Meet the Team

This team of recruiting professionals combines their talents, skills and experience to deliver the finest executive search experience for our treasured clients.

A chef by trade, Joseph held the positions of Corporate Chef, General Manager and Proprietor during his 15-year career in hospitality operations. He made the shift to executive search in 2000, and has helped scores of clients improve their operations and bottom lines. Joseph’s culinary and operations intuition from seasoning in fine dining, hotels, clubs and sports entertainment is superior, giving him a gift for networking with executives, chefs and managers.

joe@strategichospitalitysearch.com

Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign(Economics)

Memberships: Illinois Retaurant Association, American Culinary Federation, International Food Service Executives Association, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, National Association of Personnel Services.

Giving Back: Willow Creek Community Church, KLOVE, St. Baldrick's Foundation, Bartlett Little League, Harvest Bible Chapel.

Boards: Tasty Catering Corporation (www.tastycatering.com), ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians

Jeffrey brings years of experience in restaurant operations to his relationships with candidates and employers.  With a background ranging from Director of Training to Food & Beverage Manager and from General Manager to Proprietor with a range of corporate and independent concepts, he understands the business top to bottom.  Jeffrey learned the business "from the ground up," and that experience provides wisdom and intuition as he matches operations with talent.

Jeff@strategichospitalitysearch.com

Education:  University of Illinois Chicago, Former U.S. Marine

Memberships:  Napa Valley Wine Club

Kari brings her clients a wealth of experience earned in over a decade of professional recruiting. With a passion for the business of hospitality and a love of helping people, she is a natural at bringing together talented managers and executives. Kari's executive search and sales career has taken her to many states in the US where she served billion dollar corporations and smaller agencies.

Kari@strategichospitalitysearch.com

Education: Winona State University (Psychology)  

Giving Back: Child Sponsorship through World Vision

After a progressively successful management career with a major food retailer, Shane made the switch to food and beverage operations.  After managing two high volume bar/night clubs in the Chicago area, he opened a successful restaurant in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  As the business was steadily growing, duty called to Shane and he honored his obligation to the United States Navy Reserves with a tour in the Middle East for Operation Enduring Freedom.  Shane’s hospitality management experience provides insight as he sources talent for our valued clients.

shane@shs.jobs

Education: University of Maryland-Europe (Business Administration)