Private detective agency grows in Barrington

Trust, an MBA and FBI and Army experience have driven the growth of David Hertog's private detective agency.

Hertog, a Fremd High School graduate, operates his 11-year-old business, Hertog & Associates Inc. in Barrington. The company provides clients with information to help them make decisions.

The company, which employs about 18 part-timers, tackles everything from finding birthparents to providing security to a company that is eliminating positions. About 80 percent of Hertog's clients are companies.

"We access, investigate, mitigate, manage and protect clients from workplace violence," said Hertog, 50.

His agency conducts background investigations and has worked with large companies including Harpo Inc., Kraft Food Services, W.W. Grainger and United Airlines.

Hertog works with law firms and often serves legal papers.

The Palatine native started the business in Elk Grove Village nearly 12 years ago, moved to Rolling Meadows and

nearly two years ago he moved the growing company to Barrington.

The weakening economy has not hurt his business.

"Last year was our best year ever," said Hertog, a resident of Barrington.

He brings a great deal of experience to the table. After high school, Hertog served three years in the Army where he was sent to the FBI Academy's Special Tactical Firearms School. He was promoted to a special agent in Asia.

Laterm he attended Western Illinois University and worked corporate security before earning his MBA. He gained all his certifications and insurance and then launched his own agency.

He believes his extensive business and industry knowledge sets him above his competitors. "My unique skill set lets me think business and protection. I'm trained to calmly handle a situation."

He believes he has also earned the trust of his clients, which is an important aspect in this industry.

For more, call (847) 382-4444 or check out backgroundinvestigator.net.

Discount down: Des Plaines-based United Feather & Down has expanded its outlet store hours to include Saturday.

Visitors will find a variety of down and down alternative bedding products including pillows, comforters, feather beds, blankets and specialty bedding, all at discounts of up to 50 percent off retail prices at the shop at 414 E. Golf Road in Des Plaines. The new hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, check out ufandd.com.