About

Based in Minneapolis, Joe Hysell is an executive search leader and founder of Mercenary Talent Group, a boutique search firm built on the belief that great people and leaders create positive change. With nearly a decade of agency recruiting experience, Joe brings a focused, story-driven, and relationship-centered approach to connecting accomplished leaders and skilled professionals with organizations that need them most.

Joe has successfully placed talent across the leadership spectrum from C-suite executives to Directors to high-impact individual contributors. His experience spans engineering, supply chain, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, nonprofit, professional services sectors, and more. By aligning search strategies with business goals, he helps organizations accelerate revenue growth, strengthen culture, and improve long-term retention. In 2025 alone, Joe has made placements in HR, Sales/Marketing, Engineering, and Accounting & Finance.

Throughout his career, Joe has earned a reputation for precision, transparency, and consistent results. Past accomplishments include launching a Recruiting Center of Excellence, co-founding a DEI&A committee, earning President’s Club honors for cultural impact, and partnering with technical and executive stakeholders nationwide. Over the years, his retained and engaged senior-level and executive searches have produced near-perfect placement outcomes. In 2025, Joe has filled 80% of his contingent searches.

Joe’s leadership in the Twin Cities extends beyond recruiting. In 2025, Joe co-founded and volunteered to be Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Southside Minneapolis Youth Sports Association (SMYSA). SMYSA will empower youth through sport, teamwork, mentorship, and healthy competition. He's also coaching the 6th grade traveling basketball team.

He is also an established singer-songwriter and founder of Frozen Gator Music. His 2025 EP, Still Gonna Try, debuted on 89.3 The Current/MPR reflecting his long-standing creative presence in the region and the quality of his songwriting. He also performs regularly at some of the most respected venues in MSP.

Today, Joe leads Mercenary Talent Group with a “mercenary mindset”: focused, efficient, and fully committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for clients and candidates. Whether strengthening leadership teams or guiding a professional through their next career move, he approaches every partnership with clarity, discretion, and founder-level engagement.

Connect with Joe - 📩 joe.hysell@mercenarytalent.com

Mission

Mercenary Talent Group is a boutique executive search firm that connects mission-driven and growth-minded organizations with exceptional leaders and high-performing professionals. Guided by the ethos of true talent mercenaries, we operate with precision, discretion, and speed—delivering decisive results without compromising authenticity or quality of work.

Values

Persistence - We push through challenges and stay committed until the right match is made.

Relationships - Every placement begins with genuine connection and mutual respect.

Impact - Our work fuels business growth, leadership development, and long-term success.

Storytelling - We communicate each organization’s mission and opportunity with clarity and authenticity.

Empathy - People are at the center of everything we do: clients, candidates, and colleagues alike.