Jon is a Partner at Northline where he often collaborates with the Founder, Betsy Tilkemeier (who happens to be his wife) to find exceptional talent for clients.  He leverages his past operational and consulting experience to effectively recruit executives who meet both the operational AND cultural needs unique to high-growth companies.   Jon is known for being a “high touch, high feel” recruiter who does the “heavy lifting” and prides himself on understanding the nuances of his clients and candidates.  Jon often recruits multiple senior executives, across functions, for businesses with new leadership and/or in modern business models.

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With over 14 years of recruiting, he has successfully completed searches in “better for you” food, consumer products, med-tech and media.  Clients range from Instant Brands, Ocean Spray, GT Dave’s, Inter Public Group, Bodycote, Intelligentsia Coffee, BBQGuys and Outset Medical. Much of his work is done for founders and private equity firms.  He focuses on sales, marketing, innovation, finance, digital, and human resource leadership roles.

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Prior to Northline, where he has been since its inception in 2010, Jon ran his own consulting firm helping media and technology companies launch new businesses and optimize operations.  Prior to consulting, Jon served in senior management roles at Leo Burnett, Ameritech and Sony Pictures Entertainment where he held roles in corporate strategy, marketing, and sales.

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He is a member of BENS (Business Executives for National Security), an avid fly fisherman and alpine skier.  Jon is also a black belt in Shotokan karate and a former AAU National Champion in his division (“older than dirt”).  He grew up in Vail, CO and is a graduate of The University of Southern California. He lives in Chicago’s northern suburbs with his wife Betsy, two college aged boys and his English chocolate lab, Shiro.

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312.203.8455

jtilk@northlinepartners.com