Talascend

Empowering Veterans, Enriching Lives

Immense pride in the service they provide is a rewarding experience at Talascend

“Being part of a veteran-owned company holds special significance for me,” says Cynthia Phipps, a sales director at Talascend, whose son is an active-duty Marine. “With a family history deeply rooted in military service, I take immense pride in contributing to an organization that values and supports veterans.”

Troy, Michigan-based Talascend offers job search support to both veterans and civilians seeking fulfilling career opportunities and supports employers in search of a cutting-edge workforce solutions partner.

Although the engineering, technical and skilled labor staffing provider places both civilian and former military job seekers, Talascend has remained steadfast in its commitment to assisting veterans transition into the civilian workforce, leveraging their solid work ethics to drive optimal productivity for the firm’s clients.

Talascend traces its roots to 1946 with the establishment of Modern Engineering in Detroit. Originally an outsourced engineering and design company, Modern Engineering quickly recognized the pivotal role of its people in driving business success. This emphasis on creating career opportunities laid the groundwork for Talascend’s evolution into a premier staffing provider.

Through mergers and acquisitions, Talascend underwent significant transformations, culminating in its rebranding in 2009 following the integration of three industry specialists. This strategic consolidation propelled Talascend to the forefront of the technical staffing landscape, catering to an array of industries, including automotive, manufacturing, energy, material handling, oil and gas, construction, and utility.

Navigating Change

Talascend’s transformation continued amid the pandemic with its swift transition to remote work to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees. While the shift to remote work presented its own set of challenges, Kaltz reflects, the company prioritized employee feedback and continuously integrated necessary changes to enhance engagement. Now the organization offers a full remote work-life balance.

This resulted in the development of remote onboarding, which Phipps describes as “incredibly smooth.” The underlying transparency and clear communication “foster a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and empowered,” she says.

With a seasoned team of 60 recruiting professionals, a contract community of nearly 500 and a candidate pool exceeding 1.2 million professionals, Talascend continues to deliver exceptional workforce solutions nationwide.

Supporting Transitions

Vice President Jeremiah Kaltz underscores the firm’s unwavering commitment to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian roles. “We are dedicated to facilitating the transition of veterans into civilian roles,” he emphasizes. “By partnering with organizations like the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency and the Transition Assistance Program, among others, we actively recruit talent from military bases nationwide, ensuring that veterans have access to rewarding career opportunities.”

Talascend’s ability to facilitate transitions goes beyond the veterans they place — the company is quick to recognize transferrable skills for its internal hiring as well. Take Senior Delivery Manager Billie Jo McTighe, who was a hairdresser prior to recruiting. “Transitioning from cosmetology to recruiting might seem like a leap, but they both require similar skills, like customer service and listening,” she says. “Building relationships with clients and candidates is crucial in recruiting. I could not be happier with my decision to join this team.”

Enduring Pride

And part of that happiness is derived from McTighe’s pride in contributing to a culture of excellence. For example, last year she provided key information for a large nuclear RFP response, which the company ended up winning. “It was a huge win for us, and it made my heart feel good knowing that I was able to help in a small way to secure such a significant business opportunity.”

Phipps, meanwhile, says there’s a particular satisfaction when placing a veteran. “We recently hired a naval veteran, and I’m really excited about that because that’s the thread that’s woven through our business,” she says. “The recruiting business in general brings me a great sense of pride, but to put veteran talent to work is kind of a big deal for me personally.”

As the company looks to the future, its commitment to excellence and service will undoubtedly continue to guide its path forward.