Top 5 Exceptional Business Minds: Leadership at Its Finest
Jeremy L. Neal, Co-Founder of Untapped Recruiting, LLC, embodies a career defined by energy, service, and results-driven leadership. With more than two decades of experience spanning personnel administration, marketing, and client services, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to connect people, optimize processes, and deliver measurable growth. His professional journey reflects a commitment to operational excellence and a deep understanding of how strategic coordination and communication can elevate both teams and organizations.
Armed with an impressive academic and professional portfolio—including an MBA, MS, and multiple industry certifications—Jeremy blends structured discipline with forward-thinking innovation. His expertise in client relations, performance improvement, and growth strategy implementation has positioned him as a trusted professional known for exceeding expectations and driving efficiency across accounts. Whether resolving complex customer challenges or enabling team success, he approaches every responsibility with focus, adaptability, and accountability.
Beyond the workplace, Jeremy’s influence extends into thought leadership, community engagement, and recognition at the national level. A two-time 40 Under 40 honoree, ForbesBLK member, and multi-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, he reflects a professional ethos grounded not only in achievement but also in impact. As he continues to shape the vision of Untapped Recruiting, Jeremy remains dedicated to identifying new opportunities, strengthening operational strategies, and championing progressive growth that unlocks potential for individuals and organizations alike.
Please share the beginning of your career journey with us?
Jeremy Neal’s career journey began in 2001 as a Misdemeanor Clerk in Monroe, Louisiana, at the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office. He served as a student employee from 2001 to 2005, earning recognition as a two-time Employee of the Month during his tenure. While working in this role, he began his studies at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in 2002. In 2007, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, along with a minor in Criminal Justice.
After a nine-month job search, he joined AT&T in February 2008 as a Customer Assistant in Shreveport, Louisiana. Within six months, he advanced to a team lead position and became a trusted contributor to daily operations. In March 2010, he transferred to San Antonio, Texas, where he worked as a Technical Support Representative II. During this time, he developed his creative and leadership capabilities by leading initiatives to improve call efficiency and streamline processes for inbound support teams.
In March 2014, Mr. Neal was promoted into management as a Specialist – Technical Social Media Support. In this capacity, he assisted customers through social media platforms in resolving technical issues and earned the AT&T Service Excellence Award in 2015 for his contributions.
In January 2018, he relocated to Austin, Texas, to take on the role of Senior Specialist – Technical Customer Service. He provided technical support to major corporate clients including McDonald’s, Citibank, Walmart, Starbucks, Exxon, and Hilton Hotels. In 2019, he further invested in professional development, aspiring to reach executive leadership at AT&T. He graduated from Nicole Perrotta’s RISE Program in September 2019, gaining confidence and inspiration to mentor and develop other professionals.
Drawing from his education and guidance from role models such as Benny Thompson, Ayanaca Boone, and Cathy Munoz, he launched the “Tools to Reach 2020 Personal Development Goals” initiative. This program evolved into a webinar series that reached over 2,000 employees. In 2020, he also served as a co-creator and panelist for the Transformation Degree Series, educating colleagues about educational opportunities offered by the company.
Encouraged by mentorship, Mr. Neal pursued roles with direct leadership responsibility while co-founding Untapped Recruiting, LLC alongside three partners. The venture aimed to unlock professional potential and provide a platform for discussions around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through the Untapped Podcast. In April 2021, he was promoted to Manager of Credit and Collections in San Antonio, Texas, where he led a team of 15 professionals within the finance function.
Deeply committed to employee development, Mr. Neal introduced programs that addressed gaps in career growth opportunities within the call center environment. He organized development sessions that connected employees to leadership training programs such as RISE, directly impacting career advancement outcomes. His mentorship contributed to colleagues achieving promotions, participating in leadership development initiatives, and advancing within the organization. He also supported employees beyond his own team across multiple regions and delivered a Career Development session for The NETwork – Atlanta, an AT&T employee group, where more than 60 participants learned about educational opportunities and personal branding through LinkedIn. His efforts led to a nomination for a DEI Excellence Award.
February 28, 2022, marked a milestone day: students he mentored from Howard University won first place in the AT&T Innovation Challenge, sharing a $75,000 prize, and he himself received the AT&T Dream in Black: Future-Maker Award. Later that year, in July 2022, he received another AT&T Service Excellence Award, including nine nominations from team members. Despite a highly successful year, Mr. Neal was laid off in December 2022 after nearly 15 years with the company. In recognition of his professional impact, he was honored with the San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award in February 2023.
In addition to his role as Co-Founder of Untapped Recruiting, LLC, Mr. Neal began serving as a Procurement Analyst at Optimal Ticketing in April 2023, continuing to apply his leadership and operational expertise in new arenas.
Could you highlight the key offerings?
“At Untapped Recruiting, LLC, our primary focus is helping organizations connect with the right talent in a strategic and targeted way. We provide recruitment services tailored to companies seeking candidates with specific trade expertise or specialized skill sets, ensuring alignment between organizational needs and workforce capability. At the same time, we support professionals by connecting them with job opportunities and recruiters actively searching for qualified candidates, creating pathways that benefit both employers and job seekers.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our offerings to include executive coaching and personalized career development support. This will involve working one-on-one with professionals to provide practical resources for navigating job searches, strengthening resumes, and gaining insights on advancing to the next stage of their careers. Our goal is to equip individuals with the tools, confidence, and strategic guidance needed to unlock their full professional potential”- Jeremy L. Neal
What are your long-term goals, and where do you envision yourself in the coming years?
