Darrin Jahnel of The Jahnel Group

What does it actually take to build a company culture that wins awards year after year? In this episode of Capital Connect, we sit down with Darrin Jahnel, CEO and Co-Founder of the Schenectady-based software development firm, Jahnel Group. Known throughout the Capital Region and beyond for their high-energy environment and exceptional employee retention, Jahnel Group consistently ranks as a "Best Place to Work."Darrin takes us back to the early days, sharing the origin story of how they built the company from the ground up. We dive deep into the intentional strategies, leadership philosophies, and HR practices that drive their incredible workplace culture today. Whether you are a founder scaling a startup, an HR professional looking to boost engagement, or a leader wanting to inspire your team, Darrin’s insights offer a masterclass in putting people first.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Origin Story: How Jahnel Group started and the early challenges Darrin faced while scaling a tech firm in the Capital Region.Defining Culture: Why a "great place to work" is about more than just office perks and ping-pong tables.Hiring for Fit: The specific traits Jahnel Group looks for to protect and enhance their team dynamic.Engagement & Retention: Actionable strategies to keep high-performing talent motivated, loyal, and excited to come to work.Leadership’s Role: How founders and HR teams can partner to ensure the company's core values are actually lived out daily.Links & Resources:Learn more about Jahnel GroupConnect with Darrin Jahnel on LinkedInDiscover how GTM HR & Payroll can help elevate your workplace cultureDon't forget to subscribe to Capital Connect on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review!