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The Visionary Trio: How S2Verify Revolutionized Background Screening
In the ever-evolving corporate security and risk management landscape, three visionary leaders converged to create a groundbreaking solution that would redefine the background screening industry.
Bill Whitford, Jim Zimbardi, and Arnette Heintze, each with a wealth of experience and a shared passion for innovation, embarked on a journey that would culminate in the birth of S2Verify.
Whitford’s Journey
Bill’s journey began in the late 1980s when he joined EMSI, a paramedical company, shortly after President Reagan signed the Drug-Free America Act.
“We started their occupational divisions right after 1988 when President Reagan signed the Drug-Free America Act, proposing that all the federal workforce had to be drug tested, as well as some of the contractors.”
This early exposure to the world of drug testing ignited a lifelong passion within Bill.
Over the years, his career took him through various acquisitions and startups, each experience shaping his vision for a more efficient and streamlined approach to background screening.
“It was a great learning experience because it took the drug testing from two days to 15 minutes.”
This breakthrough technology laid the foundation for Bill’s ambition to revolutionize the background screening process.
Zimbardi’s Journey
Jim’s journey began at Equifax in 1976, where he gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of public records and data analytics.
“In those years, I probably learned more about the roots of the industry reserve, particularly pre-employment screening.”
His expertise in navigating the complexities of public records and privacy frameworks would prove invaluable in the years to come.
The pivotal moment arrived in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks when Jim was tasked with a monumental challenge:
“The request was that we screen 125,000 screeners in four months’ time. Can you guys do that?”
Jim’s testimony before Congress in 2003 showcased the power of data analytics and electronic access, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in the field.
The Visionary Trio
Arnette, a seasoned security professional, had already established himself as a respected figure in the industry. His risk management and corporate security expertise made him an ideal partner for Bill and Jim’s ambitious venture.
The trio’s paths converged in 2009 when Bill approached Arnette and Jim with a bold idea: to create a company to revolutionize the pre-employment screening industry.
The name “S2Verify” was born during a Thanksgiving road trip when Bill and his wife, Barb, brainstormed domain names.
“We came across S2Verify. That stands for secret service after our NATO.”
Revolutionizing Background Screening
From the outset, S2Verify was built on a foundation of innovation. It leveraged cutting-edge technology and data analytics to streamline the background screening process.
“We were looking at a way to take background screening and drug testing, automate the processes, and make it a much more fundamental program for clients.”
The company’s mission was clear: to provide clients with a faster, more efficient, and more accurate background screening solution.
As the company grew, the founders’ complementary expertise proved invaluable. Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit and industry knowledge, Jim’s mastery of compliance and data analytics, and Arnette’s security acumen formed a powerful trifecta, propelling S2Verify to the forefront of the industry.
The company’s success was not without its challenges. Still, the founders’ unwavering commitment to excellence and ability to adapt to the ever-changing regulatory landscape ensured their continued growth and innovation.
“It’s a complicated world; if we didn’t have their insights and expertise, it’d be a challenge for us.”
Today, S2Verify is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and collaboration. The company’s cutting-edge solutions have streamlined the background screening process, enabling businesses to make informed hiring decisions and mitigate insider risk confidently.
Listen to (or watch) their America Back to Work episode to learn more about their journey and how S2Verify can help you