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

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Melissa VanWart

Senior Client Development Manager

Melissa's career journey started after graduating from the University of New Brunswick with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. At that time, she decided to explore career opportunities out west.

Landing in Edmonton and securing a position with Express Employment Professionals as a Client Development Manager, Melissa has been with Express since 2014. While collaborating with her sales team and her recruitment team, she has a goal of crafting relationships within the community, telling the Express story, adding value for her clients, and finding ways to grow existing business.

A quote that she strives to live by: "You will always grow through - what you go through". Two key influencers that have always supported Melissa's growth (both personally and professionally) are her parents. They both instilled a very strong work ethic in her, and she is grateful for that. She also is a fan of author/educator Barbara Bruno- and often references her book, "High-Tech High Touch Recruiting".

Melissa is focused on staying positive and healthy. Outside of the office, she spends a lot of time with her cycle bar community—pre- and after regular cycle sessions!

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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.

A 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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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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Alexa Panusa

Office Services Employment Specialist

Alexa is a Business student with a strong foundation in marketing and client-facing roles. She began her career in the restaurant industry at 15, where she quickly discovered her natural talent for connecting with people, understanding their needs, and communicating effectively in high-pressure environments.At the heart of Alexa’s approach is meaningful connection. 

She takes the time to understand the person behind the resume, building relationships that go beyond the surface. Whether she’s helping candidates navigate their next opportunity or supporting companies in finding the right fit, Alexa brings empathy, curiosity, and a genuine desire to make great matches.She supports hiring across administration, HR, marketing, sales, project coordination, site administration, and more. Alexa thrives in the fast pace of recruitment and enjoys the variety of working across different industries and teams.

Outside of work, Alexa loves staying active and exploring new experiences—whether it’s walking, exercising, traveling, visiting farmers markets, thrifting, or checking out local events. A big fan of country music, she never misses a good festival.

Favorite quote:

"There’s so much emphasis on the end goal – the next step, the next title, the finish line. But the journey is where the value of life really is. The process IS the point."

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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.

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Alyssa Hayes

Employment Specialist

Alyssa has built a career in hospitality and has transitioned into the role of Employment Specialist. She finds joy in helping individuals navigate their job search and connect with meaningful opportunities.

For Alyssa, being an Employment Specialist goes beyond filling positions; it’s about fostering connections, effective communication, and managing the pressures of deadlines. She is passionate about her work and enjoys learning about different industries.

In her free time, Alyssa loves spending quality moments with her dog and family, exploring the outdoors, and picking up new hobbies.

Favorite Quote:

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

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