"Sometimes you develop a passion for something because of some personal experience. That’s been my case. What a profound responsibility it is to recruit in the life sciences industry where we intend to help patients like Katelin and Jake to live longer and healthier lives as a result of the candidates we place" - Brenda Patterson, Founder & CEO

What #NoRest means to our founder

Introduction

As a recruiter, often called “The Headhunter with Skin In The Game,” the concept of #NoRest until a cure is found goes beyond my profession—it’s personal. It’s a promise to every patient and every family affected by disease, driven by an unwavering belief that we must do everything we can to help people live longer, healthier lives.

The Roots of My Motivation

My #NoRest mentality began in 1994. I had experienced record-breaking years as a recruiter specializing in the manufacturing industry. I changed my focus to the pharma/biotech/medical device industry when my daughter, Katelin, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), and my son, Jake, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Doctors said there was no cure for Katelin and warned me of the life-threatening challenges for Jake. Then, as friends and families were diagnosed lung cancer, Multiple Myeloma, Prostate Cancer, Bile Duct Cancer, Acute Flaccid Myelitis, IPF, and other illnesses, my resolve deepened. I founded JBK Search to specialize in attracting and placing really great talent with passionate companies. Every story of a family battling disease reignites my passion. It’s a reminder that there’s still so much work to be done, and that each small victory brings us closer to making a difference.


#NoRest isn’t just a slogan; it’s my commitment to those who need hope the most

The Personal Cost and Reward of the #NoRest Mentality

Living by the #NoRest mindset means long hours, personal sacrifices, and moments of doubt. But for me, those challenges are outweighed by the rewards—knowing that my efforts as a recruiter, and those of my clients and candidates might lead to easing suffering or extending someone’s life. It’s the belief that every placement of talent can spark the next breakthrough in medical research.

Defining Success in the Fight Against Disease

Success, to me, is about improving lives. It’s knowing that my work as a recruiter helped place the right people in the right roles, people who refuse to settle for “good enough.”

The Promise to #NoRest

My promise is simple: I’m committed to being a force that connects the best minds with the most innovative companies, working together to build a future where patients can live longer and healthier lives.

What Keeps Me Going – Hope!

What keeps me going is the difference companies like Vertex have made, especially seeing Trikafta transform my daughter’s life and the lives of countless others with CF. It’s not just the facilities or labs that matter—it’s the people who never gave up. These moments remind me why I chose this path of recruiting and why I’ll never stop pushing forward – Hope Springs Eternal. For me, it’s not about recognition; it’s about changing lives and standing with those who need hope the most. That’s what #NoRest means to me, and that’s what gets me out of bed in the morning and keeps me at my desk long past 5:00.

#NoRest