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Overview

Introduction

Clarkston Consulting has focused on the consumer products, retail, and life sciences industries for over 30 years. Reflecting this targeted approach, the firm has never pursued aggressive expansion, instead applying energy to the careful cultivation of its client base.

Company Stats


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Employer Type

Private

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Size

101-500 Employees

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Featured Rankings

Vault Consulting 50 North America
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Major Departments/Practice Areas

Consumer Products & Life Sciences
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Major Office Locations

Durham, NC (HQ)
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Employment Contact

Managing Partner, Human Resources: Mike Leary
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Vault Verdict

Clarkston insiders (or ‘stewards’, as the firm brands all employees) describe a nurturing, growth-oriented culture that maintains a strong emphasis on work-life balance,  professional development, and mentorship.

While those are the high points of a boutique lifestyle, there are also downsides; some insiders note that the weight of high responsibilities, while the firm's limited brand visibility could potentially narrow exit opportunities.

Not that there’s a huge amount of reason to leave: compensation at the firm is fair and transparent, career advancement opportunities are frequent and merit-based, and diversity and inclusion efforts are core to Clarkston’s mission. Add in a cautious growth strategy that has ensured stability in an un...

About the Company

Clarkston Consulting is a business and technology consulting firm serving the consumer products, retail and life sciences markets. Besides its headquarters in Durham, NC, the firm has offices in six U.S. cities. Clarkston Consulting was founded in 1991 with a purpose to build a consulting firm focused on two  things: delivering brilliant client service and being an employer of choice. 

Clarkston Consulting has focused on the consumer products, retail, and life sciences industries for over 30 years. Reflecting this targeted approach, the firm has never pursued aggressive expansion, instead applying energy to the careful cultivation of its client base. The results have borne this decision out: Clarkston's 20-year average client satisfaction rate is 97 percent (as measured by annual surveys  conducted by Client Opin...

Employee Reviews


  • “At the entry level, our firm offers what is likely the best opportunity for any recent graduate to enter the industry. They also have a tendency to retain these graduates through strong incentives and internal efforts to address the issues and needs of the employees.”

  • “Clarkston genuinely cares about its employees and its clients. Yes, making money for the company matters, but I've yet to work for (or hear about) a company in any industry that truly cares about both its partners and its employees the way Clarkston does. The culture is set from the CEO on down - treat everyone with respect and make sure the situation plays out as close to a win-win-win (client, employee, Clarkston) as possible.”

  • Ensure you are ready and willing to be a trusted partner to our clients and deliver brilliant client service.  We need people who are 'client obsessed' in order continue to build our loyal client base.”

  • “Make sure this is the culture you are looking for. It is a very ‘involved’ firm. We do much more than serve our clients. If you are not interested in the internal culture and development, then Clarkston may not be the best for you.”

  • “There are very few consulting firms that emphasize the work life balance the way Clarkston does. Though the comp may be slightly lower, Clarkston makes up for that in lifestyle support. Hours are good and PTO is generous. Offers excellent opportunities for career growth. You will always feel supported, in both your career and your life, at Clarkston.”

Getting Hired Here


  • “For entry level/ associate positions: A recent college grad with business experience who is a while learner and an effective communicator.
    For higher level/ manager positions: someone with industry knowledge and experience managing others.”

  • “I believe Clarkston is seeking motivated, hard-working, and genuine folks who welcome challenges and look for continuous growth and self-improvement opportunities.”

  • “Our firm is looking for candidates who are problem solvers and eager to learn and advise about the industries we serve across management, operations and implementation services. We look for stewards who are culture-adds and bring something new and refreshing to our firm so we can continue to learn and grow together.”

  • “The interview process for an entry level position typically consists of 3 stages of interviews, an initial callback, an interview with a current steward and the final interview with firm partners. In my experience this process did take some time but it was during the pandemic which had some unusual circumstances.”

  • “We hire many industry experts who help to guide individuals coming right out of college. The best candidates have an excitement to learn and contribute to the firm's culture.”

Perks & Benefits


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