“From concrete roots to corporate vision, I lead with purpose, people, and progress.”
Brandon McCann’s professional journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to leadership through service. Raised in the inner city of Detroit, Brandon transformed early challenges into catalysts for growth, using grit and intellect to carve a path from the front lines of labor to the boardrooms of executive HR leadership. His career spans over fifteen years of elevating people, building systems, and driving transformation within industries often defined by volatility, complexity, and high employee turnover. In each role, Brandon has not only navigated operational intricacies but also fundamentally reshaped cultures by championing human capital as a business’s most vital asset.
From 2018 to 2022, Brandon also pursued an entrepreneurial path as the Co-founder and Co-owner of McCann, LLC, a home renovation company launched alongside his brother. Based in Detroit, McCann, LLC focused on restoring distressed homes purchased from the Detroit Land Bank, transforming them into livable properties that revitalized neighborhoods and offered affordable housing options. In addition to large-scale property rehabilitation, the company also completed smaller renovation projects for homeowners across the Metro Detroit area. Over its operational span, McCann, LLC grossed nearly a quarter of a million dollars in sales. Brandon was deeply involved in both the hands-on renovation work and the financial and strategic management of the business, further demonstrating his versatility as a leader and operator in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings.
Today, Brandon serves as the Director of Staffing at HR-1, where he leads a multifaceted HR and recruiting operation that supports a diverse group of companies across transportation, concrete materials, construction, and industrial services. From Warren, Michigan, Brandon orchestrates full-cycle staffing strategies that meet the unique needs of union and nonunion environments alike. He oversees a dynamic team of HR Business Partners and recruiters, ensuring talent acquisition processes align with operational goals while fostering equitable, engaging, and compliant workplaces. His expertise in Workday Recruiting, labor relations, and executive-level strategy enables him to consistently deliver measurable outcomes in staffing retention, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development.
Brandon’s leadership philosophy is centered on change through people—harnessing the power of mentorship, clear communication, and strategic alignment to empower employees and elevate organizations. At HR-1, he has designed scalable recruiting processes that have dramatically reduced turnover and improved time-to-hire, all while enhancing the candidate and employee experience. Whether advising executives on labor strategy or navigating complex compliance landscapes, Brandon is known for leading with integrity, purpose, and a deep understanding of operational reality.
His influence was similarly profound at Central Transport, where he spent nearly thirteen years ascending the ranks from Driver Recruiter to Senior Manager of the Driver Trainee Program. In these roles, Brandon managed large-scale HR and employee relations functions, oversaw DOT compliance programs, and implemented driver training initiatives that improved both retention and performance. His time at Central Transport cemented his reputation as a strategic HR leader who could bridge the gap between logistics operations and talent development in highly regulated, fast-paced environments.
Throughout his career, Brandon has remained committed to professional growth. He earned his MBA from Western Governors University after previously obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. His academic achievements are complemented by several industry-recognized certifications, including the Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) and Six Sigma Yellow Belt. These credentials not only underscore his technical proficiency but also reflect his lifelong dedication to learning and performance optimization.
Brandon’s deep understanding of labor dynamics, particularly in the transportation and industrial sectors, is enriched by his hands-on experience working with both unionized and nonunion labor forces. He has led employee relations investigations, facilitated grievance resolution, and helped prevent costly workforce disruptions by fostering transparent, solution-oriented dialogue between stakeholders. His ability to navigate complex HR scenarios while maintaining trust and collaboration is a hallmark of his career.
Internationally, Brandon brings experience working across borders, including engagements in Canada and Mexico, which have provided him with a broader understanding of global workforce trends and cross-cultural management. This exposure strengthens his versatility and adaptability, traits that make him a valuable advisor or board contributor in both domestic and international business settings. Despite his technical and operational prowess, Brandon’s greatest asset remains his empathy—a product of his roots and a guiding principle in every leadership role he undertakes.
His story is not one of mere upward mobility but one of meaningful impact. He brings a lived understanding of the challenges faced by frontline workers and translates that insight into innovative, human-centered leadership at the highest levels. Brandon does not just lead teams—he builds ecosystems where people thrive, purpose is clear, and strategy becomes reality. From recruiting and training to change management and HR policy, he has touched every facet of the employee lifecycle with intention and effectiveness.
Outside of his professional life, Brandon is an advocate for economic empowerment and education, volunteering regularly with the American Red Cross and engaging in leadership communities such as the National Society of Leadership and Success. Fitness remains a personal passion, reinforcing the discipline, resilience, and focus that shape his leadership. Whether in the field or at the executive table, Brandon brings energy, heart, and vision to everything he does.
Brandon McCann is not just a human resources expert—he is a transformation architect. His career is proof that leadership is not defined by titles or credentials alone but by the ability to uplift people, drive systemic improvement, and leave a lasting legacy of excellence wherever one serves.
Character:
Brandon’s leadership is rooted in humility and shaped by lived experience, making him both relatable and inspirational to teams at all levels. His empathy and integrity set the tone for inclusive, resilient, and high-performing workplace cultures.
Knowledge:
With a comprehensive background in recruiting, labor relations, HR strategy, and operations, Brandon brings technical expertise fused with practical application. His certifications and academic achievements underscore his commitment to mastery and innovation in his field.
Strategic:
Brandon consistently aligns HR initiatives with broader business goals, delivering results in retention, efficiency, and workforce engagement. His foresight in labor strategy and change management makes him a trusted advisor for executive teams navigating growth and transformation.
Communication:
Known for his executive-level clarity and interpersonal sensitivity, Brandon builds strong relationships that withstand pressure and inspire action. Whether presenting to leadership or mentoring front-line staff, his ability to connect and lead through communication is unmatched.
