In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Jermaine L. Murray, widely known as The Jobfather, shares his journey from tech recruiter to game-changing advocate for Black professionals in the tech industry. As the founder of JupiterHR, Jermaine has helped over 430 Black professionals land high-paying tech roles by redefining career coaching, personal branding, and recruitment strategies. His unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has made him a trusted voice in the industry, even in the face of adversity. In this conversation, Jermaine delves into the inspiration behind JupiterHR, the power of storytelling in career advancement, and the importance of resilience in an era where DEI initiatives face increasing challenges. His message for aspiring Black entrepreneurs? Dream big, take up space, and never wait for permission to succeed.
Jermaine L. Murray, widely recognized as “The Jobfather,” is a trailblazing career coach and technical recruiter dedicated to empowering Black professionals to break into and thrive in the tech industry. As the founder of JupiterHR, a Toronto-based consulting firm, Jermaine has helped hundreds of individuals secure high-paying roles through tailored interview preparation, personal branding, and career strategy services. Known for his transformative approach, Jermaine combines industry expertise with a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, making him a trusted advocate for underrepresented talent in tech.
Jermaine, your journey as “The Jobfather” is truly inspiring. Can you describe the pivotal moment that led you to create JupiterHR and how you identified the pressing need for such a service in the tech industry?
I launched JupiterHR in 2015 as a side hustle, initially focused on writing resumes. At the time, I was chasing a dream of working in radio but needed a stable full-time job to support myself until I broke into the industry. This setup gave me the flexibility to leave roles that no longer served me or sparked joy—an approach that naturally honed my skills in resume writing and job interviews. Friends started asking for help landing their first professional roles, and when my resumes helped them succeed, I realized I could turn this skill into a business.
Eventually, I let go of my radio aspirations and pursued a career in tech recruitment, starting in the staffing industry. That’s when I encountered a glaring disparity: in my first few months, I noticed that none of the candidates receiving offers looked like me. It became clear that advocacy for my community was a role I had to step into.
The pivotal moment for JupiterHR came when a manager pulled me aside and criticized me for “being the only Black recruiter on staff and the sole source of Black candidates.” My response was direct: “The real question is, why am I the only one bringing in Black candidates? Why aren’t the rest of the team doing the same? Black people are underrepresented in this sector; you can’t overrepresent an already underrepresented group.” That conversation landed me on a performance improvement plan, but for the first time in my professional life, I felt a deep sense of purpose. That night, I slept better than I ever had before.
Your track record of helping 430 Black professionals secure tech jobs is remarkable. What unique strategies have you developed at JupiterHR that set your career coaching and recruitment approach apart from others in the industry?
At JupiterHR, we build everything around storytelling. From crafting impactful resumes to preparing for interviews, developing outreach strategies, and refining personal branding, we teach our clients how to articulate their career narratives in a way that commands attention and resonates with hiring managers.
Our agency operates at the intersection of career coaching and corporate partnerships. We empower individuals to take ownership of their careers while fostering direct connections with hiring managers at our partner organizations. This dual approach ensures transparency in the hiring process and creates a smoother, more personalized candidate experience.
What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our community. Unlike traditional staffing agencies that prioritize client relationships with employers, our focus is first and foremost on the well-being and success of the professionals we serve. If we learn that one of our community members has been mistreated by a corporate partner, we don’t hesitate to take action. We address concerns with leadership directly, and if the response isn’t satisfactory, we will end the partnership to protect our community. While we don’t publicize these decisions, we’re always transparent when asked for our honest opinion about those companies.
Ultimately, our goal is to be more than just a service, we strive to be a source of trust, advocacy, and empowerment for every individual who comes through our doors.
In light of recent rollbacks in DEI initiatives by some companies, how do you continue to advocate for and prioritize underrepresented talent? What advice would you give to small businesses looking to maintain their commitment to diversity and inclusion?
We’ve doubled down on our advocacy, leaning heavily on data to drive our points home. In today’s politicized environment, it’s crucial to present the emotional impact of these issues in a way that’s supported by hard facts. Data helps cut through the noise and ensures that the focus remains on the undeniable truths about underrepresentation and the value of diverse teams.
At the same time, we’ve become even more vocal about our mission. While this increased visibility has sometimes placed us in the crosshairs of hostility, it’s a clear sign that our advocacy is both necessary and impactful. We refuse to back down because the work and the community we serve is worth any challenges we face.
For small businesses looking to maintain their commitment to diversity and inclusion, my advice is to stay intentional and courageous. Build a foundation of accountability by tracking and measuring your efforts. Actively seek partnerships with organizations that uplift underrepresented talent and prioritize creating equitable opportunities within your own business. Most importantly, remember that your actions will always speak louder than words—show your commitment through hiring, promotions, and meaningful collaborations.
You’re currently working on a group program to help professionals craft and share their personal stories. How crucial is storytelling in career advancement, and how can small business owners leverage this skill in their own entrepreneurial journeys?
It’s super important because it helps people properly frame their experiences, even if those experiences feel disconnected at first. Using a storytelling framework lets you create a connective thread that makes everything relevant and helps you present yourself in the best possible way.
Small business owners can leverage storytelling to build a stronger emotional connection with their customers. It creates clear communication about how the value you offer will actually improve their lives, making it easier for them to see why they should choose you.
Throughout your journey building JupiterHR, what were some of the biggest hurdles or obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The politicized era we’re in that brings in hostility especially when we advocate for our community over social media. I’ve had death threats thrown my way, people threatening to lynch me all for saying that Black people also deserve to have a place within the Tech Workforce. I’ve had employees quit because they were afraid of the threat of violence, but my Father always told me that nothing worth doing doesn’t come without a fight and focusing on changing the lives of people who look like me gives me purpose and my life meaning.
As we celebrate Black History Month, what message would you like to share with aspiring Black entrepreneurs who are looking to make their mark in the tech industry or start their own businesses?
Black History Month reminds us of the resilience and brilliance of those who paved the way for us. To aspiring Black entrepreneurs in tech or business, my message is simply this. Don’t be afraid to speak up to your voice, your power and your beliefs. Be delusional. Dream Big. Don’t wait for permission to take up space. Your unique experiences and perspective are your superpower, use them to create solutions that matter to you and your community. The path won’t always be easy, but aligning your work with your values and finding purpose in uplifting others will make the challenges worth it. You belong here, and you have everything it takes to succeed.
To repeat a Jamaican saying many are familiar with “Big up yuhself”
