Erik Kalstad, CPC
Executive Recruiter
Division: Restaurant
Location: California (Coastal, Fresno), Oregon, Washington
Division: Hospitality
Location: Oregon, Washington
Erik Kalstad
Executive Recruiter, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality & Restaurant Division | California, Oregon & Washington
Phone: 425-230-3281 | Email: erik@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikkalstad/
Credentials: CPC
About Erik
Erik Kalstad is a hospitality, restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the California, Oregon, Washington market. Erik’s focus: Restaurant and hospitality recruiting (Pacific Region: CA, OR, WA, AK); craft brewing interest. Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and member of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS).
Background & Experience
Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and member of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS); Gecko Hospitality Rookie of the Year 2016; graduate of Ball State University; prior roles with UPS, Gigi’s Cupcakes, and L&M Gardens; passion for the hospitality and craft brewing industries.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Executive Chef and culinary leadership; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Hotel and hospitality operations leadership; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: California, Oregon, Washington.
How Erik Evaluates Talent
At the core of my process is building a genuine connection with candidates and understanding what they want from their career. I take the time to walk through each step of their background, digging into the scope of the operations they’ve led, the teams they’ve managed, and the challenges they’ve overcome. Just as important, I want to understand what motivates them so I can match them with the right opportunity, not just the next opportunity. Communication is everything.
Erik’s Market Perspective
Hospitality isn’t going anywhere. Labor costs across California, Oregon, and Washington continue to rise, but demand for great restaurants, hotels, resorts, and private clubs remains strong. The operators that are winning are the ones investing in strong leadership, culture, and guest experience. Great people are still the difference makers, and that’s where the right hire can have a major impact.
Advice
For employers: Before starting a search, know the problems you need solved and the type of leader who will fit your culture. If we can identify the challenges you’re facing, we can find the right person to help solve them.
For candidates: Be ready to clearly explain why you’re looking for a change, what motivates you, and what you’re looking for in your next opportunity.
In Erik’s Words
“Human connection matters. When you lead with integrity and stay committed to people, good things happen.”
Testimonials
“Literally all of my stress of finding a job was alleviated as soon as I had my first meeting with Erik. I had gone through so many applications and nothing came back. But I was able to immediately get going right out the gate with him. I can honestly say that this was an incredible experience, especially for someone coming right out of college. Definitely found a career where I am now. Thanks again!”
Andrew M. (Successfully placed candidate, June 18, 2026)
“Erik was so great to work with. Communication was seamless, quick, and reliable. The process was rather quick, and I have Erik to thank!”
Cierra S. (Successfully placed candidate, November 8, 2024)
“I have worked with Gecko on two different positions for our hotel. Kevin and Erik were great and provided a lot of strong candidates in a short amount of time. Our team was very selective, but they responded quickly and saved us a lot of time sourcing quality candidates in a small market like Portland.”
Jane O. (Satisfied client, May 15, 2023)
“Gecko has been my best recruiting experience, bar none. Erik was very on top of communication every step of the way. I feel he went above and beyond throughout the entire process and even checked in after I was hired until I actually started. Great experience, highly recommended.”
Briana D. (Successfully placed candidate, May 15, 2023)
Erik Kalstad, CPC
Executive Recruiter
Division: Restaurant
Location: California (Coastal, Fresno), Oregon, Washington
Division: Hospitality
Location: Oregon, Washington
Erik Kalstad
Executive Recruiter, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality & Restaurant Division | California, Oregon & Washington
Phone: 425-230-3281 | Email: erik@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikkalstad/
Credentials: CPC
About Erik
Erik Kalstad is a hospitality, restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the California, Oregon, Washington market. Erik’s focus: Restaurant and hospitality recruiting (Pacific Region: CA, OR, WA, AK); craft brewing interest. Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and member of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS).
Background & Experience
Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and member of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS); Gecko Hospitality Rookie of the Year 2016; graduate of Ball State University; prior roles with UPS, Gigi’s Cupcakes, and L&M Gardens; passion for the hospitality and craft brewing industries.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Executive Chef and culinary leadership; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Hotel and hospitality operations leadership; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: California, Oregon, Washington.
How Erik Evaluates Talent
At the core of my process is building a genuine connection with candidates and understanding what they want from their career. I take the time to walk through each step of their background, digging into the scope of the operations they’ve led, the teams they’ve managed, and the challenges they’ve overcome. Just as important, I want to understand what motivates them so I can match them with the right opportunity, not just the next opportunity. Communication is everything.
Erik’s Market Perspective
Hospitality isn’t going anywhere. Labor costs across California, Oregon, and Washington continue to rise, but demand for great restaurants, hotels, resorts, and private clubs remains strong. The operators that are winning are the ones investing in strong leadership, culture, and guest experience. Great people are still the difference makers, and that’s where the right hire can have a major impact.
Advice
For employers: Before starting a search, know the problems you need solved and the type of leader who will fit your culture. If we can identify the challenges you’re facing, we can find the right person to help solve them.
For candidates: Be ready to clearly explain why you’re looking for a change, what motivates you, and what you’re looking for in your next opportunity.
In Erik’s Words
“Human connection matters. When you lead with integrity and stay committed to people, good things happen.”
Testimonials
“Literally all of my stress of finding a job was alleviated as soon as I had my first meeting with Erik. I had gone through so many applications and nothing came back. But I was able to immediately get going right out the gate with him. I can honestly say that this was an incredible experience, especially for someone coming right out of college. Definitely found a career where I am now. Thanks again!”
Andrew M. (Successfully placed candidate, June 18, 2026)
“Erik was so great to work with. Communication was seamless, quick, and reliable. The process was rather quick, and I have Erik to thank!”
Cierra S. (Successfully placed candidate, November 8, 2024)
“I have worked with Gecko on two different positions for our hotel. Kevin and Erik were great and provided a lot of strong candidates in a short amount of time. Our team was very selective, but they responded quickly and saved us a lot of time sourcing quality candidates in a small market like Portland.”
Jane O. (Satisfied client, May 15, 2023)
“Gecko has been my best recruiting experience, bar none. Erik was very on top of communication every step of the way. I feel he went above and beyond throughout the entire process and even checked in after I was hired until I actually started. Great experience, highly recommended.”
Briana D. (Successfully placed candidate, May 15, 2023)