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

Jen Melendrez

Hometown

The East Side

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

Always sound weird. 

Experience that prepared me for recruiting?

Coming from a big family and a tight knit community! You definitely learn how to work a room and talk with different personalities when you grow up with a family like mine and on the East Side.

What does Building Companies by Changing Lives mean to me?

Placing people with like minded companies is life changing in itself.  We don't just fill seats, we make sure people are working with others who truly fit, which makes work and life easier and more fulfilling.

When I am not recruiting, I am...

Playing uber driver to my teen, having cocktail with neighbors and friends...oh! and baking things!

Favorite Happy Hour Refreshment?

Yes

Ameer Salam

Hometown

Barrington, IL

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

What's your favorite food?

Experience that prepared me for recruiting?

It is a toss up between my experience in the service industy and freestyle rapping. 

What does Building Companies by Changing Lives mean to me?

During my time at Red Circle, I’ve worked on hiring for all kinds of roles, from enterprise sales to consulting to even plastic bag sales. What I’ve learned is that it’s never just about helping someone get a new job. It’s about connecting people to a founder’s vision and giving them the chance to be part of building something meaningful. To me, Building Companies by Changing Lives means helping people find opportunities that can shape their future while also helping companies grow with the right team.

When I am not recruiting, I am…

At the gym upping my boxing game or watching the NBA,

Favorite Happy Hour Refreshment?

I make a pretty mean old fashioned and have been known to consume a couple as well. 

Story you should ask me about when we talk?

I was recently on my first trip to Italy and had an encounter with a bike. That should be a good starting point. 

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.