Meet Our Staff
Get to know the people who are working for you.
Executives
Steve Eddington, President
Steve began his staffing career in 1979, when he decided to take a short sabbatical from the music industry where he had been employed since graduating from college in 1972. As a generalist placing candidates primarily in the international arena, Steve gained an understanding of the telecommunications and IT industries and decided to focus on these markets.
In 1989, Steve Eddington and Al Born acquired and took over the day to day management of Electronic Search, Inc. They have brought the company to its current status as a boutique staffing firm with a strong specialization in the Wireless, Mobile and Telecom industries.
Steve has always handled key account relationships and retained searches in addition to his executive duties, and likes to keep close to the customers and what the industry is doing as a whole. His articles and commentaries on the staffing industry, including, Resume Du Jour, How many Interviews Does it Take, The One Page Resume and Other Urban Legends, and Server Crashes, Manhattan Youth Starves, have been published in various trade magazines. Among his many philosophies, Steve would quote Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, "Nothing astonishes men so much as common sense and plain dealing."
"I have grown to love this industry and have never ceased to enjoy the relationships that I have developed through the years. If you read the profiles of our staff, it is interesting to note that we have assembled a unique group of individuals with a blend of business and artistic 'chops.' On my current staff I have musicians (myself among them), screenwriters, poets, actors, painters and songwriters. These same people are dedicated, ethical and talented staffing experts. We typically acknowledge what we do at Electronic Search, Inc. as an art form and whenever I suggest that we 'get creative' there is no shortage of creative input. People have commented that we seem to be a magnet for creative types. I didn't plan it that way, it has just 'happened' that people with artistic abilities have fallen into our business and thrive in our environment. Long ago I accepted this reality, blessed it and even count on it during difficult times.
"In the Wireless space, I am proud to say we are the best. As a recruiting partner, we compete with the leading retained firms, but they don't have our network, industry knowledge or creativity. When it comes to breaking out of the box, we have consistently hit the ball into the bleachers, and on a typical day, I am personally on the front lines of the game contributing to the perfection of our craft."
Al Born, General Manager
Al started with Electronic Search, Inc in 1978 and is on the front lines of the day to day operations of the company.
"My career started working for a large agency downtown. While working for that agency, I decided that I wanted to work for a company that was more interested in the needs of the clients and the futures of the candidates that I dealt with. A few of my colleagues had decided to go on their own and establish such a company. I joined them as a Recruiter in 1978. Through various changes, I grew into management and hold the position of General Manager today. I am very interested in seeing companies become successful by investing in their people. I feel that people are a company's greatest resource and that is why I chose this business.
"While I still occasionally make placements, the bulk of my time is spent running the company, managing and training our Recruiters. I take great pleasure in seeing our people become successful.
"I am very interested in the technology of management, and how to run a firm in the most efficient way. I have studied and use the Hubbard Administrative Technology to accomplish this. I have found it to be a common sense way to approach any business and to get it to reach its full potential. I believe that, if given the training and encouragement, people will always strive to do their best. This is reflected in their statistics. It is very clear in black or white if they are performing their job or not."
Rudy Lobo, Organizing Officer
Rudy started with ESI in the spring of 1996 entering resumes into our extensive Candidate Database. With a technical inclination, he eventually trained himself up to taking over the System Administrator position.
Continuing to train himself in this ever-evolving position, he spent a few years upgrading and streamlining the various network lines and nodes. He also interfaced with our hardware and software vendors making sure that all of our internal systems and user tools were understood and properly utilized.
"I oversaw all the network terminals, lines and services. I ensured that they were set up in an efficient system so that all the staff had whatever was needed to get their particular job done. This includes standardizing all the electronic forms and business processes.
My current position as Organizing Officer does much the same thing but with a much wider scope. I now oversee the Organization's terminals, lines and services with the goal that they too are set up in an efficient system so that all the staff have whatever is needed to get their particular job done. Optimizing the operations of our company is a fascinatingly evolving process too."
Erin Antonopoulos, Operations Director
Since her start with ESI in March of 1998, Erin has handled a number of client and candidate related positions - from processing candidate resumes to maintaining our client/candidate database records.
