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Interview with Richard Doran

We sit down with Richard Doran, Founder and President of Sierra ITS, a firm dedicated to providing companies with their most critical resource: people.

97%
Candidate retention rate within the first year of placement
1,5k+
Professionals in IT and tech successfully placed
90%
Repeat client rate achieved over the last five years
Richard, Sierra ITS is known for its ability to match top-tier talent with leading companies. What sets your approach to recruitment apart?

Our approach at Sierra ITS is built on three pillars: precision, flexibility, and relationship-building. Precision is essential because we’re not just filling roles, we’re finding the perfect fit for both the company and the candidate. This requires a deep understanding of the client’s needs, culture, and long-term goals, as well as the candidate’s skills, ambitions, and work style.

Flexibility is another key aspect. We offer a variety of recruitment solutions, including direct hire, contract-to-hire, and executive search, to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Whether a company is looking for a short-term solution or a long-term leader, we adapt our strategy to deliver the best results.

Finally, relationships are at the heart of what we do. Many of our clients have worked with us for years because they know we’re invested in their success. We’re not just a recruitment firm; we’re a partner who takes the time to understand their unique challenges and opportunities. This philosophy is what has allowed Sierra ITS to consistently deliver exceptional outcomes.

"Recruitment is about creating meaningful connections that drive success for both companies and individuals."
Richard Doran
Founder and President of Sierra ITS
Technology recruitment is one of Sierra ITS’s core specialties. What trends are you seeing in this space, and how are they shaping your work?

Technology recruitment is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the increasing demand for specialized talent. Companies are looking for professionals with niche skills, whether it’s a developer with expertise in a specific programming language or an ERP consultant who can implement highly customized solutions.

Another trend is the rise of hybrid and remote work, which has expanded the talent pool but also created new challenges for employers. Companies are now competing for top talent on a national, and sometimes even global, scale. This means the recruitment process needs to be more strategic and streamlined than ever.

At Sierra ITS, we stay ahead of these trends by maintaining an extensive network of highly skilled professionals and leveraging technology to match candidates with opportunities quickly and accurately. We also consult with clients on how to build competitive compensation packages and flexible work arrangements that attract and retain the best talent. These trends are reshaping the industry, and we’re here to help our clients adapt and thrive.

What inspired you to start Sierra ITS, and how has the firm evolved since its inception?

I founded Sierra ITS because I saw an opportunity to create a recruitment firm that truly prioritizes quality and client satisfaction. Early in my career, I realized that many firms focused too much on quick placements and not enough on building long-term relationships or understanding the deeper needs of their clients. I wanted to change that.

Since our inception, Sierra ITS has grown significantly, both in terms of the industries we serve and the services we provide. While we started with a focus on IT and technology recruitment, we’ve expanded into ERP, executive-level roles, and consulting services. Our offerings have also evolved to include flexible options like contract-to-hire, which allows clients to make more informed hiring decisions.

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to excellence. Every member of our team is dedicated to upholding Sierra’s core philosophy of quality, service, and long-term support. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built and the impact we’ve had on both our clients and candidates. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our work helps companies grow and individuals advance their careers.

"In today’s competitive market, the right talent is the foundation of every successful business."
Richard Doran
Founder and President of Sierra ITS
With a focus on long-term client support, how does Sierra ITS ensure lasting relationships with the companies you serve?

Long-term relationships are the cornerstone of Sierra ITS’s success. To ensure these relationships endure, we emphasize three key practices: communication, customization, and consistency.

First, open communication is essential. We make it a priority to stay connected with our clients, whether it’s through regular check-ins or feedback sessions. This allows us to understand how their needs are evolving and ensures we’re always aligned with their goals.

Second, we customize our approach for every client. No two companies are the same, so we take the time to learn about their unique culture, challenges, and hiring objectives. This allows us to deliver tailored solutions that truly add value.

