In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with Matt Swatek, CEO of Microcap Solutions to discuss how millwork companies can future-proof their workforce through smarter recruiting, strategic HR practices, and proactive planning. 

Matt brings deep experience in both recruiting and HR leadership within the millwork industry. From running high-volume recruiting at Dish Network to leading people operations at ISEC and USA Millwork, Matt has learned how to build high-performing teams, and now shares that insight through his company, Microcap. 

If you’re a shop owner, hiring manager, or operations leader struggling with high turnover, skill shortages, or unclear staffing strategy, this conversation is packed with practical tools to level up your approach. 

About Our Guest 

Matt Swatek is the CEO of Microcap Solutions, a labor solutions and recruiting firm serving the millwork industry. His background includes leading HR and recruiting efforts at ISEC and USA Millwork, where he scaled teams, developed internal training processes, and built recruiting systems from scratch. Now, through Microcap, he helps millwork businesses develop smarter hiring strategies and fractional HR support tailored to their stage of growth. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode 

• Why HR Gets a Bad Rap (and How to Fix It): Many millwork companies treat HR as reactive, but Matt explains how the right HR partner can improve everything from recruiting to retention and culture. 
• From Butts in Seats to Strategic Hiring: Matt lays out how to shift from last-minute hires to long-term planning based on labor needs, project timelines, and revenue goals. 
• What Most Shops Miss in Interviews: Without clear role requirements or structured interview guides, shops often “wing it” and end up hiring the wrong people.
• Retained vs. Contingent Search: Understand the difference between traditional recruiting models and the benefits of a retained, fractional approach focused on long-term success. 
• Fractional HR for Millwork: Not every shop can hire a full-time HR team. Matt explains how fractional support can bring high-level guidance without the full-time cost. 
• Always Recruiting: Learn how to build a pipeline of trades talent, especially for entry-level and skilled shop roles, so you’re never caught scrambling. 
• Metrics that Matter: Start tracking your hiring success with time-to-fill, turnover rates, and other key KPIs to improve your staffing decisions. 
• The Hidden Cost of Hiring the Wrong Way: A bad hire doesn’t just cost time, it impacts morale, productivity, and retention. Get proactive about solving that cycle. 
• Microcap x DuckWorks Partnership: Learn how Matt is teaming up with DuckWorks to bring smart, flexible staffing services to millwork shops of all sizes. 
• The Future of Skilled Trades: From the aging workforce to labor shortages, Matt offers insight into where the industry is headed, and how your company can prepare. 

Key Insight: Proactive Planning > Panic Hiring 

Hiring shouldn’t be reactive. With a strategic HR partner, even small millwork shops can operate with the same level of planning, professionalism, and performance as the big players. Whether you’re hiring one new drafter or scaling up for a major contract, success starts with a plan. 

Where to Learn More 

• Matt Swatek:
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-swatek-71114983/
• Micro-Cap Solutions:
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/micro-cap-solutions/
  • Website: https://micro-capsolutions.com/
• Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kD7fZ84XfrPNydWlNZHo5aqt_q1O1Z_T/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111093157909006770221&rtpof=true&sd=true

Final Thoughts 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone hiring in the trades, managing a shop team, or planning to grow. Matt Swatek brings years of insider knowledge, and offers a playbook for hiring better, retaining longer, and aligning your people strategy with your business goals.