MEET SHS
Joseph D'Alessandro
As founder and president of Strategic Hospitality Search, Joseph D'Alessandro recruits senior-level staff for leading hotels, resorts, restaurants and food service institutions across the nation. With an extensive and constantly growing network, Joseph has successfully managed and completed hundreds of hospitality assignments. He has particular expertise in high volume restaurant operations, foodservice, sports entertainment, catering and culinary operations.
Joseph serves on advisory boards for American Culinary Federation Windy City Professional Culinarians and routinely advises culinary and hospitality students on career growth and proper business communication. He also serves on corporation and trade organization boards, is an active member of many hospitality-related, hospitality-supporting, and charity-supporting organizations and clubs, and he has received numerous awards.
Some accolades include the 2010 Outstanding Business Partner Award, Technology Center of DuPage; 2009 President’s Award, ACF Windy City Chapter; 2007 Associate Member of the Year, ACF Windy City Chapter; serving the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA); the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA); the Research Chefs Association (RCA) and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFE).
Joseph spent 15 years in operations working as a chef, corporate chef, general manager and chef-proprietor before becoming a recruiter in 2000. He studied economics and English literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Together with his bride Cathleen, a K-8 teacher, they are raising four fantastic kids – Joey III, Patrick, Maggie and Becca.
E. Scott Lager
Scott Lager is vice president and executive recruiter for Strategic Hospitality Search with exceptional hands-on comprehension of what it takes to be successful in the hospitality industry. Scott recruits across the full spectrum of hospitality and has particular expertise in hotel operations, rooms and catering sales, hotel administration and finance, and restaurant operations.
With over three decades of leadership positions in renowned corporations, independents and start-ups, Scott has overseen or participated in every stage of the business – from conception to opening to success. He has mentored scores of managers and chefs.
Scott's operations career includes almost 15 years managing high-volume concepts for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, where he was instrumental in creating, developing and implementing their now industry-standard management training program. As an executive with Arlington International Racecourse, Scott created and implemented the customer service training program that was duplicated in five venues. Other highlights of Scott's career include over five years as Managing Partner for Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano and five years in a multiunit capacity with regional favorite Prairie Rock Brewing Company.
Scott is also an instructor at Elgin Community College where he has taught hospitality management since 2003. He studied hotel and restaurant management at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Scott enjoys many outdoor activities such as kayaking, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. He is married to Kathy, a retail entrepreneur, and together they have raised three wonderful children.
Harold Schroeder
Recruiter Harold Schroeder has a decade of hands-on high volume full service restaurant management experience. Having progressed from server and bartender to managing partner, he understands every detail of restaurant service. His many operational achievements include decreasing turnover, increasing profits, excellent cost management, and making his restaurant a fun place to work. Harold's direct involvement in the hiring process for systems-driven restaurant concepts gives keen insight.
A competitive athlete, Harold won regional collegiate championships in track and field, has coached high school hockey and track, and continues to play ice hockey. He earned a bachelors degree from Eastern Illinois University.
Harold is married to Annmarie, a middle school math teacher. They are raising twin daughters, Kaitlyn and Lauren. When he is not interviewing, Harold enjoys family time, golf and travel.
Laurie A. Tokowitz
Laurie Tokowitz is the executive manager at Strategic Hospitality Search. Research and administration are her primary responsibilities, as well as other executive search diligence such as references, fact-checking and interviewing.
A graduate of Lewis University with a BA in Marketing and Art, Laurie spent 10 years working in the marketing research and client service sectors. Her accomplishments include the development and implementation of a new tracking and reporting platform, successfully managing a multi-million dollar client and exceeding revenue goals, and playing an integral role in moving a manufacturing facility to a new location without interrupting live production.
Laurie is in currently enrolled in the culinary arts program at Elgin Community College. Her interests include food product development, vegetable gardening and baking. She also enjoys domestic and foreign travel with her husband Ken.