Office address: 10012 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1R2
Website: www.agilus.ca
Year established: 1976
Company type: staffing and recruiting
Employees: 200+
Expertise: recruitment, sourcing, temporary, permanent, contractual recruitment, skilled trades, contingent workforce, candidate engagement, human resources, talent acquisition, engineering, technology, professional and office, light industrial
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Craig Brown (CEO), Stephane Frechette (CFO), Diana De Melo (COO), Brad Holtkamp (president), Joe McIninch (president), Marco Verna (president), Blake Barge (VP)
Financing status: N/A
Agilus Work Solutions, headquartered in Edmonton, is a privately-owned recruitment firm with over 200 employees across 14 locations in Canada. Specializing in engineering, professional, office, technology, and light industrial sectors, it places more than 10,000 job seekers annually at top Canadian companies. The company prioritizes better outcomes for clients, candidates, and employees, fostering a connected and forward-thinking work community.
Agilus Work Solutions was founded in 1976 by Mike Duff and has expanded significantly through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Over time, the company integrated brands like Design Group Staffing, Inteqna, and Talentcor to diversify its service offerings. In 2020, it partnered with TimeSaved, a workforce engagement platform, to help Canadians re-enter the workforce efficiently.
In 2022, it acquired The Delivery Group and ProVision IT Resources, strengthening its IT recruitment services across Canada. Additionally, the acquisition of Bowen Group enhanced its contingent workforce management and furthered its commitment to diversity. In 2023, Agilus earned the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club designation, recognizing its sustained performance and growth over more than 46 years.
The company provides diverse workforce solutions across Canada. Their key offerings include:
temporary and contract: offers short-term staffing solutions to meet clients’ fluctuating business needs
temp to perm: provides an opportunity for temporary staff to transition into permanent roles
permanent staffing: sources full-time, permanent talent for long-term roles across various industries
payrolling: manages payroll services for contract workers, ensuring compliance and efficiency
integrated staffing partnerships: works closely with companies to manage all staffing needs under one partnership model
Master Vendor services: provides complete staffing management across multiple suppliers to streamline processes
career resources: offers resume tips, interview guidance, and advice for newcomers to Canada
Agilus Work Solutions focuses on meaningful relationships, ensuring mutual benefits for employers and employees. Their Un-Salary Guide goes beyond salaries, offering insights into future-focused, rewarding employment experiences.
The company’s culture emphasizes a strong sense of belonging, balancing hard work with fun and team-building events throughout the year. Employees enjoy engaging in activities like potlucks, summer BBQs, and trivia sessions, creating a vibrant community. It celebrates personal milestones and upholds inclusivity through regular events and friendly competitions, providing its team with benefits such as:
hybrid work model: supporting work-life balance
flexible benefits: including health and personal spending accounts
professional development: helping staff grow their portfolios
vacations: paid vacation, wellness days, and a community day annually
Employee Share Owner Plan: allowing staff to own company shares
rewards and recognition: celebrating milestones, bonuses, and performance contests
The firm views diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) as essential to its success, valuing the contributions of a diversified workforce. The company advocates for gender-neutral job descriptions, blind recruitment practices, and reducing unconscious biases throughout the hiring process. It collaborates with clients to prioritize hiring marginalized candidates, continually striving for more inclusive outcomes, with initiatives like:
supporting Stream Source recruitment focus on indigenous talent
annual diversity measurement compared to the Canadian population
regular surveys to gather feedback and improve DEI&B strategies
virtual events celebrating diverse communities and inviting guest speakers
DEI&B resources shared via the company intranet for ongoing education
Agilus Work Solutions is committed to creating a positive impact in the communities they serve, with employees leading fundraisers to support various causes. Their charitable initiatives focus on employee involvement and making meaningful contributions to local communities. Through ongoing efforts, it fosters lasting social impact by addressing essential community needs:
supporting the Canadian Mental Health Association’s national Bounceback® program
collecting food donations for local food banks and organizing toy drives for underprivileged children
contributing to mental health associations and other community-driven initiatives
Their core values are central to their mission, driving the company toward excellence and meaningful impact. They emphasize collaboration, care, and making a positive difference for clients, employees, and communities. The company believes that by working together, they create stronger outcomes and lasting benefits for all.
Craig Brown is the CEO of the company, bringing over 25 years of experience in team building and delivering results. Prior to Agilus, he held leadership roles at Talentcor, Randstad Canada, and SFN, along with earlier management experience at PetSmart. Brown holds an MBA in marketing and strategy from the University of Calgary and a BSc in aquatic science from the University of British Columbia.
The firm is guided by a skilled leadership team essential to the company’s success and growth:
Stephane Frechette, serving as CFO, oversees the company’s financial operations and strategy to ensure fiscal health and business sustainability
Diana De Melo, as COO, manages daily operations and implements strategies to improve organizational efficiency and performance
Brad Holtkamp, as president, engineering and technical, leads the company’s recruitment services in engineering and technical sectors across Canada
Joe McIninch, serving as president, talent solutions, directs the talent acquisition strategy and ensures successful client and candidate matches
Marco Verna, as president, technology and professional, focuses on recruitment in technology and professional services sectors
Blake Barge, as VP, information technology, manages the company’s IT infrastructure and supports the technological needs of the organization
The company is prepared to lead the industry, focusing on building strong relationships that benefit both employers and employees. Their Un-Salary Guide goes beyond just pay, offering insights into creating a balanced and fulfilling work experience. By prioritizing connection and growth, Agilus Work Solutions is shaping a future where work provides real value for everyone involved.
In July 2024, they acquired MaxSys Staffing & Consulting, expanding its national presence and entering new sectors like health sciences, defense, and federal government. The acquisition strengthens Agilus’ service offerings, combining MaxSys’ expertise with Agilus’ longstanding recruitment capabilities. This partnership allows both companies to better meet client expectations and grow within Canada's diverse industries.
