Tech jobs in OKC: Rural Sourcing grows 20% in 2020

Since Rural Sourcing cut the ribbon on the Oklahoma City Development Center in May 2019, the company has continued to expand demonstrating both the demand and success of the company’s software development model. Over the past year, the company has grown its staff by 20 percent, achieving growth despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finding top tech talent is a challenge for companies across the U.S. That has led to what many have dubbed “the war for talent.” Rural Sourcing is bucking that trend. The company has found great tech talent in OKC and is actively working with schools and coding boot camp programs to train the next generation of developers. With a high quality of living in OKC, Rural Sourcing has also been able to recruit talent to the city. John Moore is a great example.

Moore grew up outside of Pittsburgh, Pa. He has experience working in IT leadership in a number of industries before moving to OKC with his wife for a job at Rural Sourcing.

“It’s a 180-degree shift from what I’m used to,” said Moore. “Previously, I was in a stuffy manufacturing atmosphere. Here are Rural Sourcing, I have the opportunity to be who I am and do the job the way I feel is appropriate. It’s an environment that truly embodies servant leadership.”

Software development requires building a great team and working together. Moore leads a talented group of software developers that are delivering innovative solutions for some of the country’s largest companies.

“I’ve never liked working with a team this much. Even during a pandemic, there are lots of fun things to keep everyone engaged and keep the culture.”

Beyond the workplace culture at Rural Sourcing, Moore was drawn to OKC.

“Oklahoma City is a great cultural fit for me and my family,” Moore said. “There’s a sneaky good beer scene. Plus, I grew up a Sonics fan, so it’s great to have the Thunder in town.”

The city, its people and culture were an important factor in why Rural Sourcing chose OKC. Before selecting OKC, Rural Sourcing leaders evaluated more than 50 cities on everything from the number of craft brew houses to the number of Computer Science graduates. In the company’s analysis, OKC was at the top of the list.

“Oklahoma City is a great environment for technology,” said Monty Hamilton, CEO of Rural Sourcing. “There is already a bustling tech community and we are able to recruit new talent to the area because of the high quality of life the city provides. The sky is the limit for technology, innovation and software development in OKC.”

The growth Rural Sourcing has seen over the past year is just a start. The company expects to continue expanding its operation and help to build OKC into a nationally recognized technology hub.