Background screening is a cornerstone of modern hiring practices, ensuring that potential employees meet the standards and expectations of the businesses they join. Vertical Identity, a boutique background screening company founded by Sarah Hope, has spent a decade helping organizations protect their workplaces and reputations by thoroughly vetting candidates. Their expertise spans pre-employment screenings, reference checks, criminal history verification, driving records, and ongoing employee checks.  

From Data Warehousing to Screening Excellence 

The journey of Vertical Identity began long before the era of interconnected databases. In its early days, background screening was limited to state-specific searches, leaving glaring gaps in data access. Sarah Hope and her team initially served as a database provider for law enforcement and other entities, aggregating data from multiple states into one centralized source. This effort revolutionized the way information was accessed and utilized. 

The internet brought new opportunities. As court systems began integrating databases nationwide, Sarah Hope guided Vertical Identity’s transition from a data provider to a full-fledged screening service for employers. This evolution wasn’t just about leveraging technology but also about maintaining strict compliance with regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to ensure accuracy and reliability in their reports. 

Boutique Service for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses 

Vertical Identity, under Sarah Hope’s strategic vision, specializes in serving organizations with fewer than 500 employees. This focus allows them to deliver a highly personalized experience that larger, more impersonal providers can’t match. Dedicated account managers work closely with clients to ensure reports align with each company’s unique needs, fostering trust and long-term partnerships. 

Why Businesses Turn to Background Screening 

Many companies turn to background screening services like Vertical Identity’s in response to workplace incidents, such as theft, HR conflicts, or substance abuse. Others are driven by compliance requirements for federal contracts and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), which often mandate background checks. 

Sarah Hope’s attention to detail ensures her company stays ahead of challenges, such as navigating complex state-specific laws. For example, in California, records older than four years are not accessible through standard databases. Vertical Identity addresses these gaps with meticulous research and private investigator capabilities, ensuring clients receive comprehensive and actionable insights. 

The Art and Science of Responding to RFPs 

For Sarah Hope and Vertical Identity, RFPs have been both an opportunity and a learning experience. While early successes were encouraging, the team quickly realized the intricacies involved in crafting winning proposals. Meeting tight deadlines, adhering to procurement rules, and ensuring flawless documentation became essential components of their process. 

To tackle these challenges, Sarah Hope integrated generative AI into their operations. By combining AI with the company’s industry expertise, Vertical Identity can analyze RFPs efficiently, extract requirements, and craft tailored responses. This innovative approach not only saves time but also enables Sarah and her team to focus on building strong client relationships. 

Celebrating a Decade of Excellence 

As Vertical Identity celebrates its tenth anniversary, Sarah Hope reflects on the company’s remarkable growth. From a small team navigating the complexities of background checks to an industry leader harnessing AI to enhance its services, their journey highlights the power of adaptability and dedication. 

With a focus on accuracy, compliance, and client satisfaction, Sarah Hope has positioned Vertical Identity as a trusted name in boutique background screening. Their work not only safeguards businesses but also contributes to safer and more trustworthy workplaces across industries. 

Looking Ahead 

Background screening is about more than just verifying credentials—it’s about creating environments of trust and integrity. Through the leadership of Sarah Hope, Vertical Identity exemplifies the importance of thorough and ethical practices in this field. As they look to the future, the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence ensures it will remain a vital partner for businesses navigating the complexities of modern hiring. To hear Sarah Hope’s full journey with Vertical Identity and AI, listen to Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/background-screening/ 

About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)          

WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.