Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvi Goddard
Hi Yvi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a Human Resources professional with 7 years of experience across various areas like recruiting, payroll, compliance, and onboarding. Earlier this year, I took a leave of absence from a role I was in to focus on my mental health. During the 3 months of my leave, I received much-needed rest and reassessed my career. I heavily relied on my support system during this time, including speaking with friends who owned businesses. I learned about their journeys to entrepreneurship and the highs and lows of their experiences.
While talking to small business owners and entrepreneurs in my network, I saw a clear trend. Many of them started their businesses with just a dream and learned to navigate multiple responsibilities along the way. I heard stories of business owners organically dealing with HR-related tasks like hiring new employees because business dramatically grew, handling payroll and making sure employees were paid, attempting to mediate conflicts among co-workers, and not having clear policies in a handbook. They were suddenly responsible for HR functions they weren’t trained for. Without proper guidance, they struggled with compliance requirements and best practices, which left them feeling overwhelmed and wishing they had someone to assist them through these issues.
It made me think, “if my friends with small businesses have these struggles, I wonder how many other small business owners go through the same things.” I realized small businesses need a knowledgeable partner who could help them navigate these essential HR tasks smoothly. They should have access to HR resources despite having more limited resources compared to larger organizations.
The idea of EVG HR Solutions was born from a desire to provide structured, compliant, and supportive HR solutions tailored to the unique recruiting needs of small businesses. In addition, I wanted to build something of my own—something that aligned with my values and allowed me to work in HR in a way that was meaningful and impactful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh no! The road has definitely had its bumps, but each challenge has been a valuable lesson in resilience and growth. Starting a business from scratch is never easy, especially in the field of HR consulting, where building trust and credibility is crucial. One of my initial struggles was learning how to transition from being an HR practitioner to a business owner. In my previous roles, I was responsible for different HR tasks depending on the organization, but running my own business involves a completely different set of skills. Suddenly, I found myself managing marketing, client outreach, and business operations—all things I’ve had minimal experience with.
Another challenge was finding my first clients, which required a lot of networking and getting comfortable with self-promotion. Small businesses need to be mindful of budget, so I had to clearly show them the value and long-term benefits of investing in proper HR processes. To tackle this, I connected with other small business owners through local events and professional groups, including the Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Management (GOSHRM) and attending local HR roundtables. Those conversations were essential in building a network and increasing visibility, but they also showed me that other entrepreneurs were struggling with the same things I was.
There was also the struggle of self-discipline. Shifting from a structured work environment to being self-guided in managing my own time and setting my own goals came with a learning curve. It’s easy to get lost in the flexibility that comes with entrepreneurship, but I have to keep myself accountable to maintain momentum and meet the goals I set for my business. Each of these challenges has solidified my drive and helped me refine my approach, ultimately making my business more resilient. The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but every encounter has contributed to where I am today, building something meaningful and genuinely valuable for small businesses. In the end, I know it will be incredibly rewarding.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
EVG HR Solutions specializes in HR consulting services tailored specifically for small businesses, focusing on one of the most challenging yet crucial aspects of any company—recruiting. I created this business with a mission to help small business owners navigate the complex world of hiring, compliance, and HR best practices. Many small businesses don’t have the resources or in-house expertise to handle these tasks, which is where I come in. I offer support in all aspects of recruiting, from defining job roles and crafting fair and equitable hiring practices to screening potential candidates.
What sets EVG HR Solutions apart is the depth of expertise and unique insight I bring into the challenges that small businesses face in HR. With seven years of experience in recruiting, payroll, compliance, and onboarding, along with a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, I’m able to offer more than standard consulting. The SPHR certification represents my commitment to the HR field and enables me to provide clients with strategic, up-to-date guidance. I understand that many small business owners are managing HR without formal training or dedicated support, which is why I’ve crafted my services to be accessible and practical. My goal is to equip clients with a streamlined, compliant, and supportive HR framework that meets their needs.
I’m particularly proud that EVG HR Solutions stands for ethical, meaningful work. I didn’t want to create just another consulting service; I wanted to build a business rooted in integrity and dedicated to genuinely helping small businesses succeed. I encourage clients to develop proactive recruiting strategies, which means building talent pipelines, enhancing their employer brand, and recruiting in ways that reflect their core values. This approach not only makes hiring easier but also ensures they’re attracting people who will help their business thrive in the long term.
For readers, I’d like them to know that my consulting services offer more than just transactional support—I’m here to be a trusted partner. Whether it’s providing hands-on help with recruiting or simply offering advice on compliance, my goal is to make HR manageable and rewarding for small businesses. EVG HR Solutions is here to take the guesswork out of HR, so small business owners can focus on what they do best.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is making a positive impact on the people and businesses I work with. In HR, I’ve seen how the right recruiting strategies help businesses attract and retain top talent, which is critical for their growth and success. One aspect I’m passionate about is helping small businesses develop their employer brand. Many small business owners don’t realize that employer branding—how their company is perceived as a place to work—plays a huge role in attracting the right candidates. By creating a clear, authentic message about their values and workplace culture, they can stand out in a competitive job market, even against larger companies with more resources.
Proactive recruiting is another key area where I support clients. Instead of waiting for roles to open and reacting, I encourage small businesses to anticipate their hiring needs and actively build relationships with potential candidates. For example, I help them identify future staffing needs and create talent pipelines, so they’re not scrambling when an urgent hiring need arises. Proactive recruiting could mean connecting with candidates through networking events or staying in touch with past applicants who may be a great fit down the line. This approach not only makes the hiring process smoother but also allows them to hire quickly and confidently when the time comes.
Ultimately, what drives me is empowering small businesses to attract and retain great talent through strategic, thoughtful recruiting. When I see a business thrive with a strong employer brand and a proactive recruiting strategy, I know I’m helping them build a team that aligns with their vision and contributes to long-term growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evghr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evghrsolutions/
- Other: https://evghr.myflodesk.com/fdfiv76r43
