Our Team

Kim Starke created Best of the Best executive employment recruiters in 2001 and since then has placed over 1,000 pharmaceutical, biotech and medical sales representatives throughout the United States.  With the help of her recruiting team, Kim now services more than 100 of the nation’s top pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies nationwide.  Some of her satisfied clients include Genentech and Novartis, where Kim helped them with their original oncology sales teams.

After graduating from Michigan State University with a BA in Business and a minor in Sales, Kim began her career in the Medical Industry.  In 1997, Kim broke into the recruiting field with Health Care Recruiters International, where she became the leading network producer and earned the Rookie of the Year and many other awards.  Kim started Best of the Best Inc. in 2001, when she decided to focus on Medical positions in sales and sales management (DMs to VPs), marketing, managed care and medical science liaisons in the medical field.        

Kim is married and resides in the Chicago suburbs, she has two children.  When not searching for top individuals, Kim can usually be found outside with her 2 horses and Lab.  Kim believes in honesty and hard work; she feels very blessed and is always striving to give something back.  Kim can be reached almost any time and is looking forward to speaking with you!

Kimberly Starke
President

Frank Cowing has 28 years in the Medical/Pharma industry of which he has 10 years of Leadership (Regional and District Sales Management) with consistent, top ranking record of achievement by building six (6) Presidents club sales teams in numerous specialty markets and therapeutic areas. Frank began his career as a sales rep with Janssen and was quickly promoted to District and Regional Trainer and then Executive Hospital Representative all within 7 years. He was soon promoted to District Manager in Pharma and went on to hold several DM and RM positions which has enabled him to identify stellar candidates that will meet the needs of our clients in many areas.

Frank brings his vast experience to Best of the Best, his great understanding of the industry and what is required. He is able to use those interviewing, coaching, and screening skills, to find and send only those candidates that fit what our clients are looking for Frank knows how vital it is to find the right candidate and how valuable time is when you are the hiring manager. Experience in Identifying the Best of the Best in Medical Device, disposables, Biotech and Capital Equipment. Frank looks forward to hearing from you.

Frank Cowing
Executive Sr. Recruiter

Gail Nelson has been in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry for 20 + years.  She began her career as a pharmaceutical Sales Representative for Bristol Myers Squibb.  She was quickly promoted to an Oncology Sales Representative for the Chicago area.  From there, Gail was promoted to regional trainer and then to Oncology Division Manager, a position she held for 11 years.

In 1997, Gail joined Genentech, Inc. as a Division Manager to build the new Genentech BioOncology franchise.  She was promoted to Regional Manager where she participated in recruiting, hiring, coaching, and training of the BioOncology sales force. Gail also worked closely with sales and marketing to launch 3 blockbuster monoclonial antibodies resulting in the top 3 product launches in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.

Gail is very excited to be a part of the Best of the Best team.  She brings with her 20+ years of experience in the industry as well extensive interviewing, coaching, and mentoring skills.  Gail will work hard to match the right candidate with the right position.

Gail Nelson
Executive Oncology Recruiter

Jon Starke started in June of 2006 as a researcher. He works full-time through the summers and holiday breaks and part-time during the school year. Until joining us full time in 2009 upon his graduation from Western Michigan University with a bachelors in organizational communications, Jon wears many hats since he is in charge of updating the data base as well as starting as a full time recruiter< Jon has had some great success and loves his job not only because he gets to talk to interesting people all day, but he feels he has a chance to make a difference in their lives. He truly cares about finding that right person, who will grow and excel within our clients organization.

Jon Starke
Recruiter

Suzy Starke is in our Boca Raton (Florida) Office. She is a Lynn University graduate and has been part of Best of the Best since 2001. Besides ensuring our database is kept up-to-date with the latest information, Suzy also enjoys graphic and interior design. In fact, Suzy designed our Boca Raton office!

She is very busy contacting the 31,297 experienced professionals currently in our database plus managing the Boca Office.

Suzy Starke
Recruiter

Ed McCracken started in June of 2001 as a researcher. He works full-time through the summers and holiday breaks and part-time while coaching football and teaching. Ed wears many hats since he is the in-house computer expert. He is someone that is extremely loyal and can always be counted on.

Ed McCracken
Researcher