With consultants located across the United States, Talent Growth works with executives and companies around the globe.

We are not a staffing agency - but, rather, a team of business consultants who take the time to thoroughly understand your business, market position, and vision for growth.  From there, we can assist you in determining how human capital can help drive and achieve business goals. Placing the right people in the right places is just smart business.

Whether you're analyzing the talent inventory you'll acquire during an acquisition; thinking about how to leave your legacy in good hands upon retirement; or need a workforce plan that aligns with your company's growth trajectory, we have the business savvy and the human capital expertise to give you confidence in your next move. 

Our team of consultants have been in the business for more than 40 cumulative years, with a 100% client return rate. With access to exceptional research and sourcing tools, we're able to provide you with exceptional advice that will last. 


Maria Nicholas-Groves, IEMBA
President & CEO

Unearth talent. Tackle big challenges. Question convention. Forge what lasts.

As President & CEO of Talent Growth Partners, Maria helps leaders unearth the talent and strategies they need to build systems that endure. Whether addressing leadership gaps, designing scalable solutions, or aligning teams with business goals, Maria brings sharp instincts, pragmatic action, and a proven ability to deliver measurable results.

Her work with organizations—from private equity-backed companies to manufacturing leaders—focuses on solving challenges at the root cause, not just the symptom. With over 20 years of experience across 60+ countries, Maria understands that great leadership isn’t about ideas—it’s about action.

When leaders need someone who will cut through the noise, align people and strategy, and drive impact, they turn to Maria and her team at Talent Growth Partners.

Tony Stemen, MBA
Managing Partner

Tony is the co-founder of Talent Growth Partners where he owns the front-end of the talent life-cycle and leads the recruitment technology that drives the success of the firm. He believes that when you combine solid market intelligence, cutting edge technology and creative technique, you can help locate the best talent and connect candidates with great opportunities. 

With over 10 years of experience in talent acquisition sourcing, research and recruitment technology, Tony has served multiple leading industries, specializing in manufacturing, professional services and technical roles. He is an expert at finding passive candidates for hard to fill positions. 

Tony is a 2015 graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, with an MBA in Organizational Management. 

Tanya Bogaczyk, MS
Managing Director

Tanya is a former Big 4 Management Consultant with over 15 years of experience, specializing in Change Management, Talent Acquisition, Process Improvement, HR System Implementation, and Succession Planning. She works with executive leadership to evaluate, develop, optimize and execute Human Capital Solutions.

Tanya has successfully guided cross-functional teams across multiple industries, including manufacturing, financial services, professional services and high tech. She develops relationships and trust while immersing herself in her client’s culture and value system. Her business acumen allows her to provide timely results and superior customer service.

Tanya offers a unique perspective with a Master of Science Degree in Psychology and hands-on business experience. She has worked with a diverse range of companies, delivering value to start-ups and the most reputable Fortune 500 organizations.

 

Deborah Polite
Senior Recruitment Consultant

With more than nine years of executive recruiting and 25+ years in business development, sales, and marketing across various industries, Deborah Polite brings a vast network and deep understanding of regional market dynamics. She excels in identifying and placing top talent in roles across manufacturing, finance, life sciences, and more, ensuring a perfect fit for both skill and culture.

Deborah is known for developing long-lasting connections with the talent she works with, maintaining strong relationships and providing exceptional candidate care.

Originally from New York, she spent 15 years in California before moving to the Midwest, giving her a broad geographical perspective and network.

Trudi Heinz
Senior Recruitment Consultant

Trudi Heinz is a seasoned talent acquisition leader with over 20 years of experience connecting top-tier talent with organizations across industries, including technology, manufacturing, SaaS, healthcare, consumer goods, and consulting. Known for her innovative approach to sourcing, Trudi excels in identifying and placing talent in hard-to-fill roles while driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

She brings deep expertise in team leadership, talent strategy, and process optimization, having managed recruiting teams of up to 10 professionals and implemented impactful process improvements. Trudi’s collaborative, empathetic style and passion for mentoring make her a trusted partner for clients and candidates alike.

When not connecting people with opportunities, Trudi enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, supporting nonprofit initiatives, and exploring her creative side as an artist.

Becky Schaefer Wudy
Human Capital Consultant

Prior to joining Talent Growth, Becky spent more than 14 years with a major global consulting firm. She brings with her specialties in management consulting, business process improvement and change management with a proven track record of building, developing and leading high-performing teams across multiple lines.

Becky has a strong understanding of technology implementations and support models within an organization and serves as both a strategic consultant for Talent Growth clients as well as a sourcing specialist for our recruitment practice - using her sleuthing and data mining skills to find talent in hard-to-reach places.

 
You truly understood our business and tailored the solutions; it wasn’t a template process.
— CEO, Milwaukee-based technology firm
 

The Work You Can Expect From Talent Growth

We are a partner that provides a fully customized approach. Our commitment is to deliver what will serve you and your business best and bring measurable value to your business. 

Along with our customized solutions and approach, here’s what you can always count on:

  • We earn and build your trust, and then we keep it. The numbers speak for itself - we maintain a 100% return client ratio.  
  • We exhibit ferocious curiosity. We learn your business and industry thoroughly before we begin our partnership. This time investment is simply smart business for us and for you.
  • We communicate with objectivity, even if its uncomfortable at times. Our job is to help drive value and make your business more successful; offering candid insights and reliable data along the way.
  • The days of consultants requiring you to fit their box are over; we operate with robust agility.  We are flexible and adaptable and work with your business, no matter where you are in your journey. Together, we determine how we work to optimize value to your business. 
  • Last, we operate with excellence. Our focus is to be the best at this work - ensuring we are your first call. Since launch, 100% of our new business has come from referrals.  We intend to continue to earn client’s endorsements by producing high value and demonstrating excellence in all we do. 
     
 
We felt very good putting our needs into your hands - and you delivered.
— CEO & CFO, Wisconsin-based design/build firm