how to use a template as wordpress theme

things will definitely need to be changed. You need, at a minimum, to include the php that makes wordpress work. The loop, as its called

https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Theme_Development

Are there people who do this and if so how do I find them?

https://jobs.wordpress.net/
is one place

you could also do what a lot of people do….start messing with themes and learn how they work by modifying stuff. Start with the css to change colours, images, etc….