Talent Acquisition Lead at The Kinetic Group

As a seasoned Talent Acquisition Lead with over 3 years of experience in the ammunition and firearms industry, I specialize in sourcing and securing top-tier talent for roles ranging from International Sales Managers to Network Engineers. My expertise lies in crafting targeted recruitment strategies that align with the unique demands of this highly regulated sector, ensuring compliance with industry standards and fostering teams that drive innovation and growth.

I excel at building robust talent pipelines using advanced sourcing techniques, such as Boolean searches on platforms like LinkedIn and leveraging industry networks like the NSSF. My approach combines data-driven insights with a deep understanding of the ammunition and firearms market to attract candidates with specialized skills in ballistics, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.

I have a strong sense of duty to support my fellow Veterans and military spouses during and after their military careers. Don't hesitate to connect with me for assistance with your military transition! I am happy to assist you and/or connect you you valuable resources - no strings attached!

Let’s connect to discuss how I can help your organization attract the talent that drives success or explore opportunities to collaborate on building dynamic, future-ready teams.

Develop and execute strategic recruitment plans to attract top talent for specialized roles, including ballistics engineers, manufacturing specialists, and regulatory compliance experts, in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Leverage industry-specific networks, such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation and trade events, to source high-caliber candidates with expertise in firearms design, production, and sales.

Utilize advanced sourcing tools, including LinkedIn Recruiter and ATS platforms, to build robust talent pipelines while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and background check requirements.

Collaborate with hiring managers to define role requirements, aligning recruitment strategies with organizational goals and the unique demands of the firearms and ammunition market.

Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to foster a workplace that reflects the diverse markets served, enhancing team performance and cultural fit.

Design and implement employer branding strategies to position the organization as a top employer in the ammunition and firearms sector, increasing candidate attraction and retention.

Analyze recruitment metrics to optimize hiring processes, reduce time-to-fill, and improve candidate experience for roles across manufacturing, R&D, and sales.

Ensure adherence to federal, state, and industry-specific regulations, including ATF compliance, during candidate screening and onboarding processes.

Partner with leadership to forecast talent needs, supporting workforce planning for product launches, facility expansions, and market growth in the firearms industry.

Facilitate seamless candidate experiences, from initial outreach to offer negotiation, maintaining clear communication and a positive employer brand reputation.

Talent Acquisition Lead

- (Formerly Vista Outdoor) -

As a Talent Acquisition Business Partner (TABP) for The Kinetic Group (formerly Vista Outdoor), I work to find and hire top talent. I am the liaison between our HR partners and business leaders to ensure that our talent acquisition strategies align with our business and HR goals. My responsibilities include: 

Strategy: Developing long-term recruitment strategies, including employer branding, DE&I initiatives and, managing recruitment KPIs. 

Networking: Attending events, conferences, and communities to meet specialists and potential candidates
Process improvement: Streamlining the hiring process to ensure hiring managers have enough suitable candidates.

Candidate experience: Designing and implementing a candidate experience that's positive and productive.

Collaboration: Working with hiring managers, HR partners, and other stakeholders.

Hiring practices: Ensuring diverse, inclusive, and equitable hiring practices.

Reporting: Tracking and reporting on talent acquisition metrics, such as time-to-hire and time-to-fill.

Talent Acquisition Partner

Remington Ammunition

I supported the Remington Marketing Director and worked with the Creative Team by initiating and managing individual projects that support marketing launch strategies. This included status updates, product packaging updates, assisted with in- and outbound marketing activities 
and coordinated with external vendors to execute promotional events and campaigns.

I also collaborated with marketing and other professionals to coordinate brand awareness and marketing efforts, assisted in facilitating needs for company brand ambassadors and work with the Marketing Project Manager to analyze and report campaign results.

Marketing Specialist

I manage day-to-day planning, delivery, and evaluation of USO tools and resources designed to meet the needs of transitioning troops and their families, ensuring a cost-effective, safe, welcoming, well-maintained, and customer-friendly environment.

In coordination with internal Marketing & Communications resources, I design and distribute marketing materials across multiple channels in order to raise awareness of local USO programs and services.

I conduct needs assessments and compile performance metrics related to the delivery and quality of USO transition services. Recommend introduction, revision, expansion, and/or termination of programs, services and events based on results. Direct and implement suggested and/or required changes.

I maintain coordinated network of public and private service providers, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations (i.e. MOU/resource sharing agreements) as well as USO’s operating standards, policies and procedures.  I assist with development of new and existing working relationships with U.S. military and local community leadership in order to maximize service awareness and delivery.


Program Manager

Responsible for the delivery of USO transition services to troops and their families.

Design and keep detailed records of Individualized Transition Plans.  Make assessments, provide consultation and follow through to assist in meeting individual and/or family goals. Represent the organization at scheduled events and outreach programs as assigned. 

