Who is FUNK
At Funk Futures, our culture is defined by a core set of values that guide how we work, collaborate, and create impact. These are more than words, they’re how we do business.
Core Values
Mindfulness
We approach every relationship and decision with clarity and intention. We stay present, focused, and grounded in what matters most, people.
Compassion
We believe business should be human. We lead with empathy, actively listen, and treat others the way we want to be treated.
Authenticity, Always
No fluff. No filters. Just real, honest conversations and genuine relationships built on trust.
Deliver Value Quickly
Speed matters. We work fast, stay agile, and focus on what drives real, measurable outcomes for our clients and candidates.
Connect. Connect. Connect
Relationships are the lifeblood of what we do. We show up, make meaningful connections, and open doors that create opportunity—for everyone involved.
THE FUNKY BUNCH
JEREMY FUNK
FOUNDER & CEO
Jeremy Funk has a vast experience in delivering technology innovation for Upstream Oil and Gas businesses. He has held various Sales and Marketing leadership positions for over 20 years, where he has been accountable growth through his extensive network of contacts. Jeremy is also the host of the "What The Funk?" Podcast and a devoted Boston sports enthusiast. He resides in Lafayette, Colorado, with his wife and three children and a graduate of Brandeis University.
MAX GRAVENDER
CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER
Max Gravender is an innovative and dynamic individual who excels at solving problems. With over a decade of experience in sales and marketing across various industries, he brings a unique perspective to achieving objectives that drives growth for his organizations. Max is a graduate of California State University Channel Islands and enjoys spending his free time hiking and camping with his wife and son in California's national parks.
BARBARA GONZALEZ
SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER
Barbara is a strategic operations professional with a strong background in executive support, systems optimization, and business development. Drawing from experience across global remote teams and growth-stage organizations, she excels at building processes that streamline execution and improve visibility across sales operations.​ With a Master’s in Education and a foundation in organizational leadership, Barbara brings a disciplined, people-centered approach to scaling teams and fostering operational excellence. She currently resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she blends her passion for structure, efficiency, and culture-driven performance to help Funk Futures deliver best-in-class client experiences.
CARLOS ANCKERMANN
SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT
With over 20 years of experience, Carlos Anckermann has led successful marketing and communication campaigns, from developing strategies to executing tactics. He specializes in sales of datacenter, networking, cloud, software, SaaS, and professional services. Carlos combines his analytical skills with business acumen to drive sustainable revenue and profit growth. Carlos hails from Spain and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.
GREG GROTKE
SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Greg has over 30 years of experience in a combination of operations, engineering, business development, global account management, and executive leadership. With a strong foundation in oil & gas, Greg’s leadership extends across the entire energy sector and downstream to petrochemicals, plastics and composites. With an MBA from Michigan, a semester abroad in London, and a BSChE from Ohio State, Greg has grown businesses and delivered products and services across 6 continents.
ABE SHASHA
SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Abe has more than 30 years of experience in sales leadership in energy technology, working for top companies in the upstream oil and gas industry such as Aspen Technologies and Honeywell. He has also been involved in contract sales and mergers & acquisitions for over 15 years.
DAVID LAFFERTY
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
David brings over 40 years of oil and gas experience, including a decade with BP’s Chief Technology Office. He specializes in advancing digital solutions for the energy sector through business development and pre-sales support. He has advised organizations such as Aramco Ventures, ARC Advisor Group, Eunike Ventures, and ChampionX, and mentors startups through Global Energy Mentors and the Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator. David also advises C-suite teams at American Infrastructure Group, Knowix, Corrolytics, Plexus, and the International Society of Automation. He holds a BS in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.
SARA MACAULEY
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Sara brings over two decades of experience helping energy and software companies expand internationally. Originally from Scotland, she has lived and worked across Europe and Asia and is now based in Texas, where she advises clients on market entry, positioning, and growth strategy.
She has worked in and for blue-chip companies, operators, and international service firms, developing deep expertise in marketing, communications, and commercial growth. Sara helps founders and executive teams sharpen go-to-market plans, build partnerships, and accelerate cross-border expansion.
A passionate connector, she is dedicated to amplifying innovation globally and helping ventures establish and scale their presence in the US energy market.
NATE OLLESTAD
SENIOR RECRUITING ADVISOR
Nate has over 15 years of experience delivering recruiting results for startup to Fortune 50 sized companies across all industries, with a focus on high-tech companies. He has spent his career working closely with executives to build custom recruiting strategies to increase the velocity of hiring and also brings deep experience in strategies for engaging and retaining top talent.
JOY SCHWARTZ
SENIOR RECRUITING PARTNER
With 20 years of Recruiting and People Operation experience Joy has scaled start-ups,growth companies and Billlion dollar organizations across Tech, Healthcare and Energy sectors. Taking a pragmatic, business focused approach to Recruiting and Organization Design, her passion is building the high-functioning teams, infrastructure and strategies that enable hyper growth. To Joy, true profit enhancing growth isn't just about hiring new employees. It's about finding talented, purpose driven individuals and enabling their success.
JASMINE RAMOS
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Jasmine brings a strong blend of technical expertise and business operations experience to her role as Executive Assistant at Funk Futures. Holding a degree in Information Technology from Batangas State University in the Philippines, she helps the team in their daily operations through efficient coordination, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving. Her experience spans executive support, lead generation, and sales management, where she helps drive operational efficiency and support strategic business goals. Passionate about continuous improvement and collaboration, Jasmine plays a key role in helping Funk Futures operate efficiently and deliver exceptional support to its clients.