Office address: 1403 Kenaston Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 2T5
Website: www.peoplefirsthr.com
Year established: 2001
Company type: human resources services
Employees: 33+
Expertise: executive search, consulting, talent sourcing, professional recruiting, training and development, career management, compensation, HR consulting services, candidate research, recruitment solutions, talent management, candidate sourcing
Parent company: People Corporation
Key people: Israel Mendez (SVP), Linda Chammartin (VP), Liz Bilton (VP) Tracy Dandeneau (RPR director), Shari Loewen (director), Karin Pooley (VP), Lisa Anderson (director)
Financing status: N/A

People First HR Services, part of People Corporation, offers full HR solutions to businesses across Canada. Based in Winnipeg, it offers recruitment, HR consulting, and executive search services. With 33 employees, it serves diverse industries, helping companies engage and retain talent through tailored approaches.

History of People First HR Services

People First HR Services was founded in 2001 by Dr. John McFerran in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where it remains headquartered today. The company aimed to offer complete HR solutions to Canadian businesses. By 2004, People First had achieved $2.5 million in billings, growing through the integration of experienced HR professionals in Winnipeg.

In 2009, the company partnered with Laurie Goldberg, CEO of Groupworks, to expand its services and strengthen Winnipeg as its central hub. In 2023, People First HR was chosen by Economic Development Winnipeg to lead the search for their next President and CEO. Today, it operates as a division of People Corporation, providing HR services across Canada.

Products and Services of People First HR Services

It offers a wide range of HR solutions, helping companies build stronger workforces. Key offerings include:

• career development: supporting employees through personalized career plans and ongoing professional growth
• compensation and total rewards: developing competitive salary and benefits programs that align with business goals
• culture, DEI, and engagement: fostering inclusive workplaces and improving employee engagement through targeted programs
• HR software: providing HR management tools that streamline employee records, onboarding, and compliance
• recruitment and executive search: sourcing top talent for professional, management, and executive roles
• transition to retirement: guiding employees through retirement planning with financial and career advice
• job board: a platform for matching candidates with job openings across various industries
• workshops and events: providing training on topics like leadership, HR best practices, and career development

People First HR Services believes that when employees feel valued, they perform better and stay longer. Their customized HR solutions help businesses build engaged teams, allowing companies to focus on their core goals.

Culture at People First HR Services

It is stated to have strong company culture, supported by experienced leadership and long-term employees. The workplace is fast-paced, offering growth opportunities for those seeking advancement. Staff members are collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to their work, provided with perks that are reported to include:

• a positive work environment with chances to grow across many industries
• colleagues who are respectful and invested in each other’s success
• passionate and engaged people, working in an entrepreneurial setting
• a great work-life balance and an employee share program
• a place where new ideas can become future business platforms

The firm regularly contributes to community events, volunteering for various health, community, and Indigenous initiatives. The company takes part in cultural awareness activities like pow-wows and local partnerships. These efforts reflect their commitment to social responsibility through involvement in meaningful events:

• taking part in the Blanket Exercise
• attending the Guardian Angel Benefit for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
• partnering with the Manitoba Inuit Association

As part of a larger corporation, People First HR Services embraces values of innovation, collaboration, and creativity. They focus on helping people, simplifying processes, and delivering effective HR solutions. The company shares People Corporation’s commitment to creating positive experiences for both clients and employees.

About People First HR Services SVP Israel Mendez and Key People

Israel Mendez is the SVP, head of P&C and HR solutions, with extensive experience in senior leadership and governance roles. He was previously a partner at Mercer, VP at Slightline Innovation, COO at Closing the Gap Healthcare, and brand manager at Eli Lilly. Mendez holds an MBA from Ivey Business School, a PhD from the University of Calgary, and an MSc from the University of Manitoba.

The leadership team consists of key people that drive the development and delivery of its services. These include:

• Linda Chammartin, serving as a VP, professional and management recruitment, leading efforts to source and place qualified professionals across industries
• Liz Bilton, as VP, career management, supporting employee career transitions and coaching services
• Tracy Dandeneau, an RPR director, recruitment operations, managing recruitment functions and ensuring smooth hiring processes
• Shari Loewen, serving as director, HR product solutions, overseeing the development of HR service offerings
• Karin Pooley, as a VP, senior management and executive search, heading executive recruitment for high-level roles
• Lisa Anderson, a director, strategic HR consulting, providing tailored consulting to address clients’ unique HR challenges

The Future at People First HR Services

The firm’s recent partnership with Collage HR combines their HR expertise with advanced technology, providing seamless HR management solutions. This collaboration offers clients unlimited support and access to valuable HR tools like templates and advice. By integrating technology with personalized HR services, People First aims to enhance its offerings and continue supporting Canadian organizations effectively.

In July, People First HR Services attended the Asper School of Business Corporate Partners Appreciation Night and participated in the United Way Winnipeg Golf Tournament. These events allowed them to connect with leaders and support community initiatives. Through activities like these, the company continues to fulfill its mission of building strong relationships and giving back to the community.