About Skillwork
Born out of the desire to address the labor shortage in America and to emphasize the importance of the skilled trades, Skillwork connects outstanding workers with companies that value them.
Our Story
Since its start in 2018, Skillwork has grown to be the premier staffing agency for skilled labor, partnering with companies across the nation and placing hundreds of skilled workers in the field. Our philosophy is simple–to honor God in all we do, to bring respect back to the skilled trades, and to positively impact those around us–and we are grateful for the opportunity to work for you.
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It all Started in a Truck…
In 2017, Brett Elliott returned to his truck after a disheartening business meeting. It had been four years since he sold his successful manufacturing company and now he, along with business partners Tim Raglin and Rob Hansen, were ready to strike out on a new venture. The team had pieced together an idea to start a consulting firm focused on organizational health. Brett had gone to present this concept to a good friend and colleague hoping to receive his endorsement. Where he’d hoped to find applause and confirmation, he was met with harsh reality and doubt; the idea was a no-go. Still recovering from the gut punch of a friend’s honest counsel, Brett sat in the silence wondering, ‘what now?’
With perfect clarity, God delivered.
Over the next 20 minutes in that truck, Brett received a vision for Skillwork. This staffing agency would focus on the skilled trades and be a game changer in the manufacturing industry. Over the next few months, Elliott, drawing on his 30 years of experience in food manufacturing, and Raglin, a 24-year Navy officer veteran with expertise in operations management as well as Agile and Lean methodologies, began stitching together the framework for what would become Skillwork.
Since its start in 2018, Skillwork has grown to be the premier staffing agency for skilled labor partnering with many companies across the nation and placing hundreds of skilled workers in the field. Our philosophy is simple – to honor God in all we do, to bring respect back to the skilled trades, and to positively impact those around us–and we are grateful for the opportunity to work for you.
In 2017, Brett Elliott returned to his truck after a disheartening business meeting. It had been four years since he sold his successful manufacturing company and now he, along with business partners Tim Raglin and Rob Hansen, were ready to strike out on a new venture. The team had pieced together an idea to start a consulting firm focused on organizational health. Brett had gone to present this concept to a good friend and colleague hoping to receive his endorsement. Where he’d hoped to find applause and confirmation, he was met with harsh reality and doubt; the idea was a no-go. Still recovering from the gut punch of a friend’s honest counsel, Brett sat in the silence wondering, ‘what now?’
With perfect clarity, God delivered.
Over the next 20 minutes in that truck, Brett received a vision for Skillwork. This staffing agency would focus on the skilled trades and be a game changer in the manufacturing industry. Over the next few months, Elliott, drawing on his 30 years of experience in food manufacturing, and Raglin, a 24-year Navy officer veteran with expertise in operations management as well as Agile and Lean methodologies, began stitching together the framework for what would become Skillwork.
Since its start in 2018, Skillwork has grown to be the premier staffing agency for skilled labor partnering with many companies across the nation and placing hundreds of skilled workers in the field. Our philosophy is simple – to honor God in all we do, to bring respect back to the skilled trades, and to positively impact those around us–and we are grateful for the opportunity to work for you.
Our Core Values
- We honor God in everything we doThis means we conduct our business by valuing things like integrity, humility, hard work, honesty, and authenticity.
- We will bring value and respect back to the tradesWe place great value on the men and women that have earned the title of professional tradesperson. This means our Skillworkers are always treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
- We measure success by the number of lives we positively impactWhile we measure our success as a company in many traditional ways, our most important measure of success is impacted lives. That means we emphasize always doing the right thing, giving a helping hand, and looking for ways to put others first.
Brett Elliott President and CEO:
Brett Elliott is President and CEO of Skillwork. Under Brett’s leadership, Skillwork has become the premier staffing agency that connects skilled workers with companies that value them.
Prior to founding Skillwork with business partner Tim Raglin in 2018, Brett worked in the food manufacturing sector for 35 years. In addition to holding a variety of leadership positions during that time, he built, managed, and sold two highly successful businesses before his current venture with Skillwork. He is the former owner/president of Cornerstone Farms and Shelby County Cookers, now a part of Monogram Foods.
Brett has a degree from the DeVry School of Technology as well as a degree
in Industrial Technology and Business Administration from Illinois State University.
Brett Elliott is President and CEO of Skillwork. Under Brett’s leadership, Skillwork has become the premier staffing agency that connects skilled workers with companies that value them.
Prior to founding Skillwork with business partner Tim Raglin in 2018, Brett worked in the food manufacturing sector for 35 years. In addition to holding a variety of leadership positions during that time, he built, managed, and sold two highly successful businesses before his current venture with Skillwork. He is the former owner/president of Cornerstone Farms and Shelby County Cookers, now a part of Monogram Foods.
