Hi, I'm Erica
HR Strategist, Consultant, Leader
I've spent the last 20 years obsessed with the part of business everyone claims matters most and somehow still treats as an afterthought: the people.
​
I got my start back in 2004, recruiting in the Chicagoland area, where I learned early that hiring isn't about filling a seat — it's about understanding what a business actually needs. Two decades, an SPHR, and clients across the country later, I've built and rebuilt HR functions of just about every shape: the scrappy startup with a handbook held together by good intentions, the growing company whose HR quietly fell behind while everyone was busy succeeding, and plenty in between.
​
Here's what I believe: HR shouldn't be the department of "no," and it definitely shouldn't be a mystery you only think about when something's already gone wrong. Done right, it's the quiet engine behind your growth, your culture, and people who actually want to stick around.
​
That's the work I do now — as your fractional HR leader, your "department of one," or simply the outside set of eyes who looks under the hood and tells you the truth about what's there. Wherever your business is on its journey, I'll meet you there.
​
Let's build something your people are glad to be part of.
Our Services
Provide a general description of the items below and introduce the services you offer. Click on the text box to edit the content.
HR Department-of-One
Are you in that sweet spot of not needing a full time HR person, but still needing some help?
​
-
Only the hours you need
-
No extra headcount
-
Experience to handle the breadth of HR needs and challenges
Strategy & Projects
Support with strategic direction, a new bonus structure, updated systems, or a hand book review.
​
-
Deep breadth of experience
-
Customed for your outcomes
-
Experience to design, manage, execute, and delivery for the unique needs of your business
HR Assessments
Do you need to know where to start? THe HR Assessment is the under-the-hood look at your entire people operations - compliance, handbooks, recruiting, onboarding and more. The end result is a report with a roadmap designed to align with your business plan that sets you up for a successful people department.
“We brought Erica in to our organization nearly three years ago to operate as our leader in the HR space. Her perspective on the HR function and her experience in building that has allowed us to experience impressive growth and satisfaction with our employees.
She has been supportive, creative, encouraging and has made a significant impact on our culture - we are so glad she's been with us!”
Peter Hellman, CEO
Reserve Advisors
Let's Chat!
Submit the form, shoot me a text, email, or reach out on LinkedIn - whatever is easier.
Erica Kloppenburg
636.448.7098
Wisconsin and Indiana based, but travels well and frequently
About Me
People & HR Professional Consulting
​
My background encompasses a strong history of success in the talent function within HR as both an individual contributor and a leader. I am now taking that expertise and sharing it through consultancy work.
My goal is to support you and your business no matter where you are in your business's journey.
​
I began my career in 2004 recruiting in the Chicagoland area. Since that time, I have serviced clients all around the United States in a variety of capacities and have found myself living in Indianapolis after many years in the Milwaukee area. (Once a Packer, always a Packer though!)
My areas of interest in the human capitol space are Employee Relations, Talent Development, Recruiting and Onboarding, Benefit plan design, Surveys and Predictive Index. I am able to step in as your HR "Department of One" or to step in while you are temporarily between HR leaders to support the talent search and act as a resource to ensure continuity of care for your employees. However, my most valuable tool I offer is my assessment - the answer to your "How are we doing when it comes to human capitol and our people?"
I have held my SPHR since 2019 and commit to continuing education hours to maintain that certification annually.
​
Our journey begins with an initial consultation. Please reach out to me to schedule a time to start!