About Us
Built On Relationships
Founded in 1982 in Baltimore, Maryland, by Richard Sovero, First Team Staffing has grown from a single branch to a trusted leader in the staffing industry. Through a commitment to client satisfaction and organic growth, we now proudly serve businesses across the East Coast.
At First Team Staffing, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of both professional and temporary workers, delivering customized solutions to meet the unique needs of every client. While our reach has expanded, our foundation remains the same—built on exceptional customer service, clear communication, adaptability, and meaningful relationships.
These core values have been the cornerstone of our success for over four decades, driving us to exceed expectations and earn the trust and respect of the businesses we serve. At First Team, we’re proud of where we started and excited about where we’re headed, always staying true to the principles that make us a partner clients can depend on.
"First Team Staffing was built on integrity, ethics, and good old-fashioned hard work where business is done, and partnerships are formed on an individual's good word and a firm handshake."
Richard A. Sovero
Founder
Mission
Leadership
Rick Sovero
President
Rick Sovero is the President of First Team where he oversees all aspects of the business’s financial and strategic development. Rick joined the business in 1988 where he held many roles throughout his tenure. His experience and knowledge led to his promotion to Vice President in 1998 and then to President in 2002. First Team has become an industry leader under his guidance.
John Sovero is the Executive Vice President for First Team where he manages the client relation side of the business. John has held many roles since he started in 1992, with his primary focus being business development through sales. John was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2002 due to his continued success and leadership in developing lasting relationships with his clients.
John Sovero
Executive Vice President
Ron Knight
Vice President, Operations
Ron Knight is the Vice President of Operations at First Team where he is responsible for strategic business planning and development across the U.S. Ron joined first team in 2007 as an Executive Recruitment Manager. Through many promotions, Ron was able to obtain his current position through hard work and consistently exceeding expectations in various roles. First Team has been able to sustain its growth trends through Ron’s steadfast focus.
Stephen Murphy is the Director of Internal Operations and Risk Management where he steers all corporate initiatives in addition to risk management. Stephen joined First Team in 1999 as a recruiter. His commitment, consistency and full cycle knowledge of First Team has allowed him to grow with the business through many promotions to his current position.
Stephen Murphy
Director of Internal Operations and Risk
William Riggs
Controller
William Riggs is the Controller for First Team where he oversees all financial and accounting matters. William joined First Team in 2018. Previously, William held a position as a Divisional Controller with PRG, a position he held for more than 10 years. His experience and expertise in all facets of financial operations allowed William to earn his current position with First Team.
Andrew is the Director of Operations at First Team, overseeing key aspects of the company’s financial and strategic development. He joined First Team in 2017 as the Assistant Director of Business Development, where he focused on business growth and internal training. His dedication to the business and financial mindset led to his promotion in 2019 to his current role.
Andrew Sovero
Director of Operations
Matthew Sovero
Director of Operations
Matthew serves as the Director of Operations at First Team, overseeing internal operations, marketing strategies, and talent acquisition efforts. Since joining First Team in 2020, Matthew began his journey working in the field before transitioning into the role of Corporate Trainer. His dedication and mindset earned him a promotion to his current position in 2025.
Trey serves as the Tennessee Territory Manager for First Team, overseeing the efficient execution of branch operations across our southern markets. He began his journey with First Team in 2014 as a Recruiter and quickly distinguished himself through his dedication, consistency, and success in launching new branches. Trey’s hard work earned him a promotion to his current role in 2019.
Trey graduated from the University of Maryland with his BS in Business Administration.
Trey Dalton
Territory Manager, TN
Geoffrey Obermaier
Territory Manager, FL
Geoffrey is the Florida Territory Manager for First Team, responsible for ensuring smooth and efficient branch operations across the Florida market. He joined First Team in 2015 as a Project Team Lead and has steadily advanced through various roles within the organization. Geoffrey’s dedication, exceptional performance, and success at the branch level earned him his current position in 2020, where he continues to drive growth and excellence in the region.
Ariel, our Corporate Sales and Training Manager, continues to excel in her sales role while dedicating herself to training and developing our sales team. Since joining our organization in 2021 as a Senior Sales Executive, she quickly made a significant impact. Her consistent success and understanding of our business and processes earned her a well-deserved promotion to her current role.
Ariel graduated from Towson University with her BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
Ariel Gaskill
Corporate Sales & Training Manager
Rick Sovero
President
John Sovero
Executive Vice President
John attended Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia as well as UMBC in Baltimore, Maryland.