At Michael J. Hawkins, Inc. we understand that we must present candidates that our clients cannot readily find themselves. These valued candidates are successful and are not exploring the internet looking for a new position. These hidden gems will also not engage in conversations about their career with those that have no brand recognition for talent acquisition expertise.
Our clients know that we are true experts in the industries we serve and love and that we will represent them with the upmost professionalism and confidentiality. It is unique for any organization to be able to state that any prospective client or candidate should simply “Ask Any Industry Leader” about our unique reputation.
Michael Hawkins is the President of Michael J. Hawkins, Inc. an executive search company that he founded in 1990.
Prior to starting Michal J. Hawkins, Inc., Michael had spent time at Packaging Corporation of America managing their national account sales team. Previous to PCA, Michael was an Officer at the Edward Don Company where he was responsible for managing profitable revenue generation through a team of over three hundred professionals.
Before Edward Don, Michael spent fifteen years with the Diversey Corporation in the UK, Europe and finally in the USA managing the foodservice and jansan sales forces.
Michael is married with three sons and seven grandchildren.
Deborah is Vice President, Foodservice Division at Michael J. Hawkins, Inc. Focusing on equipment manufacturers she has closed searches all over the world in Sales, Marketing, Engineering and Operations. She joined the team in 1996 and has been in the Foodservice Industry for more than 35 years.
Deborah began her career with HED (Hardee’s Equipment Division) starting in customer service and working her way up to become Regional Sales Manager, Midwest.
After HED, Deborah relocated to the Chicago area and began a 4 ½ year career with Keating of Chicago, a manufacturer of cooking equipment where she managed customer service, and technical service. She worked closely with outside sales managers, manufacturers rep groups, consultants and dealers on equipment specifications, and job quotes.
Peter Nordell, CFSP, is Vice President, Michael J. Hawkins, Inc.
Peter came out of a two-year retirement to join Michael J. Hawkins, Inc.
He has spent more than 50 years in the Foodservice Industry, retiring from Edlund Company, LLC as President and C.E.O. in 2022. During his 3-decade career at Edlund, he built a globally recognized brand, tripled the company’s revenues, launched multiple new product categories, and established International-distribution warehouses and sales offices in Europe, China, and Korea.
He also volunteered his time by serving on numerous committees within NAFEM and spent 8 years on the NAFEM Board. He is the proud recipient of the NAFEM Presidents’ Award.
Peter has always been a vocal supporter of Dealer Distribution and the Manufacturers’ Representative Function in the Foodservice Industry. He has also received the MAFSI Market Mover Award, the Allied Buying Corporation Appreciation Award, and the SEFA Icon Award.
Peter is married with three children and four wonderful grandchildren.
With over 20 years of successful sales experience across the foodservice and Jansan industries, Brian Terchin brings a deep understanding of building strong, high-performing teams to his role as an Executive Recruiter at Michael J. Hawkins, Inc.
Known for his dedication to fostering growth and cultivating lasting partnerships, Brian now leverages his extensive industry knowledge to help clients secure the leadership talent that aligns with their vision and goals. His commitment to excellence and insight into industry dynamics makes him a valuable asset in identifying the right executives to drive client success.
