Mike Melendrez

Hometown

Man, I'm from the Southside of Chicago

What I would say to you in an elevator that wouldn't sound weird?

Where did you get those dope-ass shoes?

Experience that prepared me for recruiting?

Selling encyclopedias door-to-door in rural Illinois and Iowa. It opened my eyes up to a different part of America. More importantly, I learned that everyone's needs are different, how to learn about those needs and present solutions to them.

What does Building Companies by Changing Lives mean to me?

For me, it's my life. 

When I am not recruiting, I am...

Hanging out with my awesome wife and three kids enjoying all that Lincoln Square has to offer. Tailgating (I can't wait to get back to this) before a Bears...win? Enjoying a round of golf while trying to not use 3 digits to mark my final score. Pretending that I know as much about bourbon as my bourbon-snob friends.

Favorite Happy Hour Refreshment?

A local IPA from Begyle, Spiteful, Empirical...you get it!

Eric Torcivia

Hometown 

Lake Bluff, Illinois 

What I would say to you in an elevator that wouldn't sound weird? 

"It's baffling to me that the Bears signed Andy Dalton when he put up worse numbers with the best receiving core in the league last year, and played more games than Mitch." 

Experience that prepared me for recruiting? 

When I had a handy-man business I got comfortable knocking on doors and cold calling people. During that time I learned to not only sell my product/service but also how to create strong relationships. 

What does Building Companies by Changing Lives mean to me? 

To me this is two-fold. If you are starting a business you need people that are invested in their work and can help bring your vision to life. However, life is also too short to spend every week in a job you hate. Overall I think that this highlights the importance of enjoying what you do, and doing it well. 

When I am not recruiting, I am...

 Rooting for Chicago sports, golfing, cooking, and grabbing a drink with friends 

Favorite Happy Hour Refreshment? 

Old Fashioned Story you should ask me about when we talk? In high school/college I started a handy-man business and got Jay Cutler to hire me after an intensive guerilla advertising campaign

Joelle Kross

Hometown

Stoneham, MA

What I would say to you in an elevator that wouldn't sound weird?

I like your mask.

Experience that prepared me for recruiting?

I represented a theatre company at a unified auditions event: three eight-hour days of actors given two minutes to make an impression on 40+ casting directors. Right before we started, a well-known artistic director sighed loudly and said, "there are a lot of talented performers, but I also just want someone I can be in a room with for eight hours a day." I think about that moment all the time, whether in recruiting or in my parallel career as an opera singer. Not only do I want to build teams that truly enjoy working together, but I also strive to be someone that my own colleagues want to be in a room with!

What does Building Companies by Changing Lives mean to me?

My life completely changed when the pandemic forced the shutdown of most live performances. I feel lucky that I landed somewhere that looked beyond my resume and let me flex my skills in a new way. Now I match candidates with their own life-changing opportunities, where they can add their unique experiences and perspectives to a company's culture and success.

When I am not recruiting, I am...

Baking things, serving on the board of the Chicago Vocal Arts Consortium and practicing 40 hours a day.

Favorite Happy Hour Refreshment?

Gin or dark beer Story you should ask me about when we talk? Being serenaded in German by Jeff Goldblum

Allison Schultz

Hometown

Arlington Heights, IL

What I would say to you in an elevator that wouldn't sound weird?

Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

Experience that prepared me for recruiting?

With a strong background in Communications and Social Work, I have the tools needed to understand and connect with people on a micro and a macro level as well as lots of empathy.

What does Building Companies by Changing Lives mean to me?

A new job means new opportunities. We hire for these awesome start-up companies that maybe some haven't heard of. You could be missing out on a great opportunity working with these amazing people. To even give these companies a chance, they could change your life, teach you new things, and allow you to spread your knowledge and experiences as well.

When I am not recruiting, I am…

Grabbing a coffee while catching up with friends and family.

Watching Tik Toks debating the merits of Mom jeans vs skinny jeans.

Favorite Happy Hour Refreshment?

Aperol spritz

Story you should ask me about when we talk?

Walking around Paris unknowingly in a violent protest while ultimately seeking refuge in Louis Vuitton (my Parisian experience) or my camel ride in Morocco

Rupert Delacruz

Hometown

Piqua, Ohio (middle of nowhere of Ohio if you haven’t heard of it)

What I would say to you in an elevator that wouldn’t sound weird?

Cubs or Sox?

Experience that prepared me for recruiting?

During my time at The BASE Chicago, I worked with students from Garfield Park to reimagine the pathway to success by taking them to various college and career fairs around the country, along with being a mentor that showed them that there are more opportunities than just the ones in their neighborhood. I think it’s really easy to stay in your “neighborhood” when it comes to work and I enjoy helping others find other opportunities that can help them reach their full potential.

What does Building Companies by Changing Lives mean to me?

I’m happy to say that I love where I work and I take pride in helping others find opportunities so that when they wake up every day, they can say the same.

When I am not recruiting, I am..

Riding my bike along Lakeshore Drive, playing soccer, rooting for the White Sox, and going to concerts around the city!

Favorite Happy Hour Refreshment?

Son of Juice from Maplewood Brewing

Story you should ask me about when we talk?

The time someone thought my name was Rubix… yes, like the cube.