Nicole Anderson: Founder of MEND HR Solutions

As companies grow and the job market keeps changing, the need for business simplification has become the need of the hour, especially in terms of human resources. With employees moving around more and the changing nature of jobs, it has become imperative for companies to keep up with the transformation. Slowly but steadily, HR leaders are beginning to realize the importance of updating and simplifying processes and decision-making. Nicole Anderson, an HR entrepreneur and founder of MEND HR Solutions, is working towards changing the industry and guiding today’s corporate leaders to better understand tomorrow’s workforce.

Entrepreneurial Tryst

Nicole grew up in a very small town that was far from being diverse, and the move to Orlando gave her a sweet culture shock that she embraced. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from American InterContinental University, Florida. Post finishing her degree, her daughter was born, and she had to move back to the small town, where she took up a job at a local prison in HR. But she always knew in her heart that diversity went beyond business, and she spent the next decade building her career in human resources, holding corporate leadership positions in legal, retail, and manufacturing sectors. In 2017, with an intention to make a difference, Nicole dove right into the world of business and started MEND, an HR solution firm that helps companies and employees become better versions of themselves and have a happy, healthy relationship. Further, she wanted to teach people to do better in HR and started MEND Recruiting in 2020.

Spotlight on HR

Recognizing the need for companies to modernize and simplify their human resources processes, Nicole founded MEND, LLC. As an external consultant, the firm provides the clients with a fully functioning human resources department. The acronym, which stands for Mentor, Educate, Nurture and Develop, handles all human resources matters, except payroll, including employee training and development, organizational development and change, recruiting, policy procedures, day-to-day HR, employee relations, and employee engagement.

Nicole’s broad corporate experience and work with first-year startup companies guided her vision: the need for employers to understand where their employees come from and build a symbiotic relationship with them. Having witnessed the gender pay gap, she works towards trying to narrow the gap by educating companies. Offering a customized approach to hiring, MEND boasts of a clientele including companies in the manufacturing, distribution, geriatrics, medical, and technology industries, as well as a Lion Country Safari – Palm Beach County’s most popular tourist attraction – and a Fortune 500 electronics manufacturer.

Move to Recruiting

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Nicole hard as she lost two of her most important clients. She was forced to figure out her next move that would get her more clients and revenue. She then pivoted towards the recruiting business, handling only high-level specialty positions. Choosing the right people has never been more crucial for organizations, and MEND Recruiting works very closely with the client to understand their specific needs and to match professionals in the industry with the business. Nicole’s goal is to get people working and get the right people in the right places.

Nicole believes that the older generation was raised in a workplace environment where they put their head down and worked, unlike the younger generation who want to move forward with a modern, healthy, and inclusive workplace culture. She tries to bridge that generational gap by emphasizing on trust and transparency. She also makes her clients understand that they need people to build their businesses and retain top talent for it to thrive.

Power of Words

Nicole recently released her first book, “HR is Sexy! Revolutionizing Human Resources”. In the book, she incorporates her philosophy of what HR can be in organizations, from working with leaders to developing bottom–line strategies and bringing value to companies rather than just being policymakers and enforcers. Among various magazines and online platforms, Nicole is a featured expert on ABC, NBC, CBS, The CW, and Forbes.

Nicole has a passion that goes well beyond her professional career. As a single mom for the entirety of her career, she has been a trailblazer in mentoring young women in entrepreneurship and parenting. She also works actively in community-based organizations, including Teen Mom Choices, A21, to help fight human trafficking, Young Professionals Community (YPC), and Christ Fellowship Church. Alongside, she is also passionate about raising mental health awareness and educating people on sexual abuse.

Road Ahead

Despite doing some stellar work in her field and giving back to the community, Nicole feels she has just started and wants to keep giving it back. In 2023, she intends to launch her own non-profit Seersha Baile, (meaning Freedom/Liberty Place), a sanctuary for sexual abuse victims to recover and learn valuable business skills to start on their own. Along with that, Nicole will be launching “The Tracey Lynne Foundation” to provide resources for healthcare workers struggling with physical and mental health issues, and scholarships for nursing students.

Nicole understands that being an entrepreneur takes a lot of grit and dedication. “One must be in it for the long haul and not expect to make quick money. A lot of patience, hard work, and getting knowledge from experts is the key,” said Nicole. While patience is key, she also warns about things not being easy in the beginning. “Do not give up. You will not become a millionaire overnight. Keep going and step out of your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to lose business for doing the right thing. If we allow others to change our character, it will take you nowhere. Also, get as much capital as you can to start your business and gain solid footing,” she said.