Industry
Information Technology
Company Size
200+ Employees
Location
Boston, Massachussetts
The Partner
SimSpace creates digital replicas of companies' tech stacks for cybersecurity training. Based in Boston, the company was founded by experts from U.S. Cyber Command and MIT's Lincoln Laboratory to address the growing threat of cybercrime. SimSpace collaborates with top Fortune 2000 companies, government organizations, major banks, and national infrastructure bodies to help them defend against sophisticated online attacks.
The Problem: Collaborating Across Time Zones
SimSpace’s mission — developing an automated, cost-effective way to evaluate cyber risks — requires exceptional engineers who are not only sharp and skilled but also collaborative and communicative.
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"SimSpace is iterative," said Nate Eide, Vice President of Engineering at SimSpace. "We need teams that can collaborate and work cohesively together."
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However, Eide knew that creating a strong international team could be difficult.
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"I've worked with teams on nearly every continent, and the setups have largely been varying degrees of unsuccessful," Eide said.
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To thrive at SimSpace, engineers need to feel a strong sense of connection and investment in the company’s mission, Eide recognized.
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"You can’t build a great team without connection," he explained.
The Howdy Solution: A Team Extension Model
Looking for a different approach than traditional contracting agencies, SimSpace turned to Howdy. As LatAm recruiting specialists, Howdy is designed for companies looking to hire ethically and sustainably while receiving support in integrating culture.
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"Howdy helps fix some of the issues that come with building international teams," Eide said. "They offer a team extension model, where the developers are treated like any other person on our team."
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Howdy also promotes long-term employment, which was a priority for SimSpace, according to Eide.
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"We want long-standing relationships," Eide said. "We don’t want people who are going to be here a year or even two years; we want them to stay as long as they can — and Howdy supports that model."
The Outcome: Integrated Engineering Stars
Through their partnership with Howdy, SimSpace interviewed and hired five software engineers across different specializations. Beyond a collaborative spirit, Eide values the talent and expertise the Howdy engineers bring.
"A couple of the engineers are the stars of their teams already," Eide said.
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SimSpace also appreciates how the Howdy model enables remote engineers to integrate into the company seamlessly.
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"With Howdy, we can build relationships with our hires," Eide said. "We can be interested in their careers. We can make sure that they’re successful."
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Eide’s appreciation extends to everyone at Howdy.
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"Everyone we work with at Howdy has this attitude of being interested in us and our success," Eide said. "They're truly a partner, and it’s not a contract, boss-child relationship. It feels like we’re all in this together."
The collaboration has been just as rewarding for Howdy engineers, who feel valued and supported by OJO.
"I was continually acknowledged, encouraged and recognized, which boosted my confidence in my ability to make things happen," said Pablo A., Senior Software Developer at Howdy. "The exceptional leadership of Qingqing was one of the standout parts of my time there. Her support and encouragement were crucial for my personal and professional growth."
Through their partnership with Howdy, SimSpace interviewed and hired five software engineers across different specializations. Beyond a collaborative spirit, Eide values the talent and expertise the Howdy engineers bring.
"A couple of the engineers are the stars of their teams already," Eide said.
​
SimSpace also appreciates how the Howdy model enables remote engineers to integrate into the company seamlessly.
​
"With Howdy, we can build relationships with our hires," Eide said. "We can be interested in their careers. We can make sure that they’re successful."
​
Eide’s appreciation extends to everyone at Howdy.
​
"Everyone we work with at Howdy has this attitude of being interested in us and our success," Eide said. "They're truly a partner, and it’s not a contract, boss-child relationship. It feels like we’re all in this together."