In this episode of What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Brian Samson, founder and CEO of Plugg Technologies, to discuss how nearshore staffing is transforming the hiring landscape. Brian shares his journey from leading talent acquisition at top Silicon Valley startups to relocating to Argentina to build a nearshore team, and ultimately founding multiple companies specializing in Latin American talent.

They explore why more U.S. companies are hiring beyond borders, how remote work has reshaped talent acquisition, and what business owners should know about cost, efficiency, and cultural differences when building remote teams. Whether you're a business owner looking to scale or a leader navigating the new world of hiring, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Brian’s Journey into Nearshore Staffing

• From the Midwest to leading recruitment for Silicon Valley’s top startups
• What inspired Brian to start Plugg Technologies
• Moving to Argentina to build a nearshore business
• Scaling a company from 0 to 80 employees abroad

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs, but I was surrounded by brilliant founders in Silicon Valley and thought, ‘I think I can do this.’ So I jumped in and figured it out along the way."

What is Nearshore Staffing?

• The difference between onshore, offshore, and nearshore hiring
• Why Latin America is a rising hub for highly skilled talent
• Common misconceptions about hiring internationally

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"Nearshore isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about finding the right talent, in the right time zones, with the right cultural fit for your business."

Cost vs. Quality: The Real Hiring Trade-offs

• How nearshore hiring compares to U.S. hiring in cost, quality, and efficiency
• Why businesses should think beyond just cost savings when hiring globally
• Cultural and time-zone advantages of working with Latin American talent

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"You can find great talent anywhere, but the real question is: do they fit your business needs, your work culture, and your expectations for collaboration?"

The Hiring & Onboarding Process

• Best practices for integrating remote employees into company culture
• Why companies should treat nearshore hires as core team members
• The adaptability and resilience of professionals in Latin America
• Setting clear expectations to drive success in remote teams

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"If you treat your nearshore hires as ‘outsourced resources,’ you’re doing it wrong. They are part of your team, and the success of your business depends on how well you integrate them."

What It Takes to Succeed as a Business Owner

• Advice for business owners hesitant about hiring internationally
• The importance of starting small and learning from hiring mistakes
• The entrepreneurial mindset: Resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning
• Why success in business requires taking calculated risks

🗣 Memorable Quote:

"As an entrepreneur, you’re going to get punched in the face—often. The key is to get back up, learn from it, and keep going."

Where to Find Brian Samson

• Visit Plugg Technologies at