Chicago, Illinois
Serving Clients Nationwide
American Recruiters in Chicago, Illinois
Commercial Foodservice & Beverage ★ Business & Financial Services ★ Manufacturing & Industrial
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.
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
Dave Thomas
Dave Thomas
With over 25 years of proven success in Supply Chain, Logistics, and Operational Leadership, Dave Thomas delivers unmatched expertise in identifying and placing top-tier talent for some of the most demanding and complex organizations in the world. A former U.S. Marine Corps Officer and Amazon Senior Regional Leader, Dave has hired and developed over 200 high-impact managers and conducted 1,000+ interviews, building elite teams that consistently outperformed industry benchmarks. His career has spanned launching over 25 logistics facilities, leading large-scale operations, and scaling high-performance teams across national markets. Now, the franchise owner of American Recruiters – Tampa, Dave and his team partner with Fortune 500 companies and emerging leaders alike to recruit mission-driven professionals who are ready to raise the bar. From first-line managers to executive leadership roles, he specializes in aligning world-class talent with culture, capability, and long-term growth potential. Dave’s leadership philosophy is built on the belief that people are a company’s greatest asset. He brings a strategic and disciplined approach to recruitment—leveraging his military precision, corporate acumen, and deep industry knowledge to deliver results that matter. Whether you’re looking to hire transformative talent or take the next step in your career, Dave offers the insight, network, and execution to make it happen. Based in Tampa, Florida | Serving clients nationwide Contact Dave today to discuss how he can help build your next high-performance team.
Nick Picciurro
Nick Picciurro
Nick Picciurro (pronounced ‘pi-sherr-o’), started his recruiting journey in as a technical recruiter within the Healthcare sector. Strategic partnering with some of the largest pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers in the nation helped Nick establish himself and build a strong foundation in recruiting. Nick has always excelled while working with people and teams and was actively pursuing a degree in Sociology when attending university. However, he ultimately chose to immerse himself in his passion for helping people through the successful recruiting career he’d worked so hard to establish. Nick is confident in telling others that recruiting and the subsequent earning of his Staffing Professional Certification from the ASA were some of the best decisions he’s ever made, as they have allowed him to pursue his true passion of helping people every day. During his career, Nick has had the pleasure of working with some of the best recruiting firms in the business and he continues to do so as part of the American Recruiters brand. Movement through his professional career has allowed him to generate and maintain a strong working knowledge of every aspect of the recruiting and staffing industries in almost all sectors including Healthcare, Pharmacy, Finance, IT, Engineering, Logistics, Automotive, and Manufacturing. His passion is people, and he enjoys working on every professional opening that his clients have entrusted him to fill. He takes great pride in the fact that he has the expertise and freedom to assist with positions at any level of an organization. From entry-level positions, all the way up the ladder to CEOs and Vice Presidents across this great nation. Nick is a well-connected asset for his clients as well as candidates that are looking for upward advancement, part-time roles, and even more relaxed vertical moves to alleviate professional burnout. Nick has successfully sourced and filled roles for contractors, per diem, part-time, full-time, and direct hire opportunities.
