Chicago, Illinois

Serving Clients Nationwide

American Recruiters in Chicago, Illinois

Commercial Food Service & Beverage  ★  Industrial & Manufacturing ★  Logistics & Supply Chain

 

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Craig Wilson

Franchise Owner/Operator

Email: cwilson@ariteam.com

Email:

Phone: 312-780-7510

Phone:

Matthew Hensley Grace Hensley

American Recruiters Chicago, was established in 1999 and is led by Craig Wilson. The Chicago location specializes in direct hire recruiting for key industries, including Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, Front of House & Housewares, HVAC/R, Plumbing & Filtration, Food & Beverage, Food Processing & Production, and Paper & Packaging.
 
With a focus on connecting businesses with top-tier talent, their team excels in sourcing professionals for roles across sales, operations, engineering, and executive leadership. By leveraging their deep industry expertise and extensive network, they ensure clients receive highly qualified candidates who fit their unique needs.
 
For job seekers, American Recruiters Chicago provides unparalleled access to career opportunities within these specialized industries. Backed by a team with over 200 years of collective experience and industry connections, they offer expert guidance and personalized support throughout the job search process. Whether candidates are looking for leadership roles or specialized positions, the Chicago team’s vast network and deep market insight help professionals navigate their career paths with confidence.

Commercial Foodservice & Beverage LinkedIn Page Industrial & Manufacturing LinkedIn Page Business & Administration LinkedIn Page

Chicago’s Areas of Expertise

FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

Restaurant & Bakery Equipment - Coffee & Water Systems – eCommerce Commissary Systems and Delivery

FRONT OF HOUSE & HOUSEWARES

Tableware - Lighting - Buffetware - Decorating - POS Systems – Restaurant, Hospitality & Conference Center Furniture

HVAC/R, PLUMBING & FILTRATION

Ventilation – Heating – Refrigeration - Water Treatment & Filtration -   Handling - Pumping

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Coffee - Water - Ingredients - Culinary Development

FOOD PROCESSING & PRODUCTION

Bakery – Proteins – Ingredients - Front & Back End Packaging Equipment - Conveyors & Sorting Equipment

PAPER & PACKAGING

Disposables - Sealing - Packaging - Eco & Recyclable

Chicago’s Role Types

C-SUITE

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Chief Technology Officer (CTO) - Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) - Executive Vice President (EVP) - Senior Vice President (SVP)

MANAGEMENT

Vice President - GM & Manager - Plant Manager - Director - Associate - Supply Chain - Regional - Representative - Branch Manager

SALES

Channel Management - Culinary Development - Wholesale Distribution Chain Accounts - Customer Service - Project Management - International

MARKETING

eCommerce & Content Marketing - Event Marketing - Merchandising - Public Relations - Product Management - Social Media & Digital Marketing

ENGINEERING & DESIGN

Product Design - Controls & IoT - Kitchen & Facilities Design - Manufacturing - Project Management - Innovation - Advanced R&D - Testing & Approvals

OPERATIONS

Manufacturing - Procurement - Supply Chain - International

TECHNICAL SERVICE

Foodservice Equipment - Training & Facilities Management - HVACR & Plumbing - Production  & Packaging Machinery

Our Chicago Team

Tom Collingbourne

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Tom Collingbourne

Tom Collingbourne is a seasoned professional and a true change-agent in the Foodservice industry. He specializes in sales positions within the largest and niche Foodservice distributors. With a focus on Towel and Tissue products and packaging solutions, Tom has consistently demonstrated his expertise and dedication in this dynamic field.
 
With a career spanning over two decades, Tom is a trusted authority in channel management, product development, key accounts, and specialty distribution. He has a deep understanding of the industry’s unique demands, allowing him to craft tailored solutions that address the specific needs of Foodservice distributors and manufacturers. Tom’s commitment to excellence and his ability to forge lasting relationships have been pivotal in driving business growth and success.
 
Tom is excited to bring his wealth of knowledge to American Recruiters, as he can be a valuable change agent in finding our clients exceptional hiring choices in the paper, disposables, janitor, and sanitary products markets. Tom will be a trusted, strategic partner with our clients for decades to come.
 

Email: tcollingbourne@ariteam.com

Phone: 217-670-8672

D.J. Amborski

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D.J. Amborski

D.J. Amborski has been with American Recruiters since December 2010. He has been in the foodservice and hospitality industries since 2002, having worked as a manufacturer’s representative and directly for the manufacturer. He has represented companies including Homer Laughlin, Dudson China, Snap Drape, MTS Seating, Unger, and Browne Halco.
 
Prior to joining American Recruiters, D.J. worked as a Regional Sales Representative for Thunder Group, Inc. D.J. has a BA from Kendall College, with a specialization in hotel and restaurant management and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
 
D.J. specializes in commercial foodservice sales channels, from NAFEM to FEDA to MAFSI sales reps. He brings extensive knowledge of all front-of-house market segments.

Email: djamborski@ariteam.com

Phone: 312-780-7509

Paul Rychlewski

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Paul Rychlewski

Paul Rychlewski is a highly motivated and passionate Sales Manager with extensive experience in industrial sales and retail sporting goods operations. He has an extensive knowledge of industries that manufacture metal enclosures such as commercial foodservice equipment and refrigeration.
 
