Jared Nowak, CPC
Franchise Partner
Division: Restaurant
Location: Illinois, Maryland
Jared Nowak
Franchise Partner, Gecko Hospitality
Restaurant Division | Illinois & Maryland
Phone: 630-709-6617 | Email: jared@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-nowak-cpc/
Credentials: CPC
About Jared
Jared Nowak is a restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Illinois and Maryland markets. Jared’s focus: Restaurant recruiting (Illinois, Maryland); Gecko tenure since 2014; golf/event-operations background. With Gecko Hospitality since late 2014, first as a recruiter and Franchise Partner since 2020, serving Illinois. Additionally, took over the Maryland market in 2025 as Franchise Partner.
Background & Experience
With Gecko Hospitality since late 2014, first as a recruiter and Franchise Partner since 2020, serving Illinois; prior 10+ years in the golf business as an Operations Manager for a PGA Tour event in Dallas and multiple PGA of America major championships; eight years as Director of Rules & Competitions with the PGA of America-Illinois Section; University of Michigan alumni.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Kitchen Manager and Executive Chef; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: Illinois, Maryland.
How Jared Evaluates Talent
I look for proven leaders who can build strong teams, control costs, and drive profitability. I also assess candidates on P&L management, team leadership, staff retention, sales performance, and operational results to ensure the candidate is right for the client opening.
Jared’s Market Perspective
The Illinois and Maryland restaurant industry remains highly competitive for experienced restaurant managers, general managers, executive chefs, and multi-unit leaders. We are in a candidate-driven market currently. Employers are looking for great candidate tenure and proven leaders who can recruit and retain talent, improve operations, and deliver financial results. Strong candidates with the right experience and leadership skills continue to stand out.
Advice
For employers: Be ready to describe your restaurant culture, compensation, expectations, and the specific leadership experience you need before beginning your restaurant management search. The timeline of the search is paramount as well.
For candidates: Be prepared to demonstrate your leadership results, including P&L performance, team development, retention, sales growth, and operational improvements.
In Jared’s Words
“I connect great restaurant leaders with opportunities where they can make an impact and build long-term success.”
Testimonials
“Jared was amazing! Literally stepped in randomly in the weirdest time of my life and helped make my Chicago dream a reality. Forever grateful that he reached out and connected me with a great restaurant group.”
Marissa N. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Jared did a great job reaching out to me. He followed up with me and also supplied information to make sure I was prepared throughout the hiring process.”
Matthew B. (Successfully placed candidate)
Jared Nowak, CPC
Franchise Partner
Division: Restaurant
Location: Illinois, Maryland
Jared Nowak
Franchise Partner, Gecko Hospitality
Restaurant Division | Illinois & Maryland
Phone: 630-709-6617 | Email: jared@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-nowak-cpc/
Credentials: CPC
About Jared
Jared Nowak is a restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Illinois and Maryland markets. Jared’s focus: Restaurant recruiting (Illinois, Maryland); Gecko tenure since 2014; golf/event-operations background. With Gecko Hospitality since late 2014, first as a recruiter and Franchise Partner since 2020, serving Illinois. Additionally, took over the Maryland market in 2025 as Franchise Partner.
Background & Experience
With Gecko Hospitality since late 2014, first as a recruiter and Franchise Partner since 2020, serving Illinois; prior 10+ years in the golf business as an Operations Manager for a PGA Tour event in Dallas and multiple PGA of America major championships; eight years as Director of Rules & Competitions with the PGA of America-Illinois Section; University of Michigan alumni.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Kitchen Manager and Executive Chef; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: Illinois, Maryland.
How Jared Evaluates Talent
I look for proven leaders who can build strong teams, control costs, and drive profitability. I also assess candidates on P&L management, team leadership, staff retention, sales performance, and operational results to ensure the candidate is right for the client opening.
Jared’s Market Perspective
The Illinois and Maryland restaurant industry remains highly competitive for experienced restaurant managers, general managers, executive chefs, and multi-unit leaders. We are in a candidate-driven market currently. Employers are looking for great candidate tenure and proven leaders who can recruit and retain talent, improve operations, and deliver financial results. Strong candidates with the right experience and leadership skills continue to stand out.
Advice
For employers: Be ready to describe your restaurant culture, compensation, expectations, and the specific leadership experience you need before beginning your restaurant management search. The timeline of the search is paramount as well.
For candidates: Be prepared to demonstrate your leadership results, including P&L performance, team development, retention, sales growth, and operational improvements.
In Jared’s Words
“I connect great restaurant leaders with opportunities where they can make an impact and build long-term success.”
Testimonials
“Jared was amazing! Literally stepped in randomly in the weirdest time of my life and helped make my Chicago dream a reality. Forever grateful that he reached out and connected me with a great restaurant group.”
Marissa N. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Jared did a great job reaching out to me. He followed up with me and also supplied information to make sure I was prepared throughout the hiring process.”
Matthew B. (Successfully placed candidate)