Justin C. Pearson's Linkedin Analytics

She told me the truth. Life was hitting her hard—sick kid, contract ended, an MRI scheduled tomorrow - she slipped on the ice, she was scrambling to hold it together. She needed a job. She was hungry to prove herself. But the market is tough. A few weeks ago... We pitched her candidacy to our partner—a small firm needing her expertise. They hesitated. I re-pitched ‘em. “She’s a bit too far away," they said. “Standby, you have a new role that just opened up closer" “Salary requirements are too high,” they said. “I’ll work it,” I told them. Ring Ring. -We talked about the bigger picture and greater opportunity. -The flexibility. She listened! Everyone open to meet in the middle. She has a 2nd interview this Monday. Fingers crossed. Here’s the thing about recruiting. It’s not just matching skills to positions. It’s seeing what's missed. It’s working through obstacles. It’s connecting the dots. I’m looking forward to this one playing out. A potential hire who shared the truth of life. That’s where the real wins are—once you work through the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd obstacle. Mission first. Never accept defeat. Never quit. Never leave a fallen comrade. Sound familiar? It’s people that shift the game. Not the obvious ones—the fighters.

God is good ALL the time!

《If you habitually provide NO interview feedback or updates on Fridays》

In 2004, I re-enlisted indefinitely while deployed iso OEF. —it was about doubling down on my commitment to the team. It was about showing the team what leaders are supposed to do. It was about serving our nation and serving them. Proud to be an American!

Friendly Reminder: If you are unable or choose not to attend a screen or an interview during your scheduled time, send an email beforehand to let the recruiter/ hiring team know. Don't GHOST us. This will allow us to replace your time slot with another candidate in need. By taking this approach you will preserve the relationship we have and assist others. Cheers!

As a service-disabled Army veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our nation’s missions face. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to share Mission Box Technologies LLC’s announcement of our Mission Critical Defense LLC’s launch! Our SBA-certified SDVOSB joint venture with HLM Associates LLC and Andrew Hall, PSP, ISP, PSC, SPIPC, SAPPC, SFPC is built to defend, shape, and transform. Looking for SDVOSB subs, teaming partners, or strategic partnerships? DM Me! Lets Goooooo!

Hire a Veteran. The business case is clear ... This isn’t about charity. It’s about smart business decisions. Here’s why: ✔️ We’re accelerated learners. Give us a task, and we’ll master it. Fast. ✔️ We don’t settle. We push ourselves to our highest potential—which means your business wins too. Don’t hire us just because we served. We’re not asking for handouts. We want to work where we’re valued. Where we can make a real impact. So, why us? 👉 Immediate contributors: We don’t wait for change—we create it. Roll up our sleeves? Always. 👉 Built-in leadership: From day one, we’re ready to inspire and execute. And, we know how to build teams that win. 👉 Problem solvers: Diverse perspectives. Adaptive minds. Relentless focus on solutions. What else do you need in a top-performing hire? ⭐️ Integrity. ⭐️ Discipline. ⭐️ A work ethic that won’t quit. ⭐️ Resilience built through life experience. We’ve thrived in dynamic, high-pressure environments. We adapt. We overcome. And yes, we’re all about the details: 💥 Organized. 💥 Systematic. 💥 Obsessed with processes that work. At the end of the day, hiring #Veterans isn’t just a good move. It’s the right move. So, when you’re looking for someone to take your business to the next level— Start with us. #Veterans #Military #Leadership #GovCon #Healthcare #IT #ClearedProfessionals

Yup, that retirement photo was from a few years ago :) A friendly reminder --- of these 4 important tips to help you become your best. *Guard Your Attitude You control your mindset. Be hungry, focused, positive. Surround yourself with people who push you. *Exercise Your Brain Your brain needs a workout. Read, learn, grow. Mental fitness > physical fitness after retirement. *Build Relationships Network. Build real connections. People are your future. *Make YOU a Priority No one’s forcing you to take care of yourself anymore. Do it anyway. Your happiness fuels everything. These habits have kept me sharp and happy! What would you add?

