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
family-framed-photo.png

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™.

team-collage.png

An Evolution of Our Solution

2005

CEO Mario founded Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group Inc (now Alliance Risk Group) to investigate insurance fraud and conduct employee background screening.

2008

Rapid growth fueled expansion to national service and a new brand, Avvocato. Firm licensed now in NY and NJ.

2009

Client demand drove expansion to new states and a larger office, the fourth move to support rapid growth.

2010

CEO Mario Pecoraro shared insights on Fox News and Bloomberg, marking his first national interviews after less than five years.

Excellence Is in Our DNA

Explore Smart Hiring
We Have 30 Years in the Field

We Could Write a Book.

Oh Wait, We Did.
books-mario.png

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

icon-smarter-minds.svg

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.

icon-smarter-intel.svg

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.

icon-smarter-hires.svg

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.

Explore Smarter Hiring
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

Meet the Experts Who Make Your Success Happen

Mario-Pecoraro.png

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.png

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.png

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.png

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.

“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.jpeg