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

Nicole Martin

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.