Currently as the Operations Director, she is handling all of the company’s Human Resources and Publications Departments. Erin enjoys working here with the other staff, because they are friendly and work well as a team.
About working at ESI, Erin has this to say: "The company is very organized, and everyone plays a part to ensure that our clients are satisfied. The work environment here at ESI is fun and pleasant!"
TopRecruiters
Susan Fine
Susan's field was telecommunications sales for a number of years before joining ESI in 1998. She has worked for major global telecommunications companies and some smaller distributors in the Chicago area. At Electronic Search, Inc. Susan focuses on managing accounts in the wireless and telecommunications space including major players in the wireless content and applications, infrastructure, mobile device and WiMax arenas. Susan has successfully handled some of our most difficult searches.
When asked why Susan likes recruiting, she said:
"I like solving my clients' problems. I get a real kick out of this. So many companies have been through the mill, downloading unqualified Internet resumes, or else they have had less-than-perfect experiences with other Recruiters. I like finding out what my client needs and delivering it to them. I also find it really interesting to hear a candidate's story. Everyone has a story and it's very important to them. I feel that I am working with candidates to help them have a better life.
"When I put the right candidate with the right employer, it is such a winning occasion for everyone. The candidate gets to spend the greatest number of his waking hours at a job he wants. The client gets a productive employee who helps the company reach its goals. I get to feel like I made a difference. Yes, I get paid but there are a lot of easier ways to make a living - that would not give me the same satisfaction."
Carl Schumacher
Carl Schumacher has been working for Electronic Search Inc. as an Executive and Technical Recruiter since 2000. His focus at ESI has been recruiting executives at the CEO, CTO, CFO, GM, VP, Director and Management levels. His expertise is within the wireless arena, recruiting for Fortune 500 companies and emerging growth companies in the digital content and software application space. He has also focused on highly technical roles such as Engineers in the laser, semiconductor, and communications industries.
"The key to this business is relationships. Many of the clients and candidates I work with have grown to be more than business associates…they are now my friends. With the invention of the Internet, any guy with a PC can call himself a Recruiter just by submitting resumes to the e-mail address of a company who is hiring. But, companies hire people, not resumes. So the philosophy that I have adopted is to know the candidate beyond the resume and understand the client beyond the job order. It is the unwritten information that comes out in conversation that usually fits the right person to the right job."
Owen York
Owen is one of our Sr. Wireless Recruiters and Account Representatives. He specializes in the mobile, location based services, & Public Safety arenas. He handles Retained and Contingency searches for Electronic Search in disciplines ranging from software engineering, systems & hardware engineering, product management, sales & marketing, account management, and executive level roles.
Owen began his recruiting career in 1999. His background lies in the Arts, having been degreed from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He likes to put his creative skills to work when solving problems for clients, using the best old school recruiting methods together with modern day recruiting technologies to deliver a high quality service.
"I am a consultant to my clients and work hand-in-hand to quickly get the job done right the first time. I develop deep relationships with my clients in order to deliver the highest quality service possible. My clients call me because they are having a problem. I get to know who I am working with on both the client & candidate sides, so that when I put together a placement, we not only have a candidate who can do the job, but also someone who fits in culturally, personally, and can actually solve the problem that my client is having."
John Miller
John has been in the telecommunications industry over twenty-five years. He joined Electronic Search, Inc. in 1984 and has intently followed the ever-changing wireless, mobile and telecom industries the whole time.
"As a Key Account Manager at Electronic Search, Inc., I can appreciate the issues that you, as a candidate have to face, and because I understand your situation. I offer the kind of service that is becoming less and less available in the 21st Century high tech staffing business. I like to get to know you and what you want. I like to research the markets and help you, in confidence, find the right career move.
"With the number of internet job boards, resume services and career choices in business today, it can be hard for a job seeker to swim through the ocean of options. Should I post my resume on a service and risk my employer seeing it? Should I send my resume to a headhunter and hope it does not go to 100 other headhunters on their 'network?' Do I have the time to tell my career story to 20 or 30 Recruiters? When they say they understand, do they?
