Paul
Goldsholl

Your HR and Talent Partner

Whether you're scaling a PE-backed platform, integrating an acquisition, modernizing your HR systems, or facing a high-volume hiring surge — I provide the infrastructure, strategy, and hands-on execution to get it done.

20+
Years Experience
30+
Acquisitions Integrated
20x
Scaled Company Growth
12
States Operated
About

I'm a practitioner first.
I don't just advise — I do the work.

“I am not a strategy-only advisor. I am not a transactional HR administrator. I build infrastructure and execute against it.”

Over the past two decades I've built HR departments from nothing, integrated more than 30 acquisitions, deployed enterprise-level HR technology stacks, and scaled workforces from 40 to 800+ employees across 12 states — all within PE-backed, acquisition-driven platforms.

Some engagements require executive-level workforce strategy and board communication. Others require hands-on system configuration, recruiting execution, or policy drafting. I do both — and I move fluidly between them based on what the business actually needs.

Currently available for fractional, interim, and project-based engagements.

PE-Backed Platform Experience
Deep familiarity with Access Holdings and similar PE operating models — portfolio growth, add-on acquisitions, and board-level reporting cadences.
30+ Acquisitions Integrated
End-to-end people-side M&A execution across compensation harmonization, systems consolidation, benefits alignment, and cultural integration.
AI Advisory Board Member
Active advisor to two AI-driven HR platforms — applying real-world workforce intelligence, not just theoretical frameworks.
Hands-On Technology Ownership
Direct administration of Workday, Paycom, ADP Workforce Now, and Cornerstone LMS — configured and run, not just selected and handed off.
Who I Work With

Built for organizations at an inflection point.

I partner with private equity-backed platforms, operating partners, and growth-stage companies that need experienced HR leadership without adding full-time overhead.

Most engagements begin at an inflection point — rapid growth, acquisition integration, leadership transition, or infrastructure strain.

  • Portfolio companies entering aggressive growth or acquisition cycles
  • Platforms integrating acquisitions that need disciplined people-side execution
  • Companies modernizing HR technology and infrastructure
  • Organizations bridging a VP HR or senior HR leadership vacancy
  • Operating partners seeking portfolio-level workforce benchmarking and optimization
How I Operate
Strategy when you need it.
Execution when you need it.

I build infrastructure and execute against it. I am not a strategy-only advisor. I am not a transactional HR administrator.

Some engagements require executive-level workforce strategy and board communication. Others require hands-on system configuration, recruiting execution, or policy drafting.

I do both — and I move fluidly between them based on what the business actually needs.

Services

What I Deliver

Every engagement is customized to the platform's stage, infrastructure, and objectives. Services can be delivered individually, bundled within a retainer, or structured as defined project sprints.

01
Fractional HR Leadership
Embedded senior-level HR leadership. Own people strategy, workforce planning, compliance, and operational execution. Participate in board and sponsor discussions. Drive accountability across talent, systems, and culture.
02
Acquisition Integration
Full-cycle people integration across acquisitions: compensation harmonization, systems consolidation, benefits alignment, onboarding standardization, and cultural integration. Protect continuity while accelerating synergy capture.
03
HRIS / ATS / LMS Implementation & Administration
System selection, implementation, configuration, and ongoing administration across leading HR platforms. Direct technical ownership — not third-party project management.
04
Workforce Planning & EBITDA Alignment
Headcount modeling and cost strategy aligned directly to EBITDA targets. Build workforce plans that support growth while protecting margin.
05
Talent Acquisition Strategy & Infrastructure
Design scalable recruiting infrastructure across frontline, professional, and executive roles. Build pipelines, optimize ATS workflows, implement structured hiring frameworks, and reduce cost-per-hire.
06
HR Infrastructure Build
Build HR functions from the ground up — policies, compliance systems, compensation frameworks, onboarding programs, and team structure — designed to scale beyond founder-stage operations.
07
Learning & Development Programs
Design leadership development pathways and operational training programs for distributed, multi-site, and hourly-heavy workforces. Deploy LMS platforms and structured management training systems.
08
Vendor Negotiation & Platform Selection
Lead vendor selection and contract negotiation across payroll, benefits, engagement, and learning systems. Reduce cost leakage while improving capability.
09
AI-Enabled Workforce Strategy
Evaluate and implement AI-driven tools across recruiting, workforce analytics, and employee engagement. Separate signal from hype. Apply AI where it drives measurable operational advantage.
10
Culture & Employer Branding
Define and operationalize employer brand strategy. Improve engagement, retention, and leadership communication across scaling organizations.
11
HR Audit & Assessment
Rapid evaluation of HR systems, compliance posture, team structure, and operational maturity. Deliver prioritized roadmap aligned to growth stage and enterprise objectives.
Engagement Models

