The TechServe Brief

In this TechServe Exchange episode, Robert Bouchard, Chief Operating Officer at Tier4 Group, sits down with Kelly Gardner, Market Vice President at Tier4 Group, to discuss what leadership looks like in today’s fast-changing staffing environment. Together, they share practical lessons on navigating constant change, balancing technology with people, and why execution has become the defining factor for success—highlighting how consistent action, clear communication, and accountability drive progress.

In this Hot Takes episode, four staffing leaders share where IT staffing firms should be investing in the near term to stay competitive and drive growth. Kyle Rampy, Vice President – Central at Tier4 Group; Tim Glennie, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Bridgeview IT; Jeb Corley, Vice President, Government Services at Medix; and Monica Dominic, Chief Client Officer at ProTeam Solutions, discuss the importance of balancing investments in people and technology while maintaining a clear strategic focus. They explore how AI and emerging tools can enhance efficiency and scale operations, but emphasize that strong talent, leadership, and relationship-building remain the foundation for long-term success in the staffing industry.

In this TechServe Exchange episode, Jeb Corley, Vice President, Government Services at Medix, sits down with Manny Vidal, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Development, SSi, to discuss how staffing and solutions firms can better engage veteran talent and support military families transitioning into the civilian workforce. Together, they share practical insights on recognizing the skills veterans bring to organizations, understanding the challenges of career transitions, and making veteran hiring a natural part of everyday workforce strategy. The conversation also highlights programs and approaches firms can use to build stronger connections to this important talent pool.

In this TechServe Rewind episode, Megan McCann, Founder & CEO of McCann Partners, moderates a candid conversation with Marina Perla, Founder & CEO of Mojo Trek; Mirtes Lobaito, Founder & CEO of AGM Tech Solutions; and Sioux Logan, Founder & President of RedStream Technology. Together, they share honest lessons from their journeys as founders, including what they underestimated early on, how they navigated market shifts and uncertainty, and the leadership decisions that helped them scale resilient businesses. From building credibility without a safety net to learning how to let go of control and empower teams, this episode offers practical insights on resilience, relationship-building, and long-term growth.

In this Hot Takes episode, four staffing professionals share what emerging technology trends have them most excited — and in some cases, a little nervous — about the future of work. Sagar Pelaprolu, CEO at Sage IT; Kevin Krumm, COO at Objective Partners; Chris Cabe, Director of Recruiting at Capstone IT; and Mariah Szarek, Director of Recruiting at Benchmark IT, discuss the rapid growth of technologies like AI, robotics, IoT, and quantum computing, along with the shifting workforce dynamics shaping the industry. They explore how advancing technology is increasing job complexity, transforming how work gets done, and why maintaining a human-centered approach alongside innovation will be critical as staffing firms navigate what comes next.

In this TechServe Exchange episode, Betsy Robinson, Founder & CEO of Tier4 Group, sits down with Kyle Rampy, Vice President - Central at Tier4 Group, for a thoughtful conversation on how some of the most important leadership principles are the same lessons we learned in kindergarten. Together, they explore how simple ideas like collaboration, curiosity, accountability, kindness, and energy management translate directly into leading teams and building strong cultures in today's staffing organizations. From learning to "play nice in the sandbox" and raising your hand with curiosity to cleaning up your own mess and protecting time for "recess," the discussion offers practical leadership insights leaders can apply immediately to strengthen culture, accountability, and performance.

In this Hot Takes episode, four staffing leaders share their perspectives on how IT staffing firms should think about diversifying their service offerings. Robert Bouchard, COO at Tier4 Group; Sam Smith, Senior Vice President at ASB Resources; John Bemis, President at Benchmark IT; and Monty Ragland, President at ProTeam Solutions discuss how firms can expand their revenue streams while building on their existing strengths. Together, they explore how adjacent services, solutions work, and complementary business lines can create new opportunities for growth, while emphasizing the importance of leveraging current client relationships and capabilities when considering diversification.

