Podcast Summary: Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief Episode: Ep. 436 - Quickly Hire COO, Emily Hunkler
Release Date: December 31, 2024
Host: Cameron Herold

In Episode 436 of the “Second in Command” podcast, host Cameron Herold welcomes Emily Hunkler, the Chief Operating Officer at Quickly Hire, a leading talent platform specializing in connecting businesses with highly vetted fractional freelancers. The episode delves deep into the innovative approach Quickly Hire employs to revolutionize the modern workforce, particularly through the lens of fractional employment.

Introduction to Quickly Hire and Emily Hunkler

[03:19] Cameron Herold introduces Emily Hunkler, highlighting her extensive experience with high-growth startups in Barcelona and her passion for remote work culture. Emily leads operations at Quickly Hire, which focuses on providing businesses with flexible, fractional talent solutions.

Emily Hunkler:
"When we first launched this company a few years ago, it was really entry level. Our audience comprised agents and digital agency owners seeking developer help and page builders."
[00:44]

Business Model: Fractional Talent Platform

Emily explains that Quickly Hire stands out by fostering long-term relationships rather than short-term project-based engagements commonly found on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. The platform connects businesses with freelancers who prefer fractional roles, allowing companies to scale their teams flexibly based on ongoing needs.

Emily Hunkler:
"We are a network of fully vetted fractional talent... our focus is really for those long-term relationships."
[03:47]

Sourcing and Vetting Talent

A significant portion of the conversation centers around how Quickly Hire sources and vets its talent. Emily details their dual approach of accepting applications and actively recruiting skilled professionals through platforms like LinkedIn. Each candidate undergoes a rigorous assessment, including skills tests and multiple video interviews, to ensure they meet the high standards required.

Emily Hunkler:
"They have to go through a pretty rigorous assessment... people need to be able to communicate effectively."
[05:57]

Diverse Range of Roles and Global Reach

Quickly Hire caters to a broad spectrum of roles, from entry-level developers to mid-level managers and fractional executives like CMOs and CFOs. While the majority of their talent is mid to entry-level, they are increasingly incorporating higher-level professionals as demand grows. The platform boasts a global talent pool, with a significant presence in regions like Europe and Latin America, while maintaining a smaller yet crucial segment in North America.

Emily Hunkler:
"I'd say maybe, I think 10% might be a good number there. We definitely have Canada and the US in the network."
[08:24]

Advantages of Fractional Talent Over Full-Time Hires

Cameron and Emily discuss the financial and operational benefits of hiring fractional talent. Fractional roles provide companies with access to specialized skills without the overhead costs associated with full-time employees. This model is particularly advantageous for startups and agencies that experience fluctuating workloads and need the flexibility to scale their teams up or down swiftly.

Cameron Herold:
"It's like plug in these fractional experts who can do stuff and then that momentum creates momentum."
[34:38]

Implementing Fractional Roles: Practical Insights

Emily offers practical advice for companies new to fractional hiring. She suggests starting with key roles such as marketing professionals and designers who can significantly impact growth with part-time commitments. By leveraging fractional experts, companies can maintain high productivity levels without overextending their budgets.

Emily Hunkler:
"One of the most effective hires is a marketing professional and a designer. Maybe the designer is just five hours a week... a marketing professional handling strategy and execution."
[14:45]

Case Study: Ideal Client Profile

Quickly Hire’s ideal clients are agency owners with small teams (3-5 members) who rely on a mix of full-time staff and fractional talent to manage their operations. These agencies benefit from Quickly Hire’s ability to provide highly skilled professionals who can seamlessly integrate into existing workflows and scale as needed.

Emily Hunkler:
"It's an agency owner that probably has a team of three to five people... they fill in all their needs with fractional talent."
[20:24]

Managing a Two-Sided Marketplace

Balancing the supply and demand sides of the marketplace is crucial. Emily discusses strategies to ensure that fractional talent remains engaged and that demand from clients is consistently met. This includes setting clear expectations, maintaining open communication channels, and fostering a community where professionals can seek support and collaborate.

Emily Hunkler:
"We set expectations when bringing talent in... ensuring communication is strong to minimize churn."
[30:49]

Leadership and Remote Team Management

As COO, Emily emphasizes the importance of effective remote team management. She advocates for regular communication, clear goal-setting, and empowering team members to achieve objectives without micromanagement. This approach not only keeps the team aligned but also fosters a culture of trust and accountability.

Emily Hunkler:
"I'm very much, hey, here's the goals. Let's go get them. As long as you have the right people, things run smoothly."
[22:44]

Growth Strategies and Future Focus

Currently, Quickly Hire focuses predominantly on outbound marketing and building a robust sales pipeline. With around 300 active or past clients, the platform aims to expand further into the startup ecosystem, recognizing the unique needs of early-stage companies for flexible and scalable talent solutions.

Emily Hunkler:
"For startups, early-stage startups benefit greatly from fractional talent... it makes scaling and pivoting seamless."
[33:16]

Advice to Younger Self

Towards the end of the episode, Emily shares personal insights and advice to her younger self. She underscores the importance of embracing discomfort, taking risks, and proactively engaging in challenging environments to foster personal and professional growth.

Emily Hunkler:
"Be more comfortable with being uncomfortable, take a few more risks... put yourself in the ring a bit more."
[36:09]

Conclusion

Cameron wraps up the conversation by acknowledging Quickly Hire’s potential to attract more clients through the podcast’s reach. He commends Emily for her insightful contributions and the innovative model that Quickly Hire offers to modern businesses.

Cameron Herold:
"I love that... it's the solution for getting more done with fewer people faster."
[34:38]

Emily expresses her appreciation for the engaging discussion, reinforcing Quickly Hire’s commitment to helping businesses thrive through strategic fractional talent solutions.

Emily Hunkler:
"It was a great conversation. Really good questions too. I like that."
[37:14]

Key Takeaways:

• Fractional Talent Advantage: Quickly Hire provides businesses with flexible, cost-effective access to skilled professionals without the long-term commitment of full-time hires.
• Rigorous Vetting Process: Ensures only highly qualified and communicative professionals join the network, maintaining high standards and client satisfaction.
• Global Talent Pool: Leverages a diverse range of professionals from various regions, enhancing the talent pool’s depth and versatility.
• Effective Remote Management: Emphasizes clear communication, goal-setting, and trust to manage remote teams effectively.
• Targeted Growth Strategy: Focuses on outbound marketing and expanding into startup ecosystems to cater to dynamic and scalable employment needs.

This episode offers invaluable insights for COOs, VPs of Operations, and business leaders looking to optimize their teams with strategic fractional talent, ensuring sustained growth and adaptability in today’s fast-paced business environment.