Meet Melissa Pennington | Founder and Passionate People Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Pennington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I decided to start my own business, my driving force was a clear need I identified during my 20-plus years in the HR field. Throughout my career, I observed that many small businesses and nonprofits struggled with the high costs of essential services such as DEI consulting and HR functions. Often, these organizations simply could not afford these services, yet not having them could lead to significant liabilities—both financially and in terms of organizational health.

This gap in the market, where vital services were out of reach for those who perhaps needed them most, sparked my desire to create a solution. My passion has always been people, and by founding a business that offers affordable, critical HR services, I could directly support organizational and employee well-being. This combination of solving a real problem for underserved entities and working in a field I love laid a strong foundation for what I believed could only culminate in success. This venture was more than a business opportunity; it was a chance to make a meaningful impact by aligning my professional skills with my personal values and passions.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In the vibrant landscape of Human Resources, HR On Demand carves a unique niche by offering fractional HR services specifically designed to shield and support small businesses and nonprofits. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating a solution that is tailored to each business or organization. Our journey to this point has been anything but ordinary.

I arrived at where I am today by gaining extensive, diverse experience across various industries and expanding my reach globally to work with teams in 32 different countries. The path was challenging—HR is a field that requires resilience and a delicate balance due to the personal nature of the work. From navigating the complexities of international HR to the tough conversations that come with terminations, my career has tested my endurance and commitment. Overcoming these challenges demanded more than just tough skin; it required a heart for genuine service and advocacy for every employee.

One key lesson I’ve learned is the power of networking. Building relationships is fundamental in any industry, but in HR, the personal touch is everything. People may forget your name, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Remembering names, engaging in meaningful communication, and addressing each individual respectfully have been pivotal in my professional journey.

I am immensely proud of how HR On Demand stands today—a testament to staying true to one’s values in the face of adversity. Looking forward, we are not just resting on our laurels. We are actively expanding, developing an innovative app that integrates spectacular technology to enhance our services. This tool will not only differentiate us from others but also equip HR professionals with real-time solutions to elevate their careers.

Our brand is deeply personal. It’s about getting HR and operations right—authentically and effectively. At HR On Demand, we don’t just provide services; we create partnerships that foster growth and success, helping organizations to flourish by genuinely caring for their people. As we continue to grow and innovate, our mission remains clear: to offer genuine, effective solutions that make a significant difference in the HR landscape.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d be thrilled to play tour guide, ensuring our itinerary is packed with local flavors, relaxation, and unique experiences. Here’s how we’d explore my corner of the world, starting from the moment she lands at RDU.

Day 1: Welcome to Flavor Town
First stop: Mamacita’s in Morrisville. Why? Two words: Robot. Waiters. Not only does this place whip up some of the best tacos around, but it also has robots delivering food to your table! It’s as much about the experience as it is about the amazing food and delightful mocktails. It’s the perfect, fun start to our adventure.

Day 2: Spa Day Extravaganza
Next, we’d treat ourselves to a luxurious day at the Woodhouse Spa in North Hills. Nothing says vacation like a full day of pampering and serene relaxation to really sink into the holiday vibe.

Day 3: Crafty and Classy
On to Fayetteville to visit Hummingbird Bird Candles, where we’d dive into making our own candles. Right next door, we’d cleanse our palates and refresh our spirits at Winterbloom Tea, known for its exquisite blends and tranquil atmosphere.

Day 4: Sweet Treats and Spicy Eats
We’d indulge our sweet teeth at The Yard Milkshake Bar, where the desserts are decadent, to say the least. Then, for a bit of culinary contrast, we’d head to Where’s The Jerk for some authentic, fiery Jamaican flavors.

Day 5-6: Duck, NC Retreat
The weekend would find us in Duck, NC, for a peaceful getaway. Here, the slower pace and beautiful coastal views are perfect for unwinding. We’d stroll, chat, and simply soak in the seaside serenity.

Day 7: Appalachian Adventures
Our final leg would take us to Western NC, where dining at Appalachia Restaurant is a must for its local, innovative cuisine. We’d also spend a day at Shoji Spa – an affordably priced outdoor Japanese retreat that offers a slice of tranquility amidst the Appalachian forests.

And no trip would be complete without visiting the historic Biltmore Estate and perhaps enjoying an evening at the Omni Grove Park Inn, overlooking the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

Throughout our journey, we’d focus on supporting small businesses, diving into local cultures, and making memories in some of the most fun and relaxing spots in North Carolina. From tacos and robots to spas and teas, this trip would blend excitement with relaxation, making every moment count.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In the narrative of my journey, several key influences merit acknowledgment and gratitude. First and foremost, my children are my greatest inspiration. I am blessed with four incredibly self-aware, transparent, and innovative thinkers who challenge the conventional boundaries of thinking daily. Each of them possesses a unique blend of personalities and skillsets that not only push me to excel in my endeavors but also enrich the world around them.

Additionally, my professional and personal development has been profoundly shaped by two pivotal books: “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz and Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” These texts have offered invaluable perspectives and frameworks that have guided my approach to both life and leadership. They taught me the importance of thinking with the end in mind, proactive behavior, and the power of effective communication, which have been instrumental in my growth as a leader and a person.

Together, my children’s boundless creativity and the deep insights from these books form the cornerstone of my success and continuous improvement. I owe a great deal of my resilience and achievements to these remarkable influences.

Website: www.thehrondemand.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehrondemand

Image Credits
All of these pictures were taken by me and my tripod 🙂