“Al understands the military ethos and the challenges associated with transitioning from a career as a military officer to a civilian career. He understands the unique values and leadership qualities possessed by military leaders and effectively align these distinctives with the leadership needs of civilian employers. Dr. Chase is able to provide clients with in depth, highly customized consultation regarding potential placements. His impressive training and distinctive experience has equipped him to identify unique placement opportunities within the private sector for gifted, military leaders. As an Academy graduate and former military officer, I have consulted Al numerous times over the last 20 years regarding personal career decisions within the private sector. In each case, I have found Al’s insight into my character, temperament and capabilities to be an essential element of my decision making process. His counseling and placement assistance has been invaluable.”
David Van Patten
B.S., Chemistry, United States Coast Guard Academy, Class of ‘76
First Lieutenant, USCGC Decisive
Operations Officer, USCG Group Rockaway
MPA, Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, Class of ‘90
Currently:
President and CEO, Dare Mighty Things, Inc.
Portsmouth, NH and Arlington, VA
“I have known Al Chase since I was a freshman at West Point. Al is a business man, furthermore an amazing friend who understands the value of integrity in business. The difference between WORKING with Al Chase when in transition is that you end up getting a special gift of KNOWING him as a person. He and WRP are not some group that will send out mass e-mails and hope to make some money through you landing a job. Al is truly someone I look up to as a mentor. He has encouraged me to explore many options, only with my best interest in mind. This is not a man or a firm that is in recruiting and consulting for the money. Al and WRP have a passion for making things better. Al Chase truly understands the most valuable asset in business: people – LEADERS. The relationships that Al and WRP have with businesses looking for leaders coupled with the knowledge of what capable leaders are made of is unsurpassed by anyone with whom I have worked. Al is someone who fully understands what life is like at the Academy and the strengths that military officers bring to the table when it comes time to step into the business world. Josh Rizzo B.S., USMA ‘02; Varsity Baseball ‘98-’02; Doubleday Society Award Winner 75th Fires BDE, Ft. Sill, OK 189 CSB (ABN), Al Taji, Iraq
Regardless of one’s extraordinary skills and experience, the transition out of the military into the civilian sector is fraught with mystery. Frankly, it’s scary as Hell for most of us! Service transition courses relieve some of the anxiety, but the endless networking, web-searching, and “cold calls” only seem to make the pain worse. Al Chase gets it!! From the very outset of our relationship, Al exuded an unmatched appreciation for my unique value to private industry, and wisdom in guiding me to a new career. His confident, coaching approach about every detail — from helping me discover and articulate my best selling points, to providing critical advice about salary and benefits negotiation — was the means I needed (and credit most) for quickly achieving a level of happiness in my second career equal to that of the first. Al Chase gets it; don’t walk – run! None better!”
Steven M. Jones
Colonel (US Army, Retired)
B.S., USMA ’81; MA, Univ. of North Carolina ‘91; MMAS, US Army CGSC ‘94; MSS, US Army War College ‘03
Mechanized Infantry Officer with Joint & Major Command Staff experience (25 years)
IBM, New York
“Whether offering solutions and guidance to further education at the nation’s most elite business schools, or pursuing a challenging and rewarding position in the profession of your endeavor, Al Chase offers the capabilities of depth and strength in high level positions – much like the large firms and headhunters who target Junior Military Officers considering a new career. Yet Al presents the unrivaled intangibles of personal care and attention that larger, cookie-cutter firms cannot offer. His focus is genuine, without motive, and earnest in effort. Al devotes himself continuously to caring for people through successful career placement. In all of his affairs, Al is honest, straightforward, and loyal. His resume is the embodiment of solid relationships with both his clients and the markets in which he places people.
Al’s qualifications and experiences are exemplary. His natural ability to connect and understand a person’s inner drive places Al in an elite group of influential professionals. There is no other individual, large firm, or placement program I would trust to place me in a career field that matches both my talents and desires without compromise. I am continually amazed and often impressed on Al’s connections in both the military and business world, and the seamless connections between the two.
Al Chase is the consummate professional, and WRP is an extension of his proven performance. Internationally established, yet appropriately sized to tailor its results to client abilities and requirements, WRP will exceed your expectations by delivering results based on YOUR criteria. Make no mistake; Al Chase and WRP produce results. You won’t receive distro email notifications of business expos coming to a post near you, nor will you be bothered by repetitive letters asking you to join the same firm by multiple agents who seem to only have a quota to fill on a much broader, large scale operation.
