About us
Golden Gate Recruits is a specialized recruiting firm that partners with innovative startups across the US.
We have a unique background because we've actually worked at consulting firms like Bain, and high-growth startups, like Peloton. It's this perspective that allows us to help those in similar shoes think through their career path.
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For candidates: we think of ourselves more as a career counselor, or an "agent" for the job seeker.
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For companies: we're able to serve as a true thought partner and collaborator, helping figure out what you actually need and who could be the right fit.
More than anything, we care ❤️
We started doing this because we wanted to help our friends find jobs, and we continue to get our energy from seeing you get jobs at the places that make you truly happy.
Who are we?
Phil Levine
Founder & CEO
Phil started Golden Gate Recruits because he realized how much he enjoyed helping his friends find jobs. He continues with the same passion, focusing on developing personal relationships and ensuring that he treats both candidates and companies like real human beings.
Prior to starting Golden Gate Recruits, Phil was Chief of Staff at a Series A startup. He started his career in consulting at Bain and graduated from Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania.
Phil and his wife live in Boulder and LOVE to bike, hike and generally spend time outdoors. He also has two sons, Jack and George, who he spends most of his free-time with : )
contact: phil@goldengaterecruits.com
Nick Burakoff
Talent Partner
Nick joined Golden Gate Recruits in 2020 as a Talent Partner after realizing how much he loved talking to people about their careers and helping them figure out what might be next.
Before joining GGR, Nick was a consultant at Bain, where he learned how cold the Chicago winters really are, and also did a stint at Peloton on the Consumer Insights team. Nick graduated from Stanford.
When he’s not on the phone with awesome people, gets excited about Premier League soccer (Go Chelsea!), Formula 1 racing, and his budding love for tennis.
contact: nick@goldengaterecruits.com
Mia Rifai
Talent Partner
Mia joined the Golden Gate Recruits team in 2023, bringing her a passion for helping people think about their career trajectory, satisfaction and fulfillment - something she's honed throughout the various phases of her own career.
Before GGR, Mia was a strategy consultant at Deloitte, after which she went on to work in strategy roles at Hello Alfred, Cartier and Proto. Mia graduated from Princeton University.
She loves a great film, and appreciates any chance to get out on her bike or into a pottery studio!
contact: mia@goldengaterecruits.com
What do we stand for?
Quality
We place high quality candidates in quality jobs. We take pride in the quality of our work. We want to facilitate great outcomes on both sides of the job market, and believe we are uniquely placed to help both candidates and companies realize their full potential.
No Bullsh*t
What you see is what you get. We won’t hype up a company or candidate just to make a little extra money. And we only work with candidates that we would personally hire.
Fit
If we don’t have the right candidate for the job, we will let you know. We understand that careers are long term fits, and want to ensure an enduring positive experience for companies and their employees.
Enthusiasm
We started this business because we’re enthusiastic about helping our friends. With a genuine passion for people, we ensure that companies and candidates are pumped to work together.
Longevity
Starting a new career is a long term investment that often requires training, relationships, and learning new crafts. We make sure that candidates are passionate about the space and elevate the culture of your firm.
Personal
We get to know you as a human first, not just as a job candidate. Career placement is an important decision not solved through generic databases and internet searches.
