Patrick Bensi
August 28th, 2024

Meet Our Brand-Spankin’ New Director of Sales & Operations

Join us in welcoming Leo Paduch to the Recess Creative team as he boomerangs back to his hometown of Cleveland after spending the last 15 years on the West Coast. A self-proclaimed “lover of most things,” Leo loves two things most: leveraging data and leading people. 

A recruiting wizard, Leo mastered the art of relationship building, process development, and talent sourcing while working with several startups in Silicon Valley during the SaaS, e-commerce, and cell phone boom.

 

leo paduch

 

Welcome back! Now, what the heck is a Director of Sales & Operations? 
Basically, I’m here to help Recess build an even greater team, develop more effective processes, and, most importantly, put talented individuals such as yourself in a position to succeed.

You’re waaay too kind. Anyway, what’s your story? 
As a kid, my family kept up with a busy schedule by working together on just about everything. As a result, my brother and I still can’t sit still for more than a few seconds at a time.

I think that’s called ADHD. 
Quite the contrary. It’s a trait I use to keep up with the ever-evolving marketing industry, which is a moving target that forces you to continually learn and grow in order to stay fresh and relevant.

So, what makes you think you can pull off this whole Director of Sales & Operations thing? 
I grew up working with a marketing segmentation company, building the first e-commerce sites we all know and (kind of) love today. That experience taught me to consider data in all of my decision-making.

I’m impressed. Got any secret talents? 
I can throw a frisbee 400 feet.

You sound like Uncle Rico right now. 
It’s true. And I’ll take that as a compliment.

So, I heard you’re a music man. What’s your favorite genre? 
I like ‘em all, just no bro country, please.

Sources also say you’re a bookworm. Name three books I should read next. 

  1. Helping People Win At Work 
  2. Freakonomics 
  3. Arrested Development

Don’t tell me you’re a Leo… 
I am! Just kidding. I’m a Virgo.

As marketers, we’re all responsible for maintaining a killer personal brand. What’s your personal brand slogan? 
“I’m too tired to go out tonight.”

Who is your worst enemy? 
Hole 5 at Morley Field.

What’s something everyone loves that you just don’t? 
Chocolate. I'm not a fan, mostly because I'm allergic to it.

Name something you love about being back in Cleveland. 
The sports fandom. Outside of small pockets here and there, it’s amazing how little most people care about pro sports. Cleveland is different.

It sure is. Before we go, what’s your secret to finding Grade-A talent, and how can those interested in joining Recess Creative get ahold of you? 
If the candidate is a great fit, don’t wait! Follow up within 24 hours. Always let candidates know what to expect from the interview process. Communicate with top candidates frequently with status updates.

Those interested in a position with Recess Creative can reach me at Leo@recesscreative.com.