Our team

Our Team

We have over 150 years of combined experience. Let us help you find your next teammate!

Portrait of Curtis LaClaire

Curtis LaClaire

CEO

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Curtis has been finding and developing talent for over 20 years. He specializes in placing talent in finance, HR, IT, legal, and sales & marketing. He knows what good looks like and has a tremendous record in placing leaders who impact. He holds a bachelor's degree in applied economics from Idaho State University, a Juris Doctorate, and an MBA from Brigham Young University. He is a member of the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community. He is a board member at Ascend Staffing, Aero Federal, and Auto House. He is also involved in various service and volunteer organizations.

Portrait of Joe Cawood

Joe Cawood

Managing Partner

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Joe has an established track record of matching talented leaders with the right organizations. Joe has worked in the talent space for over 11 years with premier organizations ranging from Fortune 100 to start-ups. Joe earned a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and a master's in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University. Joe played collegiate basketball at Albion College for a year, and his passion for sports fueled his passion for talent attraction and development. Joe is an avid fisherman and loves to spend time in his home state of Michigan.

Portrait of Travis Cariveau

Travis Cariveau

Managing Partner

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Travis resides in Minnesota with his wife, Michelle. Married since 2014, they have three precocious sons and a beautiful daughter. Travis and his family moved back home to Minnesota in 2020 to raise their family after a seven-year stint in the sunshine of Arizona.

Travis earned a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management from St. Cloud State University, where he played shortstop for the baseball team. A hamstring injury led him to meet his wife, Michelle, then a recovery nurse.

Travis comes from a construction family. After graduating, he started his career as a Machinist at a small shop in Minnesota. He and Michelle were looking for a new adventure, so they moved to Arizona, where Travis started his recruiting career with a global talent search firm. Having successfully recruited talent for construction, manufacturing, and engineering firms since 2011, his developed skills as an executive recruiter are invaluable and make a progressive difference in finding talent for our clients worldwide.

Hobbies: Golf, The Outdoors, Traveling

Portrait of Zak Volz

Zak Volz

Managing Partner

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Zak Volz brings 25+ years of experience in executive search and HR leadership, partnering with companies to build high-performing leadership teams. He has a strong track record of placing C-suite and senior leaders across human resources, technology, operations, finance, and go-to-market functions, helping organizations scale and drive performance.

Prior to joining Careers Launch, Zak founded Grandview Talent Solutions, a boutique executive search and advisory firm. Earlier in his career, he held senior HR and talent leadership roles with Capital One, Amazon Web Services, Rackspace Technology, H-E-B Grocery Company, and Barry-Wehmiller Companies, where he focused on scaling teams and aligning talent strategy with business outcomes.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas Tech University. He lives in the Dallas–Fort Worth area with his family and enjoys traveling, camping, skiing, live music, and cheering on the Red Raiders."

Portrait of Marc LeFevre

Marc LeFevre

Chief Operating Officer, Outplacement Services

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LeFevre brings over a decade of experience in building and growing companies. His proven track record of driving growth, developing people, and building effective operations will fit well with the Careers Launch team and its clients. Marc will lead the outplacement product and operations, focused on creating a best-in-class career development experience for the professionals we serve.

Prior to joining Careers Launch, Marc spent 10 years building and developing a career management and coaching company. He is the founder of Kalibrate.ai and the Chair of the BYUI Arizona Alumni Chapter.

Earlier in his career, Marc worked for Honeywell Aerospace in supply chain analytics & operations. He is a former Student Body President at BYU-Idaho where he earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications. He later obtained an MBA from Arizona State University.

Portrait of Bruno Stumpf

Bruno Stumpf

President, Outplacement Services

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Bruno brings more than 20 years of commercial, financial, and general management experience to the talent space. He has held leadership roles with Rahr Corporation and Honeywell International, working across sales, finance, business development, and operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. His experience leading businesses and teams gives him a unique perspective on the challenges organizations and employees face during periods of organizational change and transformation.

Bruno earned bachelor's degrees in Accountancy and Finance from Northern Arizona University. He has served on the boards of several companies and organizations and is active in his community, volunteering with organizations close to his heart. A former NCAA Division I swimmer, Bruno still enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends. He is also fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

Portrait of Kevin Duncan

Kevin Duncan

Chief Technology Officer

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Kevin has spent over 15 years working in software development and technology leadership across a variety of industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, education, and financial services. He focuses on building reliable, scalable systems that help teams work more efficiently and deliver better experiences for clients and users.

Kevin enjoys collaborating with teams to solve problems, streamline processes, and bring ideas to life. Outside of work, he likes tinkering with electronics, 3D printing, music production, and exploring creative uses of technology.

Portrait of Tava Udall

Tava Udall

Director of Business Operations

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Tava Udall brings more than 35 years of experience in business operations, executive support, financial management, and organizational leadership to Careers Launch.

