Chris Masson Founder and Principal
Chris Masson is the Founder and Principal of Onboard Recruiting Partners, where he partners with growing organizations to identify and secure exceptional leadership talent. With more than 25 years of experience interviewing, hiring, and building teams across both corporate environments and entrepreneurial ventures, Chris brings a practical, operator’s perspective to the recruiting process.
Prior to founding Onboard Recruiting Partners, Chris spent over a decade in leadership roles within the paint and coatings industry with Sherwin-Williams and AkzoNobel, the world’s largest paint manufacturer. During his tenure, he held multiple operational and leadership positions including Assistant Manager, Store Manager, Branch Manager, Sales Representative, Sales Manager, Operations Manager, and District Manager. In these roles, Chris was responsible for recruiting, hiring, and developing talent across a wide range of positions including store associates, store managers, sales managers, branch managers, city managers, and sales representatives.
Chris also brings significant entrepreneurial experience. He founded and operated a high-end dog resort and boarding facility, growing the business from startup to more than $1.2 million in annual revenue while leading a team of more than 20 employees, including managers and assistant managers. Over 12 years as owner-operator, he built and developed a high-performing team before successfully selling the business.
At Onboard Recruiting Partners, Chris applies this combined corporate and entrepreneurial experience to help companies make confident hiring decisions. He is known for a relationship-driven and consultative approach, working closely with clients as a long-term hiring partner. His focus on retained search, cultural alignment, and strategic hiring helps organizations build teams that drive long-term growth.
Chris earned a degree in Business Management from Western Michigan University. He lives in Michigan with his wife and three children and enjoys coaching youth sports, including tackle football, travel baseball, and girls’ travel flag football. Outside of work and coaching, Chris is a longtime automotive enthusiast with a particular appreciation for the Corvette.