Had a discussion with Jeff yesterday, he shared the hiring manager was 52 mins late to his 2nd round interview?!? She messaged him 7 mins after the start time, I'll be a few mins late ... important meeting. Jeff waited for 52 mins because HE NEEDS THE JOB. However, Jeff had 3 other interviews that day. BLUF: Jeff has options. So do you. Move on to people and companies who are respectful and reasonable.

I have a few NOVA partners looking for GOVCON TECH Recruiters who understand the cleared space and the agency space, so I figure I'll create the opportunity for them to reach out to you via this post. Jobseekers comment below, network with others. Hiring managers please share your opportunities! If you're passively looking, feel free to DM and I'll do weekly messages to highlight your profile to them. Wishing you the best!

We are not recruiters. We built a Recruiting Company of Headhunters. Husband and Wife duo! Veteran and Military Spouse!! Think 007 agents - strategic, stealthy, and mission-focused (though between us, she's the real mastermind). We tackle obstacles and challenges head-on. We find the talent others can't. We hunt. And yeah, it’s always a wild ride. There are highs and lows. Shit storms? Yeah, comes with the territory. That's why I wear my standard-issued goggles. Grit. Glory. And just the right amount of madness. Every day brings a new challenge, and fire to put out. We wouldn’t trade it for anything—especially when we see the impact it has for our partners we serve and the candidates we connect them to. (Y'all know who you are!) Every day is a chance to make a real difference in someone’s life. We get the chance to build something that will last (MBS). Choose your chaos wisely  🔥 Because when it hits the fan? We're your Talent QRF! Locked in. Ready to deploy. Lets Goooo!

👇👇👇

Make your life the best story in the world!

Have Faith 🙏

The 4 most powerful words you can say...

Don't let the #networking smiles fool you - SOSi's #SmallBusinessDay was up to something much bigger. Their mission? To bring our community together and build a network of small businesses and #veterans united by purpose. And wow, did they deliver! The energy through the entire day was inspiring: ⭐small business leaders ⭐veteran experts ⭐mission-focused professionals ... all sharing insights and building partnerships that drive impact in GOVCON. A powerful reminder of why collaboration is key to success. Thank you #SOSi for hosting such a meaningful day! The panels were authentic and the networking was genuine! 🚨 Here’s a few shout-outs, memorable moments, and quotes: ✔ Frank Helmick: “It’s ALL about the Mission …”, “I walked into the headquarters, knocked on the door, and said I want to deploy to Grenada…” ✔ Raphaela OBrien) – Your zeal and passion is second to none Ella! Your leadership brought this group together seamlessly. Thank you! ✔ Michael Quinn: “Let’s change the way we are framing this question about veterans … it’s not a one size fits every veteran...” ✔ Mauricio Vera: “We provide the training free at no cost ....” ✔ Scott Jensen: “I was Mad Dog’s Huey Pilot, I can handle anything…” ✔ Michael Townsend:  “It blows my mind … Fill out your DSBS small business profile people…” ✔ Neil McDonnell: “I was a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman … get good at the process” - ATW ✔ Lisa Shea Mundt: “It’s all about looking inward …”, “Come with ideas to the table …” ✔ NICK GISMONDI: “Fasting fuels your focus which fuels our drive to grow…” ✔ Jonathan Everhardt: “I love the opportunity to give back to our Veteran community…” ✔ Glen R. Dowling, MA, DML – “The DoD SkillBridge program with SOSi was amazing …” Thank you all for creating a day that fueled inspiration and action.  Let’s keep the momentum going! #SmallBusiness #GovernmentContracting #govcon #sba #entreprenuers

Friends and colleagues >>> I’ve been quietly working on a [SECRET] project. It’s been under wraps for the past several months, the seed was planted a few years ago back at one of my Proper Patriot Fishing Retreats for Veterans!! On June 9th, I’ll share the BIG news!! It reflects shared dedication to protecting what matters most. It’s a step toward a stronger, more innovative future. For years, I’ve served alongside those who safeguard critical missions. This builds on that legacy. It’s about resilience.  It’s about trust.  It’s about shaping what’s next. I’ve poured my experience into this over the years, drawing on lessons from the field. The result is something that honors a collective commitment made years ago. It’s about impact. On Monday morning - June 9th, I’ll reveal the details. Stay with me for the moment it all comes to light. Will you join me? Need a great headshot photographer? Connect with Jon Meadows he's a magician and can make anyone laugh! Even Michael Quinn :)

