exaqueo Company Profile

Background

exaqueo is a full-service employer brand consulting firm and creative agency founded in 2011 by Susan LaMotte. The company specializes in transforming how organizations attract and retain talent by developing authentic employer brands and enhancing candidate and employee experiences. Operating from Charleston, South Carolina, exaqueo serves a diverse clientele, including high-growth companies, global enterprises, and Fortune 500 organizations across various industries.

Key Strategic Focus

exaqueo's strategic focus centers on delivering end-to-end employer brand solutions that create impactful candidate and employee experiences. The company's core objectives include:

Employer Brand Strategy: Developing comprehensive strategies that define and communicate an organization's unique employment value proposition.

Market Research: Conducting in-depth research to understand candidate and employee perceptions, needs, behaviors, and experiences.

Positioning and Messaging: Crafting compelling narratives and messages that resonate with target audiences.

Creative and Digital Execution: Designing and implementing creative campaigns and digital assets that effectively convey the employer brand.

exaqueo utilizes proprietary research models grounded in social psychology and consumer marketing best practices to inform its strategies.

Financials and Funding

exaqueo is a privately held, woman-owned company that has experienced significant growth since its inception. In 2023, the company was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year, reflecting a 111% revenue growth over three years. The company has been entirely bootstrapped since its founding, with no external funding rounds reported.

Pipeline Development

As a consulting firm, exaqueo does not have a product pipeline or clinical trials. Instead, the company focuses on delivering customized employer brand strategies and solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.

Technological Platform and Innovation

exaqueo distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to employer branding, which includes:

Proprietary Research Models: Utilizing unique research methodologies to gain deep insights into the employment relationship.

Behavioral Science Integration: Incorporating principles from social psychology to inform brand strategies.

Consumer Marketing Best Practices: Applying successful consumer marketing techniques to employer branding efforts.

These methodologies enable exaqueo to create authentic and effective employer brands that resonate with target audiences.

Leadership Team

exaqueo's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to the company's mission:

Susan LaMotte: Founder and CEO, with over 15 years of experience in HR and consulting, having worked with brands like Marriott, Home Depot, and T-Mobile.

Christine Temple Gaspar: Chief Consulting Officer, bringing extensive expertise in employer branding and talent strategy.

Lexi Gordon: Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company's operations and ensuring efficient service delivery.

Ryan McQueeney: CFO Adviser, providing financial guidance and strategic advice to the leadership team.

Josh Schwede: Growth Adviser, contributing to the company's expansion and strategic growth initiatives.

Leadership Changes

In September 2025, exaqueo was acquired by Shaker Recruitment Marketing, a full-service recruitment marketing agency. This acquisition aimed to combine exaqueo's expertise in employer branding and talent strategy with Shaker's creative marketing capabilities, enhancing the services offered to clients in the evolving talent landscape.

Market Insights and Industry Dynamics

The employer branding and talent marketing industry is characterized by a growing emphasis on authentic employer brands and enhanced candidate and employee experiences. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of strong employer brands in attracting and retaining top talent, leading to a competitive landscape with numerous specialized firms.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in this space include:

Universum: A global employer branding company offering research and insights to help organizations attract and retain talent.

Phenom: A talent experience management platform that provides AI-powered solutions for talent acquisition and management.

TalentCulture: A community and resource hub focused on workplace culture and talent management.

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): A professional association providing resources and support for HR professionals.

These competitors offer various services ranging from research and insights to technology platforms and community engagement, contributing to a dynamic and evolving industry landscape.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The acquisition by Shaker Recruitment Marketing in September 2025 represents a significant strategic collaboration, combining exaqueo's behavioral research and data-driven brand strategies with Shaker's creative and customized talent marketing services. This partnership aims to deliver a comprehensive, end-to-end experience for clients, from uncovering authentic employer brand insights to implementing these brands throughout the talent journey.

Operational Insights

The integration with Shaker Recruitment Marketing has expanded exaqueo's capabilities, allowing the combined entity to offer a more holistic approach to employer branding and talent marketing. This strategic move positions the company to better address complex talent needs and deliver innovative solutions to clients.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The acquisition by Shaker Recruitment Marketing opens new avenues for growth and innovation. The combined expertise and resources enable the company to:

Expand Service Offerings: Integrate behavioral research with creative marketing to provide comprehensive employer brand solutions.

Enhance Client Impact: Deliver more strategic, insight-driven solutions that meet the evolving needs of employers and talent.

Drive Industry Leadership: Leverage combined strengths to set new standards in employer branding and talent marketing.

These strategic directions position the company to achieve future objectives and continue its growth trajectory in the industry.

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