Creating Best Places to Work: The Inspiring Origins of HRBOOST®

The HR firm market is evolving rapidly with a focus on technology, flexibility, and specialized services to meet the changing needs of businesses and their employees. Many HR firms are leveraging technology to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance client services. This includes the use of AI for recruitment, data analytics for workforce management, and cloud-based solutions for HR functions. The shift towards remote and hybrid work models has led to increased demand for HR solutions that support flexible work arrangements, remote team management, and virtual onboarding. HRBOOST® is one such firm that offers a full range of services on both a consulting and outsourced basis. “Our solutions are based on strategic HR leadership and the latest thinking in the field of human resource management. Whether you are simply looking for guidance on a particular human resources matter or to implement a complete human resources support solution, HRBOOST® can add value to your business. We ground our practice between the two fundamental constructs of efficiency and effectiveness. Thus, we aim to be proactive not just responsive,” adds Nicole Martin, Founder, HRBOOST®.

The inception story

I founded HRBOOST® in July 2010. As Founder and CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer), I have the privilege of leading a high-performance team of HR leaders who partner with businesses to meet them wherever they are on their journey to becoming the best place to work. We have experienced tremendous growth, and nearly every client has been sourced via word of mouth.

HRBOOST® has served businesses across various industry sectors, including Professional Services, Non-Profit, High Tech, Manufacturing, Staffing Firms, Hospitality, and Healthcare environments, to name a few. Our clients are typically high-growth businesses with 50 to 250 employees, though we have also served smaller and larger businesses with up to 500 employees on a project basis. We specialize in building HR departments from scratch and are proudly recognized as a 2017 Annual Awardee for Business Excellence (AABE) by the Daily Herald Business Ledger.

The lady behind the curtain

In 2010, Nicole set out on a mission to find another business seeking to build HR from scratch and make it the Best & Brightest. “Our first Shared Service client signed on with 10 employees and $10M in revenue. Within 24 months HRBOOST® partnered as it scaled to over 150 employees and $28M in revenue. The business achieved Best & Brightest recognition in 2012 and remained there through acquisition. The business was acquired in 2013 for $58M and HRBOOST® converted talent and sustained contracts through one year past acquisition. The rest is history. Today, we meet businesses wherever they are on their journey to be the Best & Brightest.”

The initial challenge

The greatest enemy of success is fear. With high growth comes significant challenges. “I needed to secure financing, attract skilled talent who believed in our brand promise, and, most importantly, overcome fear. As a disruptor in the industry, attracting attention from major competitors and receiving acquisition offers before realizing profitability were real concerns. Staying true to the vision, adhering to my values, and maintaining faith led to the development of a strong team. Together, we bring joy and purpose to people through their work.”

Mission and Vision

“I lead a high-performance team of HR leaders who partner with businesses to meet them wherever they are on their journey to becoming a best place to work. We have experienced tremendous growth, and nearly every client has been sourced via word of mouth. Results matter, and we measure our success against our own standard of excellence, ensuring that HR makes a tangible impact on the businesses we serve. HRBoost® offers a full range of services on both a consulting and outsourced basis. Our solutions are based on strategic HR leadership and the latest thinking in human resource management. Whether you are seeking guidance on a specific HR matter or looking to implement a comprehensive HR support solution, HRBoost® can add value to your business. We ground our practice in the fundamental principles of efficiency and effectiveness, aiming to be proactive rather than just responsive. Internally, our core values are practiced by our team and become tangible through peer-based recognition, fostering a common understanding of these values.”

Client-oriented services

“We offer a range of services that allow our clients to engage with us on an à la carte, project, or retainer basis. This flexibility provides multiple ways for clients to contract with us. Our mission is to meet them wherever they are on their journey to becoming a best place to work. Whether they are a small, growing business or a large corporate employer, we address their specific needs with customized price points and service levels to maximize their investment. Additionally, we focus on delivering talent, not just software—tools are only as effective as the people behind them.”

