Meet Our Smarter Minds
A Crew of Experts to Build Your Dream Team
A Powerhouse to Build Your Dream Team
Our Story Started with Family
Not Many Teams Can Say Their Founder Grew Up on Ride-Along Investigations
We’re not just smarter minds. We’re passionate about investigative work. It all started with founder and CEO Mario Pecoraro, who grew up going on ride-alongs with his dad.
After 15 years working as an investigator in his family’s business, Mario launched Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group (now SmartHRCheqs™) in 2005 to combat liability and workers’ compensation fraud and to conduct background checks for healthcare and service industries.
Over the next 20+ years, the team evolved into a fully licensed, bonded, and insured global investigative powerhouse. In August 2024, Alliance broke out its employee screening solution and launched it under its banner as SmartHRCheqs™.
An Evolution of Our Solution
CEO Mario founded Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group Inc (now Alliance Risk Group) to investigate insurance fraud and conduct employee background screening.
Rapid growth fueled expansion to national service and a new brand, Avvocato. Firm licensed now in NY and NJ.
Client demand drove expansion to new states and a larger office, the fourth move to support rapid growth.
CEO Mario Pecoraro shared insights on Fox News and Bloomberg, marking his first national interviews after less than five years.
Mario Pecoraro was named one of Albany Business Review’s “40 under Forty.”
We acquired Streamline Claims, expanding into property/casualty adjusting solutions in the northeast. We also added Florida operations.
Mario Pecoraro featured on ABC’s 20/20, SmartHRCheqs called “gold standard” for screening. Named 2014 Best Places to Work.
Mario Pecoraro published ‘The Claim Game’ and was interviewed by NBC affiliate WNYT.
Recognized as a 2016 Best Place to Work, we expanded further into claims solutions by acquiring Preferred Adjustment Company, merging Streamline Claims into it.
We’re named 2016 Best Places to Work, acquired Preferred Adjustment Company, merging Streamline Claims into it.
Mario Pecoraro published ‘Avoiding Costly Hiring Mistakes’ and spoke at national conferences. We expanded property/casualty adjusting territory.
We officially changed our original name Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group Inc. to Alliance Risk Group Inc. The change rebranded subsidiary companies Preferred Adjustment Co. and Avvocato Litigation Support International.
The company was approved as a SHRM recertification provider for multiple years to award SHRM professional development credits for HR knowledge and competency programs through quarterly webinars.
We rebranded to Alliance Risk Group, went fully remote. Approved as SHRM recertification provider.
Teresa Goodwin and Dan Bills promoted to director-level roles. Priscila Cavalcante joined as Marketing Manager.
Todd Eiseman joined as Head of Sales. We rebranded background screening solutions to SmartHRCheqs in August 2024.
We Have 30 Years in the Field
We Could Write a Book.
Oh Wait, We Did.
We understand the challenge of hiring new team members. That’s why our founder, Mario Pecoraro, wrote two books to help teams manage risks and evaluate candidates: Avoiding Costly Hiring Mistakes and The Claim Game. Trust us to elevate your team’s hiring process.
Your Challenges, Our Solutions
Smarter Minds
You’re not just getting investigators—you’re getting a dream team. Our in-house, licensed pros, analysts, and compliance experts are on deck to give you every angle. We dig deep so you can make decisions that stick.
Smarter Intel
When it comes to compliance and transparent results, we’re your go-to pros. Our advanced background-screening tech combined with our smarter minds are the secret weapons your hiring team didn’t know they needed.
Smarter Hires
Hiring shouldn’t be a gamble. With our smarter approach, you’ll land candidates who bring more than just skills—they bring success. Elevate your team with hires that drive results and keep you moving forward.
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Meet the Experts Who Make Your Success Happen
Mario Pecoraro
Founder / CEO
Mario Pecoraro is an entrepreneur and investigator with 25+ years of experience in background screening and insurance fraud investigations. Since its beginnings in 2005, the company has grown into an industry leader in claims and investigative services. An expert in the field, Mario is a published author and frequently featured in media, including ABC’s 20/20 and Fox News.
