Our Team

We are proud of our talented and dedicated team of professionals who work tirelessly to deliver outstanding results for our clients. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and experience to the table, and we’re committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that enables our team members to thrive.

Jacob Leo Skilling

Founder | Director

Jacob Leo Skilling

Founder | Director

Driven by personal struggles, establishes a recruitment business with his best friend, Zac Guildford. He aims to break the stigma surrounding employers giving opportunities to individuals with a past.

Understanding their challenges firsthand, Jacob believes in granting second chances, knowing that individuals can rise above their past and become invaluable assets. Together, they envision a world where job opportunities create hope, success, and valuable workers.

They also advocate for mental health, collaborating with The Broken Movement Trust to create a compassionate work environment that fosters growth and breaks stigmas. Their quest: opening hearts and minds to unleash humanity’s transformative power.

Zachary Guildford

Founder | Senior Recruiter

Zachary Guildford

Founder | Operations Manager

An experienced recruiter with a genuine passion for making a difference. With two years in the industry, Zac has built exceptional relationships with clients and candidates. His own well-documented mental health journey gives him a unique insight, compassion, and understanding when finding the correct employment opportunities for employees.

Having overcome his own battles, Zac connects with candidates on a deeper level, recognising their potential and prioritising their overall well-being. He goes beyond skill matching, ensuring that candidates are placed in nurturing and supportive environments. Zac’s dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others sets him apart as a recruiter who truly cares. Experience his unique insight and unwavering commitment to finding fulfilling career paths—one placement at a time.

Scott Brightwell

Founder | Project Manager

Scott Brightwell

Founder | Project Manager

Scott came together with Zac and Jake to form Skillford & Co after seeing the positive impact both were bringing to the community through their mental health and wellbeing initiatives and their idea to grow this even further through their approach to the recruitment industry.

Scott’s background is in banking and finance where he operates his own business as a mortgage adviser, this passion of helping others has led him to become involved with Skillford & Co as another avenue to give back to the community.

Scott grew up in Porirua and has seen firsthand the challenges many have to face toward being provided with equal employment opportunities. He is passionate about ensuring that employment opportunities are available to everyone and believes this is the key to living a healthy and fulfilling life.