The differentiating factor

“At HRBOOST®, our goal is to understand each company’s specific objectives and design HR solutions that help them meet these goals while aligning with their P&L. Our professionals take a hands-on approach to ensure that the metrics and deliverables of your HR plan are on track and contribute to moving your business forward. We offer a range of services that allow clients to engage with us on an à la carte, project, or retainer basis, providing multiple contracting options. Our mission is to meet clients wherever they are on their journey to becoming a best place to work. Whether they are a small, growing business or a large corporate employer, we tailor our services and pricing to their specific needs to maximize their investment. Additionally, we focus on delivering talent, not just software—tools are only as effective as the people behind them,” concluded Nicole Martin.

Legacy Architect: Blueprinting Generational Wealth for Our Family

On this journey called life, we must understand that we are the architects of our legacy for generations to come. The following quote helps you understand why creating your blueprint is so important.

“Building generational wealth is not just about acquiring assets; it’s about crafting a legacy that transcends time, creating a blueprint for success that echoes through the corridors of generations to come.”

I learned when I was 18 years old how important it was to develop a positive mindset and having daily affirmations are the cornerstone to developing a positive mindset. Here are two affirmations that can change the trajectory of your legacy blueprint.

“I am the architect of my legacy, weaving a tapestry of financial wisdom and prosperity that will endure for generations.”

“Every financial decision I make is a brick in the foundation of generational wealth, securing a brighter future for my family and those who follow.”

Although experience is considered the best teacher, learning from those who have had the experience can shorten your time learning.

Meet Laquana, a self-made entrepreneur who transformed a small family business into a thriving empire. Through disciplined financial management, strategic investments, and a commitment to educating her children about financial literacy, Sarah not only secured her own financial success but also paved the way for her family’s prosperity for generations to come. Sarah’s story exemplifies the power of visionary thinking and intentional actions in building a legacy of generational wealth.

These elements, combined, offer insights and guidance for you to architect your own legacy, establishing a solid foundation for financial success that will endure and benefit future generations.

Now, you can go further on your journey and implement these five action steps to achieve your goals on your journey of building your legacy of generational wealth.

Define Your Legacy Vision:

Clearly articulate your vision for the legacy you want to leave behind. What values, principles, and financial milestones do you want to pass on to future generations? Define your long-term objectives to guide your financial decisions and wealth-building strategies.

Develop a Comprehensive Financial Plan:

Work with financial advisors to create a detailed financial plan that aligns with your legacy vision. This plan should encompass savings, investments, estate planning, and risk management. Regularly revisit and adjust the plan as your financial situation and goals evolve over time.

Prioritize Education and Financial Literacy:

Empower your family members with financial education. Ensure that the next generations understand the principles of budgeting, investing, and wealth management. Foster a culture of financial literacy within your family, providing the tools for informed decision-making and responsible stewardship of assets.

Diversify Investments for Long-Term Growth:

Implement a diversified investment strategy that balances risk and reward. Explore various investment vehicles such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. Diversification not only protects against market fluctuations but also enhances the potential for long-term growth, contributing to the sustainability of generational wealth.

Establish a Family Governance Structure:

Create a family governance structure that includes clear guidelines on wealth management, decision-making processes, and communication strategies. This structure can help prevent conflicts, ensure continuity of values, and provide a framework for future generations to actively participate in the stewardship of the family’s financial legacy.

By taking these steps, you lay the foundation for a lasting and impactful financial legacy. The proactive approach to financial planning, education, and governance outlined in these steps will contribute to the creation of generational wealth that endures through the years.

For more information or to learn more about implementation, contact Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Alignable or BeeKonnected

About the Author

Dr. JoAnn Ajayi-Scott has a PhD in Organizational Leadership. However, her financial expertise began with a BA in Economics, and she was the #2 sales agent in the country for ITT Life right out of college. Over the years, she never borrowed money from the bank but learned to Be Her Own Bank by borrowing against her cash value in annuities to buy homes and other large purchases over the years. Now, She is a licensed Insurance Broker, with emphasis on helping families protect themselves, Build their own Bank and a Legacy of Generational Wealth.

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