Scott Moore
Chief Operating Officer
With 20 years of management experience, Scott Moore has a proven track record in operational control and efficiency. Before joining SmartHRCheqs™, Scott worked as the Program Manager for LexisNexis’s Global Enterprise Information Solutions division, where he organized and executed complex system infrastructure upgrades. He holds an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in aeronautical/astronautical engineering from Purdue University.
Teresa Goodwin
Director of Operations
Teresa Goodwin, MBA, directs the Background Investigative Division at SmartHRCheqs™. She has over 15 years of experience and holds FCRA advanced certification through PBSA. Dedicated to compliance and ethical practices, she educates HR professionals on hiring best practices. Teresa is a PBSA criminal research provider and holds degrees from Sage Graduate School, Russell Sage College, and Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.
Daniel Bills
Director of Investigative Operations
Daniel Bills, Director of Field Investigations, manages surveillance and SIU investigations. With nearly 15 years at the firm, he ensures client satisfaction through actionable intelligence and robust claimant activity metrics. Dan oversees operations and coordinates a range of investigative services, maintaining strong business relationships.
Todd Eiseman
Head of Sales
Todd Eiseman, Head of Sales, has over 20 years of experience in software and SaaS, specializing in background screening. An expert in scaling sales teams and driving growth, he excels in developing innovative enterprise solutions. His leadership fosters empowerment, accountability, and transparency, boosting employee satisfaction and performance. A proud Oklahoma State University graduate and former Division 1 lacrosse player, Todd blends a competitive spirit with professional excellence. A resident of New Hampshire, he enjoys family adventures in the White Mountains when not leading his team at SmartHRCheqs™.
Priscila Cavalcante
Marketing Manager
Priscila Cavalcante, as Marketing Manager, crafts impactful marketing strategies. A Brazilian native fluent in Portuguese, she maintains strong family ties in Brazil and often visits there. Priscila, who earned an MBA, excels in driving brand awareness and leading innovative campaigns. When she’s not working, she enjoys outdoor activities on her historic Virginia farm with her two sons and a tiny Yorkie. She’s passionate about preserving her land’s heritage, and her dedication and enthusiasm shine brightly in both her professional and personal lives.
“There are many background check providers out there but what sets Alliance apart from everyone else is their great service. They go above and beyond for their customers providing personalized support, quick turnarounds and multiple check ins and updates throughout the background check process. I could not be more happy with this company!”
Morgan Gidley
Senior Director, People Operations / Talent Acquisition, K & A
“Over the last two decades, our partnership with Alliance has become a cornerstone of our operations. This long-standing collaboration highlights our commitment to providing our clients with dependable and comprehensive screening solutions. Tailoring these checks to the specific requirements of each position and client underscores our dedication to detail. We take great pride in the significant and enduring positive effects this alliance has on both the success of our clients and the prospects of our candidates.”
Miriam Dushane
Managing Partner, Alaant Workforce Solutions
“Alliance brings a new level of efficiency & customer service that rivals any other provider. No more fumbling with handwritten forms, compliance issues, or waiting to get a real person on the phone! Everything you need is easily accessible and up-to-date in the portal. But Alliance isn’t just a background screening company – they offer professional guidance and context so that you can make informed hiring decisions. The turnaround time is unparalleled, with speedy investigations and prompt request processing. When you need an efficient, communicative, and timely partner, choose Alliance.”
Michaela DiGiacomo
Director of Human Resources, United Group
“Alliance Risk Group is a dependable team that ensures the City of Albany makes informed hiring decisions, giving us peace of mind. Their commitment to our best practices and the well-being of our workforce makes them our trusted partners.”
Tatiana Diaz
Director of Human Resources, City of Albany, NY
“Alliance Risk Group offers exceptional customer service, always available to address any issues promptly. We are excited to continue working with them next year. Thank you, Alliance team, for your continued partnership.”
Anonymous
Alternative Energy Client
