2413 - Recruiting with AI While Prioritizing Culture and Global Talent with Vader-Rey's Darren Tompkins

Josh Elledge

Published on: 10/04/2026

In this podcast episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Darren Tompkins, Founder and CEO of Vader-Rey, a Houston-based firm comprising three divisions: recruiting, engineering contract staffing, and virtual professional services. Darren discusses his lean, remote business model, offering competitive recruiting fees and virtual assistants at approximately $15/hour. He shares insights on how oil and gas market volatility and geopolitical factors impact staffing demands. Darren also highlights his company's AI-forward approach to candidate matching. Additionally, the conversation touches on his military background, personal interests, and nonprofit work supporting classroom supplies through autographed instrument auctions.