Q&A With Top Stack Founders: Real Talk on Challenges, Successes and What’s Next
Every organization begins with a purpose, a “why” that shapes everything from the first conversation to the biggest decisions. We sat down with the co-founders of Top Stack, Alexa Scalzi and Mike Masiello, to hear more about the purpose behind Top Stack. Reminiscing on the origin story, they weren’t envisioning building something flashy or grand. They were focused on addressing the real issues—the ones that kept them up at night. For them, that meant building a business that offered 365 staffing solutions—not cookie-cutter packages—for companies expanding their teams.
“Honestly,” Mike says, “it wasn’t about the money. It was about creating something where relationships matter, where doing the right thing isn’t just lip service.”
That’s pretty much been their guiding light ever since.
In this candid Q&A, Alexa and Mike discuss the challenges that tested them, the successes that fueled them, and why bringing humanity back to staffing is more than just a tagline—it’s their way of doing business. They also look ahead at the industry’s future and what it means for leaders who take on hiring challenges.
Q: How do you two complement each other’s roles at Top Stack?
Alexa: If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to run a company with someone, I’ll tell you—it’s a lot of playing to each other’s strengths. Over the past 20 years, Mike and I learned how to complement each other in a way that strengthens the business.
Mike’s the numbers guy—the steady, strategic force who knows how to forecast and keep things on track. He’s the one making sure the ship stays steady, even when the waters get rough. He’s also an incredible leader. People are drawn to him and his ability to tell a story with data.
I’m the one out there in the field, making connections, talking to clients, and getting a feel for the pulse of the market. I’m all about understanding what people need and figuring out how we can deliver it better than anyone else. We don’t always agree, but that’s a good thing. We push each other, challenge each other, and that’s where the best ideas come from.
Mike: It’s like any relationship over time; there are ebbs and flows. Sometimes, it feels like you’re just running in sync. Other times, it feels like we’re running in opposite directions. At the heart of it, though, we’re pretty good about sitting down and finding the compromise that makes sense.
Q: What was one of the biggest challenges you faced when starting Top Stack?
Alexa: Change is inevitable. It is the one constant we can all count on. We quickly learned that success is not about avoiding change but embracing it, learning from it, and growing stronger because of it.
Mike: When we started Top Stack, we believed we could create a business without turnover—a noble idea, but not a realistic one. We have to keep changing and evolving as a company because the market demands it. Who we thought we were a year ago isn’t who we are today, and that’s a good thing. It means we’re adapting.
Q: What was one of your biggest successes?
Alexa: For me, success is about the relationships we’ve built. We’ve known many of our clients and candidates for years. They stay with us because we take this seriously—these are people with families who are buying houses, having babies, or going through tough times like serious illness. Caring for them makes us feel responsible. It’s not just about us but the ecosystem we’ve built. Our internal team, our amazing partners who took a chance on us—it’s about more than placements. I remember the first person we ever placed; we didn’t even know them. Now, years later, we’ve become closer. I still send cards, and we have real conversations. It’s about humans first, always.
Mike: Success isn’t just about numbers, but let’s be honest—they matter. The one that stands out the most? Ranking #5 in Philadelphia’s top 100 fastest-growing companies. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t about the ranking. It was about the validation it brought to our team. Watching the pride on their faces—that’s the success we’re talking about.
Our team’s dedication is what drives this company forward. They’re not just employees; they’re the backbone of everything we do. And that’s the real win.
Q: You talk a lot about the importance of bringing humanity back to staffing. Why is this so critical to your mission?
Alexa: The staffing industry can be an impersonal place—transactions, placements, and numbers often take center stage. But we’ve always believed that people aren’t numbers or resumes. They’re individuals with stories, challenges, and aspirations.
We’ve been through a lot together. We share in the joys, but we also share in the pain. Life can be hard, and we show up for people when they need a job, a diamond-in-the-rough candidate, or simply a listening ear. It’s all a part of being human.
