The TechServe Brief

Hot Takes Episode 12: What is one trend you think most firms are underestimating right now?

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.

Hot Takes Episode 11: What lessons can we learn when growth of the IT staffing industry has stalled in the past?

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.

One Team, One Goal: Why Sales and Recruiting Alignment Matters More Than Ever

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.

Hot Takes Episode 10: What’s the biggest business challenge or pain point your firm is facing right now and how are you tackling it?

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.

Hot Takes Episode 9: How are successful firms keeping their teams focused and resilient in an uncertain market?

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.

Being the Brand - How Personal Presence Amplifies Company Success

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.

Hot Takes Episode 8 - How is your firm using AI today? Part 2

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.

Is the Recruiter Role Dying or Evolving? Balancing AI Efficiency with Human Connection in IT Staffing

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.

Employer to Ownership Journey: Succession Planning

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.”

Hot Takes Episode 7 - What is the best piece of career advice you have received and who gave it?

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.