Melissa Scruggs
Melissa Scruggs is the owner and operator of Financial Talent Group, a staffing agency she founded approximately four years ago in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She oversees both strategic and tactical aspects of the business, including recruiting, business development, and operations, while maintaining active involvement in the community. Under her leadership, Financial Talent Group has become a trusted partner for organizations seeking top talent across accounting, finance, executive, administrative, human resources, sales, and technology roles. Melissa’s approach combines business expertise with a people-centered philosophy, emphasizing results, integrity, and exceptional client service.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Melissa transitioned from a long tenure at a large, multi-billion-dollar organization to launch her own agency. Her professional journey blends finance, accounting, and sales experience, ultimately leading her into recruitment and staffing after being recruited back into the workforce. Prior to founding Financial Talent Group, Melissa held leadership roles at Robert Half and HP, where she recruited and represented top talent across Southern Colorado. Her extensive experience enables her to provide tailored solutions that align talent with organizational culture and long-term business goals.
Melissa is also deeply committed to community and professional engagement. She serves as a Board Member of the Colorado Nonprofit Association and is an active member of the Women Presidents Organization, supporting economic empowerment and leadership development for women business leaders. Her professional philosophy emphasizes integrity, honesty, transparency, and inclusion, with a strong focus on reputation, mentorship, and meaningful community contribution. Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and continues to combine her financial acumen with her passion for connecting organizations to the talent they need to succeed.
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs - BFin
• Reach for the Stars - Presidents Club, 2020
• Reach for the Stars - Presidents Club, 2019
• Reach for the Stars - Presidents Club, 2018
• Reach for the Stars - Presidents Club, 2017
• Million Dollar Milestone - Gold Level
• Reach for the Stars - Presidents Club, 2016
• Reach for the Stars - Presidents Club, 2015
• Reach for the Stars - Presidents Club, 2014
• Women Presidents Organization
• Colorado Nonprofit Association
• Pikes Peak State College
• Southern Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce
• Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado
• IMA | Institute of Management Accountants
• University of Colorado at Colorado Springs- Employer Advisory Counsel
• Workforce Action Team - Pikes Peak Workforce Center
• Pikes Peak Workforce Center
• Former Chair, Better Business Bureau
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the foundation built through my 25-year career in the staffing industry, the experience and growth gained from owning and leading Financial Talent Group, and the perspective I’ve developed through my professional achievements as a board member. Along the way, I have embraced challenges as opportunities to learn, refine my leadership, and strengthen my commitment to excellence. I am passionate about sharing my journey, lessons learned, and practical advice with young professionals who aspire to start and grow their own businesses, and I believe that perseverance, adaptability, and integrity are essential to long-term success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay actively engaged, remain curious, and never stop evolving with your industry. That guidance has shaped my involvement in various professional organizations and committees, where I continue to learn, contribute, and build meaningful relationships. It has also encouraged me to stay informed about emerging opportunities and trends, including the growing impact of AI on the workforce, so I can adapt, innovate, and position myself and those I serve for long-term success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Melissa advises emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to surround themselves with trusted professionals who can support, advise and hold them accountable a strong network can provide guidance and practical help when launching and growing a business.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and ongoing opportunities in my work is bridging expectations between businesses and job seekers. Aligning goals, communication styles, and workplace realities requires navigating diverse personalities, perspectives, and ways of working. While this complexity can be demanding, it also creates the foundation for stronger partnerships, more transparent dialogue, and better long-term outcomes. I view this challenge as an opportunity to lead with clarity, adaptability, and empathy, strengthening trust, fostering alignment, and ultimately helping both organizations and professionals succeed together.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, transparency, and trust are the values that guide both my leadership and my life. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult or unseen, leading with clarity and treating every individual with respect and dignity. These principles shape how I build relationships, make decisions, and lead teams, and they form the foundation for trust, meaningful collaboration, and long-term success.