In this Hot Takes episode, four staffing leaders share their perspectives on whether IT staffing firms should move up the value chain in their service offerings. Kyle Rampy, Vice President – Central at Tier4 Group; Sam Smith, Senior Vice President at ASB Resources; Kip Wright, Founder & CEO at Wright Path Advisors; and Tyson Franco, Founder & CEO at Mako Professionals discuss how AI-driven change, specialization, and evolving client expectations are shaping how firms deliver value. Together, they explore whether firms should expand into higher-level advisory and outcome-based services or double down on being exceptional at core staffing, and why trust, expertise, and predictability are becoming increasingly important to clients.

In this Hot Takes episode, five staffing leaders share how IT staffing firms are rethinking their delivery models in today’s market. Anna Frazzetto, Founder & CEO at AFM Strategic Partners; Betsy Robinson, Founder & CEO at Tier4 Group; Sam Smith, Senior Vice President at ASB Resources; Kip Wright, Founder & CEO at Wright Path Advisors; and Tyson Franco, Founder & CEO at Mako Professionals discuss how nearshore strategies, SOW-based engagements, automation, and proactive pipeline building are reshaping how firms deliver talent. Together, they explore the shift from reactive recruiting to always-on talent pipelines, the growing role of AI in driving efficiency, and why firms that balance technology with a high-touch, relationship-driven approach will be best positioned to compete.

Join Tyson Franco, CEO and Founder of Mako Professionals, as he moderates a candid conversation with Aaron Wang, CEO of Alex.ai; Andy Jones, CEO of TrackerRMS; and Marcello Amiano, Co-Founder and CEO of NewCombin. Together, they break down what’s real (and what’s hype) about AI in staffing today, where AI is delivering measurable value, and why human judgment and relationships still matter most. From screening and compliance to global recruiting and the skills recruiters will need going forward, this episode offers a practical look at how staffing leaders can use AI to reduce busy work, improve execution, and stay competitive.

In this Hot Takes episode, four staffing leaders share their perspectives on how AI is already reshaping IT staffing and what its long-term impact may be across recruiting and sales functions. Megan McCann, Founder & CEO at McCann Partners; Monica Dominic, Chief Client Officer at ProTeam Solutions; John Bemis, President at Benchmark IT; and Tyson Franco, Founder & CEO at Mako Professionals, discuss how automation, AI-driven screening, and evolving search capabilities are changing the way firms source, engage, and develop talent. Together, they explore the implications for entry-level career paths, recruiter productivity, relationship-building, and why firms that balance AI adoption with a high-touch human approach will be best positioned to succeed as the technology continues to evolve.

In this Hot Takes episode, three staffing leaders share how younger professionals’ expectations around flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance are influencing company culture across the staffing industry. Bob Siemering, Executive Chairman at John Galt Companies; Jordan Caldwell, Business Development Executive at DP Professionals; and Mariah Szarek, Director of Recruiting at Benchmark IT, reflect on how shifting generational priorities are changing how firms think about performance, workplace flexibility, and long-term career development. Together, they explore the balance between grit and growth early in a career, the evolving definition of productivity in a more flexible work environment, and why integrating new perspectives can lead to stronger collaboration and more resilient teams.

In this Hot Takes episode, five staffing leaders share the headwinds they are feeling most across client demand, margins, and talent. Sagar Pelaprolu, CEO at Sage IT; Kevin Krumm, COO at Objective Partners; Quinn Fillmon, CEO at Stand 8; Patrick Cox, President at Professional Alternative, Inc.; and Richard Quevedo, CEO at SMX Services & Consulting, Inc., discuss how shifting client demand, macroeconomic uncertainty, global events, and rapid investment in AI are reshaping hiring decisions and budgets. Together, they explore the growing mismatch between available talent and client needs, the pressure on traditional IT spending, and why adaptability, upskilling, and clarity around client priorities are essential in today’s complex staffing market.

