Smoothstack Inc. has reshaped the IT recruitment landscape through its innovative hire-train-deploy (HTD) model, cultivating fresh talent by providing strategic consulting and project support across Application Development, Cloud, Digital Platforms, Data Engineering and AI, and Cybersecurity. The company has established itself as a key player in serving Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies, leveraging a robust HTD approach that effectively meets the demands of over 46 federal entities. Prestigious names like Verizon, Morgan Stanley, Accenture, Bloomberg, and Intel are among its corporate clientele. Partnerships with top technology providers, including AWS, Databricks, and Salesforce, further amplify the company's capabilities in navigating complex IT challenges.
Based in McLean, Virginia, the company deviates from traditional hiring practices by adopting a modern apprenticeship model. This model is powered by AI and data science, crafting merit-based entry points into the IT industry for diverse and exceptional talent. Early-career software engineers are recruited through a proprietary training regime called Mirrored Environment Immersion. This training closely replicates the technological environments of its clients, ensuring that candidates are meticulously prepared for deployment. These professionals are then placed at client sites for at least two years. The company handles all aspects of employment management, from vetting and hiring to benefits administration and payroll, allowing clients to focus on their core business activities.
The inception of Smoothstack Inc. in 2018 by John Akkara, Boris Kuiper, and Prasanth Ram was driven by a need to bridge the IT talent gap. The founders, leveraging their extensive experience in IT consulting and strategic operations, realized the limitations of traditional talent acquisition models and sought to create a scalable solution through the HTD process. This process facilitates sourcing skilled personnel and ensures their readiness to meet specific client needs.
In addition to its staffing solutions, the company has made significant strides in professional education and certification. The company's training initiatives have been recognized by the American Council on Education, which recommends college credits for several of Smoothstack's courses, thereby enhancing the educational value of its programs. In 2023, the company joined the RiseUp with the ServiceNow program, further expanding its training capabilities to produce certified IT professionals adept at navigating and implementing ServiceNow solutions.
Smoothstack Inc.'s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its workforce composition, with 58% of its talent pool comprising women and minorities, significantly higher than the industry norm. The company also supports military veterans transitioning to civilian roles through the DOD SkillBridge and Virginia Values Veterans programs, underscoring its dedication to fostering a skilled and diverse IT workforce. Through these efforts, the company continues to lead by example, demonstrating the effectiveness of its HTD model in transforming the IT staffing sector.
