Meet the Founder
Building Better Futures, One Opportunity at a Time
Chris Rickerson has a powerful testimony that led up to his creation of Elite Staffing Solutions. His passion and dedication to improving the community while helping individuals find a better path forward is evident in everything we do.


We put people before profit in everything we do, every single day.
These principles shape how we work, who we partner with, and what we deliver.
Driven
Solution-minded
Unparalleled Customer Service
Servant Heart
Team Player

Our incredible Team

Chris Rickerson
Founder
Chris Rickerson, based in Wichita, Kansas, is the founder of Elite Staffing Solutions. His journey from a troubled past to entrepreneurial success is both inspiring and transformative.
Abandoned as a child, Chris faced numerous challenges early in life. He dropped out of high school after failing the ninth grade and became involved in criminal activities, aspiring to become a significant drug dealer. This path led him to become a four-time felon and struggle with methamphetamine addiction. By the age of 24, he found himself at a crossroads, facing significant prison time. It was during this period that Chris began seeking spiritual guidance, marking the beginning of a profound personal transformation.
Embracing Christianity, Chris started anew by taking on manual labor jobs, including carrying bricks for $8 an hour. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, he progressed through various roles and eventually ventured into the staffing industry. In 2013, he founded Elite Staffing Solutions in Wichita. The company experienced rapid growth, generating $1.5 million in revenue in its first year. By 2017, it was recognized on Inc. magazine’s Inc. 500 list, ranking at #160.
Chris’s personal experiences have deeply influenced his business philosophy. He is committed to offering second chances to individuals facing challenges similar to those he once encountered. Elite Staffing Solutions focuses on treating employees with respect and providing opportunities for growth, operating under the guiding principle of “People Before Profit.” This approach has not only fostered a positive work environment but has also contributed to the company’s success, with revenues now exceeding $6.6 million per year.
Beyond his business endeavors, Chris is an active member of the community and has been featured in various publications for his efforts to help others rebuild their lives. His story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of second chances.
Today, Chris continues to lead Elite Staffing Solutions, driven by a mission to provide meaningful employment opportunities and to inspire others through his story of redemption and success.
Ana Knerr
Staffing SpecialistChristiana Knerr brings a strong background in customer service and a creative, solutions-focused mindset. As a Staffing Specialist, she supports recruitment and account management while constantly seeking ways to improve and grow.
Originally from a big city, she now finds inspiration in Wichita’s evolving landscape and opportunities. Driven by progress and perseverance, Christiana approaches every challenge with purpose and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Tashina Rickerson
Director of RecruitmentTashina Rickerson brings a diverse background in Administration, Marketing, and Business Development, with experience in the Senior Care and Staffing industries. As a people person, she thrives on building connections and delivering exceptional customer service.
In her role at Elite Staffing Solutions, Tashina is dedicated to matching the right candidates with the right opportunities, ensuring a perfect fit for both clients and employees. She is passionate about working with a team that makes a meaningful impact on people’s lives, helping individuals find opportunities that set them up for success.
Tashina loves working in Wichita because she can get anywhere in just 20 minutes, and the people are friendly. Having grown up in Wichita, she proudly calls it home. A fun fact about her—she embraces growth and development, even at the cost of comfort. Her ultimate goal is to become the best version of who God created her to be.
Garth Marteney
Operations ManagerWith a strong background in customer service and relationship building, Garth Marteney is passionate about creating meaningful client experiences. At Elite Staffing Solutions, he focuses on understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering solutions that exceed expectations.
A lifelong Wichita resident, Garth values community, family, and service. Outside of work, he enjoys quality time with his two children and leads by example through kindness and dedication. Known for his approachable nature and problem-solving mindset, Garth lives by the principle: put the customer first, and success will follow.
Makayla Decker
Team LeadMakayla Decker leads with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to people. With a background in Business, Marketing, and Education, she empowers her team to grow personally and professionally, providing the tools and support they need to thrive.
For Makayla, staffing is more than a job—it’s a calling. She finds fulfillment in guiding others, offering encouragement, and creating space for hope and healing. Active in community outreach, especially with Wichita’s homeless population, she strives to lead with love and make a lasting impact in every life she touches.
Adrianna Villareal
Team LeadAdrianna Villareal brings a strong background in customer service and management, with experience in both the loan and staffing industries. As a Staffing Specialist and Account Manager, she’s passionate about connecting dedicated individuals with meaningful, long-term job opportunities.
A proud Wichita native, Adrianna values the city’s tight-knit community and takes pride in helping its workforce grow. Her drive comes from her love for family, her deep local roots, and her commitment to seeing others succeed.
Rohan Patel
Onboarding AssistantRohan Patel combines a strong work ethic, tech skills, and a people-first mindset to support seamless onboarding at Elite Staffing. With experience in hospitality, food production, and labor, he brings a grounded understanding of hard work.
A computer science student at Wichita State, Rohan is passionate about growth, community, and creating meaningful connections. For him, Wichita—and Elite Staffing—represent transformation and opportunity.
Roeya Marandi
Staffing SpecialistWith a strong background in Customer Service, Management, and Recruiting, Roeya Marandi is passionate about connecting people with life-changing opportunities. Drawing from experience across the Health & Wellness, Banking, and Staffing industries, they focus on building meaningful relationships and creating lasting impact.
Now based in Wichita after relocating from California, Roeya enjoys the city’s calm pace and community spirit. Fluent in three languages and an animal lover at heart, they bring a blend of empathy, drive, and curiosity to the team. Their mission is simple: help others grow, succeed, and discover their full potential.
Sean Kennedy
Staffing SpecialistSean Kennedy brings a diverse background in communication, ministry, and management, with experience in media, healthcare, and skilled trades. As a Staffing Specialist, he supports dispatching, recruiting, payroll, and relationship-building with both clients and associates.
A local pastor and U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain, Sean approaches his work with compassion and purpose. A lifelong Wichitan, he stays active in the community and is passionate about helping others find meaningful, life-changing work.
Boss
CEOStraight outta the hood and into your heart—Boss turned in his street smarts for soul work. Christ got ahold of him, and now he’s our in-house hope dealer. From tail wags to team morale, he’s proof that even the toughest beginnings can lead to purpose.
More Than Staffing—A Mission to Serve
When you do work with us, you’re changing the world to 10% of all gross profit dollars going back into communities all over the world.
Our mission to change lives isn’t just a catchy statement and it doesn’t stop at the front door. When you work with us you impact not just our communities but places like Thailand and Honduras. In the videos you will find just a few of the causes that are near and dear to our hearts
Let us get to work for you
This business started with one man, one laptop, and an unbreakable work ethic. No one in the industry would outwork him—and they still don’t. Today, that same relentless drive fuels everything we do. When you partner with us, you get a team that works as hard for you as we did building this company from the ground up.