Company: Smoothstack, McLean, VA
Nomination Submitted by: Bospar
Company Description: Smoothstack, Inc (Smoothstack) is an IT services and solutions provider with a unique ability to create net-new talent through its hire-train-deploy (HTD) approach. With AI embedded throughout its vetting and training process, Smoothstack skills up high-aptitude engineers on leading technologies aligned to their clients’ unique tech environments.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Business & Professional Services - Medium
 Nomination Title: Smoothstack
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2023, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 168 words used.
Smoothstack was founded in 2018 to solve the problem that many companies face during a period of hypergrowth: finding skilled talent at scale. Since its inception, Smoothstack has established a strong track record of addressing critical technology talent gaps in multiple industries through its innovative "hire-train-deploy" (HTD) model. By creating a proprietary system to identify and nurture raw and untapped talent, Smoothstack has developed a resource pipeline that serves clients across government agencies and enterprise organizations.
One of Smoothstack’s key successes is its impressive 98% retention rate, driven by its commitment to long-term development through apprenticeship programs and the talent’s exposure to leading technology platforms such as Databricks, AWS, ServiceNow, Salesforce and Oracle. This focus on skill development through its trademarked Mirrored Environment Immersion (MEI), combined with a merit-based system, has helped create a diverse, highly motivated and well trained workforce. Over 51% of Smoothstack’s talent comes from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and the company has partnered with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to further diversify the technology workforce.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 232 words used.
Since 2023, Smoothstack has continued to transform the tech talent pipeline through its Hire Train Deploy (HTD) model, creating opportunities for both individuals and partners.
With 99% of candidates coming from unemployed or underemployed backgrounds, we remain committed to expanding access to careers in tech. Our 98% retention rate over two years proves the strength of our tailored, risk-free approach. Our 20% reduction in hiring costs makes Smoothstack a valuable partner to organizations seeking cost-effective, high-quality talent.
Over the past year, we’ve introduced new career pathways in Cloud, AI/ML and Cybersecurity and invested $1 million in our Gen AI training initiative. To date, 28 individuals have been certified through this initiative, with the second cohort underway and a third launching in March 2025.
Smoothstack’s apprenticeship program has grown, with 166 apprentices placed across 33 states in the U.S. in the past year alone. Additionally, Smoothstack expanded its offerings by adding the Technician occupation to the program and now offers the ability for candidates to earn up to 49 college credits from the American Council on Education (ACE) Learning Evaluations accreditation.
Smoothstack’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. We've been recognized by Inc. 5000, Elev8, Top 100 MBE, and now Top 30 Innovative, highlighting our commitment to building a diverse, future-ready workforce. With a growing presence in both Fortune 500 and federal sectors, we’re not just training talent—we're shaping the future of tech careers.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 248 words used.
Smoothstack’s achievements stand out because we’re solving two major challenges at once: the lack of qualified tech professionals and the underutilization of the American workforce. We go beyond traditional staffing by training and developing talent for long-term careers rather than short-term staffing solutions.
Our risk-free model eliminates hiring costs for clients by covering 100% of recruitment and training expenses, something most competitors don’t offer. This has led to a 98% retention rate over two years, significantly outperforming industry standards in both tech recruitment and staffing. Talent coming through Smoothstack also experiences rapid career growth, starting at $60k in year one and reaching $105-$115 by year three—a transformation that traditional staffing firms don’t facilitate.
What truly sets us apart is our proprietary Mirrored Environment Immersion (MEI) training, which prepares candidates in the exact tech stack of their future employer. This drastically shortens time-to-productivity, delivering talent who can contribute in weeks, not months. The result? A 20% reduction in hiring costs for our clients, while ensuring they get skilled, job-ready professionals.
Our apprenticeship program continues to scale, now spanning 33 states in the past year alone. This program provides a structured, debt-free pathway into tech careers, particularly for those without traditional degrees. By continuously expanding training tracks, including the recent addition of Technician occupations, we ensure more diverse career opportunities in high-demand fields.
As an award-winning small company, Smoothstack is proving that quality beats quantity, competing with national players while making a lasting impact on both individuals and the industry.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 36 words used.
2024 Awards & Recognition
Gen AI Initiative
| Attachments/Videos/Links: |
|---|
|
