About Us

Highest Caliber Integrity Based HR Solutions And Support, By A Network Of Top HR PROs, Without The Overhead Or Inefficiencies Of Traditional Models.

Christopher Plunkett

VP of HR/Partner

Named a “Notable Leader in HR” by Crain’s Chicago Business, Chris Plunkett took over all Senior Corporate Human Resources responsibilities at Rockit Ranch Productions in early 2016. Previously, Chris was the Cluster Director of Human Resources overseeing both flagged and non-flagged full-service high-rise hotels in downtown Chicago. Responsibilities extended to both non-union and union workforces, including multiple union contracts. Additionally, he opened Hotels, both on the mainland and in Hawaii.

Chris also held Senior Human Resources Leadership roles in Casino Gaming with Penn National Gaming and in the Restaurant industry with both Host Marriott Services and Darden. Chris has extensive business and operations acumen having opened licensed and independent branded restaurant concepts all over the Midwest.

Belinda Jones

Director of HR, PHR

Belinda is a Human Resources Executive with over 20 years of experience. Her passion is providing HR solutions for her clients by helping them build their HR infrastructure through systems, processes, technology, compliance and people. Belinda also enjoys consulting with early-stage ventures and non-profit organizations. Belinda has held several corporate HR leadership positions in hospitality-leisure, advertising-marketing and the nonprofit sector.

Guadalupe Aguilar, PHR, SHRM-CP

Director of Human Resources

As a proud first-generation college graduate and son of working-class immigrants, Guadalupe Aguilar brings over 15 years of overall human resources experience in both national and international business. This knowledge ranges from hospitality and manufacturing to Fortune 500 and inside union and non-union work environments. “Lupe” prides himself in being a business partner with company leaders and not just your “traditional” human resources professional. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Management Concentration), two prestigious human resources certifications, PHR and SHRM-CP, and is bilingual. He even has experience with Lean Six Sigma methodology and is a Certified Green Belt. Partner with him and get the return on investment that you’re looking for in your organization.

Greg Cobb

Director of HR

Greg Cobb is a Senior Human Resources & Training Manager holding positions previously at Marshall Field’s (Target Corp and Federated Inc.) and Kokua Hospitality (Allerton, Doubletree by Hilton, Embassy Suites and Hyatt Place Hotels). Greg Cobb was also General Manager at a multi-unit Gap/Gap Kids/Baby Gap/Gap Body prototype store in Michigan. Greg maintains a high-level business operations acumen and won several retail excellence awards and accolades. Including the “Field’s Finest Award” (Marshall Fields’s/ Macy’s) where Greg trained over 400 Sales Associates on an annual basis.

Billy Dec

Partner

Billy Dec is an Attorney and CEO/Founder of Rockit Ranch, a premier Hospitality and Entertainment development and management company. Dec’s educational background includes the Chicago-Kent College of Law and the Harvard Business School.

As a Presidential Appointee, Dec served on the White House Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islanders, and the White House Bullying Prevention Task Force. He has received numerous awards including “Excellence in Business Award” from the State of Illinois and the State’s Attorney’s Community Leadership Award. Dec is also heavily involved in philanthropic organizations like Advancing Justice, Children’s Oncology Services, Lookingglass Theatre… and formerly served as the Director of Cultural Relations for the 2016 Olympic Committee.

Kim Brown

HR Generalist  

Kim serves as a key Human Resource Generalist to augment the HR Pro team. She brings 20+ years of HR experience to the table, spending the bulk of her career specializing in employee relations, benefits administration, and all HR policies and procedures. Kim is a natural connector with people which gives her a unique ability to integrate with internal teams to determine business needs and then apply the appropriate people-focused solutions.

Working in various industries across the country, Kim has had exposure to opportunities and challenges of various sizes and phases of growth. With a focus on the hospitality and food and beverage industries, Kim has supported executive-level efforts as well as worked on the front lines to implement foundational processes and recruit, onboard, and build teams.

Keith Smith

Senior Staff Accountant

Keith earned his master’s in accounting while working full-time in the restaurant industry. He has spent his entire professional accounting career working in the hospitality sector for some of the biggest restaurant brands. Keith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to HR Pro in the field of accounting.

Karla Ramirez

Human Resources Generalist

Karla is a Human Resources Generalist with a focus on Payroll Administration. She brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry working on both operations and administration sides. Her experience has given her a unique ability to understand the ins and outs of the industry. Throughout her career she has worked on digitizing and updating HR programs for various organizations as well as implementing fundamental changes to streamline HR processes.  A computer expert with a natural grasp on numerous HR platforms and software that has not forgotten the importance of human connection and communication.