Faces & Names
Joseph D'Alessandro
As founder and president of Strategic Hospitality Search and StrategicFIT, Joseph D'Alessandro recruits at the senior level in hospitality, food innovation and manufacturing across the nation. With an extensive and constantly growing network, Joseph has successfully managed and completed hundreds of executive and management search assignments.
Joseph serves on advisory and corporation boards including American Culinary Federation Windy City Professional Culinarians, TF Processors, Inc., Tasty Catering Corporation, and Technology Center of DuPage. He is also the career advisor at The French Pastry School, the premier international institution of pastry arts education.
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; and membership in numerous trade organizations such as Research Chefs Association (RCA), National Association of Catering Professionals (NACE), the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFE). In 2005 he became a founding partner of TF Processors, a successful AIB-certified contract manufacturer of baked goods and confections in Elk Grove Village, IL.
Joseph spent 15 years in operations working as a chef, corporate chef, general manager and chef-proprietor before becoming a full-time consultant and 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 experience of what it takes to be successful in the hospitality industry. Scott recruits across the full spectrum of hospitality and has particular expertise in restaurant and foodservice leadership, culinary management, hotel operations and hotel sales.
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 enduring success. He has mentored scores of managers and chefs to outpace their peers.
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 revered management training program. As an executive with Arlington International Racecourse, Scott conceived and rolled-out 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. Wood
Laurie Wood is the leader of communications and marketing. 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 graduates from the culinary arts program at Elgin Community College in May 2012. Her interests include food product development, vegetable gardening, baking, and travel.
Julie Komperda
Julie Komperda is leader of research and administration with primary responsibilities in candidate sourcing, references and fact-checking. Julie also serves as our in-house accountant, with responsibilities encompassing every aspect of small business bookkeeping and accounting. With experience from several small businesses including restaurants, Julie has a wealth of practical experience to apply.
Julie enjoys physical fitness and outdoor activities, and loves to travel with her family. She is married to Joe, a high school teacher and coach, and has three children.