Paul earned his AAS in tool and manufacturing technology from S.I.U. in Carbondale, IL, BS, Technical Management, DeVry University summa cum laude and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University.
 
His extensive knowledge of recruiting, hiring, developing, and leading teams makes him an outstanding resource for identifying talent in niche industries such as kitchen design, project management, technical service, product management, and operations in the HVAC/R, Foodservice E&S, and Plumbing industries. Paul is committed to providing unmatched customer service and exceptional talent to his customers.

Email: prychlewski@ariteam.com

Phone: 312-780-7507

John Daschler

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John Daschler

John Daschler has been involved with the food industry his entire life. Prior to joining American Recruiters, John was Vice president of educational programs for The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), vice president of the Educational Foundation of the American Hotel and Motel Association, and educator at the University of Notre Dame as well as at the University of Wisconsin Stout campus. He is currently a member of the Robert Morris College Hospitality Management faculty.

Email: jdaschler@ariteam.com

Phone: 312-780-7506

Ted Agains, CSAM

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Ted Agains, CSAM

Ted Agins, CSAM is a Certified Senior Account Manager, and is a nationally recognized recruiter, earning the prestigious Eagle Award for performance excellence six times. Ted brings over thirty years of industry expertise and recruiting, offering solutions for foodservice manufacturing, FSE manufacturing, and hospitality technologies.
 
Prior Ted owned several successful brand-name foodservice restaurants and retail operations. A BS in Foodservice Hospitality from UNLV and the University of Wisconsin, Ted has spent an entire career in commercial foodservice.
 
Recently, Ted has been involved in tough-to-fill technical searches such as food science and quality control, food processing technology, Artificial Intelligence, refrigeration engineering, microwave technologies, and the Internet of Things (IOT). He is our go-to guy for anything that is engineering and operations-related.

Email: tagins@ariteam.com

Phone: 312-780-7508

Craig Wilson, CFSP

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Craig Wilson, CFSP

Craig Wilson, CFSP (Certified Foodservice Professional) has spent a career in business startups, acquisitions, and globalizing commercial and industrial equipment and supplies businesses. He has personally visited 84 countries to date. His prior business credits include President/CEO Rational USA, VP Corporate Development at The Middleby Corporation, and NAFEM Board of Directors. He is a BSIE from Northwestern University with an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg program. Mr. Wilson has owned the commercial foodservice recruiting business of American Recruiters since 1999 and has been the number one producer and number one franchisee since 2001. Craig specializes in start-ups, M&A, key strategic initiatives, new business development and C-suite positions. His mantra is for his team to identify and secure the best hiring choices for every client in each talent search.

Email: cwilson@ariteam.com

Phone: 312-780-7510

Michael Page

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Michael Page

Michael Page has spent a career in new business development in the foodservice equipment industry. Michael joined American Recruiters in 2005 concentrating in the foodservice and hospitality market. His prior industry experience includes being president of Page One Sales & Marketing, partner at PRF Marketing, vice president, the foodservice division at Baker’s Aid, and national sales manager for Traulsen. After attending Northwestern University and the University of Illinois, Chicago, Michael traveled & developed business throughout the US and was instrumental in revenue growth for manufacturers, representatives & dealers. He utilizes his experience & background to assist clients in developing strategies for increasing revenues & sales by providing quality people exceeding position requirements. Michael specializes in the foodservice, bakery, convenience store, and supermarket retail industries, finding exceptional talent in sales, marketing, and product management from NAFEM, FEDA, FSCI, and MAFSI markets.

Email: mpage@ariteam.com

Phone: 312-780-7505

Deborah Best, CDR

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Deborah Best, CDR

With over a decade of experience in talent acquisition, Deborah is a seasoned recruiter who specializes in executive-level searches in a wide variety of industries, including food manufacturing and distribution, financial, media, and beverage. Possessing a keen understanding of the intricacies of executive roles across various industries, she has successfully sourced top-tier talent for prestigious organizations. Deborah consistently delivers tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of both clients and candidates alike. With a passion for fostering long-term partnerships and a track record of success, Deborah stands as a trusted advisor in the recruitment sphere, dedicated to shaping impactful and sustainable organizational growth. She will be focusing on building our food & beverage segment of commercial foodservice and processing professionals, from R&D to quality, production to supply chain, product management to marketing, and sales channel to technical service.

Email: dbest@ariteam.com

Phone: 608-710-8007

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Chicago's Latest Opportunities

Regional Sales Manager

Chicago, IL

Industry

Full-time

Sales & Customer Service

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Testimonials About Our Chicago Team

I first sought out American Recruiters’ services as a recruiter when my company expanded into the foodservice equipment market and needed a leader to construct and manage a new sales force. American Recruiters delivered in spades! I don’t believe we could have found a better Job Seeker no matter how much time or money we could have spent. They’re now our go-to resource for talent searches and they’ve successfully placed other people with us.

