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Upgrade Resources

About Us

About Upgrade Resources

At Upgrade Resources, we go beyond recruiting. We build lasting partnerships. Our mission is to help businesses grow and professionals thrive through quality, integrity, and trust.

Our Story & Mission

At Upgrade Resources, we believe successful recruiting is about more than filling a role, it’s about creating lasting partnerships. Founded to solve the challenge of finding skilled talent in specialized industries, including Mechanical, Sales, Industrial, and Medical our mission is to help businesses grow stronger and professionals achieve meaningful careers through quality, integrity, and partnership.

Karen Beltethon, founder of Upgrade Resources

About the Founder

Karen Beltethon

Karen Beltethon, the founder of Upgrade Resources, brings years of recruiting experience and a passion for people. She believes successful recruiting & executive placement is about more than filling a role, it’s about creating lasting partnerships that benefit both employers and professionals.

Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Howard Elkins

Howard Elkins

National Recruiting Director

Howard Elkins brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning executive recruiting, business development, legal practice, and organizational growth. As National Recruiting Director at Upgrade Resources, he partners with clients to identify and secure exceptional talent across commercial construction, mechanical, industrial, engineering, and related industries.

Known for his strategic approach to talent acquisition, Howard has designed and implemented recruitment processes that improve hiring efficiency while helping organizations build high-performing teams. He combines operational insight, relationship-driven recruiting, and a deep understanding of workforce planning to deliver talent solutions aligned with each client's long-term business objectives.

Before joining Upgrade Resources, Howard founded HD Talent, Inc. and spent more than two decades as Managing Partner of his own law firm, representing general contractors, developers, and business owners in complex matters involving real estate, financing, bankruptcy, restructuring, employment law, and commercial litigation. That unique combination of legal and business experience gives him exceptional insight into evaluating leadership talent, mitigating hiring risk, and identifying professionals who create measurable business value.

Howard earned his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, from Widener University School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Widener Journal of Public Law, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Western Carolina University.

Recognized for his strategic mindset, analytical problem-solving, and commitment to long-term partnerships, Howard serves as a trusted advisor to organizations seeking leaders who strengthen teams, drive performance, and support sustainable growth.

Isabella Engkilterra

Isabella Engkilterra

Backend Support Engineer

Isabella Engkilterra serves as Backend Support Engineer at Upgrade Resources, where she plays a critical role in supporting the firm's recruiting operations and ensuring a seamless experience for both clients and candidates. With a talent for organization, process optimization, and strategic sourcing, she helps drive the behind-the-scenes operations that enable successful placements across multiple industries.

Isabella specializes in candidate sourcing, talent pipeline development, outreach coordination, and recruiting support, working closely with the recruiting team to identify qualified professionals and maintain an efficient hiring process. Her attention to detail, adaptability, and commitment to operational excellence ensure every search is executed with accuracy, consistency, and professionalism.

Known for her collaborative approach and strong work ethic, Isabella is passionate about building effective systems that strengthen recruiting outcomes while delivering exceptional service to clients and candidates alike. Her ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining quality and responsiveness makes her an invaluable member of the Upgrade Resources team.

Dedicated to continuous improvement and long-term success, Isabella is committed to supporting meaningful connections between talented professionals and organizations looking to build exceptional teams.

Catherine Marrero

Catherine Marrero

National Skilled Trades Recruiting Specialist

Catherine Marrero brings more than a decade of full-cycle recruiting experience specializing in skilled trades, commercial mechanical construction, and light industrial workforce solutions. As National Skilled Trades Recruiting Specialist at Upgrade Resources, she partners with clients to identify, engage, and place highly qualified professionals who make an immediate impact on project success and organizational growth.

Known for her relationship-driven approach and strong recruiting instincts, Catherine has built a reputation for connecting exceptional talent with leading employers across the skilled trades industry. Her bilingual communication skills and commitment to understanding both client objectives and candidate career goals allow her to create successful, long-term matches built on trust, quality, and transparency.

Throughout her career, Catherine has successfully managed every stage of the recruiting process, from strategic sourcing and candidate evaluation to interview coordination, offer management, and onboarding. She is passionate about delivering an outstanding experience for both clients and candidates while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Catherine's dedication to building lasting partnerships, combined with her industry expertise and personalized approach, makes her a trusted recruiting partner for organizations seeking top skilled trades talent and professionals looking to advance their careers.

Scott Beltethon

Scott Beltethon

National Electrical Utility Construction Recruiting Specialist

Scott Beltethon is a National Electrical Utility Construction Recruiting Specialist at Upgrade Resources, specializing in the recruitment of skilled professionals and construction leaders within the electrical utility industry. He partners with utility contractors, EPC firms, and infrastructure organizations nationwide to identify and place top talent across transmission, substation, distribution, and high-voltage construction projects.

With a deep understanding of the utility construction sector, Scott focuses on connecting organizations with experienced field professionals, supervisors, project managers, and executive leaders who help keep critical infrastructure projects moving safely, efficiently, and on schedule. His thorough recruiting process emphasizes verified industry experience, technical alignment, and long-term success for both clients and candidates.

Known for his relationship-driven approach and commitment to quality, Scott works closely with clients to understand their workforce challenges while providing candidates with opportunities that align with their skills, experience, and career goals. His attention to detail, responsiveness, and industry knowledge have earned him the trust of both employers and professionals across the utility construction market.

Passionate about strengthening America's electrical infrastructure through exceptional talent, Scott is dedicated to building lasting partnerships and delivering recruiting solutions that support project success, operational excellence, and long-term growth.

Our Core Values

Quality

Delivering the highest standards in every placement.

Integrity

Transparent, honest, and ethical in all interactions.

Relationship Driven

Building trust with employers and candidates alike.

Expertise

Deep knowledge of the industries we specialize in.

Our Process

Our proven process supports Mechanical, Sales, Industrial, and Electrical Utility Construction recruiting, ensuring the right match every time.

  1. Discovery

    Understanding your needs and goals.

  2. Sourcing

    Finding the right talent through our network and tools.

  3. Vetting

    Screening for skills, experience, and cultural fit.

  4. Placement

    Matching the right talent with the right role.

  5. Follow-Up

    Supporting success long after the hire.

Next Step

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re an employer looking for top talent or a professional seeking your next opportunity, Upgrade Resources is here to help.

Prefer to talk? Book a consultation or call (540) 388-9062.