Remote work is reshaping global industries, a trend that has only accelerated since the pandemic. Amidst this, Adam Pisk, co-founder of BruntWork, is driving a transformative shift in outsourcing. As a guest on the Grit Daily Startup Show, Adam sat with host Leonard Kim and shared how his company has become a bridge between businesses seeking cost-effective, skilled professionals and individuals in developing countries eager to embrace flexible, high-quality work opportunities.
BruntWork is an outsourcing company, but it has a greater mission: to serve as a lifeline for businesses adapting to the complexities of remote work and as a transformative force in the lives of its employees. From leveraging cutting-edge AI to creating a work-from-home culture that enhances productivity and quality of life, BruntWork is taking a modern approach to outsourcing.
The Journey to BruntWork
Adam’s journey into outsourcing began long before the remote work revolution took off. “I’ve actually had staff offshore or outsourced staff since 2001,” Adam explained. “It wasn’t as common as it is now.” Operating in a niche manufacturing sector in Australia, he struggled to find local talent and turned to countries like the Philippines and South Korea to fill those roles.
This early adoption of global talent eventually informed BruntWork’s mission. The pandemic made smaller and medium-sized businesses realize they didn’t need to limit themselves to local hires. With remote work becoming a necessity, the leap to hiring globally has become more accessible than ever.
A Technology-Driven Approach
BruntWork’s innovative use of technology is a cornerstone of its success. Adam shared that the company receives around 60,000 resumes every month, which are processed using AI to streamline recruitment. “Across 23 countries, we have about 450,000 candidates now that have done our skills and aptitude testing and are ready for work in our recruiting platform,” he said. This technology enables BruntWork to quickly and efficiently match the right candidate with the right company while maintaining the human oversight needed for high-quality results.
The ability to combine AI-driven insights with on-the-ground expertise across 23 countries gives BruntWork a significant edge. They use a combination of AI technology that they have built along with in-depth experience in the countries they are in. This approach ensures businesses get candidates who are not only skilled but also culturally aligned with their needs.
Scaling with Purpose
In just four years, BruntWork has achieved $75 million in annual recurring revenue. Adam attributes this success to a dual commitment to clients and employees. “We need to be valuable to both our clients and to the staff,” he said. This balance is achieved by offering competitive pay, private health insurance, and work-from-home opportunities to employees in developing countries while providing affordable, high-quality talent to clients.
The benefits of remote work extend far beyond cost savings. In many countries where BruntWork operates, employees face daily commutes exceeding five hours. That’s not just a convenience but a life-changing quality of life change.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the benefits of outsourcing are clear, Adam acknowledged the challenges. For businesses new to remote work, particularly small and medium-sized ones, the learning curve can be steep. Success requires clear communication, realistic expectations, and a willingness to invest in training.
A bigger problem is that some clients expect someone to come in and fix everything from day one without guidance. “That’s a recipe for failure,” says Adam. That is why BruntWork emphasizes the importance of collaboration, training, and support to ensure both clients and employees have the tools they need to succeed.
A Mission Beyond Business
BruntWork’s mission extends beyond profit. By creating opportunities for workers in developing countries, the company fosters economic growth and stability. Employees gain access to better-paying jobs, health benefits, and improved quality of life, while businesses benefit from loyal, highly skilled teams.
For BruntWork, the work-from-home model isn’t just about convenience. Instead, it’s about providing tangible value to employees and clients alike.
The Future of Work
As remote work continues to evolve, BruntWork is leading the charge with innovative solutions and a commitment to excellence. For businesses hesitant to take the plunge into outsourcing, the company offers a low-risk entry point, including a $500 credit for new clients if they mention the Grit Daily Startup Show podcast. With a seamless recruiting process and a month-to-month commitment, BruntWork makes it easy for businesses to explore the benefits of outsourcing.