"In a world that is gradually becoming less and less personal, we have watched real values slip away. I continue to believe that our traditional, long-standing best-practices are still the most effective. Our core competencies are select recruitment, partnering, relationship building and professional guidance. We make deals happen, for candidates and employers, who need the right suggestions, mutual representation and information to bring a successful search to a successful close.
"All we ask for is mutual commitment, complete honesty and open communication. This is what we offer, and simply, this is all we want in return.
"I work on an exclusive basis with a limited number of clients and individuals who deserve and expect personalized attention, honest advice and professionalism in the most unique job market we have seen in 20 years. If you are looking for a Recruiter with a track record and industry specialization who cares about what happens, please contact me."
Sean Scala
Sean began working at Electronic Search, Inc in 2004. He began in the Tech Services recruiting department, received all his training in-house and was successful enough to be promoted to an Account Manager role shortly thereafter. Sean works on handset engineering, executive sales and marketing, test/network engineers and IT for major accounts.
"I like working at Electronic Search, Inc because it is a very laid-back, homey environment for me. The people here all have lots in common and we all seem to have the same objective at heart. People out there really need help and I know from first hand experience that what we do here is very much appreciated. "
Jason Parker
Jason is one of our Senior Recruiters focusing in the wireless arena. He works on searches ranging from Executive Management, to Sales and Engineering roles. He specializes in the areas of Test & Measurement and Wireless Content and has identified some of the best candidates we have to offer.
"This is a sales job, but I am not pushing an unwanted product on anyone. When I find a qualified candidate I am playing a significant role in the advancement of his/her career and at the same time, I am increasing the probability of success for our clientele.
"This is a game worth playing because everyone ultimately wins. The staff at ESI have been very helpful in getting me into the mainstream of the wireless revolution. I get exposure to all the latest technology innovations because that's what our key accounts are doing."
Dan York
Dan is a Senior Recruiter here who specializes in mobile startups that work in marketing/media/content as well as certain areas of wireless public safety. He came to ESI with an extensive background in start-ups, sales and in Telecom Management. He is the twin brother of Owen York, another Senior Recruiter here at ESI. His searches cover CEO and VP levels down to sales staff, developers and engineers for his respective technologies.
"I work really fast and I know what I'm doing. That is why my clients use me and it is what I believe separates me from other recruiters out there. I'm fast, thorough and always seem to find the right guy for the job on the tight deadlines they are needed. " -Dan York
Dan resides in Chicago, plays music professionally, and is the father of two little girls.
Debbie Schumacher
Debbie is an Account Representative, focusing mainly on the public safety, mobile content and mobile marketing industries. She has been in Human Resources and Recruiting for over 10 years. Formerly the Tech Services Supervisor working mainly with candidates, she is happy to now be working with client companies as well.
"I like what I do, plain and simple. When someone I am working with gets placed, I know that I have helped them to find a career choice that provides them with personal fulfillment. I also like knowing I am helping our clients find valuable people that contribute to their growth and success. It's a bit addicting, and I have been known to eat lunch at my desk just so I can keep working!
Personally, I have two great children and my husband is pretty great, too. I have a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Math. I have also achieved a second degree black belt instructor position in martial arts. My children keep me pretty busy when I am not working, but I still manage to have some time for personal hobbies such as reading, golfing, and exploring the technology I work with all day!"
Lane Eddington
Lane Eddington is a Recruiter specializing in the Mobile Content, Social Media, Web 2.0, Mobile advertising/mobile marketing space. For the past ten years, Lane has held many positions at ESI, from Trainer to Marketing/Business Development, to Recruitment.
"Having seen all sides of the business, my understanding of the hiring process is extensive, and I pride myself on understanding the toughest requirements and going the extra mile to debug hiring difficulties.
“As a Recruiter, my goal is to match the career ideals of job seekers, with the best interests of the employers I work with. My philosophy is that when you deal honestly with all parties involved, the best choices are made, and the results are business expansion and lasting careers.