“Looking ahead, one of my primary goals is to step deeper into executive coaching and mentoring. I want to serve as a resource for professionals who have faced challenges in the workplace and need guidance to navigate their next steps. The job market today presents real hurdles, and many individuals benefit from practical insight on positioning themselves effectively, connecting with opportunities, and building confidence in their value. Helping others unlock their potential and move forward with clarity is something I’m deeply passionate about.
I also see public speaking playing a larger role in my future. Through podcasting and forum engagements, I’ve discovered how powerful it is to share experiences that resonate with others. My aim is to expand into larger speaking platforms where I can connect with broader audiences and contribute meaningful perspective drawn from my corporate journey and academic foundation. Inspiring the next generation of leaders through dialogue and shared learning is a responsibility I take seriously.
In the coming years, I intend to remain open to growth and possibility. There are many directions I can pursue, and I believe that staying adaptable — while trusting both purpose and faith — will lead me where I’m meant to contribute most. Ultimately, my vision is centered on impact: empowering others, creating opportunities, and leaving a positive mark on every space I engage with”- Jeremy L. Neal
Who has been the most significant source of inspiration in your life?
“I have two key sources of inspiration in my life: my grandmother, Verdie C. Hall, and my stepmother, Sonia A. Heckard. Both of these remarkable women helped guide me through a challenging childhood filled with trials and tribulations that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Through faith and perseverance, I stand today as a testament that it is possible to overcome adversity and emerge stronger.
My grandmother did not have a formal high school education, yet she instilled in me a mindset that continues to shape who I am today. She always told me, “When you start something… FINISH IT!” Those words became a foundation for my discipline and determination. Even after her passing in 2012, her message remains alive within me, motivating me to pursue every goal with commitment and follow-through.
My stepmother has been part of my life since I was twelve years old, and she has consistently been a source of strength, encouragement, and perspective. No matter what kind of day I’m having, I know I can turn to her for support — or even a reminder not to take life too seriously. Her resilience as a breast cancer survivor profoundly impacted me. When she shared her diagnosis, the fear I felt was overwhelming, yet her response was unwavering: “I’m going to fight it, and I will beat it.” That moment reinforced a powerful lesson — challenges are inevitable, but how you confront them defines your journey. Her example reminds me to face obstacles head-on and leave excuses behind”- Jeremy L. Neal
Notable Recognitions and Academic Accreditations
Jeremy L. Neal’s professional journey has been marked by consistent recognition across leadership, community service, academia, and industry impact. His accomplishments reflect not only individual excellence but also his commitment to empowering others and creating meaningful change within professional and community spaces.
Among his distinguished recognitions, Neal was featured in the July 2025 edition of The Diamond Magazine (UK) and named a 2023 San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awardee, honoring his leadership and influence in the business community. His contributions to service and professional excellence within Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated have earned him numerous accolades, including 9th District Omega Man of the Year (2023), Public Relations Golden Quill Awards (2022, 2023), 9th District 40 Under 40 Honoree (2023), Psi Alpha Chapter Omega Man of the Year (2023), and recognition as both a Basileus Award Winner (2021) and Unsung Hero Award recipient (2020, 2022).
His impact has also been recognized in media and community-focused platforms. Neal was highlighted as an Outstanding Alumnus in the Fall 2023 edition of Northwestern State Alumni Columns Magazine and received two front-cover features in the San Antonio Observer Newspaper (2022 and 2023). His dedication to volunteerism is further reflected in being a six-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
During his tenure at AT&T, Neal earned multiple honors for performance and leadership, including the Service Excellence Awards (2015, 2022) and the prestigious Dream in Black Future Maker Award (2022), which recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership and equality within their communities.
Academically, Neal’s achievements underscore his dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. He holds a Master of Science in Technology Management from North Carolina A&T State University (2020) and an MBA in Human Resources from DeVry University (2013). He also completed the RISE Leadership Development Program (2019) and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems, with a minor in Criminal Justice, from Northwestern State University (2007). Earlier in his academic journey, he placed second in Database Applications at the Business Professionals of America competition (2006) and received the “212 in 2012” Award for professional excellence.
What were the most challenging obstacles you’ve encountered in your career?
“I would say one of the most challenging obstacles in my career has been figuring out how to leverage my education in ways that truly benefit my future. And honestly, I don’t believe my educational journey is finished — pursuing a doctorate is still very much on my mind.
Part of the motivation behind starting Untapped Recruiting came from my own struggles in finding opportunities. There were times when I felt overlooked, excluded, and even defeated during the job-search process. That feeling of no one “tapping into my potential” pushed me to reflect on a bigger question: if I was experiencing this, how many others were feeling the same way?
Through the Untapped Podcast, we’ve had meaningful and sometimes difficult conversations with professionals from diverse backgrounds, and one theme consistently surfaced — opportunity. That realization reinforced my commitment to creating spaces where people can connect, grow, and be seen.
Using my LinkedIn platform has helped me address this challenge in a proactive way. Each day, I share job opportunities to support others in their search, and every Saturday I host a “Social Saturday” post to connect professionals across industries. While the obstacle hasn’t completely disappeared, increasing visibility and fostering authentic connections have made it far more manageable — not just for me, but for many others navigating similar path”- Jeremy L. Neal
Jeremy L. Neal’s journey reflects resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to uplifting others through opportunity and connection. Through his work with Untapped Recruiting, LLC, he continues to champion access, visibility, and empowerment for professionals navigating an evolving workforce landscape. His dedication to mentorship, community engagement, and continuous growth underscores a leadership philosophy rooted in service and impact. As he looks ahead, Neal remains focused on expanding his influence through coaching, speaking, and advocacy—ensuring that more individuals are seen, supported, and given the chance to realize their full potential.
