Compliance, Culture, and Community: Carmelo Morreale on Building Metrodata Services the Right Way

By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo

In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Carmelo Morreale, Owner & Partner of Metrodata Services, to talk about entrepreneurship, national accreditation, background screening compliance, and what it really takes to build a trusted local business in Western New York.

From starting as an intern in 2009 to purchasing the company in 2022, Carm’s journey is a testament to grit, partnership, and putting clients first.

From Intern to Owner

Carm didn’t grow up dreaming of running a pre-employment screening company. Like many entrepreneurs, his path unfolded organically.

He joined Metrodata Services right out of college as an intern. Over the years, he earned autonomy, learned the intricacies of the industry, and built strong relationships with clients. In 2011, his business partner John Burns joined the company, and together they helped grow operations while preparing for something bigger.

In 2022, when the opportunity arose to purchase the company from its founder, Carm and John stepped in.

“We didn’t want to work for anyone else,” Carm shared. “If anyone was going to take this forward, it should be us.”

Customer Service Isn’t a Buzzword

Many companies claim great customer service. Carm backs it up.

Metrodata remains intentionally accessible. When clients reach out through the website, inquiries go directly to Carm. Whether it’s a recruiter navigating international background checks or an HR team integrating screening into an HRIS system, Carm and his team act as consultants—not just vendors.

“We’d rather undersell and overdeliver,” he explained.

Transparency is central to their philosophy. They walk clients through compliance requirements, adverse action processes, consent language, and policy development—without overstepping legal boundaries.

The goal isn’t just to run a report. It’s to help businesses make informed hiring decisions confidently.

Technology, Automation, and the Human Element

Over the past 15 years, the biggest industry shift has been automation.

Courts have modernized systems. Databases have become faster. Monitoring and rescreening options have emerged. Integration with HR platforms has become standard.

But despite technical advancements, the human element remains essential.

There are still researchers physically reviewing records. There are still compliance decisions that require judgment. And there are still nuanced conversations between employers and candidates.

Metrodata blends automation with oversight—ensuring reports are accurate, compliant, and delivered quickly in competitive hiring markets.

Culture, Teamwork, and Leading from the Front

Metrodata operates with a team-first mentality. Carm and John are the first in and last out. They answer calls from airports, events, and weekends when necessary—not for show, but to keep the business moving forward.

Carm believes culture is more than a buzzword.

“We’re not staff—we’re a team.”

Cross-training employees across departments, building transparency internally, and modeling accountability are foundational to their growth. With nine full-time team members, Metrodata has created an environment where people understand the mission and contribute beyond job descriptions.

Rooted in Western New York

Beyond compliance and customer service, Metrodata is deeply rooted in the Buffalo community. Carm and his team regularly attend HR, legal, and industry events—not to hard-sell, but to build awareness and strengthen local partnerships.

For Carm, being visible matters.

“If you see us tabling at events, that’s us flying the company flag. We want the community to know we’re here.”

A Business Built on Integrity

Carm Morreale’s journey from intern to owner highlights what’s possible when autonomy meets accountability. Through transparency, accreditation, and a team-first culture, Metrodata Services has positioned itself as a trusted screening partner across Western New York and beyond.

For organizations seeking compliant, responsive, and community-rooted background screening services, Metrodata Services stands ready.