The Professional HR Consultants You Need to Know

Since 2019, The Big Picture Consulting has specialized in helping residential service providers with HR, payroll, and safety compliance. You get vital information, resources, and answers to make the right decisions for your business. We’re also here to help you follow through on your decisions, whether that means fixing your compliance vulnerabilities or coaching you through complicated employee situations.

Ian "HR Guy" Schotanus, along with his wife Susan "HR Guy's Boss," have been helping the Trades for more than a decade. After realizing that standard HR companies were completely unqualified to work through contractors' unique challenges, they spent years developing programs and advice with your needs in mind. BPC brings resources specifically tailored to home service providers, with expertise from real people (not AI bots) to help your business succeed in the long-run.


Want to know more of our story? Check out this Subkit article featuring our own HR Guy!

Meet the Team

Ian Schotanus

"HR Guy"

Co-Owner & Senior HR & Safety Consultant

Before starting BPC, Ian began his career as a technician for the U.S. Navy, performing maintenance on the ship's largest AC units. The Navy also introduced him to mechanics, electrical, and plumbing. This first-hand experience let Ian to see the compliance challenges that service providers face on a daily basis, and the lack of available support. Determined to do something about it, he built a program specifically designed for contractors, focused on HR, employee management, and safety compliance.

Now, Ian has made a name for himself as “HR Guy,” with advice and services specifically geared towards residential service providers and the Trades. He has personally helped hundreds of companies build their culture and prevent or minimize financial damage caused by employee lawsuits, OSHA investigations, and wage and hour division audits.

Outside of work, Ian is a father of five energetic and growing children. When he gets the chance, he enjoys reading, volunteering at church and his children’s schools, as well as playing any video, board, or card game he can get his hands on.

Susan Schotanus

"HR Guy's Boss"

Co-Owner & Director of Consulting

After earning a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Colorado-Denver, Susan spent seven years assisting police and fire departments in identifying and evaluating leaders. She learned to view problems from employee, management, and customer perspectives, and gained experience with safety concerns and Unions.


For more than a decade, Susan has provided HR compliance consulting for service providers nationwide, becoming an expert in balancing the “science” and “art” of employee handbooks. She's helped countless companies fight unemployment claims, lawsuits, efforts to unionize, and the unique “My employee just did this crazy thing…” situations that arise in any organization.


When she's not working, Susan spends her time caring for her five children, whose needs and passions keep her busy! When she manages to carve out free time, Susan reads books of many genres, volunteers at church and her children’s schools, and finds ways to continue her love of learning.

Jessica Doboszenski

Director of Operations

Bringing bachelor's and master's degrees from Georgetown University and experience from many years in corporate America, Jessica works behind the scenes at The Big Picture Consulting to ensure everything runs smoothly. Beyond overseeing Operations and supporting the team, she works on marketing, accounting, analytics, client support, and more.

Jessica enjoys a semi-rural life in the suburbs, living with her family, two dogs, and small flock of chickens on four acres of land, just a few minutes from urban comforts.

Mitchell Bjellos

HR Consultant

Mitchell graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and from the University of East London with a master’s in Business Psychology. He began his professional career as an HR assistant, learning the many facets of human resources, and brings his education and professional experience to his consulting work at The Big Picture Consulting.

Outside of work, Mitchell enjoys traveling as much as possible. His goal is to visit every country on Earth, and he’s already got 25 down! He is also passionate about sports, especially soccer, and his favorite team is Minnesota United.

Ali Shahrokhi

Technical Performance Pay Consultant

Ali comes from an Engineering and Finance background. With a degree in Computer Science and Statistics, he began his career in technical support, product sales, and company development/leadership - in fact, Ali helped grow a software company from a three-person operation into a successful international business in just a couple years! Ali oversees BPC's pay plan offerings, including Diff-Comm, and works to create a smooth and easy process for our clients. He loves solving problems and ensuring company compliance and success.

Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending sporting events, and going to the movies.

Simane Salah Youssouf

Technical Performance Pay Specialist

Simane holds a degree in Information Technology from the University of Quebec in Montreal. She started her career working for a small tech startup, where she focused on data processing and information to support day-to-day operations.

Her background in analytics allows her to interpret payroll data, identify key details, and ensure accuracy across reports and timesheets. She focuses on organizing information clearly, verifying data integrity, and supporting smooth payroll processes through a structured, detail-oriented approach.

Outside of work, Simane enjoys baking sourdough bread, reading books, and planning future travels. She finds comfort in calm routines and creative projects, and she loves sharing what she makes with friends and family.

Felicia Yang

Office Assistant

Felicia brings her degree in Advertising & PR Design, plus 20 years in customer service, to her role as Office Assistant. She loves working with people and helping direct them to the resources they need, whether related to safety, labor law posters, overall account management, or more. She also supports our HR Administration team and takes care of everything we need around the office. She enjoys anything she can do to support others!

When she's not at work, Felicia enjoys spending time with family, tending to her houseplants, taking care of her frogs and cat, and knitting and crocheting.

Natalie Adams

HR Administrative Manager

Natalie is passionate about all things Human Resources. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Maryland University College, and brings a decade of diverse experience in the field. Her expertise spans recruiting, hiring, and termination, as well as benefits administration, COBRA, compliance with DOL regulations, and payroll management, among other areas. Navigating multiple state laws and regulations is a challenge she embraces, and she loves consulting to help organizations thrive. Natalie works closely with our Executive Retainer clients, giving them individual attention while getting to know their unique business models to offer solutions in alignment with their vision.


Outside of work, Natalie cherishes time spent with family, whether it’s cheering on her kids at their sports events or volunteering on the softball board for her local association. She also enjoys nurturing her garden, caring for her chickens, and tackling puzzles. Life is a beautiful blend of family, work, and hobbies, and she’s grateful for every moment!

Hailey Hanson

HR Administrative Specialist

Hailey graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies. She began her career as an HR specialist, guiding employees through the new hire process.

At The Big Picture Consulting, Hailey works with Executive Retainer clients on hiring, payroll, and anything else they need to successfully run HR. She loves learning new things and being a part of the BPC team.


Outside of BPC, Hailey loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and going to the theater to see new movies. She is also passionate about traveling and has visited 8 countries, and she looks forward to going to many more!

Logan Knutson

HR Administrative Onboarding Specialist

Logan is from Lewiston, MN and graduated from Western Technical College in La Crosse, WI, with a strong foundation in Human Resources. He began his career as an On-Site Manager and HR Coordinator and gained valuable experience in recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development. Over the years, he's developed a passion for creating positive work environments and helping businesses thrive. He’s excited to make a meaningful contribution to our clients’ success.

In his free time, Logan loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s camping in the woods, hitting the links for a round of golf, or simply enjoying nature. He also cherishes quality time with family and friends, from a casual get-together to a fun outdoor adventure. While indoors, Logan enjoys relaxing with a good board game or video game. He’s always on the lookout for new places to eat and enjoys exploring local restaurants, trying new cuisines, and discovering hidden gems in the area.

Real expertise from real HR pros, specialized in the Trades

If you're in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or garage doors, let us give you the foundations to run your business compliantly, and act as your unbiased on-call experts for any employee situations or questions. No generic templates or AI or long-term contracts - just personalized help to let you run your business with peace of mind!