Overview
Joined Comm, a fast-growing marketing startup, as employee #30 in January 2022 to build a complete HR department from scratch. Over 20 months, established comprehensive HR infrastructure, policies, and programs while supporting rapid growth to 70 employees. Successfully navigated the company through its exit strategy and acquisition by Marketbridge in September 2023, ensuring seamless integration and employee stability throughout the transition.
The Challenge
Comm had grown rapidly to 30 employees without any formal HR structure, policies, or systems. The organization was completely flat with no defined job frameworks, performance management, compensation strategy, or HRIS. As the company continued to scale, these gaps created operational inefficiencies, inconsistent employee experiences, and significant compliance risks. The challenge was to build a complete, scalable HR function while supporting aggressive growth and eventually preparing the company for acquisition.
Systems & Platforms
HRIS Implementation
- Paylocity HRIS
- Vendor Selection & Purchase
- System Configuration & Rollout
- Employee & Manager Training
Talent Acquisition
- LinkedIn Recruiter License
- In-House Recruiting Build
- Recruiter Training & Development
- ATS Process Design
Performance Management
- Bi-Annual Review Cycles
- Performance Review Templates
- Goal-Setting Framework
- Feedback & Calibration Process
Key Accomplishments
Organizational Structure & Job Frameworks
Developed comprehensive job descriptions and competency frameworks, transforming a completely flat organization into a structured, multi-layered company with clear career paths, reporting relationships, and role expectations that supported scalable growth.
HRIS Implementation & Performance Management
Led the selection, purchase, and implementation of Paylocity HRIS, establishing centralized employee data management. Designed and launched bi-annual performance review cycles with structured feedback, goal-setting, and manager training to create accountability and development culture.
Compensation Strategy & Annual Cycle
Created the company's first formal compensation philosophy and annual compensation cycle tied directly to performance review outcomes. Established market-competitive pay bands, merit increase guidelines, and promotion criteria ensuring fairness and retention.
Engagement Survey & Company Values
Launched Comm's inaugural employee engagement survey, gathering critical feedback to inform HR strategy and leadership decisions. Partnered with ownership to define and articulate company values, creating cultural foundation for the growing organization.
In-House Talent Acquisition
Brought recruiting in-house by purchasing LinkedIn Recruiter licenses and training an employee to manage all open requisitions. This strategic shift saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in staffing agency fees while improving hire quality and time-to-fill metrics.
Acquisition Support
Guided the company through its exit strategy and successful acquisition by Marketbridge in September 2023. Managed due diligence, employee communications, benefits transitions, and integration planning to ensure smooth transition for all team members.
Results & Impact
30 → 70
Employees during tenure
$100K+
Annual savings from in-house recruiting
100%
Successful acquisition transition
Built a complete, scalable HR function from zero, establishing all core HR programs, systems, and infrastructure. Successfully supported the company through rapid growth phase and positioned it for a successful acquisition, ensuring employee stability and organizational continuity throughout the transition to Marketbridge.