Brett has a degree from the DeVry School of Technology as well as a degree
in Industrial Technology and Business Administration from Illinois State University.
Tim Raglin COO:
Tim Raglin is a founding partner and operations lead at Skillwork. He oversees all processes related to recruiting, screening, and deploying our Skillworkers, while also driving business development for the organization.
Prior to founding Skillwork, Tim worked as a director at Union Pacific Railroad and a portfolio manager at Raytheon. Preceding those roles, he served for 24 years as a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer in the US Navy.
Tim has a degree in Business Management from Idaho State University and holds an MBA from Bellevue University. He is also a certified level 5 Program Manager and has expertise in Agile practices, technical management, and new business development.
Tim Raglin is a founding partner and operations lead at Skillwork. He oversees all processes related to recruiting, screening, and deploying our Skillworkers, while also driving business development for the organization.
Prior to founding Skillwork, Tim worked as a director at Union Pacific Railroad and a portfolio manager at Raytheon. Preceding those roles, he served for 24 years as a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer in the US Navy.
Tim has a degree in Business Management from Idaho State University and holds an MBA from Bellevue University. He is also a certified level 5 Program Manager and has expertise in Agile practices, technical management, and new business development.
Mike Matlock Vice President of Sales:
Mike Matlock is Vice President of Sales at Skillwork. Mike oversees the internal and external sales teams that are responsible for identifying potential customers, fully understanding their unique needs, and meeting their expectations with the highest caliber skilled workers possible.
Prior to joining Skillwork, Mike spent 30 years in the insurance and financial services sector, working for multiple Fortune 500 companies as a seasoned executive with experience in building strong client relationships, leading sales teams, and consistently delivering exceptional results.
Following his service in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman, Mike attended Bellevue University where he earned a degree in Business Administration.
Mike Matlock is Vice President of Sales at Skillwork. Mike oversees the internal and external sales teams that are responsible for identifying potential customers, fully understanding their unique needs, and meeting their expectations with the highest caliber skilled workers possible.
Prior to joining Skillwork, Mike spent 30 years in the insurance and financial services sector, working for multiple Fortune 500 companies as a seasoned executive with experience in building strong client relationships, leading sales teams, and consistently delivering exceptional results.
Following his service in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman, Mike attended Bellevue University where he earned a degree in Business Administration.
Tim Ratliff Sr. Director of Technology and Innovation:
Tim Ratliff is Senior Director of Technology and Innovation for Skillwork. With over 27 years of experience, Tim is a knowledgeable executive who thrives working in the space where technology and people intersect. In his role at Skillwork, he is accountable for the strategy, evaluation, development and cross-functional delivery of the company's technology portfolio.
Prior to Skillwork Tim served as a senior director at Union Pacific Railroad and a senior software lead at Raytheon. Tim is a certified Six Sigma Blackbelt, Earned Value Management Cost Manager, and Agile transformation coach.
Tim has a degree in Computer Science from South Dakota State University.
Tim Ratliff is Senior Director of Technology and Innovation for Skillwork. With over 27 years of experience, Tim is a knowledgeable executive who thrives working in the space where technology and people intersect. In his role at Skillwork, he is accountable for the strategy, evaluation, development and cross-functional delivery of the company's technology portfolio.
Prior to Skillwork Tim served as a senior director at Union Pacific Railroad and a senior software lead at Raytheon. Tim is a certified Six Sigma Blackbelt, Earned Value Management Cost Manager, and Agile transformation coach.
Tim has a degree in Computer Science from South Dakota State University.
Clayton Elliott Recruiting Manager:
Clayton Elliott is Recruiting Manager at Skillwork. In his role, he focuses on ensuring the organization’s vision, providing consistent coaching, and implementing effective processes. He’s dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and growth, ensuring each recruiter at Skillwork has the tools and guidance they need to succeed.
Clayton graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a degree in Marketing and Management. Before joining Skillwork, he worked in construction software sales and developed a strong customer service background through 8 years of experience at a country club. His diverse experience in sales, service, and recruitment enables him to drive successful outcomes for both Skillworkers and clients.
Clayton Elliott is Recruiting Manager at Skillwork. In his role, he focuses on ensuring the organization’s vision, providing consistent coaching, and implementing effective processes. He’s dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and growth, ensuring each recruiter at Skillwork has the tools and guidance they need to succeed.
Clayton graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a degree in Marketing and Management. Before joining Skillwork, he worked in construction software sales and developed a strong customer service background through 8 years of experience at a country club. His diverse experience in sales, service, and recruitment enables him to drive successful outcomes for both Skillworkers and clients.
Michael Peatrowsky Client Support Manager:
Michael Peatrowsky is Delivery Manager at Skillwork. His team oversees the process of candidate and client alignment to ensure the highest rate of success for both our traveling workers and our client facilities.
