Keith Langbo ‘98 Revolutionizing Recruiting Industry

Keith Langbo ’98 is the Founder and CEO of Kelaca, a Raleigh, NC, headquartered talent acquisition firm with presence across the US and Europe. Keith is working to revolutionize the way industries recruit, retain, and develop talent with a lasting impact on the recruiting industry and the business community as a whole.
.

Langbo Revolutionizing Recruiting Industry

Significant Sig Keith Langbo ’98

At Kelaca, Keith is focused on “redefining the recruiting experience” for clients and candidates by utilizing innovative processes and technologies designed to improve their recruitment efforts. Under Keith’s leadership, Kelaca has been recognized in the Inc. Magazine 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in 2020, 2021, and 2022.   Keith has been featured on multiple podcasts and is a sought-after speaker having been a featured speaker for LinkedIn and the Triangle Business Journal.

Keith Leads “Cool Company to Work For”

Prior to founding Kelaca, Keith served as President of OtterBase, a leading staffing and recruiting firm with hundreds of employees and annual revenues of $36M.  OtterBase won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2005, was named one of the 50 Companies to Watch by the Robert Lowe Foundation, and was honored as a “Cool Company to Work For: by the Business Journal and Crain’s Detroit Business.  Keith led OtterBase to five straight years of 40% growth and grew revenues by over 300% and net profits by 250%. He also opened offices in seven locations across the US.   As President of OtterBase, Keith was recognized as one of West Michigan’s 40 Under 40 Business Leaders for his business and community engagement. Prior to moving to OtterBase, Keith worked as a senior consultant at Deloitte.

Keith is committed to improving the recruiting industry, building great company cultures, and paying it forward in the communities in which they reside. Keith is a founding member and investor for the Triangle Tweeners Fund, a Raleigh based group of investors to help young entrepreneurs with financial and leadership support in AgTech, EdTech, FinTech, HealthTech, MarTech, AdTech and others.

Active in Community Organizations

Keith has also been active in the Young Presidents’ Organization; as a Board member for Students Lifting Students, a Raleigh based non-profit that creates digital content to help students learn; served as the Membership Chair for the North Carolina Executive Roundtable, a professional community of diverse, senior-level executives; and cofounded the Triangle Talent Executives Forum. Keith is a regular speaker at events and conferences on the challenges and opportunities in the Talent Acquisition market. Keith also sponsors several organizations including the 1869 Society (Purdue); Neighbor 2 Neighbor; Lee Brothers Sidekick Foundation; Habitat for Humanity; Passage Home and Urban Ministries.

“Will Help Anyone”

Keith’s humble demeanor and selfless leadership does not seek recognition for all that he has accomplished with his business and contributed to his local communities.  Keith’s wife, Erin, commented, “Something I am proudest of is that Keith is the most selfless person I know. I cannot tell you how much time Keith spends with friends, acquaintances, and many strangers helping them improve their resume, LinkedIn profile, or job search strategy. He will help anyone, anytime.”

Keith, with his daughter, Lily, and son, Noah, following their 2024 move to London.

An Unexpected Honor

Keith reflected, “I’m deeply honored and humbled to be recognized as a Significant Sig for the Delta Delta Chapter. I truly don’t feel worthy knowing those that have come before me, so I’ll do my best to live up to their incredible examples. I look forward to celebrating those to follow as I know many of our fellow brothers are equally deserving of this recognition. Thank you for this unexpected honor.”

A Family Move

My wife (Erin), daughter (Lily) and son (Noah) recently relocated to London for at least the next year (2024 – 2025).  In late August (2024) I had the pleasure of dropping off my son for his first year studying pre-med at Brown University in Providence, RI.