Meet our Leadership Team
In today’s world, building a team of good employees is harder than ever. Experience freedom of choice and peace of mind when you hire with Bakker Tailored Staffing.
John Bakker
President
John has 25 years of experience in the auto industry as leader in engineering, manufacturing operations and product launches. In 2009, John became an entrepreneur and founded Bakker Tailored Staffing, a niche recruiting and staffing firm that has earned a strong reputation for service, professionalism and reliability.
As a professional leader, John’s most significant accomplishment was building a 100+ person project team that successfully launched a high-visibility project with a total capital expenditure of more than $600M.
Outside the office, John applies his resources and influence to working with several local and international not-for-profit organizations. He has served as mentor, advisor, speaker, board director and board chair — and is known for his thoughtful, caring and strategic advice.
John is a Professional Engineer, a graduate of Queen’s University School of Engineering, and holds an Executive MBA from the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management.
Cynthia Merkas
Talent and Accounts Director
Cynthia began her career with General Motors Canada, where she earned practical experience in automotive manufacturing while working as a production supervisor and project manager. This experience, together with her education in psychology and human resources, helps Cynthia tailor the recruitment needs of her clients.
As Director of Talent Acquisition at Bakker Tailored Staffing, Cynthia is valued by co-workers and clients for her deep knowledge, her enthusiastic willingness to take on new projects, and her great sense of humour.
When not at work, Cynthia devotes time to her young family and is passionate about health and wellness.
Jacquie Horvat
Operations and HR Director
Jacquie has been with Bakker Tailored Staffing from the beginning, overseeing efficient operations, carrying out new initiatives and executing Bakker’s strategic priorities. Jacquie is a stickler for details — something that our clients appreciate when it comes to reliable and consistent operational and accounting practices.
Before coming to us, Jacquie spent more than 20 years working in the finance departments of blue-chip companies where she specialized in contracts, credit and collections, cash projections, audit control, revenue recognition policies, tax compliance and global interface.
Outside of the office, Jacquie has served as a treasurer for several local charities — and helped secure their federal registration. Her love for cooking extends outside the home where she teaches culinary skills to young people and children. For Jacquie, it’s all about helping others succeed and develop by spending time with them.
Our mission
To provide your business with talented people who fit — so you can accomplish your mission.
Our vision
We hope to redeem the perception and reputation of the staffing industry in the places where we bring influence.
Who We Are
Hiring. You don’t have time to do it yourself. Headhunters are expensive. And you don’t want to hand hiring over to an outsider who doesn’t know your business or your industry.
That’s where we come in.
We know manufacturing and project management. We know engineering and technology. You can rely on our professional services to find the hard-to-find, highly skilled people who are a perfect fit for your business.
And that’s what’s important to us: reliability, professionalism and tailored service.
How We Work
In manufacturing, “fit” is everything. If two parts or assemblies don’t fit together, they won’t work together.
You work the same way — you need people who fit together, who work well together so your business can run smoothly.
Bakker Tailored Staffing was founded by engineers – so we understand fit. And we know that no two businesses are exactly alike. That’s why we tailor our services to your needs. We put ‘tailored’ in our company name for that very reason.
So, let’s talk.
Text us and we’ll set up a consultation.
In the meantime, please download this helpful checklist we’ve put together for you:
Work with Bakker Tailored Staffing to find your perfect staffing fit.
Our Tailored services
Whether the position you’re filling is for a fixed-term or is permanent, our services are flexible and tailored to your needs.