If you're a senior level professional in the Mobile Content, Mobile Media, Marketing or Advertising space, call me to discuss your career. "
Tech Services
Melissa Pennington, Tech Services Supervisor
Melissa supervises the Junior Recruiters, as well as supporting key accounts in wireless, public safety communications, and more. She recently started at Electronic Search and quickly moved her way up.
“The product of my department is qualified candidates for existing orders. Each Junior Recruiter is routinely generating this product in volume and increasing the quality. It is extremely rewarding to work with employees who are willing to produce their respective products and work as a team.
Electronic Search is a very dynamic and energetic company. Each person at ESI takes the time to understand their role and routinely train on various aspects of their position. Therefore we are able to provide an excellent service for our clients.”
Tiffany Fraser
I started with Electronic Search in July of 2008. I found Electronic search online and had prior recruiting experience with my previous office career, so I decided to apply for the position. Soon after I was a member and I have enjoyed every minute of it. My job consists of finding quality candidates to fill various positions with different companies. I really enjoy talking to different people and helping them find different opportunities, so the job was a perfect fit.
A little about myself, I am 24 years old and attending the University of Phoenix for a Business degree. Some of my future goals are to branch into real estate. I am also interested in owning my own restaurant in the future. Other hobbies that I enjoy are music and dance. I also enjoy athletic activities like swimming and volleyball.
Matt Moran
As a Technical Recruiter, Matt sources, recruits, and qualifies candidates for employment with our clients. He works on the frontlines of recruiting for our staffing firm. He brings over 10 years of sales and customer experience to ESI.
“I grew up surfing the internet for whatever information I needed. I take pride in being able to find candidates and present them with opportunities that match their backgrounds. I work in both the Wireless and Public Safety industries.
To be able to help someone improve their career is a great feeling. Personally, I watch basketball, play video games and enjoy listening to music.”
Christine Pearlman
Christine supports the T&M, Wireless and Mobile Ad/Content account reps and has been with ESI for a little over a year.
"I love my job and helping people advance their careers. Prior to being a recruiter I was a personal assistant for several high-profile business executives which gave me a taste of all aspects of how to run a successful business.
ESI has given me freedom, career wise, that I wasn't able to find in the past with other companies. Also, they have given me the help and opportunity to learn a career in an area where I had no prior experience.
I find people interesting and really get a kick out of chatting with them & hearing about their lives and careers. It's pretty fascinating!
Really understanding what the client is looking for, finding that “just right” candidate and seeing it all come together is also very rewarding."
Dan Tobias
As a Tech Services Recruiter, Dan supports the account management team here at Electronic Search, Inc. Prior to working at ESI, Dan worked in sales for a major GSM service provider. He enjoys working on sales as well as engineering positions.
Dan says, "I can relate to sales people because I have a background in wireless sales; I understand how sales people operate and I enjoy assisting them in finding their next career. I love working with the team here at Electronic Search, Inc. I am usually the first contact with a prospective hire and I keep tabs on lots of very talented engineers, management and sales executives. This is different from other sales positions I have held because I am helping people in a larger way. Getting someone a new career really changes their life for the better."
Marketing
Dana Shahwan
Dana worked for Electronic Search, Inc. from 1992 through 2000 in the Marketing Department. She decided to stay home and raise her family for a few years, and she has been back with ESI since 2006. Dana works in the Marketing Department, assisting with various administrative functions.
“It is great working for ESI. They are such a wonderful company to work for, a real team, and the people here are terrific! I’ve never worked for a company where the employees are so dedicated to their jobs. It’s such a great atmosphere”!
In her free time, Dana enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, Matthew and Joey.
Administrative
Tiffany Zuhlke
Tiffany is in charge of processing resumes and answering phone calls. She also provides administrative assistance to the ESI recruiters.
“I started at ESI August 18, 2008 and am glad I made that decision because there is a great team of employees that help make ESI a fun and productive place to work.
I am currently working on finishing my bachelor’s degree at Northeastern Illinois University. In my free time I enjoy running, shopping, and hanging out with friends.”
