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About Us

At Optiema, we are a specialized staffing firm with over 40 years of combined experience and strong relationships in Calgary. Our success is built on a foundation of core values: exceptional customer service, unwavering business integrity, accountability, and a “can-do” attitude that drives us every day. Founded in 2008 by Mike Sackett and Mike Kimmel, Optiema began with humble beginnings — working out of our basement, making phone calls, and forming genuine connections with professionals across Calgary. We’ve always believed that the best way to build relationships is through authentic conversations, picking up the phone or taking someone to coffee is the best way to start a conversation with a potential employer or candidate.

Mike Sackett

After receiving a Marketing Diploma and a Business Management Degree at the University of Lethbridge, Mike began his business career with a five year tenure with Imperial Oil Ltd. Gaining experience in Procurement, Human Resources, and Contract Management. Post Imperial Oil Mike entered the Staffing Industry and performed the duties as an Account Executive. Mike was promoted to the Branch Manager position for Calgary operations where he spent two years before co-founding Optiema in 2008.

Mike Kimmel (June 10, 1976 - November 2, 2017)

Mike began his business career at the Calgary Youth Employment Centre. The main duties of this position were assisting youth with resumes, job search workshops and career planning. Following this Mike was hired to be the Program Coordinator for the Calgary YMCA’s Youth Internship Program. His involvement with the YMCA included recruiting young adults to work in Federal Government agencies, teaching employment related classes and managing the human resources for the program. In 2003, Mike was recruited to work as an Account Executive placing professional accountants to work in a multitude of Calgary’s industries. Mike unfortunately passed away leaving behind two beautiful boys. He will always be remembered as a caring, genuine, and detail oriented person and as a dedicated father first and foremost, but also as one of the best recruiters the Calgary industry has seen. Many of his standards and best practices are still taught and used to this day with Optiema so may Mike Kimmel’s legacy live on!!

Chris Dunn

Chris brings to the table over two decades of progressive HR experience, showcasing his versatility as both a generalist and specialist. With over a decade of leadership under his belt, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of the profound impact that a strategic hire can have on business success. Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Human Resources, Chris’s expertise spans various critical HRdomains. His proficiency in Organization Design, Classification, Compensation,Recruitment, Retention, and Employee Relations positions him as a seasoned professional capable of providing tailored solutions to address our clients’staffing needs. Chris’s leadership journey, supporting large teams, has honed his ability to comprehend the intricate dynamics of effective hiring. His strategic approach extends beyond meeting immediate needs, aiming to contribute to the broader success and growth of the business through strategic talent acquisition.