A Shopify Podcast To Grow Revenue And Loyalty
Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Val Narodetsky, the founder and CEO of Hire Odessa.
In this episode, Val reveals how Shopify brands can access elite Ukrainian tech talent while achieving significant cost savings:
- Up to 70% lower costs
- 14-day placement time
- Top 1% of tech talent
Val shares strategies for connecting US and Canadian companies with Ukraine’s best developers, implementing AI solutions, and scaling Shopify operations efficiently. He introduces Hire Odessa’s unique vetting process that ensures both technical excellence and cultural fit.
Throughout our conversation, we explore:
- Accessing elite Ukrainian tech talent for Shopify development
- Implementing AI and machine learning solutions cost-effectively
- Managing remote tech teams across time zones
- Building resilient development teams in challenging circumstances
- Leveraging both permanent and flexible staffing solutions
Whether you’re a Shopify merchant looking to scale, or a brand seeking AI expertise, this episode offers valuable insights into accessing global tech talent efficiently.
This is Val Narodetsky’s Story:
Val Narodetsky’s journey began in 1998 when he arrived in the United States from Odessa, Ukraine at age 12, armed with dreams and determination. This early immigration experience would later shape his unique perspective on bridging international talent with American business opportunities.
His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, starting his first company in 2012 with just a $7,000 loan that he transformed into a seven-figure business exit. This success demonstrated his ability to bootstrap operations and navigate the complexities of both tech and e-commerce industries.
The inspiration for Hire Odessa came from Val’s firsthand experience with the challenges of hiring skilled teams while bootstrapping his previous businesses. He recognized the untapped potential of Ukrainian tech talent and the significant cost advantages this could bring to US companies. His unique position as both a Ukrainian immigrant and a successful American entrepreneur gave him invaluable insight into both markets.
Now based in South Florida, Val has positioned Hire Odessa as a pioneering recruitment platform that connects US businesses with the top 1% of Ukrainian tech talent. The company delivers pre-vetted professionals within 14 days, offering savings of up to 70% compared to traditional hiring methods. His approach combines thorough vetting processes with deep cultural understanding, ensuring clients receive not just skilled developers, but true problem-solvers who can integrate seamlessly into their teams.
Val’s commitment extends beyond just business success. He actively supports the professional development of tech professionals in Ukraine, focuses on ethical practices, and maintains sustainable partnerships. His platform has become particularly crucial in helping businesses access elite AI engineers, cybersecurity experts, and web developers who have honed their skills under challenging circumstances.
Through Hire Odessa, Val continues to demonstrate how bridging cultures and continents can create powerful business solutions. His vision of connecting top Ukrainian tech talent with US companies isn’t just about filling positions – it’s about fostering innovation, resilience, and growth in the global digital economy.
Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:
1️⃣ Elite Talent Access: Val emphasizes how Hire Odessa connects businesses with the top 1% of Ukrainian tech talent, offering significant cost savings while maintaining exceptional quality. Their database of pre-vetted professionals specializes in Shopify Plus, AI, and cybersecurity.
2️⃣ Flexible Staffing Solutions: The company offers both permanent recruitment and staff augmentation services, allowing brands to scale teams according to seasonal demands and project needs. This flexibility proves particularly valuable during major site overhauls and Q4 preparations.
3️⃣ Comprehensive Vetting: Their thorough vetting process includes multiple rounds of technical assessments, English proficiency evaluation, and cultural fit analysis. This ensures seamless integration with existing teams and immediate productivity.
Episode Summary:
Val’s inspiring journey from Ukraine to entrepreneurial success in America has shaped a revolutionary approach to tech talent recruitment. Here are the key points from our discussion:
Personal Journey & Vision
Val’s transition from Ukraine to America at age 12 led to creating Hire Odessa, bridging global tech talent with US companies. His unique perspective as both immigrant and entrepreneur drives the company’s innovative approach to talent solutions.
Operational Excellence
- Delivers pre-vetted Ukrainian developers within 14 days
- Achieves up to 70% cost savings compared to US hiring
- Maintains database of 200+ vetted tech professionals
- Ensures 85% of Ukrainian developers maintain full-time work despite challenges
Service Model
- Offers dual recruitment options: permanent hiring and staff augmentation
- Provides flexible scaling for seasonal demands
- Implements comprehensive vetting process including technical skills and cultural fit
- Ensures all tech professionals work from secure, conflict-free locations1
Recent Success Story
A Shopify brand achieved significant improvements through Hire Odessa’s services:
- Completed major site overhaul before Q4
- Enhanced site speed and performance
- Improved conversion rates
- Seamlessly integrated new features
Future Focus
- Expanding expertise in AI and machine learning
- Developing capabilities in headless commerce
- Building systems for sustainability-focused operations
Links and Resources Mentioned
- Hire Odesa
- Shopify
- Shopify Plus
- Microsoft Teams
- Slack
- Zoom
- Google Meet
- Trello
- Asana
- ClickUp
- Notion
- GitHub
- Figma
Unlock the Secrets to Scaling Your Shopify Store
Are you ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Join Steve Hutt every week as he sits down with expert guests to uncover proven strategies for expanding your business and boosting your bottom line.
Each episode is packed with actionable tips and insights!
- The top Shopify apps to streamline your operations and drive sales
- Marketing platforms to reach and convert more customers
- Essential growth tactics used by successful brands in DTC and retail
In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, standing still is moving backwards. That’s why I’m committed to bringing you cutting-edge insights and strategies from industry leaders every week. Together, we’ll navigate the ever-changing landscape of online retail, turning challenges into opportunities and ideas into action. – Steve Hutt
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