Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes – Episode Recap
Hiring in tech and cybersecurity is no small task. It’s competitive, complex, and constantly evolving. In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, we’re joined by Hank Dallam, CEO of NetGain Technologies, to explore how great leadership and creative HR strategies are helping his team win the talent game.
From military service to managed IT, Hank’s journey is a masterclass in professional reinvention — and his insights on building a people-first tech company are ones every business owner needs to hear.
🎧 Listen to the Episode
Spotify, Amazon music, Google podcast
🔑 Key Takeaways from the Episode
✅ 1. Culture First in Hiring for Tech and Cybersecurity
“You can learn any skill. But hiring for the culture of the company is way more important.”
In the world of hiring in tech and cybersecurity, Hank says culture is king. Since nearly everyone at NetGain is client-facing, it’s not just about technical chops — it’s about communication, empathy, and fit.
✅ 2. Develop from Within
“Not rushing to fill the role matters. It’s all about getting the right people in the right seat.”
When you’re hiring in cybersecurity or IT roles, patience pays off. NetGain invests in growth through coaching, mentoring, and long-term development plans — and it’s paying off in team quality and retention.
✅ 3. Get Onboarding Right
“There’s nothing worse than showing up day one and not knowing where the bathroom is.”
NetGain’s onboarding process includes structured 30/60/90-day plans and feedback sessions. Hank meets with every new employee at day 60 to learn what’s working — and what isn’t — so the team can keep improving.
👥 HR Strategies for a People-First Tech Culture
How NetGain Maintains Culture Across Regions
NetGain operates in six cities across five states, and building a unified culture is a challenge. The team uses EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and regular employee appreciation events to stay connected.
Creative Ideas That Work
“Our HR team ran a Harry Potter scavenger hunt. Wands, butterbeer — the whole thing.”
These kinds of experiences not only improve morale but also help bridge gaps between departments — a huge win when hiring in tech and cybersecurity often means blending very different roles and personalities.
Leadership Lessons from Military to Tech
“Everyone’s motivated differently. Your leadership has to flex with that.”
Hank learned early on that adaptive leadership is essential — especially in a high-skill, high-pressure industry like cybersecurity. His role, as he puts it, is to make the “nerds and the jocks” (engineers and salespeople) work together.
💬 Memorable Quotes
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“You forget what dumb looks like when you’ve been somewhere for years.”
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“We modeled our five best employees — and started hiring for those traits.”
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“Hiring, culture, leadership — these aren’t just HR things. They’re growth things.”
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“Ask a lot of dumb questions. They get you to the truth faster.”
🤔 What It Really Takes to Be a Business Owner
To wrap up the episode, Hank answers our signature question:
“Be humble. You don’t have all the answers. Surround yourself with a team that does. Build systems. And ask a lot of questions — especially the dumb ones.”
🔗 Where to Connect with Hank Dallam
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Website: netgainit.com
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Podcast: Breaching the Boardroom
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LinkedIn: Hank Dallam
📚 Related Reading
People Before Process: Building Systems That Support Humans First
🎙️ Listen to More from Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes
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