With over 25 years of executive leadership experience in corporate America, Nick has transformed his own career challenges into a mission to help others thrive. As the co-founder and chief coach of CoreTactic, he brings a uniquely personal approach to career transitions, startup guidance, and professional development.

Early Inspiration & Roots

Nick's passion for technology and innovation springs from a profound family legacy. His father, Vernon Rustad, now 98 years old and living with Nick and his husband Travis, served as an electrician aboard the USS Prebble (DM20) during World War II in the South Pacific. Vernon's remarkable story of joining the Navy at just 16 years old and his subsequent work with electrical systems sparked Nick's early fascination with technology and its potential to transform lives.

Growing up in the small town of Holyoke in northern Minnesota and completing his education in nearby Wrenshall, Nick carried forward his father's spirit of determination and technical aptitude. As the first in his family to pursue higher education, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Development from the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, followed by an MBA from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management – achievements that marked significant milestones in his family's history.

Leadership Journey

Nick's career trajectory has been marked by impressive collaborations with industry leaders. His expertise has been sought by prestigious organizations including The Pillsbury Company, Accenture, Perficient, Faegre Baker Daniels, LifeTouch, UCare, and C4 Technical Services. His consulting portfolio extends to notable institutions such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, General Mills, SC Johnson, Kohler, U-Line, and numerous other companies, demonstrating his versatility and depth of experience across various sectors.

The CoreTactic Vision

In July 2023, an unexpected layoff became the catalyst for Nick's most impactful venture yet. Rather than viewing this transition as a setback, he transformed this challenge into an opportunity to revolutionize career coaching and professional development. Drawing from his own experience working with executive coaches and personal brand experts, Nick founded CoreTactic with a revolutionary vision: creating a comprehensive coaching ecosystem that addresses every aspect of career and personal transformation.

What began as a modest venture with two managing members has blossomed into a dynamic team of sixteen expert professionals. CoreTactic offers integrated services in:

- Life and Career Coaching

- Business Strategy Consulting

- Business Psychology Services

- Personal Branding

- Executive Leadership Development

- Recruitment and Placement Services

Impact and Expertise

Having personally mentored over 2,500 clients from diverse backgrounds, Nick brings a deep understanding of both the technical and human aspects of career development. His approach combines corporate acumen with emotional intelligence, helping clients navigate complex transitions with confidence and clarity. As a best-selling author and professional speaker, Nick continues to share his insights through publications and speaking engagements, extending his impact beyond one-on-one coaching.

Personal Touch

What sets Nick apart is his ability to relate to clients' challenges firsthand. His journey from rural Minnesota to corporate success, coupled with his own experience of career transition, enables him to provide empathetic, practical guidance. Working alongside his husband Travis has added a special dimension to CoreTactic, bringing personal warmth to their professional mission. This family-centered approach extends to sharing a home with his father Vernon, whose early influence continues to inspire Nick's work in technology and leadership.

Through CoreTactic, Nick has created more than a coaching company – he's built a comprehensive support system for professional and personal transformation. His vision of combining multiple coaching disciplines under one roof ensures that clients receive holistic support tailored to their unique situations, whether they're seeking career advancement, navigating personal transitions, or launching new ventures. It's a mission that brings him immense pride and purpose, as he continues to help individuals navigate the intricate paths of life and career with confidence and clarity.