Episode 79 - Why David Sweetman Launched a Staffing Firm in a Downturn | Project XIII Founder on Timing, Risk & Purposee

Episode 79 - Why David Sweetman Launched a Staffing Firm in a Downturn | Project XIII Founder on Timing, Risk & Purposee

In this episode, I welcome David Sweetman to the podcast, industry veteran and founder of Project XIII. What kind of leader launches a new business during economic uncertainty? Well, we're about to find out. David shares the decade-long vision behind his firm, why launching in a “bad time” was the right time, and the non-negotiables that define his personal and professional mission.

From choosing a niche with conviction to resisting the urge to “be everything to everyone,” David offers a candid look into the mindset, mistakes, and meaningful wins of starting up solo. He speaks about the importance of staying in your lane, prioritizing family while building a business, and saying “no” to work that doesn’t fit your values or vision.  Saying "no" can sometimes be the most profitable choice in your business. Whether you're a staffing entrepreneur, a recruiter looking to level up, or a leader in transition, this episode will resonate and motivate.

Key Moments:

• Launching a staffing firm during an economic downturn.

• Family, legacy, and the personal “why” behind a business.

• The importance of saying “no” and defining boundaries early.

• Building for long-term impact, not short-term gain.

• Advice for aspiring staffing entrepreneurs.

Favorite Quote: 

“I’m not here for a transactional handshake. I’m here to build long-term relationships, even if it doesn’t generate revenue right away.”

• David

 

Connect with David:

David Sweetman is a seasoned executive in human capital solutions with over 18 years of experience helping organizations around the world identify, attract, and retain top talent. Specializing in the engineering, construction, manufacturing, and IT sectors, David leads with a deep understanding of the industries he serves — and a clear commitment to people-first recruiting.

 

Having led high-performing teams for some of the largest brands in the industry, David provided strategic guidance, supported critical delivery needs, and coached leaders through strategic designs to uncover blind spots, build confidence, and enhance performance. His coaching-based leadership approach fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and agility — key pillars that drive success for both clients and candidates. David partners closely with both emerging Canadian SMEs and global enterprises with Canadian operations, ensuring talent strategies are tailored to the unique needs of each client across the country’s dynamic engineering and technical landscape.

 

David’s team leverages advanced recruitment technologies to accelerate hiring while maintaining a human touch. They don’t just fill roles — they form partnerships. With a proactive mindset, they provide insights and tailored advice that go beyond the transaction to deliver real business impact.

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectxiii-inc/

Website: https://projectxiii.com

 

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