With a background as a business owner, operator, financial navigator, and strategic problem-solver, Tava has sat in many seats and understands what it takes to keep a company moving forward. She is known for creating structure, improving systems, and turning moving pieces into organized action.

As Director of Business Operations, Tava helps strengthen the internal processes, communication, and follow-through that allow the Careers Launch team to serve clients with excellence. Her approach is steady, practical, and people-centered, with a deep belief that strong operations create space for talented people to do their best work.

Portrait of Alexe Taguinod

Alexe Taguinod

Recruiting Manager

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Alexe is a seasoned executive recruiter with a solid educational background in political science and a bachelor's degree in the field. With nearly a decade of experience in the legal division of a leading international corporation, Alexe has cultivated a wealth of expertise in talent acquisition and management.

During his tenure in the legal sector, Alexe developed exceptional managerial skills, overseeing diverse teams and fostering a collaborative work environment. His proactive approach and problem-solving abilities have consistently delivered tangible results, earning him a reputation as a solutions-driven professional.

Alexe's written and verbal communication proficiency has been instrumental in his success as an executive recruiter. He builds meaningful relationships with candidates and clients, leveraging his strong interpersonal skills to match top talent with strategic roles. As an executive recruiter, Alexe enjoys connecting with people and is passionate about helping them find their next great opportunity.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Alexe enjoys spending quality time with his family and indulging his passion for cooking and playing games. Alexe lives in Isabela in northern Luzon, the biggest island in the Philippines. He has been married to his high school sweetheart Loraine since 2023, and together, they own and run a cake and pastry shop. This blend of professional acumen and personal interests reflects his well-rounded approach to life and work.

Portrait of Elsa Manalo

Elsa Manalo

Sales and Marketing Manager

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Elsa is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. She utilizes her academic background to excel in diverse career paths. With over a decade of managerial experience in a leading digital newspaper distribution and technology company, she honed her expertise in strategic growth, client relations, and customer engagement.

Driven to broaden her professional scope, Elsa transitioned into recruiting, where she found her passion for connecting talent with opportunity and helping executives and organizations secure the perfect fit for their teams.

Beyond her career, Elsa finds fulfillment in the joys of family life. She shares her adventures with her husband, who, aside from being a Senior Web Developer / Cloud Architect, is also a talented artist and their beautiful daughter. Traveling together, visiting galleries and art exhibits, exploring new horizons, and cherishing quality time is at the heart of her passions, reflecting her commitment to personal and professional fulfillment.

Portrait of Akash Upadhyay

Akash Upadhyay

Search Partner

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Akash brings 6 years of experience in technical and engineering recruitment, specializing in connecting organizations with highly skilled talent across fast-moving industrial and technology sectors. He has worked closely with hiring managers, field teams, and leadership to support end-to-end talent acquisition needs—from sourcing and assessment to offer negotiation and onboarding.

Known for his relationship-driven approach, Akash focuses on understanding both the technical requirements and the people behind each role. His ability to build strong candidate pipelines, streamline hiring processes, and adapt to evolving market demands has helped teams scale efficiently and confidently.

Curiosity and continuous learning fuel his work. Whether exploring new hiring tools, studying emerging technologies, or sharpening his recruitment strategies, Akash brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented mindset to every search. Outside of work, he enjoys discovering new places, learning new skills, and staying connected with friends and family.

Portrait of Andrew La Rosa

Andrew La Rosa

Search Partner

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Andrew lives in New Jersey right by the Jersey Shore. Originally born in Pennsylvania, he’s grown a strong connection to the Northeast and it’s easy to tell he’s from there.

Andrew earned a bachelor's degree in Sport Management from Neumann University where he played second base for the baseball team. He was a 3-year starter and earned himself the reputation for always doing what was best for the team.

After graduating, he started his career in sales with the New Jersey Devils of the NHL and then the Jersey Shore BlueClaws of the MiLB. When he moved to Blue Craze Media, he helped companies achieve steady growth through automated LinkedIn outreach. He honed his interpersonal skills by speaking with C-Suite Executives all the way down the chain. His ability to actively listen and understand his partner’s needs allows him to excel in finding the best talent for companies and guiding people through their career journey.

Andrew’s hobbies include playing the guitar, playing video games with friends, coaching high school travel baseball and bartending.

Portrait of Jeff Perry

Jeff Perry

Search Partner

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Jeff Perry is an executive recruiter and leadership advisor who partners with companies to solve their toughest hiring challenges, especially in engineering, technical, and leadership roles.

With a background spanning mechanical engineering, software, and engineering leadership, Jeff brings a rare ability to understand both the technical demands of a role and the human dynamics that determine long-term success. He specializes in searches where the gap isn’t just about skills, but alignment—helping organizations move beyond overly rigid requirements to identify and secure talent that can truly drive results.

For the last few years, Jeff has served as a leadership coach and the author of the award winning-book The Intentional Engineer, helping professionals and leaders take a more intentional, purpose-driven approach to their careers and lives.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University and an MBA from University of Washington.