In this Hot Takes episode, five staffing leaders share the advice they would give to the next generation of leaders entering the industry. Sagar Pelaprolu, CEO of Sage IT; Manny Vidal, EVP of Strategy & Development at SSi; Betsy Robinson, Founder & CEO of Tier4 Group; Kevin Krumm, COO of Objective Partners; and Quinn Fillmon, CEO of STAND 8, reflect on the importance of curiosity, adaptability, resilience, relationships, and evolving beyond traditional staffing models. Together, they highlight why continuous learning, embracing change, and thinking more broadly about services and solutions are essential for leading successfully in today’s rapidly changing staffing landscape.

In this Hot Takes episode, four staffing leaders share what they see as the most underestimated trend shaping the staffing industry today. Joel Leege, President & COO of Red Oak Technologies; Monty Ragland, President of ProTeam Solutions; John Bemis, President of Benchmark IT; and Sam Smith, Senior Vice President at ASB Resources, offer perspectives on how AI, automation, and shifting workforce models are changing talent demand. Together, they discuss the growing impact of AI, the need for stronger workforce planning, the rise of project-based work, and why staying adaptable and informed is critical as technology continues to reshape the industry.

In this Hot Takes episode, four staffing leaders reflect on what past downturns can teach the industry during periods of stalled growth. John Bemis, President of Benchmark IT; Megan McCann, Founder & CEO of McCann Partners; Anna Frazzetto, Founder & CEO of AFM Strategic Partners; and Tim Glennie, Managing Partner at BridgeView, share perspectives on resilience, adaptability, and long-term thinking. Together, they discuss why downturns are temporary, the importance of staying nimble, continuing to invest in relationships, and trusting proven strategies to emerge stronger when the market rebounds.

In this TechServe Exchange episode, Tyson Franco, Founder CEO/CTO of Mako Professionals, sits down with Sam Smith, Senior Vice President at ASB Resources, for a candid conversation on why sales and recruiting alignment matters more than ever in today’s staffing market.   Together, they unpack the hidden costs of misalignment, the importance of transparency and shared visibility, and how mutual respect across teams drives stronger performance. From daily huddles and data dashboards to shared incentives and job-order qualification, the discussion offers practical, real-world strategies leaders can implement immediately to build stronger collaboration and long-term growth.

In this Hot Takes episode, five staffing professionals share the biggest business challenges their firms are facing — and how they’re tackling them. Pete Newsome, Founding President of 4 Corner Resources; Manny Vidal, EVP of Strategy & Development at SSi People; Richard Quevedo, CEO & President of SMX Services & Consulting, Inc.; Quinn Fillmon, CEO of STAND 8; and Betsy Robinson, Founder & CEO of Tier4 Group, discuss new business development, shifting demand, rapid tech change, sales talent acquisition, and employee tech fatigue — and the strategies they’re using to address them.

In this Hot Takes episode, four staffing leaders share how successful firms are keeping their teams focused and resilient in an uncertain market. Tyson Franco, Founder & CEO of Mako Professionals; Joel Leege, President & COO of Red Oak Technologies, Inc.; Megan McCann, CEO of McCann Partners; and John Bemis, President of Benchmark IT, discuss specialization, relationship-building, authentic leadership, and investing in teams to navigate market uncertainty with confidence.

In this TechServe Exchange episode, Monty Ragland sits down with his business partner, Monica Dominic, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, personal branding, and showing up authentically in today’s staffing landscape. Monica shares how her personal brand strengthens PSI, why authenticity builds trust, how social media can expand influence, and why leaders must embrace both vulnerability and visibility. Their discussion offers practical guidance for anyone looking to build a genuine personal brand, empower their team, and align who they are with the work they do every day.

In this Hot Takes episode, three staffing professionals share how their firms are using AI today and where it’s making the biggest impact. Mariah Szarek of Benchmark, Chris Cabe of Capstone IT, and Patrick Cox of Professional Alternative talk about how AI is streamlining interviews, saving recruiters time, and helping firms move faster with better candidate insights.

Join Great Recruiters Founder & CEO Adam Conrad alongside leading IT staffing executives — Tim Glennie, Susan Robinson, Robert Bouchard, Michelle Sims, and John Bemis — for a dynamic conversation on one of the industry’s biggest questions: Is the recruiter role dying or evolving? The panel breaks down where AI truly adds value, where human intuition remains irreplaceable, how to combat tech fatigue, what ethical implementation looks like, and how to preserve trust and empathy in an increasingly automated world. Leaders share real examples, risks to watch, and practical ways to create a recruiter force that thrives at the intersection of technology and human connection.

