They say if you build it, they will come. Well, when Richard builds it, success is what comes. (Good thing he has the energy of 10 men!) The founder of Lock Search Group, Richard has led the company through nearly 30 years of exceptional growth. Today, Lock is the only professional Canadian search firm with offices from coast to coast, extending into the United States. Naturally, Richard invests a significant amount of time travelling to all branches of the company, including the Toronto office, where he works closely with Peter Zukow, his strategic partner on business development and management.

If you don't already know Peter, you should. Because Peter knows all the right people. As the "ringmaster" of all our offices, and with extensive recruitment experience in all industries, Peter knows exactly where to find exceptional talent and exceptional clients. He also plays a key role in providing strategic direction and business development for Lock, working closely with Richard Lock, the company founder. Didn't we say that Peter knows all the right people?

When you control the money, you control the world. At least that's the way it works around here. Meet Glen Blackwell, VPE. That's Vice President of Everything. Glen has been with the Toronto branch since its inception and as our Accountant is not only in charge but also our most valuable resource. As an integral part of our day-to-day operations, Glen does more than just make sure everybody gets paid — but that's really why we like him so much. Glen's responsibilities extend to all financial matters, our national database, computer network, troubleshooting, training and anything and everything that requires an immediate solution. He really is the brains behind our entire operation. And in some ways, you might even say he's the music behind the operation, with his favourite classic-rock station usually cranked to "eleven" in his office.

Martina Bogunovic wants to fly. It perhaps all started that time, after failing swimming class three times, when she finally jumped off the diving board. As she soared upwards she cried out, “Ohmigod, this is what is feels like to fly! I’ve never been so free! So -glub glub glub cough cough cough.” She has tried to recreate that feeling ever since – the flying part, not the near drowning and choking part. Graduating with a HBA from University of Toronto, she went on to achieve her Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Sheridan College. She has worked as an HR Intern at Inventa and was a Training Coordinator in various departments at CIBC. She has pursued her love of flying by using the travel benefits of her sister (a flight attendant) to visit cities across North America and Europe. Martina has spent a great deal of her career providing clients with memorable experiences. She understands the importance of ensuring client satisfaction and business success – and she does it all without ever losing her great smile. We’re happy to have her soaring to new heights with us.

When we were looking for an Office Coordinator and Receptionist, Julie’s confidence, wit and competence singled her out as the perfect fit. As Julie told us herself: with her friendly face, warm welcoming smile and her many years of experience at a reception desk, she had us at “Hello”. Being a devoted movie goer, Julie has a film quote for every occasion. Further to that, Julie claims her greatest personal triumph is being married with a child but then quickly will go on to talk at length about her meeting Keanu Reeves (“had to elbow a few 16 year olds out of the way for an autograph...”) and John Cusack (“dude was tall dark and handsome in his signature black trenchcoat...”). She even went to see Keanu’s band Dogstar (yeah, we know). There’s nothing she likes better than sitting in a matinee with a big bag of popcorn – hey, wait a minute, she does take long lunches and often comes back smelling like butter... As Keanu once said as Hamlet, “Whoa! Something totally stinks in the state of Denmark, dude.”

Worried about filling that critical position in your company? Concerned about your own career path? Well, you’ll be in great hands with Colleen Brooks! She knows the B2B world and has the determination and drive to ensure she makes a perfect match. Colleen’s positive attitude is infectious and when it comes to networking, she is absolutely the right person to have on your side. Her “little black book” of contacts is a dream come true for Clients and Candidates alike!

Colleen’s position at Lock as a B2B recruiter allows her to draw on her extensive sales experience, having worked for Coca-Cola followed by an extremely successful and tenured career with Purolator Inc., as a National Account Executive.

During her tenure with Purolator, Colleen earned 3 President’s Clubs and was a Ring Club Winner (Purolator’s highest award of distinction for outstanding achievement).

To say that Colleen is determined is an understatement. She does not like to fail – so, quite simply … she doesn’t! Her follow up skills and work ethic are unparalleled. She has a true passion for sales and credits her success in sales to understanding people and how to put them at ease. Her career achievements and skill set are a wonderful complement to Lock’s B2B Team in Toronto.