Before joining Skillwork, Michael served in the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Technician for five years. After his military career, he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and is currently pursuing his MBA from Syracuse University in Business Analytics.
Michael Peatrowsky is Delivery Manager at Skillwork. His team oversees the process of candidate and client alignment to ensure the highest rate of success for both our traveling workers and our client facilities.
Before joining Skillwork, Michael served in the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Technician for five years. After his military career, he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and is currently pursuing his MBA from Syracuse University in Business Analytics.
Lindsay Jacka Human Resources Manager:
As Human Resources Manager for Skillwork, Lindsay works diligently to maintain compliance, build relationships and foster engagement. Driven to help others, she is determined to help her team grow through hard work and creativity.
Lindsay has a degree in Psychology from Indiana State University and also a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is currently working to obtain certification in SHRM-CP and OSHA 10.
As Human Resources Manager for Skillwork, Lindsay works diligently to maintain compliance, build relationships and foster engagement. Driven to help others, she is determined to help her team grow through hard work and creativity.
Lindsay has a degree in Psychology from Indiana State University and also a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is currently working to obtain certification in SHRM-CP and OSHA 10.
Ellen Petersen Accounting Manager:
Ellen Petersen is the Accounting Manager at Skillwork, where she plays a vital role in managing the financial aspects of the business, including payroll and accounting. She has been with Skillwork since its inception, where she was instrumental in establishing the company's accounting, payroll, HR, insurance, and benefits functions.
Prior to joining Skillwork, Ellen gained extensive experience managing financial operations for both private businesses and non-profit organizations.
Ellen graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and minoring in Finance and Banking.
Ellen Petersen is the Accounting Manager at Skillwork, where she plays a vital role in managing the financial aspects of the business, including payroll and accounting. She has been with Skillwork since its inception, where she was instrumental in establishing the company's accounting, payroll, HR, insurance, and benefits functions.
Prior to joining Skillwork, Ellen gained extensive experience managing financial operations for both private businesses and non-profit organizations.
Ellen graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and minoring in Finance and Banking.
Zach Sanne Engagement Manager:
Zach Sanne is Engagement Manager at Skillwork, where he leads the Engagement Team in enhancing the Skillworker experience and driving employee retention. With a focus on strategic objectives, he coaches and develops Engagement Coordinators to ensure exceptional support and seamless onboarding processes for the team.
Prior to his current role, Zach served as a Recruiter, Recruiting Support Manager and an Engagement Coordinator at Skillwork, where he honed his skills in relationship management and candidate engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Education in Kinesiology from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Zach Sanne is Engagement Manager at Skillwork, where he leads the Engagement Team in enhancing the Skillworker experience and driving employee retention. With a focus on strategic objectives, he coaches and develops Engagement Coordinators to ensure exceptional support and seamless onboarding processes for the team.
Prior to his current role, Zach served as a Recruiter, Recruiting Support Manager and an Engagement Coordinator at Skillwork, where he honed his skills in relationship management and candidate engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Education in Kinesiology from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Kristen Cooper Marketing and Communications Manager:
Kristen Cooper is Marketing and Communications Manager for Skillwork, responsible for collaborating across teams to develop an integrated content strategy that works to meet the strategic goals of the company. She oversees the team responsible for enhancing brand visibility and engaging effectively with our customers and target audiences.
Prior to joining Skillwork, Kristen worked for over 10 years in a variety of communications-based roles in multiple industries.
Kristen has a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from Samford University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Change & Leadership from Chapman University.
Kristen Cooper is Marketing and Communications Manager for Skillwork, responsible for collaborating across teams to develop an integrated content strategy that works to meet the strategic goals of the company. She oversees the team responsible for enhancing brand visibility and engaging effectively with our customers and target audiences.
Prior to joining Skillwork, Kristen worked for over 10 years in a variety of communications-based roles in multiple industries.
Kristen has a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from Samford University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Change & Leadership from Chapman University.
Caeli Cain Business Development Manager:
Caeli Cain is Business Development Manager at Skillwork. In this role, she oversees the Lead Generation and Business Development team and works with them to uncover, educate, and build strong relationships with potential clients.
Prior to Skillwork, Caeli worked in Medical staffing and brings 5 plus years of industry experience in addition to several years working in sales and management. She graduated from Bellevue University with a degree in Education.
Caeli Cain is Business Development Manager at Skillwork. In this role, she oversees the Lead Generation and Business Development team and works with them to uncover, educate, and build strong relationships with potential clients.
Prior to Skillwork, Caeli worked in Medical staffing and brings 5 plus years of industry experience in addition to several years working in sales and management. She graduated from Bellevue University with a degree in Education.
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