Bob Hildreth
PresidentContact via Email
Bob joined ESP in November 1986 as owner and president, and guided the firm to become one of the largest privately held IT staffing firms in the upper Midwest. Prior to joining ESP, Bob worked for Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys) in a marketing and sales position and also spent six years as president of a firm that developed personnel, human resource and financial applications software. He earned a BA in Marketing and Management from St. Mary's University.
Bob's philosophy is to hire the best people, give them the tools to do their job, help set mutual expectations and then allow them to take ownership of their success. He likes helping the people at ESP grow right along with the firm. An achiever at heart, Bob is invested in ESP's next business evolution. When he is relaxing, he enjoys reading, golfing, fly-fishing and spending time at his cabin in Wisconsin.
He is past president of the Minnesota Association of Human Resources Consultants, a former director of the National Association of Personnel Services, past president of National Computer Associates, past president and a current member of the Edina Rotary Club and is on the Board of Directors for the Southdale YMCA. He also volunteers for numerous nonprofits in the Twin Cities.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: Grand Cafe
Favorite Quote:"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."
From a Business Partner's perspective: "I watched Bob create the most successful IT search firm in the country. An innovator, a leader, an organization builder, and a mentor to many, Bob always makes himself available to those eager to learn and develop professionally. I can unequivocally endorse Bob, and any enterprise that he leads."
Ken Wheeler
Director, Recruiting & Account ManagementContact via Email
For over 12 years, Ken has played a critical role within ESP, developing direct, personal relationships with Hiring Managers and Human Resource Departments in top Twin Cities companies. He is currently responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the recruiting and account management activities of one of ESP's teams. Prior to that role, Ken was involved with the training and development activities of recruiting resources within ESP. In addition, he possesses a broad experience in all aspects of technology recruitment and is well versed in counseling candidates and clients for the best possible placement fits.
The best part of the job for Ken is meeting new and different people, hearing their stories and being exposed to new technologies and experiences. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, golfing and cooking. His favorite thing to do in the Twin Cities is "go to the game"- any game.
Ken holds a B.S. in Human Resource Development and Applied Business from the University of Minnesota. He is a member of the Minnesota Recruiters Network, a member of the Minnesota Recruiting and Staffing Association and a former member of the U.S. Army Reserve. He is also a former assistant coach for the Upper Tonka Little League and still volunteers with the Catholic Charities Meals-on-Wheels program.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: 112 Eatery
Favorite quote: "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death." -Harold Wilson
From a Client's perspective:"I like working with Ken because he is very honest and trustworthy. He appears to really care to get the right fit for our needs."
From a Candidate's perspective: "Ken was very friendly and professional. I appreciated the fact that he kept things moving along. After he called, I felt as though my job search never stagnated. A+ service!"
Kurt Witschorik
Director, Recruiting & Account ManagementContact via Email
Kurt joined ESP Systems Professionals in 1999 as an Associate Recruiter. In the 10+ years he has been with ESP, Kurt has worked extensively in all aspects of Information Technology recruitment, account management and sales. Kurt is great at listening and understanding his clients' needs and finding a great match for them. His experience as both an Account Manager and Recruiter has given him the ability to understand a company's specific technology requirements, and the ingenuity to devise sound staffing solutions that consider more than technical fit.
By looking beyond job descriptions to candidate personality, company culture and the energy of people within the company, Kurt successfully directs and coordinates one of ESP's recruiting and account management teams. He appreciates specializing in Information Technology staffing and the opportunities for growth always present at ESP. Prior to joining ESP, Kurt was a Manager at First Contact and served as a 91B Combat Support Medic for the U.S. Army Reserve.
Kurt studied business at the University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management from Capella University. He is a member of the MN Technical Recruiters Network, participates in a number of fundraising opportunities for the Salvation Army and Breast Cancer Awareness, and is a former volunteer for the Teen Suicide Prevention Task Force.
In his spare time, he enjoys taking his two children to the Como and Minnesota zoos and to the Children's Museum. Kurt also plays and watches hockey, baseball and football.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: Manny's Steak House
Favorite Quotes: "Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." -Abraham Lincoln
From a Client's perspective: "I have enjoyed working with Kurt. His follow up is wonderful and he thinks through candidates' skill sets for all open positions."
From a Candidate's perspective: "Kurt went above and beyond the call of duty in serving me and the client. He is an exemplary recruiter."