Vanessa will climb mountains, engage in lengthy and difficult negotiations, wander the streets for hours, and sit still in darkness for hours without making a sound in order to see something through to the end – all for fun. Imagine how this helps her in new role of Recruitment Coordinator – not that we make her sit in the dark. How do we know she is willing to do this? Well, she has climbed the second highest mountain in her home country of Venezuela; she won a diplomacy award at the Harvard model UN in Egypt; she loves wandering the streets of her new home in Toronto discovering what the city has to offer; and she loves foreign art films by such masters as Fellini and Wenders. Not only is she adventurous in mind and body, she has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has worked in the Pharmaceutical field for Grupo Farma and has experience in both Venezuela and Canada in executive search and staffing. Vanessa’s commitment and interest in learning from great professionals and helping them meet their goals makes her an exceptional fit at Lock.

There's nothing that Mike Davis likes more than a fixer-upper. We’re talking about houses not clients but hey that works too. Mike loves renovating and has recently redone his kitchen to his great satisfaction. Mike received a B.A. from Queen’s University in Economics and Japanese and decided to apply that degree to time spent living and working in Japan. Upon his return he worked in Marketing and Sales, ultimately as Vice President , Group Sales manager for News Marketing Canada. When not tearing apart his house and rebuilding it he likes to relax by training for the bar sports heptathlon: darts, billiards, salty snack munching, ping pong and sake drinking. Give Mike a call to see how he can apply his genuine love of helping people to what you need - or if you just need someone to play pool with.

One day Dave was minding his own business when he got a call. Come to the dark side the caller said – and he has. If there is a recruiter who understands consumer products it’s Dave Dureno. Helping to lead the CPG desk with Mike Davis, Dave has walked in your shoes and probably sat in the waiting rooms of buyers in both Retail and Food Service with you. Beginning in Food Service with Kraft Foods in Western Canada, moving to Retail with Evian, and most recently directing the Team of National Account Managers with Abbott Laboratories in his native Ontario, Dave really has been there and done that. Dave is passionate about a lot of things including his family, Michigan football, and long drives on the 403.

With a background as a trainer in the insurance industry, and many years working in human resources, Luba doesn't just know people, she knows what makes them tick. In the recruitment field, that's definitely a bonus. As a specialist in her field, Luba has a handful of "hidden contacts" you'll want to tap into. She also has energy to spare, which will help you get the right candidate no matter what.

Regard the Hawk. Majestically soaring in the sky searching for prey until finally, with a hair-raising shriek, it drops like a stone to fasten its talons in its victim. Don’t be nervous, Martin “The Hawk” Hauck will bring that same keen eye and dedication to your search but, as of yet, he has not buried his toes in the neck of any clients and flown them to a high ledge to rip their entrails out. Mind you, he did ask for an office with a window on the top floor. Hmmm. Martin has been involved with sales, operations and management for over 15 years. He has sold bulk fasteners and lawnmowers as well as industrial and construction supplies and has managed industrial wholesale distribution stores with national and global clients. Before taking the leap into recruitment with Lock, Martin was a purchaser of eight industrial categories of product, including imported goods for a national industrial distributor. Among his greatest professional accomplishments is bringing a business unit from under 10k a month in sales to over 100k within 3 years. Martin is interested in climbing, running, parkour (that wild free-form running and jumping stuff in the James Bond movie), camping and canoeing. He is a loyal friend who always puts others before himself, especially if it provides him an opportunity to jump over them. He counts among his greatest accomplishments running his first 15k only 5 hours after eating all-you-can-eat sushi. He keeps a statue of a hawk in his office but insists he does not talk to it when no one is around.

Paul Huffman likes dogs. They’re loyal and easy going. So is Paul. Of course, there are different kinds of dogs and dog-owners. Is he one of those guys who carries small dogs wearing coats? Or is he one of those guys with a caramel Labradoodle that he feeds organic homemade dog biscuits to in the dogpark? Maybe he likes walking an Asian fighting dog wearing a Hannibal Lecter style muzzle. Makes a difference. We think Paul’s one of those guys who likes the SuperDogs – those amazing dogs that compete with each other through feats of skill and athleticism. Because, though Paul is loyal and easygoing, he is also competitive. That’s what led him, after graduating from the University of Windsor, to go into Sales. Paul has twelve years’ of experience in Sales, Marketing and Operations with two Fortune 500 organizations. He is respected by peers and clients for his creative and entrepreneurial approach to business. And that loyalty angle? He even got that to work for him. He developed and implemented a customer loyalty program that generated two million dollars of incremental growth and is continued to be used today. Nice. Paul’s greatest talent may be in recognizing talent in others which may be why he also likes coaching hockey and skating at the Boys and Girls (and maybe, someday, Dogs) Club. He says he also likes walking his dog. We suspect that this “walking” may well involve whistles, stop watches, and obstacles – that’s just the kind of stuff Paul likes.

