About Us
Built by Operators,
For Operators.
Skilled Edge Group was founded with a simple belief: the way most recruiting works is broken. Companies wait too long, candidates are treated like commodities, and placements fail because no one actually cared whether they stuck.
Our Story
Skilled Edge Group was founded in 2020 by Alex Rivera, a former VP of Operations who had spent over a decade fighting for good talent in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
After years of watching recruiting firms send unqualified candidates, ghost hiring managers after placement, and treat tradespeople like interchangeable parts, Alex decided there was a better way.
Today, Skilled Edge serves hundreds of companies across the country — from 20-person shops to mid-market manufacturers and multi-site service businesses — placing skilled professionals who stay.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Quality Over Volume
We'd rather present two exceptional candidates than ten average ones. Your time matters.
People First
We treat candidates like people, not inventory. Their next job matters as much as your open seat.
Long-Term Thinking
Our business grows when placements stick. That aligns our incentives perfectly with yours.
Honest Communication
No inflated timelines, no overselling. We tell you what we know, what we don't, and what we're doing about it.
The Team
People Who Give a Damn
Alex Rivera
Founder & CEO
Former operations executive with 15 years building teams in manufacturing and industrial services. Started Skilled Edge to fix what he saw broken in traditional recruiting.
Sam Kowalski
VP of Recruiting
Career recruiter specializing in skilled trades and operations. Knows the difference between a good resume and a great hire.
Jordan Lee
Director of Candidate Experience
Formerly a job seeker placed by a recruiting firm, Jordan joined to make sure every candidate gets the experience she wished she had.
Taylor Brooks
Client Success Manager
Keeps employer relationships strong, ensures placements stick, and is the first call when something needs attention.
Let's Work Together
Whether you're hiring or looking, we'd love to learn more about what you're after.
Get in Touch