Matt & Grace Hensley
Matt & Grace Hensley
Matt Bio: Matt Hensley is an award-winning Plant Management, Operations & Manufacturing and Heavy Equipment professional with over 15 years of exceptional leadership and business consulting experience. He’s an intelligent and trusted industry insider who understands his client’s needs and exactly what it takes to build successful teams in a dynamic, high-pressure industry. Matt’s true calling is being able to understand his clients’ needs and identify and connect with talent in the manufacturing industries and in turn, connect that talent with client opportunities! His background in production process management has allowed him to recruit and build successful teams from entry-level to general manager level, and the C-Suite. He’s adept at analyzing client processes and procedures which allows him to understand the big picture and better serve his roster of clients. This ability is what separates Matt from others in the recruiting field. Matt’s talents can help lead your organization into the future through the next phase of lean, Six Sigma, Industry 4.0, and extreme profitability. He and his amazing wife Grace have 2 wonderful daughters; Bella and Dorothy, and there’s never been a more dedicated Girl-Dad. He’s also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt and an active competitor with the 10-year goal of becoming a BJJ black belt. A self-proclaimed barbecue nerd, he enjoys his pursuit of the perfect brisket along with several outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing. GRACE BIO: Grace began her work experience as an 11-year-old entrepreneur, earning money for college by walking dogs for 32 NYC commuter-clients in her small shore town in NJ. At 16, she decided to pursue her passion for food, spending 7 years in the Foodservice Industry. She combined her skills and pursued two degrees in Business Management and Culinary Arts. While her passion for cooking and hospitality persists in her personal life, Grace changed industries to utilize her business degree and start a family. For the last 10 years, Grace Hensley has been a highly accomplished professional in the death care industry, recognized for her exceptional career trajectory and proven track record of success. With a background in sales and operations management within the Death Care Industry, Grace has demonstrated outstanding analytical skills, leadership, exceptional customer service, and a deep understanding of the unique needs and sensitivities associated with this industry and beyond. Starting as a Sales Professional, Grace quickly established herself as a standout performer. Her exceptional interpersonal skills, combined with a genuine empathy for clients, allowed her to forge strong relationships and provide compassionate guidance during difficult times and in stressful situations. With an innate ability to listen attentively and understand each client’s specific requirements, she excelled in helping individuals and families make informed decisions. Recognizing her exceptional abilities, Grace was promoted three times with her company to the role of General Sales Manager, which is a true testament to her exceptional ability to listen to her clients and provide solutions and solid results. She has successful experience in all aspects of business operations, including strategic planning, financial management, hiring and onboarding, and team leadership. The professional skill sets that Grace developed throughout her career across two industries prepared her well when she transitioned to owning a successful recruiting business with her husband. Her exceptional interpersonal skills enable her to build strong relationships with clients, employees, and stakeholders. These skills also make her an effective recruiter, and business consultant as Grace can connect with potential candidates on a personal level, assess their suitability for specific roles, and attract top talent to the organization. Matt and Grace are proud parents to two wonderful daughters Bella and Dorothy. Grace, being of Italian heritage, has a deep love for food and hospitality. She enjoys cooking delicious meals with her children and creating memories in the kitchen. Their greatest joy in life is spending time with family.
Jared Lee
Jared Lee
Jared Lee is a skilled leader with over 20 years of exceptional leadership and HR consulting experience. He is a trusted manufacturing specialist who understands the needs of our clients, and what it takes to build effective teams to accomplish the company objectives. Jared’s background in food manufacturing, HR management, and the Marines allows him to recruit for roles from entry-level to C-Suite. His firsthand understanding of the client’s needs and pain points, coupled with his ability to source qualified candidates, bridge the hiring gap often seen in HR managers and internal recruiters. As a Veteran of the USMC, Jared’s drive to accomplish the mission of a top-talent, win-win hire starts with a strategic plan and a can-do attitude. Jared and his wife Sarah have 2 sons; Ethan and Peyton, and 2 bird dogs: Gus and Bianca. As an avid hunter, Jared can be found with his pointers in the fields in search of game birds. Jared and his sons have a shared passion for hockey and are active players in the West Des Moines area.
Chris Hummel
Chris Hummel
Chris Hummel is a seasoned recruiter and Independent Franchise Owner with American Recruiters, specializing in connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations in the Telecommunications and Technology sectors. With over a decade of experience in leadership and operations at industry giants like Comcast Business, T-Mobile, and AT&T, Chris brings a unique perspective to recruiting. His firsthand experience in building and managing high-performing teams allows him to understand the specific needs of both employers and candidates, ensuring the perfect match every time. Chris specializes in helping organizations secure talent across a wide range of roles, including sales, engineering, cybersecurity, project management, and leadership positions. His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the telecommunications and technology industries, enabling him to identify candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of a role but also align with the culture and vision of the organization. For employers, Chris is a trusted partner in solving their most pressing talent challenges. He works closely with organizations to identify, attract, and retain professionals who can drive innovation, growth, and operational excellence. His process is thorough and collaborative, ensuring that every candidate presented is a strong fit for the role and the company. For candidates, Chris is a career advocate who helps professionals navigate the job market and find opportunities that align with their skills, goals, and values. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a rising star in your field, Chris provides personalized guidance to help you take the next step in your career. Why Work With Chris? • Industry Insight: Chris’s background in telecommunications and technology ensures he understands the unique challenges and opportunities in these fields. • Trusted Network: Over the years, Chris has built strong relationships with both employers and candidates, creating a vast network that benefits his clients. • Results-Oriented: Chris is committed to delivering results, whether it’s helping an organization build a high-performing team or guiding a candidate to their dream job. Chris is a proud Pennsylvanian who values family, staying active, and exploring the latest advancements in technology. His dedication to integrity, professionalism, and building meaningful relationships extends beyond the workplace, making him a trusted partner for employers and candidates alike.