Carly James loves being outside on a beautiful summer day – especially if there’s a patio handy. But even if there’s no patio or even if it’s not nice she likes being outside. It could even be raining, snowing or hailing - as long as there’s some sort of footrace going on - she is keen. Heck, she even is OK staying inside – as long as there’s an exercise bicycle she can spin into a pile of twisted metal wreckage. Let’s face it, Carly is a go-getter. She graduated from Trent University and completed a post graduate program at George Brown in Human Resources Management. She so excelled at her internship through the George Brown program that she was by the company she interned for as a recruiter. We are confident that Carly will also excel in her new role of Recruitment Coordinator at Lock because of her dedication and general go-getting. She is eager to learn all the aspects of the position and can’t wait to get started. On your marks, get set, GO!

An important member of the Consumer team, Joanne is a graduate of Queen's University who has recently worked in an entrepreneurial capacity to grow a successful business running several sales teams across Ontario. As a Consultant for Lock, Joanne specializes in facilitating searches and placements within the food and beverage industry for Lock USA. She follows up on client requests and ensures that communication flows between all parties. (She also likes parties, dinner parties in particular, where you'll find her cooking up one of her famous dishes.)

Can you really take a guy seriously when he's wearing a pink shirt with an orange tie? If his name is Mark, you most certainly can. Once you get past his questionable fashion sense, you'll find that after 12 years of service in the transportation and security industries, he does know a thing or two. After graduating from McMaster University, Mark joined Purolator Courier, where his "go hard or go home" work ethic garnered considerable success as he rose to National Account Executive. Moving to G4S Cash Services, Mark then applied his knowledge to the security industry, where he rose to National Sales Manager, directing a sales group across Canada and contributing to the overall operations and security departments. When he's not busy conquering new challenges in the recruitment industry, Mark enjoys long walks on the beach with his cat.

Lock is known for scooping the competition but that has nothing to do with us hiring Dana “The Scoop” Lamanna. The nickname actually comes from her legendary ice cream scooping skills (she has the right arm of a Jai Alai player!) honed by running a family ice-cream store for years. That said, having Dana at Lock is a scoop in itself. With a background in both Science and Business, Dana has an HBA in Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business (UWO) and she brings her patented ringleader skills to her position as Project Manager. Dana’s a people person always willing to lend a hand and her role at Lock enables her to apply this quality. Give her a call anytime and she’d be pleased to help you (except when “So You Think You Can Dance” is on TV. Don’t call her then. No, really. It won’t be pretty if you do.)

A former drummer and crazed April Wine fan, Benoit spends most weekends behind the tour bus. But from Monday to Friday this groupie spends his time in our Toronto office, where he is known simply as Ben. With a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Relations, a Master's of Science in Human Resource Management, and 10 years at Merck Frosst Canada, Ben works with Ed Mead, who specializes in the same sector. Ben brings extensive marketing, specialty sales and human resources experience to Lock.

It's not just what you know, it's who you know. And Ed knows both. With years of experience working in the United States and Canada for high-profile companies like Trudell Medical, US Surgical Corporation, GE Medical, Ingram and Bell/Source Medical, Ed is very well connected. Including his connection and partnership with Benoit Lamarche at Lock, who specializes in the same sector.

