645 3rd St, Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 312-4324
Elevating Leaders in
Blue-Collar Organizations
One Conversation at a Time
Empowering blue collar organizations to develop confident, communicative leaders.
Why Blue-Collar Leadership Is Hard?
It’s hard to keep good people. It’s even harder to keep the very best people.
Team accountability for outcomes—getting the job done on time, every time.
Developing leaders in the field that you can count on, every day, every job.
The good news is, there’s an answer specifically for leaders in blue-collar organizations.
Elevated Talent Consulting understands the specific challenges that lead to recurring breakdowns in blue-collar organizations. We specialize in helping you solve the challenges of leadership, accountability, and communication for everyone in your company.
It’s time for you to optimize your people and your business. A culture of growth turns your company into a place people want to be—and are proud to be.
Now, you can kick ass.
Team accountability for outcomes—getting the job done on time, every time.
Developing leaders in the field that you can count on, every day, every job.
The good news is, there’s an answer specifically for leaders in blue-collar organizations.
Elevated Talent Consulting understands the specific challenges that lead to recurring breakdowns in blue-collar organizations. We specialize in helping you solve the challenges of leadership, accountability, and communication for everyone in your company.
It’s time for you to optimize your people and your business. A culture of growth turns your company into a place people want to be—and are proud to be.
Now, you can kick ass.
Key Ways to Elevate Your People to Achieve Lasting Results
Level Up Your Team
7:1 Return on Investment
Every dollar invested in leadership development delivers $7 in returns through increased revenue, retention, and internal promotion savings.
Source: 2023 ROI of Leadership Development Study, New Level Work
23% Higher Profitability
Top-quartile employee engagement drives significantly better business outcomes: 23% higher profits, 18% increased sales productivity, and 78% lower absenteeism.
Source: Gallup Q12 2024 Meta-Analysis
$11.5M Annual Savings
Companies save millions by developing leaders internally—$8.5M from improved retention plus $3M from reduced external hiring costs.
Source: 2023 ROI of Leadership Development Study, New Level Work
7:1
Return on Investment
23%
Higher Profitability
$11.5M
Annual Savings
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
Interested in learning more about your team’s retention, engagement, or productivity?
Don’t Take Our Word For It
"My experience with Elevated Talent Consulting's Leadership Development Program was transformative. As a new executive director facing significant change management challenges, Traci and the team created a collaborative environment where I could tackle real-world issues alongside peers and gain actionable insights. The program's greatest impact was teaching me that authentic leadership starts with building trust and rapport—it empowered me to embrace my authentic voice, foster meaningful relationships, and approach my role with both confidence and accountability.”
Cindy BrowningExecutive Director, RSVP of Rock County
"What I value most about Elevated Talent Consulting's program is the interactive environment Traci creates—there's no judgment, no wrong answers, just genuine space to talk through real situations. This approach has taught me to stop and take a step back before reacting, helping me recognize when I'm getting pulled into the weeds of what seems like a problem but often isn't really a problem at all. The ability to pause, reflect, and gain perspective has been transformative for how I approach challenges as a leader.”
Aaron RobbinsLead Engineer, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLC
"As someone without a formal management title, I used to question whether I could really lead, but Elevated Talent Consulting's program helped me realize that leadership isn't about a job title—it's about how you show up, listen, and build trust with others. The biggest transformation came from examining how my personal beliefs shape my behavior and learning to reframe complaints as requests, allow for silence in conversations, and focus on influence rather than control. This program didn't just give me practical tools; it gave me confidence to lead with presence, empathy, and adaptability regardless of my title and that shift from blame to improvement has created a more collaborative, energized dynamic with my team.”
Dominique Von WaldStone Design Consultant, Buechel Stone Corp
"Coming into Elevated Talent Consulting's Leadership Development Program, I knew I wanted to grow, but I didn't realize how much leadership is about letting go—of control, assumptions, and the need to always have the answer. Traci taught me to lead with curiosity, and that single shift changed everything, from how I find the 1% in every conversation to how I've transformed accountability from a blame game into genuine growth opportunities. The result isn't just theory—it's practical, lasting change that has my team more engaged, collaborative, and confident, while I'm leading with greater clarity and calm.”
