Darrin Jahnel is an award-winning leader who specializes in building special teams. He is the co-founder and CEO of Jahnel Group, a 140-person software development company headquartered 2 hours north of New York City. Jahnel Group has made the Inc 5,000 list 6 years in a row and has won multiple best workplace awards for their amazing culture.

CHILDHOOD

Darrin grew up in Schenectady, NY with his brother and business partner, Jason. His family has deep roots in the Schenectady community going back 100 years. Darrin’s grandfather, Willy Jahnel, moved to Schenectady in the 1920s and established the family in America. Darrin’s father grew up in Schenectady and decided to raise his family there as well. Darrin and Jason grew up playing basketball and took the game very seriously. They were lucky to be a part of several special teams growing up and were shaped by those experiences.

EARLY CAREER

After undergrad, Darrin moved to New York City and worked on Wall Street as a software engineer at DTCC/Omgeo. Darrin helped to advance their solutions which secure and shape the future growth and development of the global financial marketplace, processing trillions of dollars of securities daily. Darrin also received a Master’s Degree in Information Systems from NYU’s Stern School of Business.

CURRENT ROLE

As the CEO of Jahnel Group, Darrin is a high-energy, enthusiastic leader. He’s built a world-class team and has cultivated a thriving company culture. Jahnel Group has delivered solutions for high-profile clients such as Google, MIT, Disney, Bethesda and Discovery. The Jahnel Group team is maniacally focused on adding value and has a varied project portfolio.

OTHER AFFILIATIONS

• Board Member at the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce

• Board Member at Mekeel Christian Academy

• Youth Basketball Coach

• Member of Liberty Church in Schenectady

• Member of Vistage

• Member of EO (Entrepreneurs Organization)