Professionally, Al has been the conduit between senior military leadership and me. Al continually steers successful leaders in my direction in hopes that I will grow and prosper. His candid and direct assessment of my capabilities provides the honest feedback I need in making critical decisions in my life as an Army Officer. Personally, Al challenges me in his limitless ideas and thoughts; his pursuits of introspection, and his commitment to making those around him seek the greatness in life. I know I can call on Al at any point in my day, whether at home or in Iraq, and his unwavering and steadfast loyalty will answer my requests.
When I make the decision to leave my life as an Army Officer and pursue a new career, Al Chase will be the first person I call. His personal attention, his relentless commitment to producing results, and his unsurpassed network will be some of the many reasons I will call. But most importantly, I will call Al because I trust my life with him, and I know he will pursue my best interests.”
CPT Kevin Stacy
B.S; USMA ‘01
4th SQDN, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment
OIF I and OIF III
“The transition from military leader to corporate leader is simultaneously daunting and exciting. The skills and experience of a military officer must first be clearly understood and, of equal importance, articulated effectively in order to create value. Al Chase does both exceedingly well. Speaking from personal experience, I wish I knew Al when I was making that transition. Qualities like integrity, work ethic, intellectual capability, staff development, communication, and selflessness must be placed into context. Al’s level of personal involvement clearly shows that each relationship is a business partnership not a commodity transaction. His personal friendship and counsel is an added benefit. He has brought the art of effective networking to unparalleled heights. I have collaborated with Al on recruiting assignments in the past and have found his style to be clear, timely and effective. He has established a level of trust and confidence within the military community that is truly unique.”
Albert F. Barese
Senior Consultant, Kingston-Dwight Associates
BS USMA ’79; MA UMASS Amherst ‘89
Light Infantry Officer with Command Experience; Airborne; Ranger
Former Instructor and Coach, US Military Academy
Executive Recruiter 12+ years
“Al Chase understands the values, skills, and experience that military veterans bring to the business world. His good counsel has helped my peers and me move smoothly through this challenging transition. ”
Nathaniel C. Fick
B.A., Dartmouth College ‘99; First Marine Division
MBA, Harvard ‘08
Author, “One Bullet Away”
“I have been out of the military 25 years, but have stayed in touch with many of my classmates. Whether you are looking for your first job after military service, or 5th, it is very reassuring to have Al Chase in your corner. His sage guidance helps me find my center and either helps me to get on track with my job search or confirms that I am on track. Al shares the same values and love of country as folks in and from the military. I make it a point to try to have lunch with Al whenever he comes through NYC. Al probably knows people you know and definitely knows people you want to know. Generally, headhunters are like real estate brokers – their client is the seller (company) not the buyer (job seeker.) I have 17 executive search professionals in my contacts list. Most of them will try to fit you into a job they have. Al will help you determine what you want to be, whether he has that position or not.”
Scott Leishman
BS USMA 1977
JD Fordham 1990
5 years infantry in the 25th ID in Hawaii
10 years Sales and marketing at Pfizer (chemical/food ingredient)
10 years sales and marketing at Matthew Bender/Lexis-Nexis (legal publishing)
3 years Spencer Trask (venture Capital)
2 years AmLaw Imaging (litigation support outsourcing)
If you haven’t yet met Al Chase, set your preconceived notions of executive recruiters aside. Al is not your typical recruiter. In fact, I hesitate to use that term in reference to him at all because it is only a small part of who he is. Al is a renaissance man, and a man who cares deeply about doing what is right for the people and organizations he represents. He is insatiably curious about the world around him and seeks to understand all the nooks and crannies of it through his travels, research, and writing. He is also a catalyst and connector, and works tirelessly to identify and bridge potential connections among people, ideas, and organizations. Over the years, these passions have allowed him to develop him a global network of impressive depth and breadth. Al is incredibly effective at what he does because he truly loves the challenge of looking deep beneath the surface concerns of his candidates and clients to truly understand what makes them “tick” – and then setting them up for success over the long term. This is a far cry from the typical recruiting experience, which I would characterize as “putting square pegs into square holes.” I have never met someone with a better understanding of the value of my military experience in the business world. Nor have I met someone who understood the nuances of the different factors an organization must consider in their hiring process. Al “gets it” immediately, and has the network, creativity, and integrity to make the best possible match.”
Douglas A. Raymond
B.S., USMA ‘95; 1st Armored Division, 66th MI Group, Germany
MS, Information Systems, U. Maryland; MBA, Harvard ‘02;
Google, Mountain View CA
“Working with Dr. Al Chase is like having your own super rolodex of CEOs and high level executives on your personal speed dial. His network of contacts throughout the business world is unmatched and his ability to introduce you to the right people for the right type of position is uncanny. Al’s knowledge of the U.S. military and its officers will be surpassed by very few. It’s almost as if Al had spent 20 years in each branch of the service to get the kind of insight he has into the lives, minds, and abilities of its officers.
