Danny Speros, SPHR and SHRM-SCP

An experienced, analytical and personable Human Resources and Employee Benefits professional with a track record of building effective relationships, solving problems, and getting things done.

My two senior-level certifications in Human Resources demonstrate my experience and knowledge in the field as well as my ability to apply that expertise to a range of situations to get the best possible result.

What I Do Best

• Employee Benefits plan design, negotiation and administration, including experience data analysis, employee communication and annual reporting
• Retirement plan design and administration including 401(k) and non-qualified deferred compensation
• Team Building and Cohesion
• Workforce and Talent Development, Training and Coaching
• Employee Relations
• Regulatory Compliance and Employment Law
• Project Management including planning and executing complex projects involving many people
• Experience with multiple states/locations and a wide variety of industries/work environments
• Develop strong relationships among employees, vendors and customers
• Analyze complex information and make sound recommendations
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities and foresee and prepare for business needs

Work History

Principal Consultant & Founder, 2015 to Present, Build Up Your People, Phoenix, Arizona

Provide clients with expert human resources consulting services ranging from regulatory compliance to employee development and recruiting to terminations.

Human Resources & Administrative Manager, 2014 to 2015, American Auction Co., Phoenix, Arizona

Achieve business goals through recruiting, payroll, training, benefits, and employee relations. Build, maintain and improve processes that enable business success and growth. Negotiate, administer and communicate employee benefits programs including 401(k) and insurance. Manage benefits enrollment, reconciliations and payroll deductions. Assist managers and employees on issues from benefits to performance management. Manage the customer service and administrative teams, providing timely, friendly and excellent customer service to all of our customers.

• Negotiated favorable renewals while maneuvering through Affordable Care Act compliance.
• Developed and implemented an Onboarding program to provide new hires with a welcoming experience and the tools, information and relationships needed to impact the business quickly.
• Instituted the use of an HRIS to maintain and analyze employee information, including customization
• Implemented a new sales machine. Hired and trained staff, developed communication standards, and managed significant change, leading to success in sales in a short period of time.

Vice President of Human Resources and Operations, 2006 to 2014, Ancient Stone, Phoenix, Arizona

Leadership of the People and Business functions for a family-owned retail, wholesale, design and construction company. Develop and implement employment strategies and policies to enable success in a dynamic business. Manage the daily operations including sales, production, construction and accounting. Hire, manage, train and develop employees and build effective teams to achieve the company’s goals.

• Increased revenue by over 20% per year and profits by over 40% per year in a four-year period by identifying & capitalizing on opportunities to increase revenue and productivity.
• Incorporated customer feedback and market trends into new product and service offerings and developed the necessary capability of our staff, driving moderate profits through a difficult recession.
• Implemented safety programs and trained staff, lowering Workers Comp experience-mod rate from 1.43 to 0.92 (significantly reduced number and severity of workplace injuries).

Benefits, Safety and Workers Compensation Manager, 2003 to 2006, Eastridge Workforce Solutions, San Diego, California

Managed the benefits, safety, and workers compensation departments for the largest privately held staffing company in California and Nevada. Negotiated and communicated company benefits programs covering over 10,000 employees. Managed the HRIS and the interaction of the benefits and payroll deductions. Shared best practices with client companies through consultation and strategic partnerships. Developed a team of professionals that consistently exceeded expectations.

• Implemented two HRIS and payroll provider transitions including project management and testing.
• Limited the cost increase of the company’s medical benefits to half that of the national average.
• Increased 401(k) plan participation by over 10%, enabling highly compensated employees to nearly double annual contributions through presentations and detailed contribution analysis.
• Identified and rolled-out a low-cost health and life insurance plan for our temporary workforce, allowing the company to sign new clients who required benefits for their temps.
• Managed the transition of the company’s employee health insurance from fully insured to a self-insured program increasing both the quality and affordability of the plan.

Human Resources Generalist, 2000 to 2003, Fujitsu, San Diego, California

Served as Human Resources Business Partner to the leadership and employees of three divisions spread over five satellite locations of an international technology company. Advised management on workforce development, talent management, compensation & benefits, and other issues. Assisted employees with complaints, leaves of absence, safety & ergonomics, workers compensation, benefits and more. Conducted recruiting, screening and interviewing candidates for all positions division-wide.

• Consulted with management and coordinated the actions for three reductions in force, resulting in no discrimination suits filed while maintaining and even improving remaining employee morale.
• Quickly grew the responsibilities of my position from a temporary assistant to having full HR responsibilities for a significant portion of the company, including sales, marketing, product development, logistics and software development.

Human Resources Assistant, 1999, Ernst & Young, San Jose, California

Coordinated annual staff performance evaluations in a progressive and competitive environment. Organized and conducted New Hire Orientation for all staff to ensure they are able to make a positive contribution immediately upon hire.

Education

• Bachelor of Science, 1999, Santa Clara University, Economics major, Political Science minor
• SHRM Professional in Human Resources, Chapman University, 2002

Professional Certifications

• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), 2014 (previously held PHR certification, 2002)
• KB-1 General Contractors License, Arizona Registrar of Contractors, 2009-Present

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access
• Payroll and employee benefits management with ADP, Ceridian, Paychex, and Intuit systems
• Quickbooks accounting software
• Cloud based CRM (Customer Relationship Managment) and HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) administration

Personal

• Avid runner, competing in trail and ultra-marathon events
• Enjoy music, home improvement, and travel