About Us
We Are Shaker
We’re a full-service recruitment marketing agency offering comprehensive services - Branding, Talent Attraction, Martech, and Analytics - to help you attract, hire, and retain the right talent.
We do the right thing
In our fast-paced world and with rapidly evolving technology, it’s easy for recruitment marketing to become a transactional process. But we all know it’s so much more than that.
It’s the reason we’re in this business. Together, we transform businesses and lives. We create opportunities for organizations to excel and for people to thrive. We build and nurture connections that last a lifetime. Our promise and legacy are built on relationships. And, in partnership with our people, our clients, and our partners, we’re the architects of the world of talent.
Our
Purpose
To do the right thing by our people, our clients, our partners, and our industry.
Our
Vision
Our vision is to continuously innovate and evolve the world of talent through doing the right thing by you: our people, our clients, our partners, and our industry.
Our
Mission
To help organizations achieve excellence by attracting and retaining the best talent with the right message, the right activation, achieving the right conversion.
Our Core Values
Relationships
We believe we’re better together. Our approach recognizes and prioritizes transparent, collaborative connections just as much as achieving measurable success.
Integrity
We operate with the highest standards of honesty and transparency. We only make promises we keep, and we exceed expectations through open communication and clear reporting. This commitment is what achieves enduring partnerships built on mutual respect and ethical business practices.
Creativity
Innovation has been our way of life for over 70 years and continues to lead us into the future. Whether we’re architecting a strategy, solving a complex problem, or developing a unique approach, our culture of innovation compels us to embrace new challenges, techniques, and ideas.
Excellence
Driven by the question, “How can we make this better,” we’re passionate about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Each day brings new opportunities to deliver outcomes and solutions that elevate you as an example of excellence in our industry.
Global
Partnerships
Make an impact no matter where you’re hiring. By collaborating with the best tech and media partners worldwide, we deliver tailored recruitment marketing strategies that address local and global needs.
Leadership Team
The brightest minds in recruitment marketing and the best
people you’ll ever meet (in our humble opinion).
A Legacy of Innovation
1951
Joseph R. Shaker Founded Shaker Agency, a newspaper rep firm focusing on Chicagoland newspaper help wanted classified advertising.
1960s
While the space race takes off, Shaker expands from a newspaper rep firm into a full-service recruitment advertising agency, Shaker Advertising Agency & Classified Advertising Consultants. We move our HQ out of the Loop and into Oak Park, embracing growth and a new future.
1970s
As technology booms and the first email is sent, the second generation joins the Shaker business. We open full-service offices in Florida and New Jersey, planting roots in key markets and expanding our reach.
1980s
While global communication becomes more accessible and MTV changes culture forever, Shaker grows its national footprint, expanding globally to bring innovative recruitment strategies to new markets.
1990s
During the internet boom, Shaker launches Shaker Recruitment Consultants, a division advising local media—primarily newspapers—on staying relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving talent acquisition landscape.
2000
Shaker shifts from newspaper-focused media to become a digital and creative branding powerhouse. We establish the first Recruitment Trade Association (RAA), setting new standards for the industry. A certain Harvard student invents a social media platform that would change the world forever.
2016
In the era of smartphones and digital connectivity, Shaker celebrates 65 years of recruitment marketing innovation. The third generation takes the helm, continuing the legacy of family ownership and future-focused growth. We also acquire award-winning creative agency Matte Black Studios to expand our range of creative services.
2018
As AI and automation begin to reshape industries, Shaker acquires The Arland Group, a leading recruitment marketing and communications agency based in St. Louis. This acquisition bolsters our growth strategy and expands our physical footprint.
2019
Shaker proudly joins One Agent, the elite global consortium of recruitment marketing agencies, as the vanguard agency representing North America. In the midst of an increasingly interconnected world, this is an important step in growing the world of talent.
2020-2021
We experienced our largest expansion ever, doubling our team size. This achievement was a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our team, as well as the continued support of our valued clients.
2023
We celebrate the grand reopening of the Shaker "Hub" with team members from across the country.
2024
President & CEO Joe Shaker Jr. is elected Board Chairman of the One Agent network.
Let's connect
Success is in reach. Let's unlock it together.
Get in touch with us, and take the first step towards recruitment marketing that truly resonates, achieves your goals, and exceeds your expectations.