Peoplyst (formerly Mercury)

Head of Business Development

Lawrence Business Partners

Founder

2020 Companies

Vice President Of Business Development

Mosaic Sales Solutions

Director of Business Development

Helping Companies Thrive by Empowering and Optimizing Their People and Processes

As the Head of Business Development at Peoplyst (www.peoplyst.com), I empower people-first companies to create aligned and engaged workforces. With over 20 years of leadership experience in business development, client services, and consulting, I deliver customized, scalable solutions that transform workplace culture and performance.

My expertise lies in:

- Identifying and Solving Complex Business Challenges: Bringing clarity and actionable strategies to multifaceted issues.
- Building and Maintaining Strategic Partnerships: Fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
- Mentoring and Coaching Teams: Developing talent and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Effective Presentations and Negotiations: Communicating ideas clearly and driving successful outcomes.

Tony Lawrence

Maryann Palermo

Developing knowledge of creating a psycholgically safe workplace culture
Continuing education for PHR certification
Volunteering with local advocacy organizations
Completely open to freelance or contract human resources, event or meeting management projects

Human Resources Positions

USA | Field Services | Staffing Solutions

•Directed a comprehensive data cleansing project in Workday, proactively identifying and rectifying errors while enhancing information reliability.
•Provided invaluable support to employees and managers in navigating complex HR self-service  systems and processes, particularly during the onboarding process to ensure employees were onboarded correctly and on time.
•Verified and signed off on hourly employee payroll through ADP, ensuring compliance.
•Supported employees and managers in correcting any payroll, vacation or personal leave errors.
•Orchestrated the transition from paper-based employee files to digital records, managing the logistics of scanning and organizing electronic files while ensuring proper storage and disposal of the physical files.
•Coordinated and oversaw training sessions, taking ownership of the entire process, including A/V, set-up, attendee logistics, and catering, resulting in the continuing development of over 50 people leaders and employees.
•Onboarded, trained, and retained 40+ full time employees in 5 months through close collaboration with cross-functional teams, ensuring completion of background checks, drug screens and any additional paperwork.
•Developed Employee Resource Center where I served as the key point of contact to provide valuable coaching and support to employees, improving benefit utilization, understanding of policies, and employee relations.

Human Resources Specialist for GE Grid Solutions

Divinely Signed LLC and Angel Wolf Wellness, LLC

•Developed effective client recruitment strategies through extensive research and networking efforts, generating over $10,000 in revenue within three months of startup.
•Used detailed cost analysis to determine budgets and fees for services, negotiated all contracts and fees.
•Oversaw client communications and provided exceptional customer service, ensuring on-time and secure delivery of accurate confidential documents, and client satisfaction resulting in new and repeat clients.
•Conducted personal development sessions and group trainings for over 120, both online and in-person.
•Consulted with clients on concepts, needs and budget for custom jewelry pieces and delivered them on budget and to contract specifications.
•Utilized Excel to efficiently manage client data and Notary Assist for bookkeeping records.
•Demonstrated continuous learning and flexibility to perform real estate loan signings and general notary work.
•Managed yearly budget, ensuring profitability.
•Oversaw client communications and provided exceptional customer service throughout the final phase, ensuring satisfaction and maintaining strong client relationships.
•Adapted from working in a structured office environment to working remotely, from home or on the road.

Founder/General Manager

Vail Resorts

Can I say I worked until COVID closed us?
•	Oversaw employee work tasks and side work to ensure company standards were met or exceeded.  At Vail, our merchandizer for the store commented to the area manager that it was the “best it ever looked” and company standards were precisely followed.
•	Coached Vail employees to upsell on all retail add-on items.  The retail section increased sales over 15% Year-Over-Year.
•	Handle all guest complaints or conflicts as graciously as possible to ensure a favorable outcome for all involved.
•	Acted as the Manager on Duty as requested by the Store Manager, based on my performance and experience.
•	Appointed the conference services liaison for the store, which was a logistics and billing function.

