deeper and to really show up for each other.
Another big source of joy has been my weekly entrepreneurship meetings with local business owners. There’s something so life-giving about sitting together, sharing ideas, learning from each other, and growing side by side. And honestly, one of the greatest joys for me is being able to pour into others—encouraging, supporting, and watching them thrive. That fills me up in a way nothing else does.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kristi Thornton, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, CEO, and Founder of KOO Recruit, a nationwide direct hire recruitment firm I launched in 2022 after more than a decade in the industry. Taking the leap of faith into entrepreneurship was one of the most meaningful decisions of my life, and I can honestly say I absolutely love what I do.
At KOO Recruit, we specialize in connecting talent with purpose—helping companies find the right people and helping individuals step into opportunities where they can thrive. What sets us apart is our competitive pricing, tailored solutions, and relationship-driven approach. We act as a true extension of our clients’ teams, taking the time to understand the ins and outs of each organization so we can match them with talent that fits both skill and culture. We’re a small team with a big heart, and our goal is to make a lasting impact. As we grow, I would love to continue expanding our client base and network, and to see if we’re the agency that’s the best fit for them.
Beyond KOO Recruit, I’m also the Founder and nationwide speaker for 26forCaleb, an organization created to honor my brother’s life. Through 26forCaleb, I share his story with high school students, encouraging them to think about the impact of their decisions, end drinking and driving, and choose responsibility. It’s deeply personal work that allows me to turn loss into purpose and hopefully save lives.
At the core of everything I do—whether in recruitment or advocacy—is people. My mission is to build meaningful connections, empower others, and create a positive impact that lasts.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was losing my brother, Caleb. Experiencing that loss made me deeply aware of how fragile life is and how profoundly our choices affect ourselves and others. That perspective has only been reinforced by watching friends go through life-altering moments—the triumphs, the struggles, and the pivotal decisions that can change everything.
These experiences have shaped the way I approach my life and relationships. I try to show up fully for people, to be intentional in my time, words, and actions. I strive to go beyond surface-level friendships, investing in meaningful connections where love and care are never wasted. For me, it’s about living with purpose, creating impact, and being present in the moments that truly matter.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me lessons that success never could. It’s in the hardest moments—when my faith in Jesus felt like the last thing I was standing on—that I’ve experienced His strength most profoundly. Watching Him perform miracles, guiding me through loss and challenges, has shown me the power of trust, hope, and unwavering love. Suffering has also taught me the true value of human connection: to show up intentionally, invest deeply in relationships, and love fully without holding back. Success can feel rewarding, but it can’t teach you resilience, humility, or the depth of faith the way walking through hardship can.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the recruitment industry tells itself is that filling a role quickly is the same as doing it well. Speed doesn’t guarantee the right fit—matching talent to culture, purpose, and long-term success takes time, attention, and true understanding of the organization.
Another lie is that candidates are interchangeable commodities. People aren’t just résumés or skill sets—they have goals, motivations, and unique strengths that matter. Treating them as anything less than real humans shortchanges both the candidate and the client.
Finally, there’s the belief that recruitment is a transactional service. In reality, the best recruitment work is relational—it’s about acting as an extension of your client’s team, learning the ins and outs of their business, and building partnerships that create lasting impact for both people and companies
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had just 10 years left, the first things I’d stop doing outside of work are anything that drains my energy or distracts me from what truly matters. I’d stop worrying about what others think, overcommitting to things that don’t bring joy or meaning, and letting superficial negativity take up space in my life. I’d focus instead on deepening relationships, investing in my faith, spending quality time with loved ones, and making sure every moment counts. Life is too short to spend on anything less than what fills your heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.koorecruit.com
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/kristithornton
