Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Lounsbury
Hi Michael , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I began my HR career in the U.S. Army in 2014, I had no idea that it would ultimately shape my purpose beyond military service. HR in the military wasn’t just paperwork—it was mission-critical. It ensured that soldiers were in the right place at the right time, that leadership had the personnel support they needed, and that every decision made supported both the individuals and the larger operation.
After transitioning to corporate America in 2017, I quickly realized that HR had a very different reputation. I started at the entry level, working my way up from an HR Generalist to Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). But the higher I climbed, the more I saw a frustrating reality—HR was often seen as a roadblock instead of a business asset. Employees dreaded hearing from HR, and leadership saw it as a department that enforced rules rather than a strategic partner driving success.
That realization didn’t sit right with me. HR should be a driving force behind business growth—not just compliance, but culture, retention, efficiency, and profitability. That’s why I founded PeopleOps Advisors—to change the way businesses see HR.
Our focus is on helping small to medium-sized businesses navigate compliance—creating employee handbooks, policies, corrective action plans, and personnel file audits—but more importantly, educating business owners on the real value of HR.
HR isn’t just red tape—it’s a strategic partner that saves businesses money, enhances efficiency, and protects their workforce.
I built PeopleOps Advisors with the same discipline, integrity, and mission-focused mindset I learned in the military, but with a vision to redefine HR for business owners everywhere.
If you’ve ever thought of HR as just “rules and paperwork,” I challenge you to see it differently. HR, when done right, is the heartbeat of your business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting PeopleOps Advisors has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys of my life. Like any business owner, I’ve faced my share of obstacles—some expected, some completely unexpected.
1. Finding Clients & Breaking into the Market
One of the biggest challenges in launching an HR consulting firm has been finding clientele and breaking into a market where many small to medium-sized business owners don’t immediately see the value of HR. Unlike industries where demand is constant and tangible, HR services are often seen as optional until something goes wrong—a lawsuit, compliance violation, or high turnover.
Educating business owners about why proactive HR is a cost-saving strategy, not just an expense has been an uphill battle. Many see HR as just “red tape” or policies that slow things down, so part of my mission has been to shift that perception. I’ve spent countless hours networking, building relationships, and proving to companies that HR done right isn’t just compliance—it’s an investment that increases efficiency, prevents costly legal issues, and builds a stronger workforce.
2. Standing Out in a Competitive Market
The HR consulting space is crowded, and competing with larger firms that have long-standing reputations and marketing budgets has been tough. As a veteran-owned business, I’ve leaned into my military background to differentiate my services—bringing the discipline, structure, and mission-driven mindset of the military into HR strategy. However, getting that message out and building trust as a relatively new business has required a lot of persistence, cold outreach, and patience.
3. The Struggles of Entrepreneurship
Running a business is nothing like working in corporate America. There’s no guaranteed paycheck, no benefits package, no structured career path—it’s all on you. One of the hardest lessons has been learning how to juggle wearing every hat—from sales and marketing to client delivery, operations, and finance.
Unlike in my corporate HR roles, where problems had teams assigned to them, now every problem lands on my desk. If marketing isn’t bringing in enough leads, it’s my job to fix it. If a client has an urgent compliance issue, it’s my job to handle it. There’s no safety net—but there’s also no limit to what I can build.
4. Personal Struggles While Building a Business
As if starting a business wasn’t challenging enough, life doesn’t pause when you become an entrepreneur. Throughout this journey, I’ve faced personal challenges that could have easily made me quit—family struggles, financial stress, and navigating personal hardships while still trying to show up every day and build something bigger than myself.
There have been days where I questioned everything—”Did I make the right choice? Should I go back to corporate?”—but every time I help a business protect themselves, strengthen their workforce, and realize the power of HR, I remember why I started.
5. The Reward of Persistence
Despite the obstacles, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Every challenge has taught me something—how to be resilient, how to adapt, and how to lead. PeopleOps Advisors is still growing, and every new client, every positive impact, and every success proves that HR isn’t just a necessity—it’s a game changer for businesses that embrace it.
For anyone thinking about starting their own business—expect the struggle, but also expect the reward. It’s not easy, but nothing worth building ever is.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At PeopleOps Advisors, we’re redefining what HR means for small and medium-sized businesses. Founded by a veteran with a mission-driven mindset, we specialize in HR compliance, strategy, and workforce optimization—helping businesses navigate complex employment laws, streamline operations, and create workplaces that thrive.
What We Do & Specialize In:
We provide HR consulting services tailored to small and mid-sized businesses that don’t have an in-house HR team or need expert guidance on specific areas, including:
✅ Compliance & Risk Management – Employee Handbooks, Policies, Personnel File Audits, and Corrective Action Strategies
✅ Workforce Efficiency & Employee Relations – Training, Leadership Development, and Performance Management
✅ HR Strategy & Fractional HR Leadership – Acting as an outsourced HR department for growing businesses
What Sets Us Apart?
1️⃣ Veteran-Owned, Mission-Driven Approach– We bring military precision, discipline, and leadership into HR strategy, ensuring businesses operate with structure and efficiency.
2️⃣ Practical, No-Nonsense HR Solutions – We simplify HR, making it less about red tape and more about business growth, cost savings, and workforce success.
3️⃣ Proactive, Not Reactive – We focus on preventing HR issues before they become costly legal or operational problems.
What We’re Most Proud of Brand-Wise?
We are changing the way businesses see HR—not as a burden, but as a valuable partner that increases efficiency, reduces liability, and strengthens company culture. Our clients trust us because we are hands-on, knowledgeable, and committed to their success.
What We Want Readers to Know:
HR isn’t just about policies—it’s a business strategy that directly impacts profitability, employee retention, and compliance. Whether it’s ensuring compliance with labor laws, helping leaders develop their teams, or creating a structured HR framework for business growth, PeopleOps Advisors is here to make HR simple, effective, and impactful.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
At PeopleOps Advisors, we’re always looking to partner with business owners, industry professionals, and organizations that value HR strategy, compliance, and workforce development. Here’s how you can work with or support us:
Work with Us – If you own or manage a small to medium-sized business, we can help with:
– HR Compliance & Risk Management (Handbooks, Policies, Personnel File Audits)
– Leadership Development & Workforce Training
– Fractional HR Services (Outsourced HR support for growing businesses)
– Employee Relations & Performance Management
Collaborate with Us – We love networking and forming partnerships with:
– Business Consultants, Accountants, and Legal Professionals who work with businesses needing HR expertise.
– Chambers of Commerce, Networking Groups, and Industry Organizations that want to offer HR insights and compliance workshops to their members.
– Recruiters and Staffing Firms looking for an HR compliance partner.
Support Us – Even if you don’t need HR services right now, you can help by:
– Referring us to business owners who need HR guidance.
– Inviting us to speak at events, panels, or webinars to educate businesses on HR best practices.
– Connecting with us on LinkedIn and sharing our content to help spread awareness of HR’s value in business success.
HR isn’t just about compliance—it’s about helping businesses thrive through smarter workforce strategies. If you’re interested in working together, let’s connect!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peopleopsadvisors.com/#On-SiteSEO
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093536064198
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleops-advisors/?viewAsMember=true