[SECRET] Revealed - Back in November of 2021, I hosted the Proper Patriot’s Veterans Day Fishing Retreat & Campfire Networking event in Star Tannery, VA - bringing veterans together for connection, camaraderie, and community. Amongst hundreds of cleared and non cleared veterans, I first met Marine Corps Veteran, Andrew Hall, PSP, ISP, PSC, SPIPC, SAPPC, SFPC, Founder & Owner of HLM Associates. THAT DAY WAS A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR. I remember it rather vividly - The coffee was piping hot, right off the blazing campfire, the trout were biting, and Bradford Wible, Michael Quinn, ✔ Threase A. Baker CSP, TSC, Creative Staffing Professional, Sherif Wahby, Joshua Atkinson PMP, PROSCI CM, Stephen Carter and many others all were enjoying themselves already! Andrew and I bonded while swapping stories about our time in the military and our passion for duty to serve our community. As we casted our fishing lines into the creek, we realized we shared immense aspirations to positively impact our security cleared and veteran community. Today, I'm proud to introduce myself as the Founder & CEO of Mission Critical Defense, an SBA-Certified SDVOSB Joint Venture between Mission Box Technologies and HLM Associates! Mission Critical Defense delivers integrated security and technology solutions for defense, intelligence, and federal clients. Our team brings over 45 years of combined expertise in combat, security, and defense technology integration. For the past several months, we’ve been setting the foundation, creating our mission, vision, and “foundational four values” - Duty, Trust, Tenacity, Excellence which we operate by all while shaping the way ahead. Core Capabilities: ***Security Consulting: NISP compliance, insider threat programs, risk assessments, and COOP planning ***Physical Security: ICD 705-compliant SCIF/SAPF design, access control, surveillance, and CST Staffing ***Cybersecurity Operations: Cloud security, penetration testing, NIST 800-171, and CMMC compliance ***Operational Management: FSO/CSSO staffing, SOP/POAM development, and program startup support ***Training & Compliance: ICD 705, DoD 5205.07, cybersecurity certifications, and eLearning solutions ***Investigations & Vetting: Cleared personnel vetting, polygraph prep, and travel briefings ***Program & Mission Support: Classified program setup, COOP planning, and secure transitions ***Human Capital Solutions: Cleared Tech, GOVCON, recruiting and staffing, and talent pipeline development ***Cloud & Software Solutions: AI-driven analytics, blockchain security, and scalable cloud architectures Take a moment and give Mission Critical Defense a follow... Thank you for your support and for being part of our journey!

21 years later, my heart aches still to this day Harley. You survived the plane crash in the remote mountains (14,500+ feet) of Afghanistan, for nearly 12 hours afterwards, you still fought, tooth and nail, in wintery mountain conditions, trying to survive with no one to save you in time. I'm so sorry dear brother 😭 "Miller must have been stunned in several ways—he’d hit a mountain, and lived. A wing had detached and the fuselage had come apart as the plane somersaulted in the snow, yet none of the mortar rounds had gone off. Despite cuts, broken ribs, and serious internal bleeding, Miller had crawled in and out of the wreckage, investigators discovered. He eventually settled in near the shattered tail section, and unrolled several sleeping bags. It was freezing, and he had no cold-weather gear, though there was water, military rations, and a signal flare. He lay down and waited. And waited." Kyle, you were an inspiration and gift to us all. I can still hear you singing - CRASH by the Dave Matthew's band. David, I still hear your prayers youd give to us all. May your sacrifices never be forgotten and your legacies live on! Rest in Peace!!

We got him a $20k offer increase and a promotion, as his 1st job after the Air Force!! Boom! Offer Accepted- Signed and delivered. Great Talent deserves your best. You want Great Talent? No problem. That's what we do ... we provide you with Great Talent!! ✌️