Tom Gimbel
LaSalle Network Founder and Board Member; Expert in Hiring and Retaining Top Talent
Biography
Tom Gimbel is founder and CEO of LaSalle Network, a staffing, recruiting and culture firm. LaSalle has achieved annual organic revenue growth since inception in 1998, landing on the Inc. 500/5000 fastest-growing privately held companies list for the last 11 years, an achievement less than 0.5% of companies in America can claim. Gimbel is an expert on hiring, careers and company culture, contributing to Inc., Fortune and The Wall Street Journal. Gimbel appears frequently on CNBC Squawk Box, TODAY, Fox Business Network, and in The New York Times, and Entrepreneur magazine, among others. LaSalle Network has been recognized by more than 100 culture and revenue-based awards since inception including: Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work, the #1 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in Chicago and in the Nation, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Company Cultures, Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplace’s, among others. Gimbel holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado and is on the Board of Directors of Ounce of Prevention and the American Staffing Association. He is an active member in the Young Presidents' Organization, Economic Club of Chicago and Entrepreneurs' Organization.
Speech Topics
Entrepreneurship
Tom Gimbel went the unconventional route, starting his own company at the age of 26. While that’s not all that uncommon today, it was in 1998. He mortgaged his house, hired two employees, and started making his vision for LaSalle Network come to life. Today, LaSalle Network spans across the United States and has over 150 employees. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Tom’s company survived two recessions and the dot com boom, but through it all, LaSalle has grown every year since inception and have never done a layoff.
Retaining Talent
With a turnover rate of nearly 300%, the staffing and recruiting industry has one of the highest attrition rates of any industry in the nation. But LaSalle Network is the anomaly. LaSalle’s annual voluntary turnover rate is less than 4%, and staff engagement is a record-breaking 97%. Over the years, he’s advised hundreds of companies on how to retain their talent, and that starts with identifying what motivates and drives employee engagement.
Company Culture
Forget the foosball tables and unlimited vacation time; Tom Gimbel believes it’s about treating people well and investing in their personal and professional development. Not only has Tom developed a dynamic culture within his own organization, he’s also advised hundreds of other companies on how they can do the same. To date, LaSalle Network has received more than 50 culture and revenue-based awards, including multiple “Best Places to Work” awards from the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, Staffing Industry Analysts, and was named the “Overall Winner” among the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in Chicago. No other Chicago company is this decorated for its culture.
Hiring
Finding the perfect candidate goes far beyond matching a resume to a job description. The people are the brand, and organizations have to look at more than just a candidate’s hard skills to determine if they’re the right fit. Tom Gimbel believes in hiring for personality and culture fit. He believes that hard skills can be taught, but these two characteristics are harder to develop. He looks for candidates who are smart, nice, hard-working, and easy to manage. Because at the end of the day, he believes you have to genuinely like the people you work with.
2026 Hiring Challenges
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Tom Gimbel's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Tom Gimbel's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Tom Gimbel's speaking fee?
The typical range for Tom Gimbel's speaking fee is $7,000–$8,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Tom Gimbel to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Tom Gimbel for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Tom Gimbel's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Tom Gimbel through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
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Travels From: NC
Steve Cadigan
Steve is one of Silicon Valley’s hottest properties when it comes to people, talent and culture. As Founder of Cadigan Talent Ventures LLC, a Silicon Valley-based talent strategies advisory firm, Steve helps organizations worldwide develop winning talent solutions. Prior to launching his own firm, Steve served as VP Talent at LinkedIn from 2009 through 2012, taking the company from a private firm of 400 employees, through an IPO and into the powerhouse that it is recognized as today. The groundbreaking work Steve did at LinkedIn as the executive responsible for culture, leadership, talent and organizational development is widely seen as the textbook example of how a company can leverage its culture to scale profitably in record time.
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