Jessica Culo

Co-Owner & President

Entrepreneurialism is something that Jess has grown up with. Starting with her great-great grandfather, who as a German immigrant, came to Canada in the 1930's. He failed miserably at his first few trades related jobs, and found his passion in starting and growing retail operations, throughout the province of Alberta. His entrepreneurial spirit was passed down to Jessica's grandfather and then father who fashioned it into a series of manufacturing facilities and retail stores, including one that specialized in sportswear and outerwear- called Powder Ridge.

Jess' first job (she thinks was at the age of 8!) was 'sorting hangers' in one of her dad's stores, for the sales people. Those early lessons about hard work, long hours and helping others are still with her today as President and Owner of The Specialized Recruiting Group (Express Employment Professionals).

Graduating from the U of A with a psychology major and linguistics minor, Jessica felt her calling was to somehow be in business for herself, while still helping others. When her father, in 2004, identified Express Employment Professionals as a business venture that could provide Jessica with just this blend- the opportunity to build a company while helping other businesses and people - she jumped at it.

Jessica finds inspiration through her mentors, through her connections in the Express network as well as the business groups she belongs to, and the organizations she supports. Beyond that- it's the intangibles, such as spending time with her friends and family- sharing experiences- on the ski hill, outdoors or travelling, that are most important. Jessica enjoys staying active, with hobbies including running, tennis, and hiking. She has recently started to challenge her patience by picking up golf and yoga.

A Favourite Quote:

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." -Jon Kabat-Zinn

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Branko Culo

Co-Owner, VP Specialized Recruiting Group

Driven by his passion for sports, family loyalty and entrepreneurial spirit, Branko is a leader with an unorthodox approach. His quiet demeanour belies his take-charge attitude with a focus on results, propels Branko to take on new challenges.

Learning from his parents, Branko was taught valuable lessons about work ethic, loyalty and teamwork. Particularly from his father who escaped communist Yugoslavia by foot and came to Canada. 

Branko's first job was delivering flyers in the Edmonton Crestwood neighbourhood for five dollars. Prior to joining Express, he worked his way into a leadership role within the oil & gas industry- where he worked for nearly 15 years. Branko now leads Express' Senior Level Search Division, one that has grown exponentially in recent years.

Always a team player, Branko uses skills gained while playing high-level organized soccer and hockey to coach and mentor the other search and contract employees who make-up the accounting, finance and administration teams.

To relax, you will find Branko spending time with family, playing golf in the summer, men's hockey league in the winter and year-round his latest passion- cycling. 

Branko's inspiration to always improve comes from his father, who early on in life instilled this quality in him and would say: "A wise man learns from other's mistakes. A fool learns from his own". 

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Bre Renauld

Senior Manager

Bre's small-town roots in Dundas, Ontario keep her well-grounded. Her parents were and are key influencers in her life, instilling a strong work ethic, compassion for others, and an appreciation for the importance of family.

In 2012, Bre seized an opportunity to move to Alberta and made the jump to the Edmonton region.

Bre describes herself as driven, outgoing, and compassionate; qualities she strives to live in and outside the office. She has a heart for canine rescue and animal shelters and enjoys turning rescues into new family members.

In her pastime, Bre stays connected to family back in Ontario and spends time with her husband and their dogs. Next on her bucket list is touring the east coast of Canada.

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Aliya Parmar

Jr. Business Development Manager

Aliya’s story is rooted in resilience and integrity. Growing up in a small town, she was inspired by her single mother, who built and ran her own real estate company while raising two spirited daughters. Watching her mom go above and beyond for clients—helping families find homes beyond their dreams with honesty, transparency, hard work, and genuine care—instilled in Aliya the same values that guide her today.

With a background in social work, Aliya brings eight years of experience in geriatrics through a non-profit organization, as well as in the school system, where she taught mental health education. Her work has always centered on people, compassion, and connection. Aliya describes herself as genuine, observant, witty, determined, and caring—qualities that shine through in both her professional approach and the meaningful relationships she builds.

Favorite Quote:

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of fight in the dog" - Mark Twain

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Stephanie Mandrusiak

Senior Employment Specialist

Stephanie Mandrusiak is a Commercial Employment Specialist at Specialized Recruiting Group. Stephanie brings 17 years of experience in leadership within the luxury beauty industry where she recruited and led top-performing teams; ultimately highlighting her passion and natural ability to recognize top talent.

Stephanie's entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen were inspired at a young age by her grandparents who were successful business owners. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Business minor. She brings a results and relationship-driven attitude and enjoys building trusted relationships with candidates and clients, with the goal of changing lives and having a positive business impact. Joining the Specialized Recruiting Group team has been supportive and encouraging to Steph's values and ambitions.

When she's not at work, Stephanie contracts herself out as a certified makeup artist for weddings and enjoys time at home with her family.