Monica Dominic, Chief Client Officer of ProTeam Solutions, sits down with Monty Ragland, President of ProTeam Solutions, for an honest and energizing conversation about the journey from employee to owner. Together they explore early career lessons, the moment ownership became real, the fears behind taking the leap, and the leadership mindset required to guide a company forward. Monty shares wins, challenges, and the importance of putting yourself “in the room where it happens.”

In this Hot Takes episode, four staffing professionals share the best career advice they’ve ever received — and who gave it. Carolyn Marcelo, Director of Human Resources at DTG Consulting Solutions, Inc.; Chris Cabe, Recruiting Team Lead at Capstone IT; Jordan Caldwell, Business Development Executive at DP Professionals; and James Delsing, Executive Search Consultant at Consultis Search Group, reflect on lessons around courage, boundaries, passion, and staying grounded through the highs and lows of the staffing industry.

Join John Bemis, President of Benchmark IT, and Megan McCann, Founder & CEO of McCann Partners, as they explore how relationship-building lies at the heart of successful client and candidate partnerships. From earning trust through authenticity to addressing challenges with transparency, John and Megan share practical strategies for strengthening client engagement, fostering collaboration, and maintaining long-term success in IT staffing. They also discuss the role of communication, feedback, and technology tools in creating lasting partnerships that drive results.

Join Anna Frazzetto (AFM Strategic Partners) with Chris Beisler (Bridgeview), Pat Patel (East Bay Ventures), and Sam Smith (ASB Resources) as they explore how staffing firms are successfully implementing and scaling the Statement of Work (SOW) business model. The discussion covers how firms are adapting pricing structures, aligning with client expectations, transforming sales teams, and strengthening long-term partnerships through SOW-based solutions.

Join Megan McCann, Founder & CEO of McCann Partners, and John Bemis, President of Benchmark IT, as they discuss how IT staffing firms can stay agile in a rapidly evolving market. Megan shares how client expectations, hiring behaviors, and the role of AI are reshaping the staffing landscape—and what firms can do to adapt. Together, they explore leadership lessons, relationship-building, and how to future-proof your business amid technological and generational shifts.

In this Hot Takes episode, four industry leaders share where IT staffing firms should focus their investments in the near term. Anna Frazzetto, Founder & CEO of AFM Strategic Partners; Joel Leege, President & COO of Red Oak Technologies; John Bemis, President of Benchmark IT; and Megan McCann, CEO & Founder of McCann Partners, discuss investing in people, automation, specialization, and client engagement to drive growth and stay competitive.

Join Anna Frazzetto, Founder & CEO of AFM Strategic Partners, and Tim Glennie, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Bridgeview IT, as they explore how IT staffing firms can adapt, innovate, and grow in a challenging market. Anna and Tim share practical strategies for navigating shifting client buying behaviors, using AI to uncover sales opportunities, and diversifying service offerings through SOW models. They also discuss the importance of listening, leveraging data-driven insights, and maximizing existing client relationships to position for growth in 2025.

In this Hot Takes episode, four industry leaders share how IT staffing firms can approach diversification. Anna Frazzetto, Founder & CEO, AFM Strategic Partners, Joel Leege, President & COO, Red Oak Technologies, Kip Wright, Founder & CEO, Wright Path Advisors, and Tim Glennie, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, BridgeView IT discuss expanding into new markets, aligning with client needs, and evolving service delivery to stay competitive.

Join Brian Jameson, Chief Growth Officer and Co-Founder of echogravity, and Pete Newsome, Founding President of 4 Corner Resources and zengig, as they explore how AI is transforming search and digital visibility. They discuss the paradigm shift from traditional SEO to AI-powered answers, how to build authority that AI trusts, and why owning your niche is more important than ever. Pete also shares practical examples of how AI tools are reshaping business development and recruiting efficiency for staffing firms.

