BRIAN MARGARITA - PRESIDENT OF TALENTFUSE INC.
Brian founded TalentFuse in October 2001 with three employees in a 400 sq. ft. executive suite in La Jolla. After 9/11 over 60% of the nation's staffing firms went out of business while TalentFuse posted first year revenues of $250,000. In six short years TalentFuse has posted 2540% growth: $250,000 in 2001; $1.5 million in 2002; $3.8 million in 2003; $5.3 million in 2004; $6.2 million in 2005; and $6.6 million in 2006. From three employees to over 75. Recognized as one of San Diego's fastest growing information technology staffing agencies.
Brian was born in New Jersey and raised in Chicago and New York. The son of two highly successful parents, Brian recognized the drive and discipline his father exhibited in his sales positions for Xerox and Olsten Staffing. His mother is currently the Assistant Superintendent of the Orange County School District. His dad's accomplishments at Olsten from 1980-1994 led to the family's move to the west coast. As a young adult, Brian recalls his father discuss the "could have's and what if's" had he ever started his own business. These thoughts would no doubt play a role in shaping Brian's future entrepreneurial decisions. Through his competitive swimming from eight to 18 years old, Brian also exhibited the key traits of successful business owners: drive to win, discipline and teamwork. His team was third in the State of New York. He missed the US Olympic trials by 1.5 seconds.
Brian Margarita is an outstanding example of one of the San Diego region's young business and civic leaders. TalentFuse built the IT infrastructure for five of the Greater San Diego Boys & Girls Clubs. From computers, to networks, to software, the firm stepped up to help the clubs operate in the 21st century. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County Mission is another organization supportive of Brian's life direction. As a single bachelor he is attracted to this program based on the one-to-one mentoring relationships. TalentFuse have volunteered for seven weekends to help San Diego's Habitat for Humanity. The non-profit organization offers families in need a hand up, not a handout. The mission is to eliminate poverty housing by building homes and selling them to low-income families.
Some fun stuff you may want to know:
- Complete this sentence: "If only I could live in the moment, I'd be the happiest person alive."
- Top 5 movies: StarWars (all), Princess Bride, Usual Suspects, National Lampoon Christmas Vacation
- If you could be a character from Star Wars, who would you be and why? Luke of course
- What's your favorite thing to do on a hot summer day? Scuba Dive
- What's your more endearing quality? Listening
- What is your definition of success? Peace of Mind
- Any hidden talents? Wiggle my ears
- What's your favorite thing to do on a cold winter day? Read with my lady by the fire
- What would you like the newspaper headline to read about you in 10 years? Greatest father
Some basic work related information:
- Work experience 12 years
- Education / degrees BBA USD
- Why recruiting or sales? Usually when I think of a family tradition, I think more blacksmith, doctor or lawyer, but I
have to admit that this line of work actually is now generational-my father worked for one of the largest public staffing companies
in the world and I always asked a million questions when I was younger so I understood the business and worked since the age of 15.
Immediately after college I went to work for a semiconductor company, but after 2 years of dealing with "chips" I missed the people aspect of recruiting and went to work for a recruiting firm as a recruiter-that was back 1997 and I've never looked back. Every year my network gets better and better and that makes my job better because I love the people I work with.
- How did I get here? See above! Well...after I did this for another local company, I partnered with TalentLab. Shortly after 9/11 they lost funding and I had a choice to either take over the business in San Diego as the owner or walk away. Walking away wasn't an option for me.
- Complete this sentence: "Time goes by fastest when I'm racing cars"