Denise Morelock
Business Development DirectorContact via Email
As Business Development Director, Denise manages client relationships for ESP. She strives to position ESP as their most trusted business partner and ensures that ESP's clients are thrilled with the quality of our candidates and our service delivery. Skilled in account management and development, Denise's favorite part of the job is building relationships with prospective clients. She enjoys gradually getting to know an individual and eventually partnering with him or her to achieve success.
Prior to joining ESP, Denise worked as a Sales Executive at Inter-Tel Technologies, and then served as a Director of Business Development at Hudson Global Resources Management. She received her degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Denise was drawn to ESP due to a shared philosophy and values, as well as an appreciation for both the corporate culture and the talented and tenured team of individuals with whom she now works. Throughout her career, she's learned the importance of doing business with integrity and being honest in all her dealings.
Denise participates in Toastmasters and volunteers with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). She is a past President of St. Joseph Housing Group in Seattle and former Education Director for the Information Technology and Telecommunications Association. In her spare time, Denise enjoys bird watching and gardening, spending time with her son and husband, traveling, and taking long walks at Fort Snelling State Park and other scenic spots along the Mississippi River.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: The Patio at W.A. Frost
Favorite Quote: "It's within your power to make it a great day or a bad day."-Unknown
From a Client's Perspective: "Denise has done a great job of listening and helping to define a scope of work that will really give us what we're looking for in ongoing support. I'm looking forward to our continued relationship."
Tara Sauter
Principal Recruiter & Senior Account ManagerContact via Email
Tara is currently a Principal Recruiter and Senior Account Manager for ESP. She earned a bachelor's degree in Business Communications from the University of Wisconsin in 1996 and worked as an Account Manager for Imation Corporation prior to joining ESP in 1999. Tara has excelled in the areas of candidate identification, recruitment and account management for the Information Technology industry.
She has shown an ability to consistently provide high levels of service to her clients by partnering with them to identify their needs and successfully present qualified IT professionals. Tara has the right personality for the job; she likes talking to people to learn about them as well as find them ideal jobs. She enjoys the people she works with at ESP, loves that no day at ESP is ever the same, and enjoys the flexibility in her work.
In her spare time, Tara enjoys trying new gourmet recipes, entertaining family and friends, and having happy hour on her deck. She also enjoys being active outdoors with her family, particularly rollerblading, biking, hiking, and gardening. Tara is a member of the Minnesota Recruiters Network, a member of the Minnesota Recruiting and Staffing Association, and a volunteer for the Powderhorn Neighborhood Association.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: Whitey's World Famous Saloon: the BBQ chicken sandwich and fries
Favorite Quote: "Live in today and smile."
From a Client's perspective: "Tara is the top account manager I like to work with out of all our vendors. She is very easy to work with, direct in her communication, and listens to our needs well."
From a Candidate's perspective: "Tara was wonderful to work with! She kept in contact with me, and she was always cheerful and professional."
Brad Waldman
Recruiter & Account ManagerContact via Email
An Ohio native, Brad earned a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and moved to Minnesota shortly thereafter. He worked for the Minnesota Timberwolves as a Business Development Executive before joining ESP as a Recruiter and Account Manager. Brad has an open and amiable personality which sets both his candidates and clients at ease. His goal is to always establish and maintain the best professional working relationships.
Brad is skilled at finding the best candidates for specific roles in all areas of technology, identifying the professional strengths of those candidates and representing them well to ESP's clients. He enjoys working in various specialties within IT and the flexibility this allows in his work.
In his spare time, Brad is an avid sports fan, likes to travel and enjoys playing golf, softball, and broomball. His favorite places in Minnesota are the Brainerd Lakes Area and Willingers Golf Course in Northfield. Since he's not from around here, Brad also enjoys the spectacle of the Minnesota State Fair every year. He has frequently volunteered at the Lake County Food Bank and was a member of Business Network International (BNI) Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: 5-8 Club
Favorite Quote: "You win with people." -Woody Hayes
From a Candidate's perspective: "Brad was great. He made sure that all my questions were answered, that I was prepared for the interviews and that I had everything I needed. It was easy, I always felt prepared, and I felt Brad promoted me well to clients."
Eric Kramlinger
Associate RecruiterContact via Email
Eric researches skilled candidates and determines suitability and fit for IT roles. He graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Sociology and American Studies. Prior to joining ESP, he interned for the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Eric enjoys meeting candidates, building relationships, and helping people achieve their career goals. He is skilled at helping candidates realize their strengths and finding the right candidate for the job.
