What is your business industry category or specialty? 
HR Management Services supports European-based companies – who already have presence in the US market or starting operations in the United States – to grow through effective selection, management, engagement, measurement and reward of their employees. There are many differences from a cultural and legal point of view. We can assist you to make adjustments which are required or useful in the United States.

How do you describe your job to people outside the industry?  
HR Management Services provides businesses with affordable human resources services and solutions. We support companies to develop hiring, employment and compensation strategies that keep their HR function compliant in the United States. Many companies need HR support on an on-going basis, but may not be able to add full-time staff. HR Management Services can offer HR consulting and hands-on support for companies who need an experienced professional.

Who are your main competitors and what differentiates you from the competition? What makes you unique?
Caroline has a broad HR experience both in Europe and in the United States. She received her Bachelors Degree in Human Resource Management in the Netherlands and Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification in the United States. We don’t really run into many competitors with a similar background in this area.

How was the business started?
A job has to do more than to pay enough to live on. “It has to grow my flame”, Caroline says. Working with different cultures, providing human resources solutions in a cross-cultural business environment, being recognized for her contributions and building relationships are her flame-builders. That is why she founded her own business in 2013 and created the job that grows her flame.
 
How many employees does the business have?
Caroline Oltmans is the founder and principal consultant. She partners with other specialists when necessary.

How did you end up in Atlanta?
Caroline moved to the United States in 2006 and became the HR Manager of a project team to execute a 450 million dollar project for Vanderlande Industries. She managed the human resource challenges for this major project, including the assignment and relocation of 25 expatriates from Europe to the United States (Marietta, GA and Louisville, KY). After completion of the project in 2010, she was involved in several HR projects for Vanderlande Industries US headquarters in Marietta, GA.

What is your number one business goal over the next year?   

Expand our client base through existing relationships and providing a level of service that results in getting repeat orders and referrals.

What is the best advice you have received regarding doing business with Americans/Dutch?
Don’t make assumptions. You need to explicitly ASK for an answer or feedback and don’t fill in the blanks yourself. A generic advise but even more important when doing business in a cross-culture environment. Especially for the Dutch, who often assume they have been there, done that and know better.

Any other personal information you would like to share, e.g. hobbies, special interests, family etc…
When Caroline has free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, bicycling/spinning, yoga and cooking with/for friends. She is happily married and both signed up for (her first) two speed triathlons this year. Besides this, she is an active sponsor for the Sikkim Himalayan Academy, a school for the children from the poorest families in Sikkim, India. The school is funded by sponsorships and charitable donations through a Dutch Trust.