The Harper Team:

All of our Consultants were previously employed in their respective industries. This knowledge and hands-on expertise in a particular specialty area is extremely beneficial in attempting to meet the expectations of both employers and candidates. Harper's Consultants are active in many professional organizations, which keeps them updated in their fields and creates continuous networking opportunities.

Ben Schwartz is the President and Owner of Harper Associates. In addition to directing the entire operation, Ben has personally specialized in hospitality recruitment since 1973. His expertise in the industry stems from his Bachelors Degree in Hospitality from Michigan State University, coupled with his hotel and restaurant operations experience. Ben, a very active MSU alumnus, was honored by Michigan State University and joined their prestigious “Wall of Fame” for The School of Hospitality Business. The relationships Ben has developed with a vast number of satisfied clients, along with extensive alumni and trade association contacts, are invaluable to both employers and job seekers. Through many years of sincere dedication and a true passion for what he does, Ben has earned a reputation of being an extremely well-respected Hospitality Headhunter in Michigan.

Cindy Krainen is the Vice President of Hospitality/Food Service at Harper. She is a Registered Dietitian, and a graduate of Michigan State University. Cindy's career as a Dietitian included several clinical and administrative positions in healthcare and university settings. She joined Harper as a Recruiter in 1987, and has been involved in nationwide recruitment for Dietitians and Food Service Management professionals ever since. Cindy completed the CPC (Certified Personnel Consultant) requirements.

Alisha Ableson coordinates healthcare, nursing and medical office placement for Harper Associates. She assists physician offices, hospitals, billing services and DME/IV infusion companies throughout Southeastern Michigan with their staffing needs. She has 13 years of hands-on experience working in healthcare recruitment and medical office staffing.

Kevin Swanquist recruits hospitality and other business professionals. He graduated from The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University, and has worked in many areas of restaurants and hotels, from entry level to upper-level management, including opening two hotels with restaurants. In these experiences, Kevin was responsible for staffing and managing operations in all departments of the hotels. Kevin joined the Harper Associates team in 2011.

Sarah Pasquarelli is Harper’s Office Coordinator. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University where she also obtained several years of experience as an Administrative Assistant.

Laura Hof has been the Accountant at Harper Associates for fifteen years. She worked for several other companies prior to joining Harper and after completion of her BBA with an Accounting specialty from Eastern Michigan University.