Above all else, Al really loves what he does and takes a personal interest in his clients. He has a unique ability to get to know the special hopes and talents of each of his clients and craft a realistic plan of action. On a personal note, I would trust Al with the most intimate details of my life and my career. He is an amazing recruiter and more importantly, he has become a valued friend.”
Boyd Bishop
BS, USMA (’97), MBA, Harvard Business School (’06)
Medical Service Officer, 25th Infantry Division, Protocol Officer, U.S. Army Pacific
Currently, Co-Founder and CEO, Elective Medical Lending, Manhattan Beach, CA
“Translating military experience in to language meaningful to those with no military experience requires both an understanding of that military experience and the corporate world. Few recruiters have such understanding! Likewise, few, if any, officers leaving active duty have it. In order to optimize the worth of their military experience, officers need to find a recruiter who has that understanding. Al Chase is such a recruiter! He understands the cultures of both worlds and, perhaps, more importantly, the values officers have lived and will live.
Major General (Retired) Stan Genega , USMA ‘65; Sloan School of Management, MIT, ‘77; Major General, US Army, Retired (32 years active service)
President & CEO, Aduddell Industries
Al was instrumental in guiding my transition from the military to
business school, and then to a career in finance. For years he has been
a trusted advisor and an advocate, helping me apply the right criteria
to make these critical decisions. Al also guided me through the
interview process, and impressed upon me the importance of telling one’s
story.
He is the only executive search professional I know who understands both
the mentality of the military officer and the company looking to hire
leaders. One meeting with Al illustrates why: he is insightful in his
questions and he listens intently. He then draws on his tremendous
network to connect people to opportunities in a thoughtful way.”
Darin M. Souza
B.S., USMA ‘98; 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg NC
MBA, Tuck (Dartmouth) ‘06; Lehman Brothers, Boston MA
“Within the first two minutes of meeting Al years ago, I immediately realized that he was unique, both as an executive recruiter, but, most importantly, as a human being. And, that was exactly what I was looking for after having met with some traditional JMO recruiters and post-MBA career coaches. Al proved to me then (and has only continually bolstered my impression of him in this regard) that he takes the time to genuinely know his clients. He does this because he truly desires to find the best long-term fit for those with whom he works. I actually have a difficult time even calling him an “executive recruiter” because of the negative connotations sometimes associated with that. Al has assisted me significantly in many ways, and, for that, I consider him a career coach, a mentor, and a friend.
Al understands military leaders and their backgrounds, desires, potential pitfalls, and personas better then anybody at any of the typical JMO recruiters. He has gained this understanding by truly immersing himself in this environment, and he has relationships with military leaders across the entire career continuum, from those currently serving in the military to those that are C-level officers in Fortune 500 companies. Thus, he has really credible perspective on how to best find and capitalize on opportunities for military leaders in corporate America.
Al’s network is extensive, and I can attest to that because I have personally benefited from his vast number of contacts. However, I would stress that it is the quality, not the quantity, of relationships within Al’s network that make his value proposition so compelling. I would be very surprised to find anybody, regardless of corporate position, within Al’s network that would not pick up the phone on the first ring upon seeing Al’s number on the other line – and they’ll have a smile on their face upon doing so!”
Scott St. Germain, B.S. USMA ’95 ; U.S. Army, Engineer, Ft. Stewart, GA ; MBA Harvard ‘03; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA
“I am honored to know Al Chase and consider him not only as an important contact within my network but more importantly as a trusted friend. Trust to do the right thing and take care of a fellow soldier is ingrained in all of us who have served or continue to serve in our Armed Forces. What I learned when I left the Army is that unfortunately trust in the civilian sector is not the same. Al understands the true concept of trust and the many special traits that members of the military sometimes take for granted (leadership, ethics, decision making skills, etc). It is this unique understanding that allows Al to be so successful when matching candidates with prospective employers. I highly recommend you seek out Al’s wisdom and guidance and allow him to help you navigate the transition from military life to being a civilian. You will not be disappointed.”