Join us for this Hot Takes episode as we ask four industry leaders one key question: Should IT staffing firms look to move up the value chain in their service offerings? Hear insights from Tim Glennie, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of BridgeView IT, John Bemis, President of Benchmark IT, Megan McCann, Founder & CEO of McCann Partners, and Anna Frazzetto, Founder & CEO of AFM Strategic Partners, as they share their perspectives on how firms can strengthen client partnerships, expand service delivery, and differentiate themselves in today’s competitive staffing landscape.

Join Anna Frazzetto, Founder & CEO of AFM Strategic Partners, and Tim Glennie, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Bridgeview IT, as they tackle one of the toughest challenges in today’s IT staffing market: how to outthink, outpace, and outsell the competition. They discuss the impact of tariffs and capital costs, how to strengthen client relationships in a tight economy, and why differentiation and specialization are critical. Tim also shares Bridgeview’s approach to blended staffing and consulting solutions, social proof through client feedback, and how AI is changing sales and recruiting strategies.

Join us for this Hot Takes episode as we ask four industry leaders one key question: How are IT staffing firms rethinking their delivery models in today’s market? Hear insights from Megan McCann, Founder & CEO of McCann Partners, Tim Glennie, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of BridgeView IT, Joel Leege, President & COO at Red Oak Technologies, and John Bemis, President of Benchmark IT, as they share their perspectives on how delivery models are evolving to meet client and candidate needs in today’s staffing landscape.

In the very first Hot Takes episode of the TechServe Brief, four industry leaders share their perspectives on how AI is reshaping the IT staffing industry.   Join Joel Leege, President & COO of Red Oak Technologies, Kip Wright, Founder & CEO of Wright Path Advisors, Anna Frazzetto, Founder & CEO of AFM Strategic Partners, and Tim Glennie, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of BridgeView IT, as they weigh in on AI’s impact.

Join Ken Schumacher, CEO of Ropes AI, as he explores the evolving challenges of candidate deception in technical hiring. From traditional resume fraud to AI-assisted interview bypassing, he discusses how staffing firms and employers can verify candidate skills and authenticity, protect client relationships, and turn verification into a competitive advantage.

Join Mark Roberts, CEO of TechServe Alliance, and Kip Wright, Founder & CEO of Wright Path Advisors and President-Elect, Board of Directors of TechServe Alliance, as they explore whether today’s shifts in IT staffing are part of a familiar economic cycle or signs of deeper structural change. From the lasting effects of COVID to the transformative role of AI, they discuss how client expectations are evolving, what it takes for firms to reposition themselves, and where staffing leaders should focus to stay competitive.

In this episode of The TechServe Brief, industry leaders Jeb Corley, VP, Medix Technology, Daniel Youssif, CSO, TalentBridge, and Joel Leege, President & COO, Red Oak Technologies, and President of the Board of Directors for TechServe Alliance, explore what it takes to build and scale sales teams in a competitive staffing landscape. They discuss hiring approaches — from “homegrown” entry-level programs to bringing in experienced “hired guns” — and debate what works best in today’s environment. The panel also dives into evolving KPIs, the role of culture in driving sales performance, strategies for winning new logos, and how AI is beginning to influence sales and delivery.

In this episode, Kip Wright, Founder & CEO of Wright Path Advisors, and Anna Frazzetto, Founder & CEO of AFM Strategic Partners, discuss the evolving world of Statement of Work (SOW) engagements and how they differ from traditional staffing models. They explore the opportunities and risks of adopting SOW, market demand insights, strategies for getting started, investment considerations, and sales process differences. Kip and Anna also share practical advice, early wins, and strategic focus areas to help firms successfully implement SOW and capitalize on client needs.

We asked two industry thought leaders to share their perspectives on the future of IT staffing in a special series. In this first episode, Mark Roberts, CEO of TechServe Alliance, leads the conversation with Joel Leege, President and COO of Red Oak Technologies, who offers his perspective on whether the changes in IT staffing reflect a familiar cycle or a structural transformation. Joel also shares insights on the future of skill sets, the impact of AI, and the evolving role of staffing firms.