Hey there! If we haven’t had the chance to meet yet, I’m Brittany Bollinger Boyle, Founder and President of Alliance Background. With our six-year anniversary just around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to share a little about my journey—how I found my way into the background screening industry and why I started Alliance Background. Spoiler alert: We’re doing things differently and aiming for something better.
My story is definitely not your typical one. While most kids in middle school were dreaming of becoming doctors, lawyers, or NBA stars, I had a dream that was… well, a little different. When I told everyone I wanted to be a background screener, the looks I got were priceless. My friends had no clue what I was talking about. But for me, it just felt right. I was drawn to background screening like it was something I was meant to do.
So, how does a middle schooler even know what background screening is, let alone dream of doing it as a career? Well, it all started with my parents. They had a background screening company back in the days when everything was faxed—yes, faxed! I watched the industry change and grow right before my eyes. My dad even created the first National Criminal Database, which has become a staple in almost every background check today. And later, the addition of the National Criminal Database with Alias search, (which I believe is the only way to run that product effectively). Seeing that kind of innovation up close was inspiring.
In 2003, when I was just a teenager, my dad took me to the very first Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) conference. It was called NAPBS back then. That experience lit a fire in me. The industry, the people, the energy—I was hooked. I knew this was what I wanted to do, and I was determined to bring something new and better to the table.
When it was time for college, I headed to Jacksonville, FL, to attend UNF. Even with a full course load, I couldn’t stay away from the industry. I jumped right into working at my first Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA), gaining hands-on experience in everything from verifications and criminal research to quality assurance and dispute processing. It was a lot to juggle, but I loved every minute of it. That experience laid the groundwork for what Alliance Background would become.
If you know me, you know I’m all about hard work and dedication. I don’t do anything halfway. I’m competitive, always pushing myself to do better, and I put my heart into everything I do. It’s probably no surprise that my Enneagram types are a mix of The Giver and The Achiever—I’m driven by helping others and always striving for success.
That drive led me to get involved with PBSA during college. I ended up co-chairing the marketing committee, chairing the membership committee, and even became the youngest person ever to sit on the PBSA Board of Directors —a role that allowed me to learn from industry leaders and refine my leadership skills. It was an incredible experience, and it only fueled my passion for the industry even more.
As I wrapped up my degree, I took on a marketing and sales role, and my love for background screening kept growing. But here’s the thing—I realized I wasn’t just interested in selling. What I loved was building relationships, helping my clients, and making sure they really understood the importance of what we do. Background screening isn’t just a checkbox in the hiring process; it’s about trust and protecting organizations from risk. I knew that my passion for helping and educating my clients was something special, something that could really make a difference.
But I also saw a gap in the industry, something that wasn’t being addressed. I knew that working for someone else wasn’t going to give me the chance to fix that. So, I took the leap and started Alliance Background.
Alliance Background isn’t just a company to me—it’s a reflection of who I am. Every day, we strive to be better, to go above and beyond for our clients. We’ve made it onto HRO Today’s Bakers Dozen list three years in a row, and we’re proud to be known for our exceptional service. But what really sets us apart is our commitment to doing things the right way, to creating a ‘Gold Standard’ in an industry that has too often settled for mediocrity.
What makes Alliance Background different? It’s the people—their passion, their dedication, and their belief in what we do. And it’s the heart and soul that I’ve poured into this company, the same heart that made a middle school girl dream of a future in background screening.
If that girl could see where we are today, I know she’d be proud. Proud of what we’ve built, proud of the standards we’ve set, and proud of the difference we’re making in the industry. This isn’t just my story; it’s the story of everyone at Alliance Background who shares this journey with me.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story. I hope it gives you a little insight into why we do what we do and what makes Alliance Background so special. Together, we’re not just part of this industry—we’re leading it, and I’m so excited to see where we go next.
