Where It All Started
A2B Connections emerged from a realization during a 48-hour entrepreneurial challenge at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Our team saw firsthand the need to highlight the opportunities within blue-collar careers and began to shape this ambition into a thriving business. At A2B, we prioritize building meaningful relationships while empowering candidates and companies alike. Join us in transforming perceptions and unlocking the potential found in blue-collar professions.
Our Goal
Our Team
Maiya Thele
Chief Executive Officer
Maiya is pursuing a business management degree, Maiya saw the need for a company like A2B from her personal expereinces as a welder. Maiya leads the company and plans to build a bright future.
Asher Fenton-Young
Chief Administration Officer
Asher is in school for business administration. Coming from a background in blue collar work, Asher works on the day to day operations and makes sure things are ran smoothly here at A2B Connections.
Seth Schultz
Chief Financial Officer
While pursuing a finance degree, Seth comes from a background in blue-collar work. He oversees the finances and strategy within our company.
EJ Miller
Chief Marketing Officer
EJ is on the path to a degree in finance. EJ comes from a background of marketing and business; he oversees marketing and technology within A2B.
About Us
We’re more than just a recruiting agency—we’re your partner in building successful blue-collar careers. As a hands-on matchmaking service, we connect skilled workers with the right jobs in industries like construction, manufacturing, logistics, and more. Our team is passionate about understanding both the needs of employers and the aspirations of job seekers, ensuring personalized placements that benefit everyone.
At A2B Connections, our goal is to bridge the gap between skilled blue-collar workers and the companies that need them most. We believe blue-collar careers are the backbone of our everyday lives—often unnoticed, yet absolutely essential. From the electricians who keep our homes lit, to the welders building our infrastructure, to the drivers delivering our goods, these professionals power our world. Yet, a critical shortage looms: over 2.5 million blue-collar jobs in construction, manufacturing, and transportation are projected to go unfilled by 2030 due to retirements and lack of new talent entering the trades. This gap threatens our communities and economy, and we’re here to change that.
Blue-collar careers are too rarely celebrated or presented to young people as viable, rewarding paths. Kids hear plenty about college degrees but not enough about the pride and opportunity in trades that offer stability, good pay, and hands-on impact—careers where you can build something tangible. A2B Connections is passionate about shifting this narrative. We’re not just a recruiting agency; we’re matchmakers dedicated to finding the best candidates for the best blue-collar companies. Our hands-on approach ensures every worker we place is the right fit, fostering pride, purpose, and prosperity.
Founded by a team of innovators, A2B Connections combines heart and hustle to strengthen communities. We advocate for workers, partnering with top employers to create opportunities that last. Whether it’s a carpenter crafting homes or a mechanic keeping fleets moving, we’re committed to connecting talent with purpose. Join us in celebrating the trades and building a future where blue-collar workers thrive.