Since then, I’ve connected with American Recruiters through NAFEM and a variety of other industry organizations. Not only do they get great results in business, but they’re just plain fun to work with – a great combination. I’d highly recommend American Recruiters as a resource not only for finding top notch talent, but for any kind of insight into the foodservice industry. They have always been more than happy to share their experience and ideas to help me succeed professionally or personally. You won’t find more creative thinkers anywhere.

Employer Testimonial

I am delighted to recommend Deborah Best, a top-tier recruiter for American Recruiters whose exceptional skills and unwavering dedication have significantly impacted our hiring process and added great talent. Deborah possesses an innate ability to identify and attract top talent, aligning Job Seekers perfectly with our company’s needs and culture.

Deborah consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of the food equipment industry and a keen eye for recognizing potential in Job Seekers that others might overlook. She manages the entire recruitment process with professionalism, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for both Job Seekers and hiring managers. Having been both a Job Seeker and a hiring manager I speak from experience. Deborah is an excellent communicator who builds strong relationships with Job Seekers, making them feel valued and respected throughout the recruitment journey.

I highly recommend Deborah to any organization seeking a recruiter who can deliver outstanding results and positively impact YOUR team.

Employer Testimonial

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Deborah Best and the entire team at American Recruiters.
From the very beginning, the level of professionalism, dedication, and genuine care you demonstrated was unparalleled. Your deep understanding of the industry and the effort you put into matching me with the perfect opportunity have been truly remarkable.

Throughout the process, Deborah was always there to provide guidance, support, and encouragement, making what can often be a stressful journey smooth and enjoyable. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this transition, and I’m incredibly grateful for the positive impact you’ve had on my career.

Thank you for your outstanding collaboration—I look forward to staying in touch and will gladly recommend your services to anyone looking to take the next step in their professional journey.

Job Seeker Testimonial

Craig Wilson has a deep knowledge and a wide range of experience across the Foodservice equipment industry. Craig is well respected and a valuable associate for those looking for career advancement opportunities within the industry. I have known Craig for over 23 years and he continues to be a mentor, coach and friend who understands the business at a practical level. I highly recommend Craig Wilson and his team at American Recruiters.

Employer Testimonial

I would like to give a HUGE thank you to Paul Rychlewski of American Recruiters. Throughout the duration of my career search Paul stood by my side in finding the perfect match to apply my experience and field of expertise. From the initial presentation to the final interview process American Recruiters made sure that I was fully prepared. I couldn’t be happier with my move.

Job Seeker Testimonial

I have had the rare honor of seeing Craig Wilson in action as a true leader in his industry.. As a coach and expert on the subject of value-based leaders, I can’t recommend a better person than Craig for any business dealings. He is fair, kind, engaging and consistent. He makes sure he always delivers “the personal touch” in everything he does. He is exceptional.

Employer Testimonial

Craig has been a management level personnel resource to our company for several years and I have worked with him and his team closely on many occasions. As a recruitment firm leader, Craig is on top of the industry and the key players in the business. He’s put several very high-quality people into our organization and we recommend his services highly.

Employer Testimonial

American Recruiters – Chicago, are very knowledgeable about the foodservice market, its people and companies. They are very personable, trustworthy and professional. They are excellent communicators and always willing to help. They are passionate about foodservice and bringing people together, forming a LinkedIn user group and encouraging excellent dialogue among other professionals in the industry. – Director of Sales

Employer Testimonial

Craig Wilson is very knowledgeable about the Food Service Market, its people and companies. Craig is very personable, trustworthy and professional. He is an excellent communicator and always willing to help. He is passionate about food service and bringing people together, forming a LinkedIn user group and encouraging excellent dialogue among other professionals in the industry.

Employer Testimonial

D.J. Amborski – you have been an instrumental partner as we scale the Dealer Sales Representative program. Your ability to adapt, engage Job Seekers throughout the process, and help target our reach has been foundational. We are very grateful for our continued partnership with you and the American Recruiters team. – Jasmine

Employer Testimonial

I have found American Recruiters to be consummate professionals and a strong partner in business dealings. They maintain confidentiality, are good advisors and well-rounded, business people. Their relationships in the foodservice industry are very solid and deep and they possess strong credibility.- Senior VP of Strategic Accounts

Employer Testimonial

I have found American Recruiters to be consummate professionals and a strong partner in business dealings. They maintain confidentiality, are good advisors and well-rounded, business people. Their relationships in the foodservice industry are very solid and deep and they possess strong credibility. – Senior VP of Strategic Accounts

Employer Testimonial

Craig Wilson is one of the best recruiters I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He is diligent and professional in his approach to the task and is a great and valued resource. I’ve worked with Craig while at Scotsman and APWWyott.

Employer Testimonial

Craig Wilson provides very professional service. He recommends only the most professional applicants, provides a solid background check. After we hired the Job Seeker, he will call both parties to make sure it is the right fit.

Employer Testimonial

Craig has a wealth of industry knowledge and utilizes a vast network of contacts. He is reliable and presents options when needed. He is a great professional to work with.

Job Seeker Testimonial

Craig is an expert in his field, very personable, and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend using his services.

Job Seeker Testimonial
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