Getting Technical
America is facing a major labor shortage across every industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job openings continue to outnumber job seekers, with millions of positions left unfilled. As of 2024, the national labor force participation rate remains below pre-pandemic levels, further tightening the talent pool.
The retirement of the Baby Boomer Generation is one of the primary drivers of this shortage. In 2019, Boomers made up a quarter of the entire workforce, and today, they are retiring at a rate of nearly **10,000 per day**. By 2030, all Boomers will have reached retirement age, creating a leadership vacuum that many organizations are struggling to fill.
Compounding this issue, younger generations entering the workforce are not replacing experienced professionals at the same rate, particularly in technical, industrial, and leadership roles. The result is an unprecedented demand for specialized talent and executive leadership across manufacturing, engineering, logistics, construction, and financial services.
To stay competitive, organizations must proactively seek out top-tier leadership. Executive recruiting has become essential for companies that want to attract and retain the right talent to drive growth, innovation, and long-term success. With the right hiring strategy, businesses can overcome workforce challenges and build the leadership teams they need to thrive in today’s evolving economy.
Learn About Lakeside
We offer a unique selling proposition, direct-recruiting the traditional way. Through research and client development, we identify technical needs and company DNA.
Management Team
Ryan Owad - President/Executive Recruiter
In his free time, he enjoys playing pickleball and spending time with his wife Amelia and their two kids Allison and Nathan.
Ryan Dean - Managing Partner/Senior Executive Recruiter
Ryan, a native of Shaker Heights, OH, brings over 20 years of executive recruiting experience to the team. He has built strong relationships with clients across various niche industries and specializes in engineering and leadership placements. Ryan holds a bachelor's degree in English from Ohio University. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, coaching lacrosse, and playing hockey. At home, he spends time with his wife and their two children.
John Kenny Managing Partner/Recruiting Manager
John grew up in Avon Lake, OH where he was 1 of 12 children. Upon graduation, John enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard where he served active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom. Shortly thereafter, John earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Kent State University. John started his career in executive recruiting after many years of sales and account management experience. John has proven himself to be an asset of Lakeside Technical in many ways, including managing one of our Fortune 500 accounts. John is a lifelong fitness enthusiast and very much enjoys spending time outdoors, and planning family events.
Jason Botsford - Senior Partner/Executive Recruiter
Jason grew up in the small town of Wellington, OH, and attended the University of Akron before launching his career in recruiting. With over 20 years of experience, he played a key role at a Cleveland-based talent acquisition firm, where he built strong client relationships and established his reputation in the industry.
Specializing in manufacturing and IT recruitment, Jason brings a deep understanding of these markets and a proven ability to connect top talent with leading companies.
Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his husband, Jeff, and their Chihuahua, Ava. He also has a passion for acting and works part-time in film and theater productions.
John Underation - Senior Partner/Executive Recruiter
John is an accomplished professional with a successful background in wealth management for high-net-worth clients. A native of Barberton, OH, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Akron.
As an Executive Recruiter, John leverages his business acumen and clientfocused approach to connect top talent with salaried roles in manufacturing, as well as professional and financial services.
Outside of work, he is passionate about community initiatives, baseball, and fishing. John lives in Bay Village with his wife, Kelly, and their two sons, Josh and Ben.
Joe Bochin Executive Recruiter
Joe brings over a decade of technical recruiting and account management experience to the Lakeside Team. Prior to his background in executive recruiting, Joe managed the equity division for a large real estate title agency.
Further, Joe also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communications from The Ohio University.
In addition to his duty to his clients, Joe serves his community as a Firefighter for the city of Cleveland. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, camping, and spending time with his wife Christina.