Rich Blanton has served as Human Resources and Accounting manager for over three decades for various for-profit and non-profit organizations. He is ultimately responsible for managing vendor and employee relations, policy implementation, performance management, payroll administration, benefit administration, worker’s compensation, office culture, employee engagement, and accounting. He has also been responsible for all aspects of the HR function that you would expect an “HR Department of One” would need to handle in a fast and changing environment. That includes recruiting, retention, employee relations and investigations, the Payroll/HRIS systems, and filing system integrity, all while keeping abreast of the federal, state, and local legal requirements for workplaces. He is guided by integrity and a drive to help solve complex problems. He thrives when working on a team and has a talent for noticing the details, especially concerning people-related subjects. He believes in treating each person as if they are the most important person in the company by listening to them, teaching, coaching, and mentoring them. When the employee feels valued, they treat the clients as if they are the most important person.