Management Team
Randy Nelson, President
Randy Nelson spent 6 1/2 years in the US Navy as an Engineering Officer in the Navy Nuclear Power Program.
Since 1991, Randy has been responsible for the startup of 5 different businesses that are all successfully in operation. He also started the Neuse Ryder Cup Golf Tournament in 2001, which to date has raised over $100,000 for Clayton High School Student Scholarships. Randy is a charter member of the Raleigh–Durham Entrepreneurial Organization, and in 2001 was selected as a finalist for the Carolina’s Entrepreneur of the Year award.
In 1991, Randy and partners started Orion International, which is a full-service placement firm specializing in transitioning military personnel into the civilian workforce. In 18 years, Orion has placed over 20,000 people into industry earning their motto as America’s Leadership Solution®, and has grown to become the largest military recruiting company in the world. In 2007, Orion was sold to a private equity group that, since 1986, has invested over $3 billion into the companies they own. Randy held the titles of CEO, President, and Chief Financial Officer at Orion.
Currently, Randy is the CEO of NSTAR Global Services, which he founded in 2001 with LJ Hirnikel. NSTAR ranked as the #163rd fastest growing privately held businesses in the United States on the 2007 Inc. 500 list.
Randy currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the General Hugh Shelton Leadership Initiative at NC State University, the Board of Directors for Orion International, and the Board of Directors for the Neuse Ryder Cup Golf Tournament.
LJ Hirnikel, VP Operations
Why NSTAR? “We simply care more at NSTAR. And Integrity means everything to us.“The first questions we always ask ourselves are, ‘Is this right for our customer?’, and ‘Is this right for our employees?’. Only when these answers are yes, do we know we are on the right track.“NSTAR is a unique company, and our staff is sincerely committed to taking care of our employees – every day, on every shift, in every location and country we operate in. I am most proud of our company when our customers say, ‘NSTAR cares about their employees.’ What gets me fired up to come to work early and stay late every day is that we are making the lives of our employees and customers better and easier. I focus, and NSTAR focuses, on doing the right things, the right way, the first time.” —LJ Hirnikel
LJ Hirnikel served his country with an extremely successful 23 year career in the US Army, retiring in 1994 as a Master Sergeant.
Working with Randy Nelson, LJ formed Career Network, the first-ever recruiting company specifically designed to place enlisted members of the Armed Forces. And from 1994 to 2001, LJ served as Director of Operations for Orion International, a full-service placement firm specializing in transitioning military personnel into the civilian workforce. During his tenure with Orion, he developed and oversaw operations which have successfully placed over 20,000 military personnel.
At NSTAR, LJ leads by example with his Whatever it takes attitude, combining his proven entrepreneurial and leadership abilities with unparalleled focus on customer service. Since forming NSTAR Global Services with Randy Nelson in 2001, he has been responsible for the oversight of NSTAR’s Global operations, and currently serves as President (responsible for day to day operations) and Director of Customer Service. In his free time, LJ enjoys boating, golfing, and his favorite hockey team, the Carolina Hurricanes.
Darrell McDaniel, VP Customer Sales and Solutions
Why NSTAR? “At NSTAR, we truly believe in providing solutions to our customers. Instead of trying to sell customers something they don’t want or need, we listen to them and develop a customized solution to meet their specific needs.” —Darrell McDaniel Darrell McDaniel has over 20 years experience in the semiconductor industry, working various positions including Equipment Engineer, Field Service Engineer, Field Service Manager and Service Sales Account Representative.
Prior to joining NSTAR Global Services, Darrell worked both as a customer at Texas Instruments, and as a vendor at Lam Research and Applied Materials. He holds degrees in Electronic Engineering and Business Management.
Darrell is the VP of Sales & Solutions for NSTAR’s Service Division, which means he works with customers to design flexible & customized solutions for each individual situation. Residing in Dallas, Texas, with his wife of 8 years, Darrell is an avid motorcycle rider, and he enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife and son.