Finally, consistency is critical. Clients return to us because they know they can count on us to deliver top-tier talent and exceptional service, every time. Whether we’re filling a single role or helping with a large-scale hiring initiative, we approach every project with the same level of dedication.

By focusing on these principles, we’ve built relationships that last for years and, in some cases, decades. It’s this focus on trust and reliability that sets Sierra ITS apart.

Sierra ITS offers a range of recruitment solutions, from direct hire to contract-to-hire. How do you help clients determine which approach is right for them?

The key to selecting the right recruitment solution is understanding the client’s specific needs, both immediate and long-term. At Sierra ITS, we start by conducting a thorough consultation to evaluate factors such as the role’s responsibilities, the organization’s goals, and the current market conditions. 

For instance, if a company needs to fill a critical role quickly while assessing the candidate’s fit, contract-to-hire can be an ideal option. It allows employers to test the waters before making a permanent commitment.

On the other hand, direct hire is best for positions that are integral to the organization’s core operations and require stability. These are roles where long-term planning and cultural alignment are essential. For consulting or project-based needs, contract roles are often the best choice because they provide flexibility without the overhead of a permanent hire.

Our role is to guide clients through this decision-making process by weighing the pros and cons of each option. By tailoring our recommendations to their specific situation, we help them maximize the impact of their hires while minimizing risk.

The recruitment industry is competitive. What strategies have you implemented to ensure Sierra ITS stands out in the market?

Standing out in the recruitment industry requires a combination of expertise, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. At Sierra ITS, we’ve built our reputation on delivering more than just candidates—we deliver solutions. Our deep specialization in technology, IT, and ERP allows us to understand the unique challenges our clients face and provide targeted support.

We also focus heavily on building relationships. Many of our clients have been with us for years, and that’s because they trust us to consistently deliver high-quality results. This trust is earned through transparency, open communication, and a genuine commitment to their success.

Innovation is another cornerstone of our strategy. We leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline the hiring process, from advanced talent-matching algorithms to tools that help us assess candidates beyond just their resumes. But we never lose sight of the human element—our recruiters prioritize understanding the people behind the profiles.

Finally, we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt. The market is constantly changing, and we stay ahead by continuously evolving our strategies and staying attuned to emerging trends. These combined efforts ensure that Sierra ITS remains a trusted partner in the ever-competitive recruitment landscape.

"At Sierra ITS, we measure our success by the impact our placements have on the organizations and careers we help build."
Richard Doran
Founder and President of Sierra ITS
What do you find most rewarding about your work in talent acquisition, and how does it drive your leadership at Sierra ITS?

What I find most rewarding about talent acquisition is the opportunity to create lasting impact. Each placement we make isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about helping companies grow and enabling individuals to advance their careers. Knowing that our work contributes to a company’s success or a candidate’s life-changing opportunity is incredibly fulfilling.

This sense of purpose drives everything we do at Sierra ITS. As a leader, I strive to instill that same passion and commitment in my team. I encourage our recruiters to approach every project with a focus on long-term outcomes, whether it’s helping a client build a high-performing team or guiding a candidate toward the next step in their career.

I also find great satisfaction in watching Sierra ITS evolve and thrive. Leading a company means navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and constantly striving for excellence. The impact we’ve had on our clients and candidates over the years is a testament to the dedication and talent of our team. At the end of the day, it’s knowing we’ve made a difference that keeps me motivated and inspired.

Key Insights
  • Richard Doran’s approach at Sierra ITS is built on precision, flexibility, and relationship-building, ensuring tailored recruitment solutions that benefit both companies and candidates.
  • Sierra ITS stays ahead in the competitive technology recruitment field by leveraging innovative tools, adapting to trends like remote work, and maintaining an extensive network of highly skilled professionals.
  • What drives Richard’s leadership is the fulfillment of creating meaningful, lasting impacts by helping businesses grow and enabling individuals to achieve life-changing career opportunities.
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