What comes to mind when you think of Los Angeles?
The Hollywood sign? The Oscars? Universal Studios?
Perhaps it’s Rodeo Drive, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica? What about that intergalactic retro restaurant at LAX or the hundreds of celebrity hand prints on the Walk of Fame?
Dare I suggest maybe even flashbacks to Melrose Place or Beverly Hills 90210?
Today we’re shining the RecruitLoop spotlight on Los Angeles, but when it comes to recruiting, especially when you meet Rick Gilbert, there are no lights and no cameras … just action!
With over 10 years experience as a recruiter Rick has a successful track record of filling leadership positions in multiple states across the United States.
We’ve previously highlighted paintball champions, racing car drivers, dog lovers and a Samurai swordsman. Now you can meet an expert recruiter who is passionate about fundraising.
In fact if you’re in LA on a Friday afternoon you may even be lucky enough to catch Rick in action as a Bingo caller where all proceeds from the games go straight to local charities!
Over to you, Rick Gilbert.
How long have you been a part of the RecruitLoop community?
I joined the RecruitLoop community a few months ago, back in in April, 2015
What were you doing before you met us?
I have been an Executive Recruiter helping companies fill their mission critical talent needs for the past 10+ years. For example, I’ve filled the VP of Product for Panera Bread in Boston, Plan President for Molina Healthcare in Milwaukee as well as several General Management roles here in Southern California.
What is the best part, for you, of being a ‘Looper‘?
I like the flexibility we have in using the platform to create the type of recruiting business we want.
After nearly 10 years working in the recruitment industry where my standard fee equaled 20-30% of base salary, I joined forces with RecruitLoop since their platform enables me to deliver a higher quality of service at an 80% saving over traditional search fees.
I like the idea of delivering better service for less, don’t you?
What RecruitLoop feature do you think is the most awesome?
I really like the video interview technology. It allows me to see how a candidate truly presents themselves when faced with a behavioral interview question. Their two minute video response gives me a glimpse of how the candidate might perform in a live interview.
Why do you believe the RecruitLoop model works so well?
I like the fact that I can help my clients fill mission critical role in a very efficient manner. Utilizing the RecruitLoop platform, I can streamline my communication with both candidates and clients. I like being able to understand the clients’ needs and then dedicate my time to bring the very best talent I can find.
Of course the hourly fee model allows me to create great value for my clients.
What are your passions and interests outside work?
I enjoy being involved with fundraising and local charities. On Friday afternoons I can be found setting up and running Bingo at my local parish hall. All proceeds go to feed and clothe the most vulnerable members of our community. This really gives me great pleasure.
I also like to hike and love visiting national parks. In fact I recently visited Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico.
What is something other Loopers may not know about you?
I grew up in the State of Maine before heading to California to attend college at UCLA. I got my work ethic working on my Grandfather’s farm as a kid.
What 5 words would your clients use to describe you?
Unimpeachable Integrity (OK that’s 2 words already!), Professional, Diligent, Persistent and Courteous.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
That’s a very heavy question. First response would be to end all wars. Second I would love to be able to create a fulfilling job for every person on earth.
Photo by sjsharktank 
If you could have dinner with four famous people (alive or dead) who would they be and why?
Franklin D. Roosevelt. This US President had a huge impact on the world. He dealt with so many difficulties including the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and Bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hitler and World War II, as well as personally having Polio.
Abraham Lincoln. A fascinating character. What was he really like?
Thomas Jefferson. Were his words in the Declaration of Independence inspired by a greater power?
Jesus Christ. I would ask him many questions including: Did he influence the men listed above? What is his real story? Is there really a God?
Author
Paul Slezak
With over two decades of experience in the recruitment and human capital industry, Paul Slezak has established himself as a transformative force in the realm of leadership and career coaching, group facilitation, and talent acquisition. His unique perspective, drawn from his early career as a leader in global recruitment firms and his entrepreneurial success with his own start-up, has enabled him to make a significant impact on leaders, teams, and organizations across the world. Paul's passion for helping others achieve success and high performance is evident in his commitment to transforming leaders and their teams at local, national, and international levels. He specializes in promoting the importance of human-centered intelligence, focusing on soft skills such as authenticity, transparency, and trust to complement business-centered acumen and drive better workplace outcomes. As an impartial facilitator, Paul brings his expertise to team offsites and strategy days, ensuring alignment on goals, values, and culture while keeping participants on task. His engaging and energetic presence, coupled with his unique "entertraining" and "edutaining" delivery style, enables him to connect with audiences both large and intimate, sharing personal and professional anecdotes that inspire and energize.
