In a year when most staffing firms saw revenue decline, Highspring—formerly Vaco Holdings—is doing more than staying afloat. It’s making waves.
The global professional services firm just picked up two major honors from Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA): a spot on its list of the largest staffing firms in the U.S. and a place on the 2024 40 Under 40 list for Michael Splittorf, Highspring’s President of Managed Services.
It’s a strong signal that Highspring’s recent rebrand and reorganization into a unified consulting, talent, and managed services powerhouse is more than a cosmetic refresh—it’s working.
A New Name, a Sharper Focus
Highspring debuted earlier this year, reintroducing itself to the market with a clearer, integrated mission: to help companies thrive in complexity with services that combine strategic insight, execution muscle, and scalable talent solutions. It’s a timely pitch in a market where uncertainty is the only constant.
CEO Brian Waller describes the company’s new model as purpose-built for agility:
“Organizations are looking for partners who don’t just consult, but deliver. Highspring’s model—fusing strategy, talent, and execution—is resonating because it’s exactly what companies need right now.”
SIA seems to agree.
Talent Leader in a Tightening Market
The SIA’s annual staffing rankings included 224 firms with at least $100 million in U.S. staffing revenue—down from 241 last year, a decline driven by longer sales cycles, tightened client budgets, and increased competition, according to SIA analyst Kevin Chen.
Despite this tougher landscape, Vaco—Highspring’s staffing arm—remains in the top 15% of U.S. staffing companies by revenue. The distinction underscores not only scale, but resilience in a shrinking market.
“When most firms are shrinking, getting recognized by SIA isn’t just a pat on the back,” said Kevin Witt, President of Vaco. “It’s validation that we’re delivering results when it matters most.”
Spotlight on Splittorf: A 40 Under 40 Rising Star
Part two of the SIA recognition shines a light on Michael Splittorf, who’s led Highspring’s Managed Services division through rapid growth, expanding its offerings in IT, digital, finance, and accounting. That transformation earned him a coveted place on SIA’s 40 Under 40 list, which honors rising talent leaders shaping the future of work.
Splittorf credits the people around him:
“This recognition reflects the incredible colleagues, clients, and mentors I’ve had the privilege to work with,” he said. “We’re solving real challenges by helping organizations scale through great people and sharp execution.”
His division exemplifies the company’s evolution—moving from traditional staffing toward a more holistic, consultative approach that blends people, process, and technology. It’s part of a broader trend where managed services are becoming a go-to strategy for companies navigating skills shortages and transformation fatigue.
Why This Matters: Beyond Staffing, Toward Strategy
Highspring’s ascent parallels a shift in the industry: companies want more than resumes and placements—they want partners who can help solve complex operational and transformation challenges through integrated teams and adaptable solutions.
As the workforce solutions landscape matures, firms that offer real-time agility with strategic depth are best positioned to grow. Highspring’s combination of rebranding clarity, market momentum, and leadership recognition makes it a player to watch in the space.
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