Jeremy ErvinsCall Center Manager, Julie Before You Dig
"As someone new to both the company and the role, I knew earning trust was going to be my first real leadership test, and Elevated Talent Consulting's program taught me that leadership isn't about authority—it's about connection, clarity, and consistency. The most transformative shift was learning to listen more deeply to what my team actually needed and reframing accountability from correction to coaching, which turned tough conversations into opportunities for growth and stronger collaboration. Simple changes like walking the floor each morning and leading check-ins with shout-outs have completely transformed our culture. I'm not just building a team, I'm building the trust that will be the foundation for everything we accomplish together.”
Randy WeinbergerAssistant Operations Manager, Windsor Building Systems, LLC
"When I started Elevated Talent Consulting's Leadership Development Program, I was struggling with accountability—how to hold myself and others responsible without it becoming finger-pointing or blame. Traci and the program completely reframed my approach, teaching me that accountability is about shared commitment to improvement, not fault-finding. The practical tools I gained—from better debriefing techniques and reframing strategies to simple calendar blocking—transformed not just how I communicate with my team, but how I show up as a leader with confidence, clarity, and genuine purpose.”
Kali HaasProject Manager, Brownfield
"I've been facing challenges in growing my confidence as a leader, but Elevated Talent Consulting's program has been transformative in equipping me with practical tools and real-world exposure to improve. What sets this experience apart is how Traci brings concepts to life through relatable examples during our learning sessions, making complex leadership principles accessible and actionable. The role-play exercises—particularly the accountability dial scenario—have been especially powerful because they allow me to practice these concepts in safe, realistic situations that mirror the challenges I face as a leader.”
Makensey SmithHuman Resources Generalist, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes LLC
This was a great overall explanation on the importance of performance evaluations and included many tips and insights on how to make the evaluation process more consistent (monthly one-on-one meetings), and more engaging and more meaningful for the employee.
Jennifer DylikTownship Administrator, Troy Township
"Traci delivered 'The Great Retention' to a full room with exceptional energy, thoroughness, and professionalism, seamlessly adjusting her approach based on real-time audience engagement. What impressed me most was how she made the content relevant and actionable for our diverse membership—from small business owners and executives to managers, employees, non-profits, and civic organizations. Her ability to connect with such a varied audience while maintaining the integrity and impact of her message demonstrates true expertise in both content and delivery.”
Sarah Hurley Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce
"Elevated Talent Consulting truly listened to our unique organizational needs and coached us through developing HR foundations that fit our company culture and business model perfectly. Traci's expertise goes beyond generic solutions, she understands how to align human capital operations with strategic business objectives in ways that feel authentic to who we are as an organization. I have complete confidence in her ability to guide our team toward sustainable growth while building the strong operational foundation we need to succeed.”
Shelley TaylorExecutive Director, Consortium for Educational Change
"I recently had a career coaching session with Traci Austin from Elevated Talent Consulting that completely shifted my perspective as a recent graduate managing multiple part-time roles in digital marketing, language teaching, and volunteering. While I was caught in the familiar trap of imposter syndrome, questioning whether I was 'enough' for the opportunities I wanted to pursue, Traci helped me reframe my entire mindset and see that my diverse experiences aren't scattered but actually make me uniquely valuable. What struck me most was how she created a safe, judgment-free space to explore these feelings and helped me discover that my worth isn't determined by years of experience or perfect credentials, but by the unique combination of skills, perspectives, and passion I bring to the table.”
Wing-Lam Ho (Minnie)Student, Centennial College
“Don't care if you are just getting into leadership or if you have been leading for a while and are looking to hone your skills, THIS IS FOR YOU!! Two of my supervisors have completed this course. There was a noticeable difference in their ability to lead after completing this for the positive. Not only did it give me more confidence in their ability, it gave them more confidence in their own which has made them more effective in their roles. This is legit!”
