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Neon what now?

Behind the name...

In the HR world, everyone's searching for that perfect hire. "I'm looking for that unicorn, you know?"

 

Yeah, we know. But here's the deal, that unicorn doesn't exist. Instead of an endless hunt, look internally at your organization's ponies, mares, and mustangs and develop that unicorn damn*t! Seek and invest in the talent you already have by providing them the training they need to evolve.

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The neon part? We think when people are at their best they truly shine. We love to see a good 'glow up' and the confidence that follows always brightens the room. 

Why us?

While Neon Unicorns certainly describes our hope for every employee, we like to think it's a pretty spot-on descriptor of our style as well. 
 
A different kind of bright means that working with us you'll get:

  •  A refreshingly unique experience that is sure to captivate your crowd or classroom.

  • Contagious energy and enthusiasm sure to motivate and enthrall your biggest naysayer.

  • Customized content that resonates with your audience with a tone that matches your event.

  • Midwest charm, kindness, and goodbyes (they're long, we like to talk and you'll probably get a hug). 

The Neon Unicorns duo

Bios

Yeah, we have a lot of fun but we got the street cred to back it up. 

Kurtis Karn headshot

Kurtis Karn

The left unicorn

If you Google "lanky, awkward dad with tattoos" you might get a picture of Kurtis Karn. His musical talents did not pan out, so he decided to pursue a career in things he enjoyed, humans. Kurtis has been working in Human Resources and company culture for over 15 years and is currently the AVP of Talent Acquisition for KLJ Engineering.  He graduated from the University of Jamestown with a Business/Communication Major and Minor in Information Technology; he got his master's degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Mary and he is certified SHRM-CP and PHR.  He has years of hosting and emcee gigs including Disrupt HR, Chamber Choice Awards and the ND SHRM Conference. He is excited to get to do more of that with his friend and co-founder Eric Piela in their new project, Neon Unicorns!  When he is not running, golfing, singing in the car with his kids or planning his next tattoo, he likes to try and make his family laugh.  He consistently tells his wife and kids that he is the funniest one in the family.  They've agreed to disagree.

Eric Piela headshot

Eric Piela

The right unicorn

Eric Piela is 10% Ryan Seacrest and 90% Phil Dunphy from Modern Family. He married way out of his league and enjoys playing carpool karaoke with his two boys. He’s been referred to as a “hummingbird on crack” on stage and has 20 years' experience in marketing, organizational development and emceeing – moonlighting with fellow co-founder, Kurtis Karn, to form the uniquely vibrant public speaking duo, Neon Unicorns. Earning his letterman’s jacket in speech club (I guess that’s a real thing?) at Mandan High School and a bachelor's and master's degrees in Communication at Minnesota State University Moorhead and North Dakota State University respectively, Piela is currently the Senior Manager of Global Brand at WEX - helping grow awareness and affinity for one of Fortune 100’s Fastest-Growing Companies. He’s a Crucial Conversations certified trainer, a mediocre golfer, an exceptional pontoon captain and can often be heard crying out “It’s for the kids!” just before embarrassing himself at his favorite non-profit fundraisers.

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