Mike: The staffing industry has evolved so much that we’re now scheduling interviews via text, which was unheard of just a few years ago. While technology has made it easier to connect, it’s also changed how people interact. The key for us is to use technology to speed up processes, not to replace human interaction. There’s no longer any ‘secret talent’ hidden away—everyone’s accessible online. So, the real differentiator now isn’t just about finding talent; it’s about how quickly and effectively you can surface what’s hidden from a resume. We’re embracing tech for automation and efficiency, but we’re not about to let it replace the human connections that are central to our work.
Q: The staffing industry is changing rapidly. What are your thoughts on the future, and how is Top Stack preparing for it?
Alexa: The future’s coming fast, and the industry is at a crossroads. Automation, AI, and hybrid roles are redefining what work looks like. But no matter how much tech evolves, the need for genuine human connection won’t go away.
Mike: To me, it’s a balance between art and science. The science is the technology—the systems that can match keywords and automate tasks. But the art, that’s where the true value lies. It’s in understanding the nuances of both our clients and candidates, the things that can’t be captured on a resume or a job description. The real difference comes from connecting people on a deeper level, listening to their needs, and making matches that go beyond the technical skills. That’s something technology alone will never replace.
Top Stack is leaning into this staffing evolution. We’re investing in technology, yes, but we’re also investing in people. We’re training our team to adapt, to think critically, and to build relationships in a digital world.
Q: What advice would you give to other leaders navigating today’s job market challenges?
Alexa: For leaders, my advice is simple: don’t just react—anticipate. The job market is more unpredictable than ever, and if you’re only responding to what’s happening now, you’re already behind. You’ve got to be proactive. Understand the trends, invest in your people, and always be thinking two steps ahead. And most importantly, be flexible. The old rules don’t apply anymore, and the ones who adapt the quickest are the ones who will win.
Mike: Another crucial point is for employers to remember to sell themselves. Competition is still strong, and good candidates have options. It’s not just about finding the right talent—it’s also about convincing them that your organization is the right place for them. And when you do find a great candidate, be quick to move them through the process. Delays can mean losing out to a faster-moving competitor.
Q: What advice would you give to candidates?
Alexa: To candidates, you’ve got to stand out. The market is crowded, and it’s not enough to just tick the boxes on a job description. You need to be visible, proactive, and ready to show why you’re the right fit—not just on paper, but in the way you think, communicate, and solve problems. Network like your career depends on it—because it does.
Mike: Just submitting your resume isn’t enough. With so many companies using ATS systems to filter candidates, you can easily get lost in the shuffle if you don’t hit the right keywords. That’s why I always tell candidates: follow up. What’s old is new again—sending a personal note, whether it’s an email or even a handwritten card, can make all the difference. It shows initiative and sets you apart. In a world full of digital noise, something as simple as a handwritten letter can grab attention because it’s unique, personal, and increasingly rare.
The future of staffing? It’s navigating the noise.
The staffing world is evolving faster than ever—skills are overlapping, and technology like AI is playing a bigger role on both sides of the equation. We’re seeing tools like ChatGPT not only helping candidates craft resumes but also assisting companies in building job descriptions. While these advancements bring efficiency, they also create challenges for recruiters and hiring managers who have to sift through an increasing amount of noise and redundancy to find the right match.
At Top Stack, we understand that the key to cutting through this noise is maintaining a strong focus on people. We’re not just here to fill roles; we’re here to build relationships that stand the test of time. For leaders, the advice is to stay flexible, proactive, and empathetic—invest in your teams and keep ahead of the trends, but don’t lose sight of the human element.
For candidates, it’s about more than just ticking boxes on a job description. With technology making it easier to apply to countless jobs, standing out requires showcasing your true strengths and building meaningful connections. The future is bright, but it’s also complex. At Top Stack, we’re ready to embrace it by staying true to our core belief: that people, not just algorithms, drive success.
