Michael Barnes

Background

About Michael Barnes

With nearly two decades in the background screening and drug testing industry, I’ve built my career on one simple belief: people deserve to feel confident in who they hire, partner with, or serve. As President and Co-Founder of Unique Background Solutions, I help organizations navigate the complexities of pre-employment and ongoing screening through trusted, compliant, and customized solutions. Whether it’s a nonprofit trying to screen volunteers affordably or a multi-state employer needing a compliant, tech-enabled program, my team and I bring a human-first, detail-driven approach to every account. We pride ourselves on real service — no ticketing systems, no runarounds — just trained professionals who know this space inside and out. I hold Advanced FCRA Certification, am a DOT-qualified collector for drug and alcohol testing. My specialties include FCRA compliance, policy development, county-level criminal record research, drug testing programs (including DSS, DOT, and oral fluid), and volunteer program management. Outside of work, I’m a husband, a dad, a former Rotary Club president, and an advocate for service-driven leadership. Whether I’m speaking at national conferences or paddling a kayak with my sons, I believe in showing up with purpose.