Mama Would Be Proud

Watching TECH cocktail hosts Frank Gruber and Eric Olson meet their guests Thursday night at John Barleycorn-Wrigleyville was awesome. Both are young, Frank is 29 and Eric is 24, both are good-looking in a GQ kind of way, and both are out-going well mannered and charming guys who know how to make their guests feel welcome at their party. Over 500 people made their way to the top floor of Barleycorn to visit with sponsors, watch demo's, exchange business cards and business plans, and have one heck of a good time.

But that's not all. These are life changing events, where unsuspecting well qualified individuals meet their future employer and make the jump to a new job, often in a new location half way across the country. Thursday night was no different. One HR executive with the American Medical Association was there to "hire another good person." Already having hired five employees from previous TECH cocktails, this well dressed man was on a mission to meet, greet, and collect business cards and resumes. No doubt he was successful. Those in attendance know the tech field well, are hard workers, yet managed to tear themselves away from their jobs to socialize with their mirror images in an upbeat and fun atmosphere.

Single-hop charmed the crowd with their massive give-aways, including an iPod, games, tee-shirts, and hamburgers with fries, then hot dogs and other finger foods to provide nourishment and added excitement. Green jaw-breakers are called that for a reason, but served up in large green bowls they are hard to refuse. With so many professionals of various ages and in various attire in one locale, from jeans and "going out" shirts to finely tailored suits, TECH cocktail continues to be the place to be. Congratulations Frank and Eric.