How We Work Together

Structured to fit your business need — whether you require embedded leadership, a defined project, or strategic counsel.

Why Retained Partnership?
Predictable cost — fixed monthly fee with no surprises
Continuity and momentum — no ramp-up delays or knowledge gaps between engagements
Flexibility — scale up or down as business needs evolve
Executive access — direct line to executive-level thinking without executive-level fixed cost
Rapid Diagnostics

Not sure where to start?

A fixed-fee, defined-scope engagement that delivers an honest, senior-level assessment of where you stand — and a prioritized roadmap for what to do about it. No retainer required. Typically completed within 3 weeks.

HR Infrastructure
HR Infrastructure Diagnostic
Systems audit, vendor spend, compliance posture, onboarding review, and team structure assessment. Delivered as a prioritized findings report with a clear recommended roadmap.
Fixed Fee · 3 Week Delivery
Talent Acquisition
Talent Acquisition Diagnostic
Recruiting spend, agency utilization, job posting engagement, ATS effectiveness, time-to-fill, and hiring process efficiency. Identifies cost leakage and pipeline gaps with specific, actionable recommendations.
Fixed Fee · 3 Week Delivery
Retainer conversion bonus: Companies that move to a monthly retainer within 30 days of diagnostic delivery receive a 50% credit toward their first month. The diagnostic pays for itself before the engagement even begins.
Talent Acquisition

Recruiting That Actually Scales

Talent acquisition is a core capability — not an afterthought. I've led high-volume hiring campaigns across frontline, seasonal, and hourly workforces at scale, built recruiting infrastructure from scratch, and managed ATS platforms across 70+ locations. I've also executed searches for managers, directors, and C-suite leaders across multiple industries.

Volume hiring requires a different operating model than professional search — faster pipelines, tighter process discipline, and systems that don't break under pressure. I've built and run both, and I understand when each approach is right.

The structure below reflects two distinct economic models: operational TA support (time-based, included in retainers) and search/placement (outcome-based, fee-driven). Retainer clients receive meaningfully reduced placement fees — because there's no ramp-up. I already know your business.

70+
Locations Hired Across
100+
Unique Roles Developed
20x
Workforce Growth Led
Multi
Industry Experience
Tier & Role Type Scope of Support Retainer Clients Without Retainer
Tier 1
Volume / High-Turnover
Hourly, seasonal, frontline, and high-turnover positions
Pipeline management, ATS coordination, screening, and interview logistics across high-volume requisitions
Included
Operational support, no placement fee
Not structured as standalone placement search
Tier 2
Professional / Manager
Supervisors, coordinators, specialists, and managers
Full-cycle search: sourcing, screening, structured interviews, offer management
Reduced Fee
Meaningful discount vs. standard search — no ramp-up cost
Standard placement fee · Contact for details
Tier 3
Director / VP / Executive
Directors, VPs, C-suite, and senior functional leaders
Retained executive search with direct sourcing, stakeholder coordination, and candidate advisory
Reduced Fee
Retained structure · Deposit applied toward final fee
Standard retained search economics · Contact for details
Retainer clients receive embedded TA support as part of their engagement. When a leadership search is needed, the reduced placement fee reflects the fact that there is no ramp-up: the business, culture, and team are already known. For companies without a retainer, standard retained or contingency search economics apply depending on role level.
Testimonials

What People Say

Testimonial Coming Soon
Testimonial Coming Soon
Testimonial Coming Soon
Contact

Let's Activate Your
Workforce Infrastructure.

Whether you're looking for fractional HR leadership, integration support, a recruiting partner, or just want to run something by a senior practitioner — I'm easy to reach and quick to respond.