Get to Know Our Experienced HR Team
The Big Picture Consulting is here to help businesses nationwide succeed. We offer Human Resources and employee management insights, compliance tips, management training, payroll expertise, HR administrative assistance, and personalized advice for whatever employee management situation you might face. Check out this Subkit article to learn more about where the company started, and read more below about our experienced team!
Ian Schotanus
Co-Owner & Senior HR & Safety Consultant
Before starting BPC, Ian stood in the same shoes as many of our clients working in the Trades. He began his career as a technician for the U.S. Navy, where he specialized in advanced electronics. During this time, he had the pleasure of performing maintenance on the ship's three largest AC units. As Ian's career progressed, the Navy also introduced him to mechanics, electrical, and plumbing. This first-hand experience allowed him to see the compliance challenges that service providers face on a daily basis, and the lack of available support. Determined to do something about this, he built a program specifically designed for contractors and focused on HR, employee management & safety compliance. Thus, The Big Picture Consulting was born.
Now, with more than a decade of experience as a nationwide HR & Safety compliance consultant, Ian has made a name for himself as “H.R. Guy” — the person business owners turn to for all their HR, employee management, pay plan, and safety consulting needs. He has a well-established knowledge base specifically geared towards residential service providers and the Trades. He has personally helped hundreds of companies build their company culture and prevent or minimize financial damage caused by employee lawsuits, OSHA investigations, wage and hour division audits, and more!
Outside of work, Ian is a father of five energetic and growing children. Being a business owner, full-time consultant, and devoted father doesn’t leave Ian with the time or energy for much else. But 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
"H.R. Guy’s Boss"
Co-Owner & Director of Consulting
Susan earned a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Colorado-Denver. After graduation, she spent the first seven years of her professional career as a consultant with Booth Research Group, assisting police and fire departments in evaluating the best leaders to promote within their organizations. Through this experience Susan developed the ability to view problems from multiple perspectives, including those of employees, management, and customers. Working with police and fire departments also gave Susan experience with safety concerns and Unions, which has been invaluable in working with residential service providers and the Trades.
After leaving Booth Research Group, Susan gained more than a decade of consulting experience with service providers nationwide, helping companies navigate the muddy waters of HR compliance. She's become an expert in the complex balance of “science” and “art” in the development of employee handbooks, and how to use them effectively in an organization. She has helped countless service providers fight unemployment claims, lawsuits, efforts to unionize, and the sometimes 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 varied needs and passions keep her busy! When she manages to carve out some 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 helps with marketing, accounting, analytics, client support, and more.
Jessica and her family enjoy a semi-rural life in the suburbs, raising dogs and chickens on four acres of land located just a few minutes from urban comforts.
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 Flex-Rate and 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 with his girlfriend.
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!
Taylor Petterson
HR Administrative Onboarding Specialist
Taylor graduated from North Hennepin Community College with an associate’s degree in Business Management, and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Western Governors University. At BPC, Taylor works with Executive Retainer clients, fulfilling their onboarding and hiring needs.
When Taylor isn’t at the office, he likes to spend his time outdoors going hunting, fishing, camping, and riding UTV’s and motorcycles.
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.
We’re here to help! Reach out today to get peace of mind.