Welcome to our "Business of the Month," where we celebrate extraordinary individuals' inspiring stories and impactful work. This month, we are honored to feature Renae Hauge, the heart and soul behind Renae Hauge HR. Her journey from Platinum HR Consulting to rebranding as Renae Hauge HR is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for empowering small businesses. Join us as we delve into her story, explore her passions, and learn about her unique approach to human resources.

Human Interest

Passions Beyond Work

Renae's life is a rich tapestry of passions and interests that extend far beyond the confines of her work. She is deeply connected to nature and loves everything outdoors. Whether it's hiking, exploring, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the natural world, Renae finds solace and inspiration in the great outdoors.

Family is the cornerstone of her life. She feels immensely blessed to have her parents still with her and cherishes spending time with her three grandchildren. Renae's love for animals, particularly elephants, is profound. Her passion led her to Kenya, where she visited the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and participated in a 21-day safari to learn about elephant integration processes. Her commitment to animal rescue extends to dogs and cats as well.

Music is another of Renae's passions. She plays the piano, and her favorite performance piece is "Brian's Song." This musical connection gives her a creative outlet and a way to unwind from her professional responsibilities.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Renae has mastered the art of balancing her personal and professional life. She attributes this balance to knowing her "superpowers" and applying them to everything she does. In human resources, she thrives on sharing knowledge, explaining the 'why,' and watching people grow and develop. These activities not only fuel her professional success but also provide her with a sense of fulfillment and equilibrium.

Unexpected Surprises

With a multifaceted personality, Renae is full of delightful surprises. She is a certified Body Pump instructor, teaching a weightlifting and dancing class at the YMCA. Her passion for fitness and community engagement is evident in her dedication to her classes. If she were closer to Quantico, Renae humorously admits she might have pursued a career as a serial killer profiler, inspired by her love for shows like "Cold Case" and "Lie to Me."

Professional Journey

Driven by an unwavering belief in the power of people, Renae's journey in HR has been one of continuous growth and transformation.

It began with Platinum HR Consulting, where she honed her expertise in all aspects of HR, from tactical to strategic. However, she soon realized a gap in the market: small businesses often lacked the resources for full-time HR support. This sparked her pivot to fractional HR services, culminating in the rebranding to Renae Hauge HR – a name that reflects her personalized approach.

From Childhood Resilience to Professional Grit

Renae's career path was paved by childhood experiences that instilled resilience and determination. Frequent bouts of illness taught her to persevere, while her stoic upbringing fostered a logical, steady mindset. These qualities became the bedrock of her professional life, enabling her to navigate challenging situations and advocate for what's right.

A Passion for Strategic HR

Though proficient in tactical HR, Renae's true passion lies in the strategic side. She believes HR should be seamlessly integrated with business goals, empowering employees to understand their value and contribute to the bigger picture. Witnessing firsthand the impact of misaligned HR practices – high turnover, burnout, and low morale – fueled her drive to create a different kind of HR experience.

Overcoming Challenges with Grace and Grit

Renae's strategic mindset has not always been met with open arms. She faced instances where her innovative ideas were stifled due to ego clashes and insecurity, particularly with female bosses. Yet, she learned to adapt, understanding the importance of tactical maneuvering in certain situations. Her resilience, forged in childhood, has served her well in navigating the complexities of the corporate world.

Mentorship and the Power of True Leadership

Throughout her career, Renae has been fortunate to encounter mentors who have shaped her approach to leadership. One such mentor, the Site Vice President of a nuclear power plant, demonstrated the power of owning employee performance and providing direct, honest feedback. This experience reinforced Renae's belief in the importance of managers taking responsibility for their teams and fostering a culture of accountability.

Finding Purpose in People

Renae's favorite part of her job is helping people see the big picture, understand their value, and find purpose in their work. This aligns perfectly with her ultimate goal: to leave a legacy of caring, of valuing people, and of fostering workplaces where everyone feels connected and empowered.

The Proudest Accomplishment: Family

Beyond her professional achievements, Renae's greatest pride lies in her family. Her two sons, Eric and Lex, and her three grandchildren are her world. Her unwavering support and encouragement have helped them find their own paths and thrive.

A Journey Continues...

Renae Hauge's journey is far from over. She continues to champion strategic HR, empowering businesses to build thriving workplaces where people feel valued, engaged, and motivated. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of passion, purpose, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual.

Business Insights

A Unique Value Proposition: Culture as a Strategic Asset

Renae Hauge HR isn't your typical HR consultancy. What sets Renae apart is her unwavering belief that a thriving company culture is the cornerstone of sustainable success. She understands that culture isn't just about perks and parties; it's a strategic asset driven by clear business strategies, transparent communication, and shared goals.

By focusing on small and mid-sized businesses with limited resources, Renae acts as a catalyst for change. She empowers them to drive cultural engagement, boost their bottom line, and elevate employee morale. Her approach is particularly relevant in today's world, where mental health, burnout, and the need for connection are pressing concerns. Renae helps organizations navigate these challenges by aligning their people with their purpose, creating a sense of belonging in a world that often feels disconnected.

