Getting Technical
America is facing a significant labor shortage across nearly every industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job openings continue to outpace available workers, leaving millions of positions unfilled. Even as the economy has stabilized, labor force participation remains below pre-pandemic levels, further tightening an already competitive talent market.
One of the primary drivers of this shortage is the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation. As recently as 2019, Boomers made up roughly a quarter of the U.S. workforce. Today, they are retiring at a rate of nearly 10,000 per day. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will have reached retirement age—creating a growing gap in both skilled labor and experienced leadership that many organizations are struggling to replace.
Compounding the issue, younger generations are not entering the workforce at a pace that replaces retiring professionals—especially in technical, industrial, and leadership roles. The result is a widening gap and an unprecedented demand for specialized talent across manufacturing, engineering, logistics, construction, and financial services.
To stay competitive, organizations must take a more proactive approach to hiring. Executive recruiting has become a critical function for companies looking to secure high-impact talent and build strong leadership teams. With the right strategy and partner, businesses can overcome workforce challenges and position themselves for sustained growth and long-term success.
Why I Started Lakeside
Lakeside Technical Recruiting was founded on a simple belief: recruiting should be built on trust, transparency, and long-term relationships.
After years of recruiting within the industrial market, I saw an opportunity to create a firm that approached the business differently. I wanted clients and candidates to feel equally represented throughout the hiring process—with honest communication, realistic expectations, and no surprises. We believe the best placements happen when everyone involved is treated with respect and integrity.
The name Lakeside comes from my upbringing along the shores of Lake Erie in Bay Village, Ohio. Summers spent on the water instilled an appreciation for hard work, community, and the Midwest values that continue to shape how we do business today. Technical reflects where our roots were established—supporting engineering, manufacturing, skilled trades, and industrial organizations across Northeast Ohio and beyond. Manufacturing has always been a cornerstone of this region, and we're proud to play a small role in helping that industry grow.
From the beginning, I also wanted to build something different internally. Rather than simply hiring recruiters, we've focused on creating partners who take ownership of their work, their relationships, and our reputation. We believe people perform at their highest level when they're trusted, held accountable, and given the opportunity to share in the success they help create.
Growth hasn't always been fast, and it certainly hasn't been perfect. Like any business, we've made mistakes, learned difficult lessons, and continued to evolve. Those experiences have made us better recruiters, better business partners, and better listeners.
Today, Lakeside Technical Recruiting remains committed to continuous improvement. Every search, every conversation, and every placement is another opportunity to learn, earn trust, and strengthen the relationships that have allowed our company to grow.
Management Team
Ryan Owad - President/Executive Recruiter
Ryan is the Founder of Lakeside Technical Recruiting, bringing over a decade of experience in the national job market with a focus on manufacturing, and construction markets. Since launching the company in 2018, he has built a reputation for delivering talent across niche sectors including metals, plastics, and OEM's.
Raised in Bay Village, Ohio, Ryan developed a strong appreciation for community, and doing business with integrity. That small-town mindset continues to shape how he runs Lakeside—combining an entrepreneurial drive with a commitment to transparency, high-level service, and long-term relationships.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing pickleball and spending time with his wife and their three children.
Ryan Dean - Managing Partner/Senior Executive Recruiter
Ryan, a native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, brings over 20 years of executive recruiting experience with a focus on engineering, leadership, and sales roles. He has built long-standing relationships with clients across a variety of niche industries in the metal fabrication, and OEM market.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Ohio University.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys fishing, coaching lacrosse, and playing hockey. He spends his free time with his wife and their two children.
John Kenny Managing Partner/Recruiting Manager
John grew up in Avon Lake, Ohio, as one of twelve children, where he developed a tireless work ethic and team-first mindset. After graduating, he enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard and served on active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Following his military service, John earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Kent State University and began a career in sales before transitioning into executive recruiting. John was the first hire at Lakeside. His focus is on some of our most difficult searches in skilled trades.
John is a lifelong fitness enthusiast who enjoys spending time outdoors, coordinating events with family and friends, and hanging with his dog Miles.
Jason Botsford - Senior Partner/Executive Recruiter
Jason grew up in the small town of Wellington, Ohio, and attended the University of Akron before launching his career in recruiting. With over 20 years of experience, he has built a consistent reputation in the industry, playing a key role at a Cleveland-based recruiting firm where he developed lasting client relationships.
Specializing in manufacturing and IT, and administration recruitment, Jason brings a deep understanding of the recruiting process.
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. A native of Barberton, Ohio, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Akron.
As an Executive Recruiter, John leverages his business acumen and service-oriented approach to introduce candidates into pivotal roles across manufacturing, professional, and finance opportunities.
Known for his relationship-driven lifestyle, John is a natural collaborator.
Outside of work, he enjoys participating in community initiatives, fishing and playing vintage baseball. John lives in Bay Village with his wife, Kelly, and their two sons, Josh and Ben.
Justin Krause - Managing Partner Executive Recruiter
Justin grew up in Parma, Ohio, alongside his twin brother, Josh. He began his professional career in the mortgage industry before discovering his passion for recruiting.
With more than a decade of experience, Justin has played a key role in building recruiting operations from the ground up and developing high-performing teams. Known for leading by example, he's a thoughtful manager who thrives on building relationships, and listening to clients and candidates in order to find solutions.
Today, Justin lives in Bath, Ohio, with his wife and their two children. Outside of work, he is deeply involved in the AA community and is passionate about supporting others on their journey to recovery.