Favourite Quote: 

"When we help ourselves we find moments of happiness. When we help others, we find lasting fulfillment."  -Simon Sinek

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Andrea Surrette

Light Industrial Employment Specialist 

Andrea Surette is a Light Industrial Employment Specialist at Express Employment Professionals. Originally from Wyoming, USA, she has been living in Canada for three years and holds a Diploma in Human Resources Management. With over four years of experience in the academic sector and a background in caregiving, Andrea has a genuine passion for helping others and supporting them in reaching their goals. She brings a positive, uplifting attitude to every role and enjoys making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. In her free time, Andrea loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and fishing.Favourite quote:

Favortie Quote:

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt

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Emma Sedgwick

Skilled Trades Employment Specialist

Emma’s Journey started when she moved from Ontario to Alberta solo to create new opportunities for herself. With her bubbly personality and can-do attitude, she is dedicated to building long lasting relationships and taking on any challenge headfirst.

In her current role at Specialized group as a Commercial Recruitment Specialist, she utilizes her skills from her background in Transportation and Hospitality.

When she’s not in office you’ll find her adventuring with friends or enjoying the newest season of a show with her pets.

Favorite quote:

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin”.

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Olga Andrushchak

Office Services Employment Specialist

Olga Andrushchak moved from Ukraine to Canada in September 2023. She has a background in IT recruitment and frequently interviews newcomers. She understands firsthand that being without a job can be scary and difficult. However, it brings her immense pleasure to help them secure new roles.

For Olga, recruiting is not just about helping others; it's about building connections, effective communication, and handling high-pressure situations and tight deadlines. She loves her job and everything about it. It allows her to expand her knowledge across various business areas, including sales, marketing, administration, HR, procurement, engineering, and project management.

In her free time, Olga enjoys hiking, cleaning, and rewatching her favorite comfort rom-com.

A favorite quote:

"Never back down, never what? Never give up."

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Petronella Ilias

Petronella was born and raised in Hungary and moved to Canada in 2022. Before her current role, she worked as a Recruitment Specialist in the finance sector. Now, she is an Accounting and Finance Employment Specialist with SRG, where she supports various positions in accounting and finance. She genuinely enjoys connecting with others and building relationships.

Her strengths lie in effective communication and an open-minded attitude. For her, building meaningful connections with clients and candidates is essential, as it ensures a successful match for both sides. In her spare time, Petronella enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, skiing, and exploring Canada as a newcomer.

Favorite Quote:

"Starting over in a new country is proof that hard work and determination know no borders”

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Eniola Sorinmade

Payroll Specialist

Eniola is a finance professional with over eight years of professional experience in financial services and accounting. Her ability to successfully transform business and finance operations to attain growth remains her major strength. Eniola is analytical and has a problem-solving mindset – skills that have helped her consistently thrive in fast-paced, multi-industry environments.

Apart from her career, Eniola has a passion for exploration – travelling, discovering new cuisines, or engaging in new hobbies and recreational activities.

Favorite Quote:

"Hope is not a Strategy to Success"

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Danielle Keleman

Payroll Specialist

Danielle Keleman, known as Dani, is a skilled Payroll Specialist with a wealth of experience rooted in her diverse background in transportation, construction, and management. Born and raised in Edmonton, Dani has honed her expertise in handling the intricate details of payroll, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in every aspect of the process. Her ability to manage complex systems and deliver precise results has made her an invaluable asset to our team.

With a proven track record of getting things right the first time, Dani brings a proactive and solutions-driven approach to her role. She is known for her attention to detail and her capability to handle the demands of payroll with ease. Dani’s experience across multiple industries provides her with a unique perspective, enabling her to tackle the complexities of payroll in fast-paced environments.

Outside of her professional role, Dani’s vibrant personality shines through. Whether she’s spending time with her husband and their beloved cat, hiking the scenic trails of Alberta, or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, she brings the same energy and attention to detail to everything she does. An avid crafter, Dani enjoys painting, crochet, and cross-stitch, and has a unique collection of Funko Pop toys, taxidermy, and vintage teacups.

Favorite quote:

“Intelligence without ambition is a bird with no wings” - Salvador Dali

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Elena Schneider

Recruitment Specialist/ Payroll Administrator

Elena is currently in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Commerce program at the University of Alberta, specializing in Strategic Management and Organization (SMO). Passionate about leadership, management, and entrepreneurship, she is always looking for new opportunities to grow and develop her skills. As an active executive member of the ASB student group, she balances her academic pursuits with student leadership responsibilities.

Outside of school, Elena loves to explore new local restaurants and is an avid traveler. She has a special connection to Croatia, where her mother is from. Whether it's work, school, or volunteering, she keeps herself constantly on the go, always eager to learn and experience new things.

Favortie Quote:

"Always under promise and over deliver"

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