Core Values: The Compass Guiding Her Work

Inclusivity, accountability, responsibility, integrity – these are the core values that form the bedrock of Renae Hauge HR. She believes in treating every individual with respect, regardless of their background or position. She champions personal responsibility and accountability, recognizing that everyone plays a crucial role in the success of the organization. And she leads with integrity, always striving to do what is right, even when it's difficult.

But perhaps most importantly, Renae cares deeply about people. She understands that a truly successful business is built on a foundation of trust, empathy, and genuine connection.

Innovation Through Everyday Action

For Renae, innovation isn't about flashy trends or buzzwords. It's about the small, everyday actions that build relationships and foster growth. She connects with people on a personal level, making them feel valued and heard. She's transparent about her goals and expectations, and she empowers others to achieve their own aspirations. By embracing a culture of openness, continuous learning, and collaboration, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the HR industry and ensures her clients are always ahead of the curve.

Evolution Towards a More Accessible HR Model

Renae's business has evolved to meet the changing needs of the modern workforce. By focusing on fractional HR services, she provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for businesses that may not have the resources for a full-time HR department. This model allows her to deliver high-quality, strategic HR support tailored to each client's unique needs, making her expertise accessible to a wider range of organizations.

A Vision for the Future of HR

As Renae Hauge HR continues to grow, her vision remains clear: to empower businesses to create thriving cultures where people feel valued, engaged, and motivated to achieve their full potential. Through her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to her core values, she's redefining what it means to be a successful HR leader in the 21st century.

Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Finding Strength in Connection

Drawing from her own experiences, Renae offers invaluable advice for women entrepreneurs:

Find a Coach or Mentor: "Everyone needs a coach or mentor," she emphasizes. "It's a lonely place at the top, and having someone you can trust for advice and support is crucial." She recommends seeking out individuals who share your values and can provide a safe space for brainstorming, venting, and celebrating successes.
Invest in Yourself and Others: Success in business, according to Renae, requires investment on multiple levels. Invest in your employees, cultivate strong relationships, and never stop learning and growing yourself.
Lead with Integrity and Openness: Renae stresses the importance of transparency, open communication, and leading with integrity. By demonstrating these qualities, you build trust with your team and create a foundation for long-term success.
Understand Your Impact: Recognizing the power and influence you wield as a business leader is key. Use your platform to uplift others, advocate for positive change, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Impact

Enriching Lives Through the YMCA

Renae's passion for empowering others shines through her involvement with the YMCA, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening communities. As a Body Pump instructor, she not only promotes physical health but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging among her students.

"I see my classes as a microcosm of the workplace," Renae explains. "It's about creating a supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged to push their limits, achieve their goals, and celebrate each other's successes."

The impact of her classes goes beyond physical fitness. Students often share how Renae's energy, positivity, and unwavering belief in their potential have transformed their lives, inspiring them to embrace healthier habits, overcome challenges, and build lasting friendships.

From Local Groceries to Global Housing: A "People First" Philosophy

Renae's commitment to community isn't limited to the YMCA. Her "people first" philosophy permeates every aspect of her life. Whether it's helping someone load groceries into their car or supporting a housing project in Nigeria, she believes that every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to create a ripple effect of positive change.

"We can't help elephants until we help the people," she wisely observes, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human welfare and environmental sustainability.

Renae's philanthropic spirit is a testament to her belief that businesses and individuals have a responsibility to give back to their communities. She encourages others to find ways to support causes they care about, whether through volunteer work, donations, or simply lending a helping hand whenever possible.

The Next Chapter

Renae is not one to rest on her laurels. With a heart brimming with passion and a mind teeming with innovative ideas, she's embarking on an exciting new chapter: a full-time consulting project focused on HR team alignment, culture initiatives, and strategic HR support.

Her mission? To empower organizations to reach new heights by aligning their HR teams with core business objectives, fostering a positive and cohesive culture, and developing strategies that drive long-term success. This project exemplifies Renae's unwavering commitment to creating workplaces where people feel valued, empowered, and connected to a greater purpose.

Leaving a Legacy of Heart and Integrity

However, Renae's vision extends far beyond individual organizations. She envisions a world where businesses prioritize genuine care for their employees, recognizing that a thriving workforce is the heart and soul of any successful enterprise.

"I want to leave a legacy of caring," Renae shares, her voice filled with conviction. "I want to bring back that sense of personal connection and compassion that seems to have gotten lost along the way."

Through her work, Renae hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders who prioritize people over profit and who understand that a happy, engaged workforce is the ultimate competitive advantage. She's committed to teaching the importance of empathy, integrity, and genuine connection in the workplace, creating a ripple effect that will transform lives and businesses.

A Shining Example for Us All

As we celebrate the achievements of Renae Hauge HR, we are reminded that true success is not measured solely by financial gains but by the positive impact we have on the lives of others. Renae's story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to her values. She's a shining example of what's possible when we lead with heart, embrace our unique gifts, and dedicate ourselves to improving the world.

Thank you, Renae, for sharing your journey and inspiring us all to reach higher, dream bigger, and never stop caring. Your legacy will undoubtedly be one of compassion, empowerment, and lasting positive change. If anyone could use her services, please feel free to take a look at her website listed below!

Renae Hauge HR – Where Heart Meets Strategy