Meet Frankie Hilson: Leading Renewable Energy Recruitment in Houston with Taylor Hopkinson (Powered by Brunel)

Originally from Exeter, UK, Frankie made the move from Bristol earlier this year. “The move has been quite the adjustment,” he says, “but it’s been exciting to start a new chapter here in Houston.”

The opportunity came about after a company-wide event in March 2023. “At the time, there was only one person in the Houston renewables contract team, and there was a significant investment being made to build a team here. I saw the opportunity and expressed interest in the Managing Consultant position.”

Frankie visited both Houston and Boston to assess the move. “Once I got to Houston, I immediately fell in love with the place and knew it was the right decision. It felt like the perfect opportunity for both personal and professional growth.”

“The logistics of the move were a bit overwhelming at first,” Frankie admits. “It took me months to sort out everything, including the visa process, and I had to sell most of my furniture in the UK and get my house rented out.”

Still, the payoff has been worth it. “In my first 12 months, I’ve made some great friends and really settled into the new life. I’ve found the transition rewarding and am looking forward to what’s to come.”

“The logistics of the move were a bit overwhelming at first,” Frankie admits. “It took me months to sort out everything, including the visa process, and I had to sell most of my furniture in the UK and get my house rented out.”

Still, the payoff has been worth it. “In my first 12 months, I’ve made some great friends and really settled into the new life. I’ve found the transition rewarding and am looking forward to what’s to come.”

Frankie brings over a decade of recruitment experience to his role and credits both Taylor Hopkinson and Brunel for helping him grow even further. "I’m a strong believer in continuous development, and both companies have made that a priority" said Hilson.

“Before stepping into my role as Managing Consultant, I completed a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification, which has helped me develop new management techniques to get the best out of my team.”

He adds: “At TH, there’s a wealth of training materials available… allowing us to refresh and enhance our skills regularly.”

"The supportive culture at TH has also been a huge factor in my development," he adds, "Everyone is incredibly friendly and always willing to lend a hand, ensuring that we all succeed together. This positive environment has made it easier to continuously improve and adapt to new challenges."

“Working with the Brunel team has really broadened my understanding of how the Brunel/TH collaboration operates across regions,” Frankie explains. “It’s interesting to see how things are run here… while still maintaining strong ties with our colleagues in the UK to support the recruitment of our expat community.”

His team recruits both internationally and locally and that "creates a nice balance… and opens up new avenues for problem-solving and finding innovative ways to serve our clients better.”

Frankie and his team specialize in white-collar roles within the renewables sector—covering everything from Package Managers and Project Engineers to Fabrication Managers and Client Representatives.

"Renewable energy projects, whether it's offshore wind, solar, or battery storage, play such a crucial role in shaping our energy future, and knowing I’m helping to connect talented people with these important projects is fulfilling," Hilson adds.

“We focus on roles throughout the project lifecycle—from planning and design to execution and commissioning,” he says. “While we focus primarily on offshore wind, we also handle roles in solar energy and battery energy storage.”

On the client side, Frankie works with major global developers and Tier 1 suppliers: “They rely on us to find the best candidates who can help them meet their ambitious goals in the renewable energy space.”

“One memorable moment since I’ve been in Houston was the day after landing—I went straight to the Houston rodeo with my team,” Frankie says with a laugh. “We definitely had a bit too much fun, but it was a great way to kick off my time here. It helped me bond with the team and really embrace the Houston way of life.”

From driving everywhere to supersized meals and Texas heat, the cultural shifts have been real.

“Houston’s heat and humidity make UK summers feel like spring,” Frankie says. “Tex-Mex and BBQ are everywhere, and I’ve fully embraced this. The work environment has a dynamic, ambitious feel with a real focus on innovation and growth.”

Family-wise, it’s been a bit of an emotional balancing act. “My family back in the UK has had a bit of a tough time adjusting to the move. They miss me a lot, and it’s definitely harder not being able to pop over for a visit whenever I want. That said, we’re staying in touch regularly through video calls, messages, and social media, so it’s not as difficult as it could be. They’re supportive of the decision, though I know they wish we were closer.”

Frankie’s advice for recruiters entering the space is clear: “Deeply understand your market and specialize in a niche… Staying informed on industry trends, policies, and technical advancements will set you apart.” He urges recruiters of the opportunities that lie within the renewables sector "The renewable energy sector is full of opportunities, whether in onshore & offshore wind, solar, or Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS)."

For companies unsure about partnering with a recruiter, he breaks it down: “This is a highly competitive market where top talent isn’t always actively seeking new roles… A specialist recruiter can tap into a broader network and connect companies with the right candidates much faster.” 

He continues with this, "Beyond just sourcing talent, a recruitment partner provides valuable market insights—whether it’s salary benchmarking, hiring trends, or competitor intelligence—helping companies make smarter hiring decisions. The best recruiters don’t just send CVs; they ensure candidates are thoroughly vetted, qualified, and aligned with the company’s needs, reducing the risk of bad hires. This is especially critical in project-driven sectors like solar, wind, and battery storage, where staffing shortages can lead to costly delays. Additionally, the flexibility of hiring contractors allows companies to scale up for projects and then downsize when needed, ensuring they remain agile and cost-efficient."

He continues: “There’s also a misconception that recruitment fees make it an expensive option… but when you factor in the cost of prolonged vacancies, project delays, or hiring the wrong person, working with a specialized recruiter is often the more strategic and cost-effective choice.”
 

With Frankie Hilson anchoring Taylor Hopkinson’s Contract Hire efforts in Houston, the company is strategically positioned to support the surge in clean energy projects across the U.S. Whether it’s solar, wind, or battery storage, his team is ready to deliver high-impact talent for high-stakes projects.

If you're a company in the renewables space evaluating top recruitment agencies or recruiters in Houston, now is the time to get in touch.

To learn how Taylor Hopkinson (powered by Brunel) can help build your project team, connect with Frankie Hilson and the Houston renewables team today.