He lives in Pullman, Washington with his wife and four children.

Portrait of Joey Shelton

Joey Shelton

Search Partner

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Joseph "Joey" Shelton is a results-driven professional with extensive experience in sales strategy, recruiting, and business development. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for helping organizations grow by aligning people, process, and performance. With a strong understanding of talent acquisition and client relationship management, Joseph excels at identifying opportunities, developing strategic solutions, and driving sustainable outcomes for both individuals and teams.

His background includes working closely with leadership to design hiring strategies, streamline recruitment processes, and support business growth initiatives. Joseph is known for his ability to communicate clearly, think strategically, and adapt quickly in fast-paced environments. He brings a people-first mindset to his work, believing that strong relationships and trust are the foundation of long-term success. Colleagues and partners often recognize him for his energy, reliability, and commitment to delivering value.

Beyond his professional life, Joseph places a high priority on balance and personal fulfillment. He enjoys spending quality time with family, valuing the importance of staying connected and present outside of work. He is also a lifelong basketball enthusiast, whether that means playing the game or following it as a fan. In his downtime, Joseph enjoys video games, appreciating both the strategic elements and the opportunity to unwind and connect with others.

Driven, approachable, and growth-oriented, Joseph combines professional expertise with genuine passion, making him a strong contributor in any collaborative environment.

Portrait of Nikhil Kumar

Nikhil Kumar

Search Partner

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Nikhil Kumar brings over six years of experience in technical recruiting, specializing in Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Telecom, and professional IT and non-IT roles across the U.S.

He has built a strong reputation for delivering top talent to organizations ranging from Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies to growing mid-market businesses. Known for his ability to navigate complex and niche hiring needs, he has supported clients including Black Box Network Services, Parker Aerospace, NOV, John Deere, DXC Technology, Paramount Global, and Ametek Inc.

Portrait of Noelle Slagowski

Noelle Slagowski

Search Partner

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Noelle is a search expert and can find a needle in a haystack. Unicorn candidates are not unique to her. Throughout her time as a search consultant, she has developed a network that turns out successful candidates for her clients over and over. She understands her clients' needs and works hard to identify the right fit for each project. Noelle attended Ensign College and is active in her community. When not scouring her network, she can be found courtside at Jr Utah Jazz games or shuttling one of her four boys to an activity.

Portrait of Seth McNeeley

Seth McNeeley

Search Partner

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Seth is a Talent Acquisition leader with 10+ years of progressive experience across both corporate and agency environments, with a proven track record of aligning hiring strategies to business objectives and driving organizational growth through data-driven decision-making. He brings a balanced perspective having worked in multiple industries, including established organizations, greenfield/brownfield expansions, and supporting new corporate spin-offs while specializing in Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Operations and other Technical realms. Seth is known for building strong partnerships with senior leaders, leveraging market insights, and optimizing recruitment processes to improve hiring efficiency and enhancing the candidate experience.

Seth earned a Bachelor's and Master's in Business from Tiffin University where he played collegiate golf. His background and passion for sports helped develop the expertise of building and scaling teams, implementing impactful KPIs with accountability, and developing robust talent pipelines as a relationship builder.

He resides in the Raleigh, North Carolina area with his wife and two children.

Portrait of Ethan Bernard

Ethan Bernard

Sourcer | Recruitment Manager

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Ethan Bernard brings more than five years of experience in recruiting and talent acquisition, with a background spanning both large, established organizations and growing startup environments. His experience includes working with global organizations such as UPS, as well as smaller companies navigating the challenges of growth. This range has given Ethan a well-rounded perspective on the different priorities and hiring needs organizations face at various stages of their development.

He specializes in recruiting across corporate functions and SG&A, taking a relationship-first approach to talent acquisition. Ethan believes the strongest placements come from truly understanding both the candidate and the organization rather than simply matching a resume to a job description. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships, understanding what matters most to clients and candidates, and connecting people with opportunities where they can make a lasting impact.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Policy from Brigham Young University–Idaho, where he developed a strong foundation in organizational leadership, communication, and business operations. He brings that foundation, along with his recruiting experience and genuine passion for connecting people, to his work with the Careers Launch team.

Ethan lives in Marietta, Georgia, with his wife and their three children. Outside of work, he loves being a dad and spending time with his family. He also enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, staying active, and volunteering in his community.

Why Careers Launch Talent Group?

Here are just a few of the reasons to work with our amazing team.

Expertise

We have been identifying and recruiting the best talent for over 20 years.

Diversity Focused

We are a diverse team that leverages our broad network to bring a slate of candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Data Driven

We bring data and consultative insight that adds value to your selection process and ensures efficiency and effectiveness.

Candidate Care

We understand the value of a good candidate experience to your brand, including those not selected.

Competitive Pricing

We want to be your partner of choice and will be competitively priced with world-class service and delivery.

One Year Warranty

If the selected candidates leaves within a year, we will redo the search.

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