Kelly has a long history in the areas of Transportation, Logistics and Operations. As a competitive pool player (8 and 9 ball), Kelly had to Transport her own cue to various pool halls where she had deploy her Logistics skills to garner opponents, arrange some lucrative wagers and then escape with her winnings. She clearly knows how to Operate. She has also worked outside of these environs with major Canadian brands and managed multi-million dollar operations and accounts for both national and international organizations. Her most recent position was Director of Sales and Operations for a leading wholesale petroleum products company. She received her Master’s degree from Royal Roads University and a HBA with Distinction from the University of Toronto. She is a firm believer in continuous learning and has not only received numerous certifications post university, she has educated a few frat boys on the importance of a lightning break when a bar tab is on the line. Kelly demonstrates exceptional customer service skills and an intrinsic understanding of the operational needs of various industries. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to solve complex operational problems using innovative thinking. She is fluent in English, French and Pool Cue.

“I’m the king of the world!”, “Nobody puts baby in the corner”, “Here’s Johnny”… well it’s more like “Here’s Amber” she lives for quoting and performing famous movie lines. She can quote and remember lines from just about any movie and will compare anything or anyone to them. Most likely something that came from one of Tom Hanks’ many movies as she has a unique rapport with him… you know being his biggest fan and hanging out with him at TIFF. Besides being friends with Tom, Amber has an Honours degree from Brock University, and has marketing/event experience from both the Best Western and Jack Astor’s Sir Corp Head Office. No doubt that Amber’s most memorable lines are yet to come as she makes her mark joining Lock Search Group and touches the lives of everyone around her. She will fit in right at home in her new position as Recruitment Coordinator for the Industrial Team. Like the rest of the Lock team she will poke fun at herself and not take offense if others join in and do so too… just no making fun of Tom or else all bets are off.

Michael brings 20 years of Sales, Operations and Management experience to Lock Search Group where he now leads the Hospitality/QSR/Food Service Practice. He is also likely to bring a Fairway wood with him – you never know when you can squeeze in a few practice swings. An avid student in the game of golf, Michael attended the University of Guelph School of Hotel and Food Administration as well as a graduate of Humber College with a focus in Business Administration and Hospitality Management. The good news for Mike is that even when the first 18 holes don’t go well, all those years in the hospitality sector ensure that he always succeeds on the 19th hole!

Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario (“The Hammer”), led Lou Tallarico to study at McMaster, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography. After Mac, Lou took a sales position at Purolator where he steadily moved up the ranks to end up as Manager, National Accounts. Along the way, he was recognized as a President's Club winner in every position with top sales achievements, landing large National clients for Purolator. Lou is a loyal, fun guy that is always interested in getting together for a drink or two with friends for a laugh as they reminisce about the good ol’ days! Lou’s loyalty to his friends and family is only matched by his profound and deep attachment to his espresso machine (which he calls Signora, as a mark of respect) and the Maple Leafs (we know, too sad). Lou finds Lock a perfect fit for the way he lives his life: work hard and achieve results but be sure to have lots of fun doing so!

Jessica Tome is the classic cheerleader. There’s nothing she likes better than attending her friends’ dodge ball games and cheering them on. She claims that it isn’t the chance to see blood that draws her but, as she is an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) aficionado, we have our doubts. Besides her thirst for blood, she is very sociable, funny, and loves sharing celebrity gossip and telling jokes and making her co-workers laugh. Sure, she’s funny but we’re also a little scared of her so sometimes it’s more nervous laughter. She has over four years of industry experience and attended school for Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources and is working towards obtaining her CHRP. She began with us as a Front Office coordinator and has been promoted three times based on her hard work and accomplishments and not just because we’re kind of scared of her - and you certainly shouldn’t be; Jessica is bound to bring all of her skills to helping you with your recruitment needs. If that includes the occasional leg lock and eye gouge then who are we to complain? We suggest you don’t either.

“There is no app for this, so I guess I have to keep running”, this is what was going through John’s mind during his first marathon. His passion for IT and Telecom got him to think about how technology could make his run easier. We guess he needed to continue his app research as he participated in 5 more marathons afterwards… he is still working out the kinks to the app… mostly how to get it to run for him. Besides running he also dabbles in cycling, diving, aviation and yoga. Besides his active lifestyle John has 15 years of experience in the IT and Telecom industry. This includes a range of roles such as sales, management and business development. If anyone knows how fast the industry changes, it’s John, he has seen the emergence of Internet applications, VOIP technology, and most recently Social and Mobile cloud technologies. With this ever changing industry, John is well positioned to meet the recruitment needs of our IT and Telecom clients and is sure to provide them with the talent they need.