Jennifer McMillen
Jennifer McMillen
Jennifer McMillen is a dedicated Recruiter at American Recruiters, a premier national recruiting and executive staffing firm based in Coral Springs, Florida. With a strong background in talent acquisition, executive search, and business development, Jennifer specializes in identifying top-tier candidates for roles across various industries, with a particular focus on telecommunications and corporate recruiting. A decorated Navy veteran and longtime Army spouse, Jennifer brings a unique perspective to her work, deeply understanding the challenges and strengths of military professionals transitioning into the civilian workforce. Her commitment to supporting veterans and military families is evident in her professional and personal endeavors. Jennifer’s expertise lies in forging strong relationships with clients and candidates, ensuring successful placements that drive business success. Known for her strategic approach, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex hiring needs, she has built a reputation for delivering high-quality recruitment solutions. Beyond her career, Jennifer is an avid traveler who has explored over 40 countries and has a passion for storytelling through her travel-inspired podcast. She also enjoys supporting local businesses, developing creative business ventures, and spending quality time with her three teenagers.
Marci Whatley
Marci Whatley
With over 20 years of experience in healthcare recruiting and account management, Marci Whatley is a true expert in her field. Her recruiting career began in 2004 at AMN Healthcare, where she quickly excelled as a nurse recruiter, earning Rookie Recruiter of the Year honors in 2005. The next year, Marci took on the role of Director of Recruitment for Dynamic Rehab, overseeing staffing for 21 nursing homes across Florida. For 14 years, she spearheaded efforts to recruit top rehabilitation talent, including directors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and assistants. Marci’s expertise spans both recruiting and account management. From 2020-2024, She managed various Healthcare Facility contracts and new business development for a travel nursing firm, overseeing a team of 15 healthcare recruiters. Today, as an Independent Franchisee with American Recruiters, Marci owns the company’s first rehabilitation therapy healthcare recruiting franchise based in Hollywood, FL. Her focus is building partnerships with skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and hospitals to identify top-tier candidates for hard-to-fill roles. Leveraging two decades of relationship-building skills, Marci takes pride in understanding the nuances that foster successful healthcare teams. She has cultivated long-standing client relationships nationwide through her ability to match exceptional talent with organizational needs. A Chicago native, Marci has resided in South Florida since 1994. She enjoys spending quality time in her local community with her family and dogs.
Jon Silverman
Jon Silverman
At American Recruiters – Gaithersburg, Jon leads our Property Management and Real Estate recruiting practice with a sharp understanding of what truly drives performance: great people. With a career that spans Wall Street finance and decades in commercial real estate, Jon has partnered closely with property management professionals at every level — from maintenance techs and building engineers to regional leaders and C-suite executives. Jon’s experience with top-tier firms like CBRE, Marcus & Millichap, and Silver Hill Funding has given him a unique, firsthand perspective into the operational and financial demands of property ownership and asset management. He understands how the right hires directly impact NOI, elevate tenant satisfaction, and streamline operations — because he’s seen it from the inside. At American Recruiters, Jon helps property management companies build high-performance teams by connecting them with reliable, experienced professionals who make an immediate impact. His recruiting philosophy rejects transactional placements and resume mills. Instead, he brings a consultative, precision-driven approach that ensures every candidate is thoroughly vetted, every conversation is strategic, and every placement adds lasting value. For hiring managers seeking talent that moves the needle — and for professionals who want a recruiter who truly understands the business — Jon and the American Recruiters Gaithersburg team deliver results you can trust. Because in property management, every hire matters — and the right ones accelerate success. Jon holds an undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from the Zicklin School of Business at the City University of New York.
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