How Employ Inc Hit $15 Million Revenue Using Strategic Channel Partnerships

March 21, 2026 • 4 min read
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Getlatka Admin
Getlatka Admin

In the rapidly evolving world of recruitment software, JazzHR, a subsidiary of Employ Inc, has emerged as a leader in providing innovative solutions tailored for small businesses. Under the leadership of CEO Pete Lamson, JazzHR has not only managed to sustain its growth but has significantly expanded its customer base and revenue. This blog post delves into the strategic decisions and growth tactics that propelled JazzHR to achieve significant revenue milestones, focusing on key metrics, actionable insights, and specific growth tactics.

2009: Launching JazzHR with a Focus on SMBs

JazzHR was launched in 2009 with a clear focus on serving small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), defined as companies with 25 to 500 employees. The mission was to replace traditional recruiting methods, often reliant on Microsoft Office tools, with a more efficient software solution. This focus on SMBs allowed JazzHR to carve out a niche in the recruitment software industry, offering an affordable and easy-to-use platform with industry-leading support.

2015: Pete Lamson Joins as CEO

Pete Lamson joined JazzHR in December 2015, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic, metrics-driven approaches to revenue growth. His leadership marked the beginning of a new era for JazzHR, with a renewed focus on strategic direction, company performance, and operations. Lamson’s expertise in B2B high-velocity customer acquisition played a crucial role in steering JazzHR towards its ambitious growth targets.

2018: Doubling Customer Base with Strategic Channel Partnerships

By early 2018, JazzHR had approximately 3,500 customers. Under Lamson’s leadership, the company shifted its focus to indirect sales or channel sales. This strategy involved partnering with human capital management and payroll companies, allowing JazzHR to offer its software solutions to a broader customer base. As a result, JazzHR’s customer base doubled to nearly 7,000 by 2020, with channel partnerships accounting for almost 50% of new business. This strategic move not only increased customer acquisition velocity but also reduced the customer acquisition cost (CAC).

2020: Surpassing $15 Million Revenue Amidst Economic Uncertainty

Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, JazzHR experienced record-breaking growth in 2020. The company reported over 40,000 new job postings in July alone, a testament to the adaptability and resilience of its business model. JazzHR’s monthly recurring revenue (MRR) approached $1.4 million, translating to an annual run rate of approximately $16.8 million. This growth was achieved without raising additional capital, as the company operated at cash flow break-even, reinvesting profits back into the business.

Key Growth Tactics: Leveraging Channel Partnerships and Customer Retention

  • Channel Partnerships: By collaborating with companies like ADP, JazzHR was able to expand its market reach significantly. These partnerships involved offering JazzHR solutions on a resale or referral basis, allowing for a more efficient customer acquisition process.
  • Customer Retention: JazzHR maintained a low gross revenue churn rate of about 12% annually. With expansion revenue through add-on sales and customer upgrades, the company achieved a net revenue retention rate close to 98%. This focus on retention ensured a stable revenue base and long-term customer relationships.

Future Outlook: Continued Growth Through Innovation and Expansion

Looking ahead, JazzHR aims to continue its growth trajectory by exploring new product offerings and expanding its market presence. The company’s focus on providing value to its partners and customers will remain central to its strategy. With a strong foundation and leadership under Pete Lamson, JazzHR is well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities in the recruitment software industry.

In conclusion, JazzHR’s journey under Pete Lamson’s leadership is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and a relentless focus on customer value. By leveraging its unique position in the SMB market, JazzHR has not only achieved significant revenue milestones but has also set the stage for continued success in the years to come.

For more insights into JazzHR’s growth and industry presence, visit their company profile on GetLatka and explore other US-based companies in the recruiting software industry.

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