You can feel it when someone isn’t just “in recruiting” but is genuinely obsessed with the craft. That’s what comes through in our conversation with David Darnell, a new Board of Advisors member and the founder of NTIS, a talent solutions firm whose name blends “enterprise” and “genius” for a reason. We talk about how he took the long route through big talent organizations, launched his own firm, learned hard lessons, and stepped out again to build something sharper, faster, and more durable.
We get specific about what NTIS actually does day to day: recruiting in manufacturing, construction, and healthcare, plus David’s personal passion for placing high-performing sales talent. You’ll hear how the firm focuses on higher-skill roles such as superintendents and project managers, nurse leaders, and even exclusive phlebotomist support for a large pathology client. The theme is fit over volume, because the right hire sticks longer, costs less, and changes the trajectory of a team.
Then we dig into the “AI twist” behind the scenes. David explains how they combine off-the-shelf tools with proprietary systems for automated sourcing and a 24/7 outbound engine that identifies companies hiring, finds the hiring manager, and runs outreach sequences continuously. We also talk founder life: why entrepreneurship can be lonely, why community matters, and what it looks like when your family truly has your back while you build.
If you enjoy candid conversations about modern recruiting, AI in staffing, passive candidate sourcing, and what it takes to scale a services business, subscribe, share this with a founder friend, and leave a quick review. What part of your hiring process needs the biggest upgrade right now?
