Travis Timothy Stelzer is a proactive leader of Top Gun Staffing, Inc., with over 26 years in the staffing industry. Credited for his specialization in Executive, IT, and Engineering recruitment, Travis has earned immense popularity for success in the U.S., Canada, Eastern Europe, and China. He has established Top Gun Staffing as a premier talent partner for many well-known companies through the company’s focus on building strong business partnerships and achieving excellent outcomes.
Travis is a professional sales executive with over ten years of experience in the industry who has been able to sign 10 Fortune 500 companies in less than two years. His passion for recruitment is evident in his motto: “I love my job. I love recruiting. I enjoy helping people find their ideal career.” Whether it is helping candidates discover better locations, better pay, or better workplaces, Travis is motivated to change people’s lives through recruitment.
Travis has extensive experience in talent acquisition, which has given him a deep knowledge of strategic recruitment solutions. Clients are always satisfied with his work, as he goes the extra mile to develop strategies to suit their needs. While working for Yoh, A Day & Zimmermann Company, he developed his client management and strategic account management skills in the engineering and manufacturing domain, making him a top player.
He has received his education and is still learning through Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, as well as an associate degree from HACC. This commitment to learning all the trends in the industry adds to his skill set to make long-lasting impressions in recruitment.
Travis considers himself a workaholic, often spending 24 hours recruiting, building relationships, and expanding Top Gun Staffing’s reach. Crazy about supporting the ‘underdog,’ he mentors newcomers to get a fast track to the top and introduces new ideas into conservative fields. He has connections in Asia and Eastern Europe, including the United Kingdom and North America, to mention but a few, and he travels extensively to show his determination to build long-term relations.
Travis’s passion, planning, and perseverance drive him and have led to his success. In the day-to-day management of his company, he is focused on helping people achieve their professional goals and fostering positive change in the staffing sector.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with a clear plan. I prioritize tasks by focusing on what will drive the most impact, whether it’s strategic planning, team collaboration, or client meetings. I dedicate time to checking in with my team, ensuring alignment, and addressing any roadblocks. Staying productive means keeping communication clear, delegating effectively, and embracing tools that streamline operations. I also carve out moments to reflect on progress and adapt as needed, maintaining a balance between working on the business and in the business.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life starts with listening—whether it’s to clients, team members, or market trends. Once an idea takes shape, I break it down into actionable steps, ensuring there’s a clear path forward. Collaboration is key, so I engage the right people, leverage their expertise, and foster open communication. I focus on creating prototypes, testing concepts, and gathering feedback early to refine the idea. Ultimately, I drive execution with a balance of strategic planning and flexibility, ensuring the vision becomes reality while staying aligned with our goals.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Believe it or not, one trend that excites me is the growing integration of AI and automation across industries. It’s transforming how businesses operate, enhancing efficiency, and unlocking creative solutions to long-standing challenges. From predictive analytics to personalized customer experiences, the potential to innovate and streamline processes while empowering teams to focus on high-value, strategic tasks is incredibly inspiring. The rapid evolution of these technologies presents endless opportunities for growth and adaptability, and I’m thrilled to be part of this transformative journey.
Another trend that excites me is the current influx of reinvestment in trade programs across the country. These initiatives inspire and empower individuals to explore gainful and successful careers in skilled trades, offering meaningful alternatives to traditional academic paths. It’s an amazing avenue because we can’t all be rocket scientists, engineers, or doctors—and that’s okay. Trades programs provide vital opportunities for people to thrive in essential, hands-on roles, and it’s exciting to see this renewed emphasis on such an impactful area.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is prioritizing my tasks the night before. At the end of each day, I take a few minutes to review my goals and create a clear plan for the next day. This allows me to start each morning with focus and purpose, tackling the most important tasks first and maintaining momentum throughout the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace patience and persistence. Success rarely happens overnight, and the most meaningful achievements come from consistent effort over time. Don’t fear failure—it’s a stepping stone to growth. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and remember to celebrate the small wins along the way. Most importantly, trust the process and believe in your ability to adapt and succeed.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
Reflect on your positive achievements now, not just years from now. I believe that true success is not about working harder but about working smarter while maintaining balance. Many people equate endless hustle with achievement, but I think overworking can diminish creativity and long-term productivity. Taking time to rest, reflect, and recharge is not a weakness—it’s a strategy for sustained success. While this may not resonate with the “grind culture” mindset, I’ve seen firsthand how intentional pauses lead to better decisions and greater outcomes.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I repeatedly focus on creating and maintaining good habits, and I highly recommend everyone else do the same. Success is built on consistency, not just effort. By developing positive routines—whether it’s planning your day the night before, dedicating time to personal growth, or simply staying organized—you set a solid foundation for achieving your goals. Good habits compound over time, turning small, intentional actions into significant results.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When feeling overwhelmed or unfocused, taking a moment to pause and breathe can help calm your mind. A quick break to gather your thoughts and make a to-do list helps declutter your mind and clarify what needs attention. Prioritizing tasks, using methods like the Eisenhower Matrix, allows you to focus on what’s urgent and important. Starting with small, manageable tasks can build momentum and reduce stress. If needed, step away for a short break or change your environment to refresh your perspective. Seeking support from others or delegating tasks can also lighten the load. Lastly, taking time to reflect and celebrate small wins can help regain focus and motivation.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has significantly helped me grow my business is building and nurturing strong, long-term relationships with clients. By truly understanding their needs, challenges, and goals, I’m able to offer tailored solutions that go beyond just filling a position or providing a service. This personalized approach has led to repeat business, referrals, and lasting partnerships. Building trust and staying committed to delivering value has allowed me to stand out in a competitive market, create a reputation of reliability, and ensure the continued growth of my business.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
That is a loaded question, as my life is full of failures and I think it is healthy for people to remember, we all make mistakes. I ultimately use failures as a catalyst to ensure success moving forward. One failure in my career was early on when I overextended myself, trying to juggle too many projects at once. This led to missed deadlines and, ultimately, a frustrated client. It was a wake-up call that highlighted the importance of prioritization and setting realistic expectations. To overcome it, I took a step back, reorganized my approach, and began implementing more structured project management strategies, such as setting clear timelines and learning how to delegate effectively.
