Kris Hancock

Like many staffing leaders, Horizontal Talent Market Director Kris Hancock accidentally stumbled into the staffing industry — and then he discovered that he really likes it. “We aren’t selling a widget; people are our products, which makes it both fun and challenging,” he says. Horizontal Talent provides digital marketing, business and strategy and IT staffing with offices in five US cities as well as India and Malaysia.

Hancock joined the St. Louis Park, Minnesota-based staffing firm in 2007 as the then-startup’s first recruiter. About a year ago, he took over as market director for the Minneapolis region and Horizontal’s national line of business, which combine to account for more than 80% of the company’s revenue. Hancock’s division counts about 35 people in sales and recruiting, as well as a team in India that supports his market.

Hancock and his team are pushing Horizontal to improve the staffing industry’s image and reputation by focusing on innovation and investing in technology, internal staff and consultants. Going forward, Hancock will focus on growing the company, but it’s not just about numbers. “When you grow, you provide opportunity to your current employees, your consultants, and you continue to help your clients solve their business challenges,” he says.