The Evolution of EmergenceTek Group: Insights from Co-Founder Brian Lehman

By: Carolyn Case, Talent Optimization Strategist

The Early Days: A Leap of Faith

Brian Lehman’s journey into entrepreneurship began like many successful ventures: with a conversation and a leap of faith. Lehman had been working in software development for healthcare companies when his future business partner, Bab Namugundu, approached him with a bold proposition—starting their own business. Lehman gave it serious thought for just three days before diving in. In 2012, the duo sat down and wrote a business plan in a single day. Within three weeks, they were working full-time on the company, setting up shop around a kitchen table. 

However, building a business from the ground up was no easy task. For the first few years, EmergenceTek Group resembled an IT recruitment company more than anything else, with the focus on finding the right talent. Despite their vision, they struggled to find customers that aligned with their goals. Success didn’t come from cold calls or aggressive sales tactics—it came from cultivating relationships within the community. They shared their stories, leveraged their networks, and built a reputation. Even so, the initial years were tough, and Brian found himself on the brink of quitting several times, especially with a young family to support. 

The Shift to Project-Based Work  

Everything changed three years into the business. EmergenceTek Group created a new division dedicated to IT projects, and their client base began to extend beyond state lines. This marked a turning point. Today, 80-95% of their business is focused on project-based IT work, with the remainder dedicated to staff augmentation. Thanks to their expertise in IT, clients came to trust them to hire the best talent for various tech roles. 

One of the early successes for the business was the ability to hire friends with exceptional talent. Their goal was not only to bring on the right people but to retain them. When COVID-19 forced a transition to remote work, productivity and team satisfaction surged. For Lehman, this confirmed that remote work was the right long-term strategy for a consulting agency like his. 

Adapting to Remote Work and New Challenges  

As the team shifted to remote work, new challenges emerged—especially when it came to hiring. How do you ensure that new employees are as mature and self-directed as needed? Can they handle the responsibilities of a full-time job without constant supervision? These questions highlighted one of the biggest pain points in today’s work environment: finding the right talent for remote roles, where accountability and discipline are crucial. 

Despite the challenges, Lehman and his team persevered. The first few years were full of learning curves—navigating market changes, developing management skills, and leading projects successfully. Through these experiences, they sharpened their understanding of how to best serve clients. 

A Changing Workforce  

Lehman has noticed a generational shift in how people approach work. When he was younger, the goal was to land a full-time position at any company that would hire you. Today, however, many workers are opting for multiple part-time or contract roles, allowing them to focus on their passions and interests. It’s a trend that Lehman believes will continue, particularly in the IT industry. 

EmergenceTek Group has built a reputation for offering opportunities that challenge their employees while playing to their strengths. They maintain an average tenure of eight years among developers—an impressive feat in an industry where many businesses struggle to retain talent. Lehman credits this to keeping his team constantly busy with multiple projects and encouraging them to stay engaged outside of work as well. “That’s how you get your purpose,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of giving people room to explore new ideas. 

Leadership Changes and Growth 

As EmergenceTek Group continues to evolve, it’s also experiencing changes in leadership. Bab, Lehman’s original business partner, has stepped away, and Jeff Schneider has been welcomed as the new Co-CEO. Schneider, who comes from a background in marketing and software sales, works remotely from the West Coast, a region where the company is looking to expand. This shift in leadership signals a new chapter for the company, as they now have several employees based on the West Coast and are focused on building their client base there. 

Navigating Industry Fluctuations  

The IT industry is known for its fluctuations, with business and revenue often tied to the ebb and flow of different quarters. For companies like EmergenceTek Group, staffing to the maximum during busy periods can lead to problems in slower seasons. Instead, they offer clients flexibility, allowing them to scale up or down as needed. This approach has paid off, resulting in a remarkable 99% client retention rate. Lehman thrives in this chaotic environment, moving staff around to fit various projects and staying agile to meet client demands. 

Human Resources and Hiring Strategies  

As a business owner, Lehman has naturally taken on HR responsibilities, with his top priority being to hire and retain talented employees. His key to successful hiring? Relationships. Lehman prefers to hire through his LinkedIn network, building teams that work well together through personal connections. This relational approach also extends to client acquisition, with many new clients coming through word-of-mouth referrals. 

Advice for Entrepreneurs  

Lehman’s advice to budding entrepreneurs is simple: brace yourself for hard work. It’s crucial to remain flexible, pivoting to meet your customers’ needs while staying fueled by your passion. “Spend less money, and spend more time taking care of your customers,” he advises. By keeping a lean budget, entrepreneurs can avoid the pressure of chasing investors and focus on building a solid customer base. 

He also emphasizes that in the beginning, every customer matters. You never know when your biggest client might downsize, leaving you with less business than expected. 

Work-Life Balance  

Lehman doesn’t adhere to a strict 9-to-5 schedule, but he stresses the importance of balancing work and personal life. For him, some days are about being fully present in the office, while others are focused on spending time with his family. He believes that finding passions outside of work can greatly benefit your mental health and productivity. Ultimately, work-life balance is personal and should be tailored to what both your family and your work require from you. 

Conclusion  

Brian Lehman’s journey with EmergenceTek Group is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and relationships. From the early days around a kitchen table to becoming a successful IT consulting firm, EmergenceTek Group’s growth has been shaped by a commitment to its team, clients, and community. For entrepreneurs and business leaders alike, Lehman’s story offers valuable lessons on staying grounded, focused, and resilient in the face of challenges. 

Are you tired of navigating hiring and human resources on your own, and interested in learning how to best hire and leverage your own employees? Book a call with our Talent Optimization team here!