Episode Overview

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In this episode of TechFocus, host Eric Miller sits down with not one, but two guests from member company Paragon IT Professionals. Joining Eric were Jessica Grant, President of Paragon IT Professionals and Paragon CEO and co-founder (and Council board member), Craig Jackman. Founded in 1997, Paragon is an IT staffing, project and leadership solutions firm. The company helps organizations build and strengthen their technology teams through contingent staffing, project-based solutions, and leadership development. This was a great conversation about the evolving IT staffing landscape and gives listeners the opportunity to get to know Jessica and Craig a bit better along the way.

Jessica Grant serves as President of Paragon IT Professionals, a 30-year-old technology staffing and project solutions firm. Before stepping into the President role, she served as Vice President of Marketing, where she led the company’s brand strategy, communications, and lead generation initiatives. Today, she works closely with Paragon’s co-founders and CEO, Craig Jackman, to guide the company’s strategic direction, oversee day-to-day operations, and drive growth across the organization.

Craig Jackman is co-founder and CEO of Paragon IT Professionals, a technology staffing and project solutions firm he launched with his younger brother, Joel, in 1997. After beginning his career with IBM’s PC Company, Jackman transitioned into technology staffing in 1995, leveraging relationships he had built with customers across Iowa. The arrival of Y2K accelerated Paragon’s growth into contract staffing, and the company has continued to evolve through multiple economic cycles over the past three decades.

Under Jackman’s leadership, Paragon has expanded its offerings to include a robust Project Solutions division led by Vice President Greg Lagan. In 2026, he promoted Jess Grant to president of Paragon, allowing him to focus on supporting the company’s leadership team, driving strategic growth opportunities and expanding Paragon’s presence in Arizona.

With nearly 30 years of experience in technology staffing and workforce solutions, Jackman remains passionate about helping organizations connect with the talent and expertise needed to achieve their business goals.

Paragon IT Professionals is an IT staffing, project, and leadership solutions firm with nearly three decades of experience. The company helps organizations build and strengthen their technology teams through contingent staffing, project-based solutions, and leadership development. For more information, visit paragonitpros.com.

This episode of Tech Focus features podcast sponsor, PADT, Inc. as well as host, Eric Miller, Principal & Co-Owner of PADT.