Robert G. Cormier, CIMA
Financial Advisor, Smith Barney (Boston MA)
B.S., USMA ‘90
Platoon Leader and XO, A/4-3 ADA, 3rd Inf Div (Kitzingen Germany)
Dep SGS 3ID (Wurzburg Germany)
Commander, HHB 5-2 ADA, V Corps (Bamberg Germany)
Systems Automation Course, Acquisition Corps (Alexandria VA)
“Al Chase has so many admirers because his personality and style are such a contrast from others in his field. Other head hunters are like a middle school band compared to Al’s effortless sounding symphony of the Boston Pops. He understands what makes the military leadership ethos tick, yet he brings additional tools to the table that are not commonly found in uniform. For example, most in the military learn to get a job done, whether or not it fits their personal interests. Al readily individualizes, and will help you discover your hidden strengths and articulate them in a way that will connect with the private sector.
If you’re a hiring company looking for very specific requirements, Al will find you a fit and will likely come to understand your hiring needs as well as you do. His network is deep. He’s very reliable and trustworthy. It’s all the best stuff from the military, with some additional skill sets brought to the table.
He has the capacity for understanding your deepest motives. He has not only helped my career, but has become a true friend I speak with regularly just because we like each other. He even helped me reconnect to God. In short, he has changed my life course. Meeting him was undoubtedly among the best things that happened to me at Harvard Business School.”
John Byington
BS USNA ’90; MA Georgetown ’91; NWC Command and Staff ’99; MBA Harvard ’02
10 years AC Navy: destroyers, helicopter pilot aboard carriers; USNA Professor
4 years RC
GE Six Sigma Black Belt; Product Manager; VP Operations;
Currently: Principal, Data Alternatives — Business Intelligence & Process Engineering
“The transition from military to civilian life is daunting, and the experience of going through an MBA program packed with former consultants and Wall Street analysts often made me feel like a square peg in a round hole. Al may be the only recruiter who truly understands the challenges of this transition and the importance of getting it right. His sage council, extensive network, generous spirit and appreciation for the diverse experiences that a military career provides make for an incredible resource that all former officers should explore. Unlike many of the JMO ‘puppy mills’ out there, Al is looking for Renaissance men and women and seeks to provide a bespoke service that matches your individual skills and interests with the right career opportunity.”
Brett G. Odom
B.S. USNA ‘92; Top Gun; Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic, Oceana, VA
MBA, Harvard Business School ’05; Faison & Associates, Washington, DC
“I first connected with Al a few years ago through his affiliation with a Service Academy networking group. Knowing that in the not-too-distant future, I would be in need of his services, I read his Blog with great interest. I wanted to know the man who potentially could have such a profound impact on my future. What surprised me is how much Al wanted to know about me. We corresponded via email, had numerous conversations and met for dinner spending about two hours discussing life and work. It is hard to compare Al to other executive recruiters because there is no comparison. Every other recruiter I have dealt with spent a few minutes reviewing my resume and even less time attempting to convince me to accept the position he needed to fill.
I feel very confident in saying Al Chase will take the time necessary to discover what you want and what you don’t want. He will do his best to make sure any position he recommends will be a great fit for you and the employer. And if Al doesn’t have a position for you, he will clearly explain why and offer his advice and counsel.”
Brian Caldwell, USNA ‘89
Supply Corps, US Navy
“Al Chase is a true Renaissance Man. I wish the recruiting industry had more like him. His diverse experience set, and passion for really getting to know his candidates sets him apart from the field of ‘wannabes’. In a field where companies have many partners to choose from, Al stands head and shoulders above his peers.”
Jack Colletti
BSME, USNA ‘91
MBA, Carnegie Mellon University
“Al is by far the most important relationship that I have made during my move from the military to the civilian world. He has been instrumental in helping me make thoroughly informed decisions at critical points in the process. It is consistently clear that Al has no hidden agenda, other than to make me successful in business and life. This clarity of purpose is something so special to find in a “recruiter” that I would hesitate to classify him as such. A more appropriate tag for Al would be “Coach” or “Advisor,” as he has provided me with so much more than just connections during our relationship.
From our first interaction, Al has struck me with his keen insight and knowledge in what it is like to be someone trained in the military. Further, he has the vast experience to ensure that you are in a place where your knowledge and skills are appreciated. My greatest advice to every military classmate at graduate school has been: “Come with me to meet Al – it will be well worth your while. . .” ”
Britton D. Smith
B.S., USNA 1998; Lieutenant, Naval Submarine Service, USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720)
MBA, Harvard Business School 2006,
Associate, McKinsey & Co.
“I highly recommend Dr. Al Chase of White Rhino Partners as an executive recruiter for both prospective corporate clients and military veterans seeking employment. From a former infantry officer’s point of view, Dr. Chase simply just “gets it”- he understands the military veteran value proposition which former officers bring to a potential corporation and he is relentless in the support of his clients.
