When you read the words “A Top-Secret Cleared, Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) that leverages more than 25 years of tested Professional Staff Augmentation excellence, federal subcontracting, and trusted industry relationships,” it becomes evident that Gridiron IT is a company that checks several important boxes. Furthermore, with the recent addition of its own GSA Schedule, the road ahead is wide open for this organization. To gain deeper insights into its journey, we sat down with Alex Hein, Co-Founder and CEO of Gridiron IT, and Colby Shomaker, Vice President of Sales to better understand how this staffing company is prepared to support its industry and government clients in unique ways.
Founded on Relationships
Gridiron IT was founded in late 2017 by the husband-and-wife duo, Jenny, and Alex Hein. Their inspiration stemmed from two decades of accumulated customer experience, strong relationships, and a history of exceptional performance. While their primary goal was to establish a staffing company that could assist government contractors in supporting federal missions, they were equally committed to fostering an environment where individuals came together as a cohesive team. Today, Gridiron IT comprises 225 professionals across 42 states, serving federal integrators and small to mid-tier companies alike.
Skillsets and Beyond
With a focus on supporting government clients, Gridiron IT’s recruiters not only seek the required skillsets but also ensure that potential candidates have a comprehensive understanding of the mission and the specific goals of their assignments. This approach ensures that the right person is matched with the right job and enhances candidates’ performance to support the client’s mission. Gridiron IT also assists its contracting partners by helping candidates comprehend the culture of smaller firms and why certain roles may be uniquely appealing. “Mid-sized firms may be challenged competing for talent with larger integrators, but we can lead resources to understand the culture of a smaller firm, why a role may be special in other ways to help bridge those gaps. ~ Alex Hein, CEO”
Long-term Partnerships
As a trusted long-term partner to many clients, Gridiron IT has a deep understanding of their evolving needs. Whether it’s identifying the ideal personality fit or skillset in high demand, or alerting companies when specific candidates become available, Gridiron IT ensures that its clients have a dynamic pipeline to adapt to changing government projects. The company’s comprehensive benefits package facilitates smooth transitions for staff as contracts conclude, alleviating the pressure of staffing uncertainties.
Part of a Team
As staff members transition from one project to another, they carry valuable experience and perspectives gained from supporting multiple efforts and clients. “We understand that building teams for government missions requires a mix of deep experience and fresh, innovative ideas. With over 20 years of agency-specific expertise and a commitment to new solutions, we offer the best of both worlds. Our diverse perspectives make us a dynamic and effective partner in this field. ~ Colby Shomaker, Vice President of Sales” Gridiron IT’s account managers connect clients with the right expertise, personalities, and available resources. Operating as a small business within a larger support framework, Gridiron IT thrives as an innovator, driving new solutions tailored to government clients’ unique requirements.
Exceptional Team Building
Gridiron IT’s onboarding process goes beyond skills and experience assessment; it includes participation in the company’s Consultant Care program. Regular check-ins with employees provide valuable insights into their well-being, project progress, and future aspirations. These personal relationships extend beyond resumes and enable Gridiron IT to confidently recommend consultants to clients.
“Gridiron IT’s internal expansion is fueled by our success and the evolving needs of our strategic clients. We are committed to assembling teams in pivotal technology and functional domains, aiming to bolster the growth objectives of our clients and partners. Our culture is geared towards ambitious goal achievement, supported by robust training and support systems. These systems are designed to ensure that each member of our team experiences personal and professional growth in tandem with the company’s progression. ~ Colby Shomaker, Vice President of Sales”
Leveraging Clearances and Trusted Relationships
With over 175 team members holding secret clearances and two full-time security officers on staff, Gridiron IT offers a high degree of secured personnel, capable of meeting challenging clearance requirements. The company is rapidly expanding its reach and reputation, leveraging its security clearances and trusted relationships across the most stringent sectors.
The Road is Open
Recently, Gridiron IT secured its own GSA Schedule based on advice from its long-term Prime partners. This strategic move enables the company to directly support federal clients it has indirectly assisted in the past. Gridiron IT’s commitment to finding the right match for each project and client’s mission remains unwavering. While their primary focus is on supporting their client’s mission and scalability, they are also open to assisting their team members transition to permanent roles when it aligns with the client’s needs.
Strategic Partnership Approach
As Gridiron IT continues to grow and establish itself, the company is becoming more strategic in choosing its partners. They take immense pride in their work and are dedicated to finding partners who share their commitment to excellence, reputation, and high standards. Gridiron IT is actively seeking like-minded partners who value their people and the quality of service they provide.
“As a womanly owned small business, Gridiron IT takes immense pride in our journey marked by unwavering dedication to excellence. Our strong relationships with clients and our commitment to meeting their unique needs have been the cornerstones of our success. Securing the GSA Schedule is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and expertise. We’re not just a company; we’re a team that genuinely cares about making a meaningful impact in the GovCon sector.”
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