John founded Breault & Smith LLC in 2003, specializing in human capital consulting and recruiting for hedge funds, private equity firms and their family offices. As a trusted-advisor our specialty is ensuring culture fit between the employing client and the candidate client.

John previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of Heidrick & Struggles' Financial Services Practice). Prior to that, John was Chief of Staff for the Vice President of Human Resources at Dow Jones.. Before Dow Jones, John spent seven years at Commodities Corporation, part of Goldman Sachs, as Head of Human Resources.

John graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he played football and lacrosse, with a B.S. in Psychology/Science. He also holds a Masters in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from Rutgers University and he attended New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he pursued a Masters in Computer Science.

John A. Breault

PRESIDENT

co-founder | ceo

Kelly is a co-founder of Breault & Smith LLC and is the creative spirit behind the firm since its inception in 2003. 

Before Breault & Smith, Kelly was head of metro-NY sales for Katherine Gibbs, was an assistant in the Office of the President of Princeton, William G. Bowen, and was a program coordinator for General Electric's executive development program.

Kelly is an Art History graduate of the College of Holy Cross and a proud mother of three children and three former seeing eye dogs.

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Kelly S. Smith

VICE PRESIDENT

co-founder | business operations

Marlon W. O’Brien is the President and Managing Director of The Bernards Group, Inc. He began his career as the Senior Manager from 1987 and has held his current role since 1992.

His background as a Division 1 basketball player has brought a healthy competitive attitude and a winning edge mindset to the office. As a leader, Marlon’s plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of all operational and sales initiatives and serves as the main go to person for the Account Executives with a knowledge base that spans over 25 years in the recruiting business. Marlon has led some of the nation’s largest diversified recruiting efforts within the Pharmaceutical/ Healthcare and Banking & Leasing industry. He also heads up the company’s consulting practice. Marlon holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Upsala College and Texas AM Commerce.

Marlon W. O'Brien

MANAGING DIRECTOR

strategic alliance partner