Design and distribute marketing materials across multiple channels in order to raise awareness of local USO programs and services. Conduct needs assessments and compile performance metrics related to the delivery and quality of USO transition services. Recommend introduction, revision, expansion, and/or termination of programs, services and events based on results. Direct and implement suggested and/or required changes. 

Maintain coordinated network of public and private service providers, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations (i.e. MOU/resource sharing agreements) as well as USO’s operating standards, policies and procedures. Assist with development of new and existing working relationships with U.S. military and local community leadership in order to maximize service awareness and delivery. 

Serve as facilitator between transitioning troops and their families and federal, state and local agencies’ program elements and services, providing a tailored, personal and effective experience.  Support new and existing working relationships with U.S. military and local community leadership in order to maximize service awareness and delivery. 

Received a 94% at most recent audit (March 2019). Site is one of only two (of twenty) across the enterprise to achieve ‘exceptional’ audit rating; intake and Action Plan creation volumes for this site higher than site conception in June 2017


Military Transition Specialist 

Interviewed customers to gather information on training needs, educational background, work experience, skills interest and eligibility. Assisted customers with identifying employment goals and career development needs, and developing achievable and realistic services and employment plans. Assisted customers with job placement. Provided follow-up after job placement to ensure job retention and the elimination of barriers that may impede job retention. Authorized and coordinate training services and track obligations of funds. Assisted customers in working with other community and social service organizations by serving as an advocate. Understand and follow state policies/procedures regarding Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Talent Development Specialist | Case Management 

Assisted applicants and answer questions regarding the program. Determined program eligibility for new applicants. Assisted ResCare Talent Development Specialists with enrollment appointments and documentation. Maintained contact with current participants to ensure positive experience throughout enrollment. Provided testing for program participants. Assisted Workforce Center customers with registration. Understand and follow state policies/procedures regarding Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.


Customer Service Representative

Coordinated with recruiters to determine staffing needs. Sourced potential candidates through online channels (e.g. social platforms and professional networks). Planned interviews and selection procedures, including screening calls, assessments and in-person interviews. Assessed candidate information, including resumes and contact details, using Staff Suite. Designed job descriptions and interview questions that reflect each position’s requirements. 
•	Lead employer branding initiatives
•	Foster long-term relationships with past applicants and potential candidates

Talent Acquisition Specialist

•	Provide photographic services in a wide variety of areas, including portraiture, and stock photography.  
•	Work with Canon DSLR camera, adjust, modify and rework photos


Freelance Photographer

Multichannel transmission systems operator-maintainer. Worked directly on equipment that communicates through more than one channel. Responsible for the maintenance check of these devices, antennas and associated equipment.

- Maintenance on assigned equipment, vehicles, security devices and power generators
- Analyze BIT/BITE diagnostics to isolate faults in the Line Replaceable Units
- Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel retention, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems
- Lead a team of 5 soldiers

Communications Specialist

Co-Founder / CEO

Owner, Malakye.com

I take great pride in partnering with hiring managers and other team members from all of our brands to enhance their talent pool. I am a very hands on sourcer who wants the very best experience for each candidate that I contact. I'm a helper by nature. I enjoy seeing others succeed and be the best version of themselves! <br/><br/>I have a strong sense of duty to support my fellow veterans and military spouses during and after their military careers. Don't hesitate to connect with me for assistance with your military transition! I am happy to assist you and/or connect you you valuable resources - no strings attached!

Industrial Designer - YETI

Rebecca Allison

Production  +  Direction  +  Marketing

Cody Ard


Visual Storyteller ꟾ Casting ꟾ Photography ꟾ Brand Management ꟾ Art Director ꟾ Stylist ꟾ Creative Designer


Ashley Bass

Texas State Alumni with Bachelors in Fashion Merchandising | Recent graduate seeking job opportunities

Keon Buckley

Technical, Functional Outdoor Apparel 🦆⛺️ | Motherhood ✨

Mallory Curlee-Green

Baillie Fitzgerald

Nature lovin', Red Bull chuggin' graphic designer and illustrator focused on the lifestyle, sports and hospitality industries. I enjoy collaborating with brands of all sizes to craft bold and impactful designs.

Andrew Flores

Project Managing | Operations | Customer Service | Hospitality | Chaos Organizer!

Christie Godwin

Creative Director

Han Kim

In-store visual merchandising and branding leader

Matthew Louk

Senior Marketing Manager

Zack McNeil

Regional Business Development Manager

Brad Melear

Join the Malakye Movement

Chad Mihalick

Creative Director at Seaweed & Gravel LLC

David Patri

Co-Founder/Partner at Fasthouse >>> timschmidt.design

Tim Schmidt

Dave Seligman

Product Designer @ BIOWORLD MERCHANDISING | Headwear Design

Taylor Smith

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John Spinelli

Jacob Vaughan


Dynamic and results-driven digital media professional with extensive experience in creating, curating, and managing engaging multimedia content across various platforms.

Carter York

Tarina Pleasants is a Talent Acquisition Lead at The Kinetic Group in Fort Worth, Texas.

Tarina Pleasants

Tarina Pleasants

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