I have benefited greatly from my professional interactions with Dr. Chase and from my close friendship with this outstanding man. He truly cares about his clients and strives to provide a level of personal attention which is unmatched by the larger executive recruiting firms- particularly those which specialize in placing military veterans. Dr. Chase has created a very successful boutique firm by focusing on the niche market of former military officers and by providing a level of service to his clients which is simply unparalleled in his industry.
Three phrases come to mind when I think of Dr. Chase: (1) he cares tremendously for the success and happiness of his clients; (2) his honor and trustworthiness are of the highest order; and (3) Dr. Chase delivers results.”
John S. Serafini
USMA, 1998- Superintendent’s Award Recipient; Member, USMA Boxing Team
US Army Infantry Officer, 82d Airborne Division (Fort Bragg) and the United Nations Security Battalion – Joint Security Area (Korean DMZ)
Harvard Business School & Harvard Kennedy School of Government, MBA/MPA, 2007
Director, Mountains for Miracles
“LOYALTY: Al is deeply loyal to family, friends, his work and (to a tee) the Red Sox. This loyalty transcends itself into everything he does. Having personally benefited from Al’s generosity it’s very easy to see why so many people reciprocate Al’s loyalty; it’s infectious and it spreads very quickly. It’s for this reason that, among hundreds of people/firms I have used thus far in my career as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur, I put Al at the top of the list.”
Mark Thaller
USNA ‘81, Submarines for 10 years, Wharton MBA ‘96, Gen. Partner in several VC funds (Wall Street and Boston, $500M under management), Executive at several Fortune 1000 firms, Independent Business Development in Iraq/Afghanistan. Currently residing in Washington, D.C.
“If you thought you were alone, think again. You’ve probably already connected with the scores of other military folks to help advise you in your transition to the working world. What you’ll soon find out though is that there’s someone from the outside on our side. From the moment I met Al Chase, he had a presence about him that made me quickly realize I need to sit down and have lunch with him. From then on, I remain indebted to his service. His service as a friend, mentor, counselor, and truth teller are by no means unique to me. His title may say executive recruiter, but his relationship in your life will mean so much more than that. Sure he can list a black book full of connections, clients, and other successfully transitioned military executives. But the true value you will find in a relationship with Al is his keen ability to understand you as an individual and the walk of life you are traveling, untouched by any other “civilian.” There’s no need to wait for him to reach you, you should be seeking him.”
Heather March Takle
B.S. Business Administration, Boston University ‘99 Logistics Officer, USMC MBA, Harvard ‘06 Strategy Consultant, The Parthenon Group, Boston MA
“From the first moment I met Al, I was impressed by his ability to understand what it really means to be a Service Academy Graduate and a military leader. Unlike many who profess to “understand military officers,” Al realizes that within a population of highly qualified candidates, there are those who stand out. He has built a network of the “best of the best” – proven leaders who accepted the challenging training, excelled in the tough jobs in uniform, went to the best graduate schools of management or “civilian leadership,” made a successful transition into corporate America, and continue to excel when handed new opportunities.
I have always been impressed by Al’s research and writing around the “Chief of Staff” role. To me, this epitomizes his understanding of how to leverage the skills and experiences of military leaders in corporate America. I highly recommend Al be a part of your team. Whether hiring to add talent to your current organization, or a proven leader looking to make a transition, call Al, “he gets it!” ”
Chris Crane, USMA ‘94
Platoon Leader – 82nd ABN DIV
Company Commander – 25th ID
HBS ‘02
SVP, Bank of America
“I first met Al Chase at a Red Sox game my junior year at West Point in 2001. After exchanging stories and business cards, I left the game thinking that this is someone I can count on down the road for advice and mentorship. Later on that year, after a few email and phone conversations with Al, I asked if he would mentor me during my time in the military and help with my transition into corporate America. Al agreed, and 9 years later what was a friendly encounter at Fenway Park has become a friendship that will never quit!
In the 9 years I have known Al, I cannot think of one time he did not make himself available to provide me with sound, thought out, relevant, and expert advice. As an executive recruiter, Al does more for his candidates than just identifying the best jobs available, but he also has an uncanny ability to connect them with the right people. Al has taught me more than anything else is the importance of networking and continued intellectual growth. As someone with hundreds of personal contacts and numerous advanced degrees, he understands what it means to “lead by example!” I can undoubtedly say that I would not be where I am today without Dr. Al Chase.”
Mike Cooper
B.S., USMA ‘02
Junior Officer Leadership Program
GE Oil & Gas
