How Differential Scaled Fast Without Sacrificing Fit—Powered by G2i

Differential is a digital product studio that helps both startups and enterprise clients bring new software products to life. With both a project-based agency model and a growing SaaS product line, their staffing needs are constantly shifting, and delivering high-quality work means being able to scale technical teams up or down at a moment’s notice.

To do that without sacrificing quality, Differential turned to G2i.

The Challenge: Fast Growth, Complex Needs

As a hybrid organization, Differential doesn’t just need engineers—they need the right engineers for the right moment. Agency projects often require quick onboarding and flexible contracts, while internal product work demands long-term contributors who can integrate into tight-knit teams.

Hiring for both types of work simultaneously was stretching their internal capacity.

• Their engineering leaders lacked the time to screen and vet candidates thoroughly.

• Team fit was critical—technical ability wasn’t enough if a developer couldn’t collaborate well.

• They needed flexibility to staff differently for short-term sprints versus sustained product builds.

Differential wasn’t just looking for talent. They were looking for a partner who understood the nuances of team culture, startup pace, and rapid scale.


The Solution: A Strategic Hiring Partner That Feels In-House

Instead of just sending resumes, G2i provided pre-screened world-class engineers, each one carefully matched not just for technical skills, but for communication style, problem-solving approach, and team fit.

The experience felt less like outsourcing and more like adding new team members.

“For us, G2i has operated like a strategic extension of our team,” said Drew Barontini, Director of Engineering at Differential. “The shared Slack channel and constant communication have made it easy to go back and forth quickly. That level of collaboration has helped us move fast and stay aligned.”

Because engineers came in with context and initiative, Drew’s team didn’t waste time onboarding or micromanaging.

“It’s pretty plug-and-play. G2i engineers get dropped in, and they just go. I don’t have to do a lot of hand-holding.”
— Drew Barontini, Director of Engineering, Differential

That trust came from G2i’s consistent track record. Every developer they sent became a productive contributor quickly.

Why G2i Worked When Others Didn’t

Differential had tried other staffing platforms before, but those often relied on resume dumps and generic coding challenges. They required internal teams to do the heavy lifting—screening candidates, clarifying expectations, and hoping the match would work.

G2i stood apart by taking that burden off their plate. Their process didn’t just test for technical skills—it prioritized engineer mindset, cultural fit, and communication style. That made all the difference.

“Finding the right people isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about cultural alignment, team dynamics, and project fit. What’s made a real difference for us is G2i’s ability to navigate those nuances and work with us to find truly great matches.”
— Drew Barontini, Director of Engineering, Differential

Knowing G2i handled that complexity gave Drew and his team the confidence to move fast.

“With G2i, I know someone’s gone through a technical vetting process. I trust that what I’m getting is going to be someone I can put to work immediately [...] They only surface the top 2% of engineers—that makes it easier for me to move quickly and feel confident from day one.”

Engineers Who Match the Culture

G2i also offered the kind of structural flexibility that aligned perfectly with Differential’s hybrid model. Whether they needed someone for a 3-month build or a longer-term contributor to support internal SaaS development, G2i adapted.

“Our business has both an agency side with short-term contracts and a SaaS product side with long-term needs. G2i has been able to flex with us across both models—helping us staff up fast when we need to and stay agile as projects evolve.”
— Drew Barontini, Director of Engineering, Differential

This versatility allowed Differential to say yes to more opportunities without risking overstaffing or underdelivering. And just as importantly, G2i engineers weren’t passive—they actively communicated, followed team processes, and embedded themselves fully.

The Results: More Momentum, Less Overhead

With G2i in their corner, Differential has been able to scale its engineering function with speed and confidence. They’ve saved time on vetting, moved faster on project delivery, and avoided the pain of mismatched hires.

• 10 engineers are placed across both the client and product teams

• Average 10-day time to fill - 12x faster than traditional hiring methods

• Near-zero ramp-up time thanks to pre-screened candidates

“It’s rare to find a hiring partner who gets your team, your standards, and your pace. G2i checks all three.”
— Drew Barontini, Director of Engineering, Differential

Final Takeaway: A Scalable Partnership Built on Trust

For Differential, G2i has delivered more than just talent—they’ve delivered momentum. The engineers aren’t just solving problems—they’re amplifying the team’s ability to move fast without breaking what matters.

“They’re not just technically strong—they’re thoughtful, aligned, and easy to work with. They’ve made my job easier.”
— Drew Barontini, Director of Engineering, Differential

With G2i covering engineering resourcing, Differential is free to focus on what matters most: building great products.

Need engineers who move fast, fit right in, and deliver from day one?
Let’s build something together. Talk to G2i today