The lesson I took away was the importance of balance. It’s crucial to understand your limits and communicate openly with clients about realistic timelines and capabilities. Over time, I’ve learned that maintaining quality is far more important than trying to take on too much at once, and it’s always okay to ask for help when needed.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’m happy to share is the importance of giving away some or all of the leadership to others who are more capable in certain areas. Understanding that your room is filled with talented people allows you to become a better delegator, which not only frees up time for you personally but also sets the stage for greater success across the business. Empowering your team to take ownership not only drives motivation but also accelerates growth and innovation.
Additionally, I highly recommend that your business be multi-functional, able to operate across various spaces or verticals. This adaptability ensures business health, even if one sector faces challenges. By diversifying your operations, you can weather fluctuations in the market and keep your business thriving in any environment.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that significantly helps me be productive is our internal database, which is shared with everyone on the team. This system, enhanced with AI, allows us to see, minute by minute, what our colleagues are collaborating on, ensuring that we’re all aligned. The integration of AI helps us analyze and predict trends, providing insights that guide decision-making and streamline processes. It creates a synchronicity across the business, enabling us to quickly identify areas where we can offer support, eliminate bottlenecks, and avoid duplication of efforts. By having real-time visibility into ongoing work, coupled with AI-driven insights, we can respond faster, make more informed decisions, and stay on the same page as a team. This collaborative tool is essential for maintaining a cohesive and efficient workflow, ultimately boosting our productivity.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a high-quality planner and organizational tool. As much as I enjoy having a calendar on my computer, nothing beats an actual, hand-held planner. It’s very old-school, but I love it. It helps me stay on top of daily tasks, long-term goals, and important meetings. With everything happening at once, this planner allows me to prioritize my time more effectively. It’s not just about writing things down—it’s about having a tangible tool to map out my thoughts and intentions for the day. It’s been a game-changer in helping me manage my time more intentionally, which is priceless. The physical act of writing things down brings a sense of clarity and focus that digital tools simply can’t replicate.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
I recently had the privilege of tuning into an incredible podcast episode featuring Jonathan Strack from Strack, Inc. in Georgia. They are an absolutely phenomenal organization, led by an outstanding team. I’ve gained so much from hearing about their journey and their leadership. Another highlight was the episode from Give Us The Dirt Podcast by Hoopaugh Grading Company, titled Dirt to Dynasties. The team at Hoopaugh really does an amazing job of offering valuable insights and a deep dive into real-life processes, struggles, and successes. The warmth and authenticity that came through in the episode were absolutely rewarding. It’s one of those podcasts that not only informs but also inspires, and it’s definitely one that I’ll keep revisiting.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
“Psych” is a unique blend of comedy and mystery that keeps viewers entertained through its witty humor, pop culture references, and charming characters. The show follows Shawn Spencer, a man with remarkable observational skills who convinces the police that he’s a psychic detective. Alongside his childhood best friend, Gus, Shawn uses his keen eye for detail to solve crimes, all while keeping up the pretense of psychic abilities.
What sets “Psych” apart from other crime-solving shows is its lighthearted tone and the dynamic between the two main characters. Shawn’s sarcastic, offbeat sense of humor, combined with Gus’ straight-laced, by-the-book personality, creates a perfect comedic balance. The chemistry between them is infectious and keeps the show fun even as they navigate serious crime scenes. The show’s numerous references to ’80s and ’90s pop culture, along with its clever writing, make it a nostalgic trip for those familiar with that era. Whether it’s a playful nod to movies, music, or TV shows, “Psych” uses these references to add layers to its storytelling, making it enjoyable for viewers of all ages.
Another standout element of “Psych” is its well-rounded cast of characters, each of whom adds a different flavor to the show. From the no-nonsense Detective Lassiter to the quirky, eccentric Chief Vick, each character brings their own personality to the mix, making the show feel like a big, dysfunctional yet lovable family.
Ultimately, “Psych” is a feel-good series that balances comedy, mystery, and heart, making it easy to binge-watch and hard to forget.
Key learnings:
- Understanding of Industry Trends: The interview provided insights into current trends shaping the industry, such as the increasing demand for automation and the growing emphasis on sustainability in manufacturing.
- Effective Leadership Practices: A discussion on leadership revealed the importance of transparent communication and fostering collaboration to achieve both short-term and long-term business goals.
- Navigating Challenges in Team Dynamics: Key strategies were shared for managing diverse teams, especially in high-pressure environments, and how to cultivate a culture of adaptability and resilience.
- Focus on Continuous Learning and Innovation: The conversation emphasized the need for professionals to continually upskill and innovate in order to stay competitive, particularly with the rapid technological advancements in the sector.
- Building Strong Client Relationships: The interview highlighted the significance of establishing trust and maintaining strong relationships with clients to ensure sustained business success and growth.
- ABOVE ALL – Maintaining Personal Well-being: The interview stressed the importance of ensuring one’s personal life and health are in order, approached with enthusiasm and spirit, as it directly impacts job performance and overall success.