Retail Supervisor/ASM

Buckeye Hills-HVRDD/Area Agency on Aging 8

•Achieved a 95% employee retention rate and 22% growth rate through robust recruiting efforts, effective onboarding processes, and comprehensive training programs.
•Provided coaching and guidance to managers and directors in performance management and documentation.
•Acted as a neutral intermediary between managers and employees, participating in development, disciplinary, and termination meetings as necessary.
•Conducted thorough workplace investigations, addressing issues such as bullying and managerial favoritism.
•Spearheaded updates to the employee manual, total rewards packages, and job descriptions, incorporating feedback and conducting comprehensive training sessions.
•Managed employee surveys, off-boarding processes, and implemented safety training programs and wellness initiatives.

Human Resources Manager

American National University and National College

•Led the comprehensive onboarding process for new students, providing personalized guidance and conducting follow-up interviews to ensure their progress and successful completion of the program.
•Fostered relationships with adult learners and local hiring managers, resulting in a 94% average placement rate.
•Conducted seminars, workshops and individual coaching sessions on developing soft skills and cultivating a professional demeanor.

Career Center Director

Humane Society of Parkersburg

•	Led cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives by conducting extensive research, performing cost analysis, and collaborating with employees. Saved 70% on food and cleaning costs.
•	Significantly reduced health insurance costs by 30% through meticulous analysis of all benefit programs, ensuring competitive and cost-effective coverage options for employees.
•	Developed employees based on their skills and interests, implementing cross-training programs, and identifying individual strengths to ensure optimal position fit.
•	Successfully completed and implemented a comprehensive employee manual and standard operating procedures, providing clear guidelines and ensuring consistency in organizational practices.
•	Established a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, requiring the development of new policies, procedures, and job descriptions to support the clinic's operations.
•	Conducted performance reviews, compensation analysis for salary raises, and effectively managed disciplinary meetings and terminations when necessary.
•	Acquired extensive knowledge of workplace investigations, employment law, and criminal law, effectively applying these skills to address various challenges and maintain compliance within the organization.
•	Acted as a bridge between 8 key stakeholder groups, facilitating effective communication and collaboration among various groups to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Executive Director

The Electrical Association of Philadelphia

•	Managed the logistics and marketing for all training sessions and 4 annual trade shows.  The trade shows were very popular, selling out vendor space at 120 vendors with waiting lists of vendors wanting to participate.

Assistant Director

Davis Management & Travel, and The Windsor Company, Inc.

•	Created and managed meetings, events, and tradeshows with budgets up to $1.2 million for clients ranging from large pharmaceutical companies to teenagers, 50 to 1100 attendees.  Assignments were always on or below budget.
•	Responsible for all aspects of pre-planning, vendor selection, contract negotiation an on-site management, from food & beverage to A/V to destination management. 
Wrote and reviewed all event requirements for communication to on-site, independent trip directors and personally met with all vendors to ensure a successful event.

Meeting Manager

My experience lies in hospitality, meeting management, and human resources, with leadership to boot! These industries have a lot in common. The main similarities are customer service and communication. Your customers in the case of human resources are your employees. They keep your customers happy and coming back to purchase services or products. So to keep them happy and your business thriving, it pays to have a strong human resources partner who undertands good customer service and what their partnership can bring to the table.

Now, before you think that I think the customer/employee is always right, I don't think that. From my research, I believe that famous quote has been taken out of context. They are right in that there is a problem, but that is not license to demand whatever they want. In digging to the root of the problem, you may or may not be able to fix it given your resources, policies, procedures, or contracts. Or it may not even be your problem to fix. But you may be able to point them in the right direction. I keep that philosophy in mind when servicing employees too. I fits in a business model.

Yes, I believe human resources can function on a customer service model to increase employee engagement and satisfaction, which all helps a business' bottom line. I also wrangle data like a champ, while keeping the human reources' administrative functions healthy. The core adminitrative functions are the foundationof any human resources department.

Fun facts about me:
 - Drove a 32' motor home from PA to CO
 - Grew up in the Pocono region of PA
 - Came from a family tradition of service, my parents taught me well both at home and at their restaurant/motel.
 - Currently reside in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of the Appalachain chain with my cat and dog, although I am open to relocating

Ask me about getting chased by buffalo in Yellowstone!

taplio

The Battle

Tony Lawrence

Maryann Palermo, PHR

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