When Eric isn't working, he enjoys playing music, running and biking on the Stone Arch Bridge and Minneapolis pathways, and playing baseball. Eric served as Recruitment Chair for the U of M- Twin Cities Leadership Council and was the at-large representative on the Board of Regents. He was the house manager for the Southern Theater for three years and continues to volunteer there, as well as at the Guthrie and Rock the Garden. He also serves food to the homeless as a volunteer at the Simpson Shelter and is a "big brother" for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: Chai's Thai
Favorite Quote: "Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so." -Robert Green Ingersoll
From a Candidate's perspective: "Eric took extra time to listen to my concerns about my current job and help me discover what I am looking for. I didn't feel like he was trying to sell me on anything; rather, he was genuinely interested in me and my job search."
Lauren Niederloh
Recruiting & Sales AssociateContact via Email
Lauren joined ESP to assist the senior leadership team. After earning her degree in Communication Studies from Bethel University, she worked in the Guest Relations Department at Target Financial Services. Now she is responsible for assisting ESP with recruiting duties, managing all of ESP's online job resources and recruiting tools, and various office management responsibilities.
Lauren is often the first person people see when they walk in the door and the first point of contact on the phone; she likes to make people feel welcome and comfortable. She enjoys the variety in her tasks and excels at assisting candidates with their resumes and troubleshooting office and computer problems.
Besides being at home with her family, Lauren loves going to the cabin on the weekends. She enjoys the contrast from city life, although the skyways of downtown Minneapolis are also among her favorite places. Away from the office, Lauren enjoys taking walks with her husband and puppy, renovating their home, and going to movies or dinner with friends. Each year, Lauren helps assemble boxes for children overseas for Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse. She also volunteers with Feed My Starving Children.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: Brit's Pub (on days when rooftop lawn bowling is possible)
Favorite Quote: "Emotions make life delicious; right thinking makes life safe." -Greg Koukl
From a Candidate's perspective: "Lauren is warm and approachable-a breath of fresh air for anyone going on an interview. She put me at ease, and really helped me feel comfortable and calm before meeting with my recruiter."
Kara Terhark
Office ManagerContact via Email
Kara manages the accounting and human resource operations for ESP. After attending Mankato State University, she moved to Chicago to work at USRobotics in the human resources department and then in the marketing department. Kara started at ESP in 1997 as the Assistant to the President; over time she transitioned into managing the office.
Kara has built a number of excellent relationships with co-workers over the years, earning their trust and their confidence. ESP employees know when they ask Kara a question or need something done, they'll get what they need ASAP. She excels at organization and keeps the office running smoothly.
Kara loves being outdoors and enjoys riding bikes with her kids, going for walks, and watching her kids play at the park. She frequently volunteers at her daughter's school, helping out in the classroom or on field trips whenever they need her.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: Ciao Bella
Favorite Quote: "Do unto others as you would have done unto you."
From an ESP Consultant's Perspective: "What a nice surprise to receive my paycheck so quickly-Kara is fast! She is efficient and organized; my paperwork was processed in a timely manner and she was able to answer all my questions."
AnnaLisa Krupnick
Communications & Marketing AssociateContact via Email
As Communications & Marketing Associate for ESP, AnnaLisa writes and updates web content, newsletters, and articles. She earned her bachelor's degree in English Literature from Bethel University, and was first employed as a contractor for ESP in 2008. She worked as Publicity Intern for Random House in London before returning stateside and interning for Edina Public Schools in Multimedia Communications. AnnaLisa loves that her role at ESP allows her to be creative and look at Information Technology from a writer's perspective. She's great at translating what goes on at ESP into clear marketing messages.
AnnaLisa loves to read, discover new Twin Cities restaurants and write short stories in her spare time. She enjoys living in Minneapolis because it's a cosmopolitan city with lakes and parks galore! AnnaLisa volunteers at Perspectives' Styled Life events, helping women who are transitioning out of crisis situations create great outfits for work and career interviews. Over the past five years, she has also been a frequent volunteer for Feed My Starving Children.
Latest, Favorite Twin Cities Eats: Lucia's Restaurant
Favorite Quote: "A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water."-Eleanor Roosevelt
From a Business Partner's Perspective: "AnnaLisa is a great listener and works very hard to understand the voice and goals of ESP's brand. She is also conscientious and thorough; you can tell that she values a quality result just like ESP does."
Things you should know...
When ESP opened its doors in 1968, an Electronic Data Processing (EDP) trainee earned all of $6,000 a year, and EDP Executives earned a whopping $30,000 annually. Learn more interesting facts about the Information Technology industry along with the 40-year history of ESP.
Click here to learn more.