Adam Gruszcynski IT Director, Potawatomi Casino Hotel
"When Traci did her Career Goal Setting workshop, it was clear she knows how to connect to her audience. Despite a Zoom format, she tailored her comments to the audience giving them actionable information."
Brian MorelloProgram Director, Beloit College
“Traci gave us a full update on HR, OSHA, and legal concerns related to COVID-19 for healthcare organizations and members of the Northwest Illinois Preparedness and Response Coalition. What an incredible resource for Human Resource information!”
Diane LogsdonLogsdon Consultation Services, Inc.
“Traci and her team do such an amazing job with their training and coaching. Not only do they share their knowledge and proven strategies but they hold the students accountable for these new ideas and follow up to learn how the students used them during their everyday interactions with their team! Knowledge is only power if it's implemented. Highly recommend to help your new leaders or even those who’ve had their positions for a while but never really had any leadership training to assist them in their role.”
Vicki BirdHuman Resources Generalist, Amwood Building Systems
“Traci is a consummate example of courage under fire in difficult decisions. She taught me the subtle art of soft skills by watching her perform her craft.”
Travis EaganAmerican Mortgage
"Working with Traci was the catalyst for something I didn’t know I needed: the breakdown of who I was as a leader so I could rebuild with strength, clarity, and intention. It wasn’t just about learning new tools. It was about tearing down an older version of myself that wasn’t serving me or the business and evolving into someone who leads with real ownership. I’ve shifted from reactive to strategic. From checking boxes to driving impact. And the foundation I rebuilt is stronger than I ever realized."
Shaun BuechelSupervisor, Buechel Stone Corp
“With the growth of AI, leadership skills will become more important than ever. AI might help you obtain efficiencies, but leadership is about human connection. If your organization has people problems I would consider checking out Traci Austin, MPA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, PCC. Traci and I met a couple years back when I ventured into coaching for a bit. She is amazing, in fact I might be a little jealous of the amazing business she has built.”
Andre MelloVP of Engagement and Growth, REGROUP
"The Leadership Development Program at Elevated Talent Consulting challenged me to lead with more intention and accountability. I’ve started asking more questions, building trust with my team, and creating space for employees to grow into their roles. The difference between reacting and planning became clear, and I’ve learned how to clarify expectations, delegate effectively, and communicate more clearly. As a result, my projects are more organized, my team is more engaged, and I feel more confident showing up as both a manager and a leader."
Jack MacDougallSafety Specialist, Mid-States Concrete Industries
"The Leadership Development Program at Elevated Talent Consulting helped me shift from reacting to situations to leading with clarity and calm. I’ve started using tools like the Accountability Dial, priming, and designed conversations to build trust and improve communication with my team. I learned that creating a safe space, separating fact from opinion, and coaching with curiosity all lead to better outcomes. I’ve seen employees re-engage, take ownership, and even self-correct because they felt seen, supported, and included in the process."
Cassie Karen MillsChristian County Emergency Management
"The Leadership Development Program at Elevated Talent Consulting completely changed the way I lead. I’ve started having real one-on-ones with my team, and it’s helping them become more proactive and confident. By shifting from giving orders to asking meaningful questions, I’ve built stronger relationships and improved team cohesion. I’m clearer in my communication, more intentional with feedback, and more open to different perspectives. The tools around priming, nudging, and team engagement helped me develop a leadership style that builds trust and gets results."
Michael SchindlerIT Support Supervisor, Potawatomi Casino Hotel
MEMBERSHIP VAULT
You may feel like you're doing all the right things...
But people are still leaving.
But people are still leaving.
You have the potential for an incredible workplace – but you don’t have the tools to get it there on your own. We’ll help you:
Connect with us!
Let's get your team back on track.
