Helped over 100+ business leaders
Practical, operator-minded HR done right the first time
Business-focused people systems for leaders who want real answers and clean execution. Not vague advice. Not HR theater. Systems that work.
Who we are
Experienced operators who make complex people problems executable.
Northstar grew from frustration with vague HR advice that costs money, creates risk, slows growth, and doesn't work.
We focus on clear, implementable decisions for leaders who need real answers.
35+
Years of operator experience across growth stages
Dozens
Engagements in org, comp, and systems execution
~~~
Every recommendation tied to action and ownership
Ready to get clear on your people systems?
Start with a paid consult. You'll leave with a plan you can execute.
Who we are
Experienced operators who make complex people problems executable.
Northstar grew from frustration with vague HR advice that costs money, creates risk, slows growth, and doesn't work.
We focus on clear, implementable decisions for leaders who need real answers.
35+
Years of operator experience across growth stages
Dozens
Engagements in org, comp, and systems execution
~~~
Every recommendation tied to action and ownership
Ready to get clear on your people systems?
Start with a paid consult. You'll leave with a plan you can execute.
Who we are
Experienced operators who make complex people problems executable.
Northstar grew from frustration with vague HR advice that costs money, creates risk, slows growth, and doesn't work.
We focus on clear, implementable decisions for leaders who need real answers.
35+
Years of operator experience across growth stages
Dozens
Engagements in org, comp, and systems execution
~~~
Every recommendation tied to action and ownership
Ready to get clear on your people systems?
Start with a paid consult. You'll leave with a plan you can execute.
How we work
From diagnosis to done.
Most consultants give you a deck and disappear. We diagnose the problem, build the solution, and stay until it works. The same senior people from day one through delivery.
01
Diagnosis & Clarity
Session
We assess your situation, identify root causes, and deliver 2-3 actionable paths forward.
01
Assessment
Session
We assess your situation, identify root causes, and deliver 2-3 actionable paths forward.
02
Scope & Plan
Days
We define the work, timeline, and deliverables so you know exactly what you're getting.
03
Implement & Handoff
Weeks
We execute cleanly, train your team, and ensure the system runs without us.
What We Do
Start with answers. Scale from there.
Start with answers. Scale from there.
Book a paid consult. Get a plan. Decide how far you want to take it.
Book a paid consult. Get a plan. Decide how far you want to take it.
Paid Consult
01
Assessments
02
Project Work
03
Advisory & Retainers
04
Delivers value on day one.
Not a free intro call. A working session that produces a decision path you can act on.
Build better teams before you bet the quarter on them.
Working Genius assessments, team composition analysis, hiring profiles, facilitated sessions.
Systems implemented cleanly, without vendor chaos or rework.
RFP support, vendor selection, implementation oversight, training, handoff.
Senior expertise on call, without the full-time overhead.
Priority access, defined hours, fast response. $2,500–$5,000/mo, 3-month min.
Paid Consult
01
Assessments
02
Project Work
03
Advisory & Retainers
04
Delivers value on day one.
Not a free intro call. A working session that produces a decision path you can act on.
Build better teams before you bet the quarter on them.
Working Genius assessments, team composition analysis, hiring profiles, facilitated sessions.
Systems implemented cleanly, without vendor chaos or rework.
RFP support, vendor selection, implementation oversight, training, handoff.
Senior expertise on call, without the full-time overhead.
Priority access, defined hours, fast response. $2,500–$5,000/mo, 3-month min.
Paid Consult
01
Assessments
02
Project Work
03
Advisory & Retainers
04
Delivers value on day one.
Not a free intro call. A working session that produces a decision path you can act on.
Build better teams before you bet the quarter on them.
Working Genius assessments, team composition analysis, hiring profiles, facilitated sessions.
Systems implemented cleanly, without vendor chaos or rework.
RFP support, vendor selection, implementation oversight, training, handoff.
Senior expertise on call, without the full-time overhead.
Priority access, defined hours, fast response. $2,500–$5,000/mo, 3-month min.
Execution focused and results driven. Cuts through complexity and prioritizes impact to get the right things done - fast.
Sarah Butterfass
Chief Product Officer
Execution focused and results driven. Cuts through complexity and prioritizes impact to get the right things done - fast.
Sarah Butterfass
Chief Product Officer
Execution focused and results driven. Cuts through complexity and prioritizes impact to get the right things done - fast.
Sarah Butterfass
Chief Product Officer
Why choose us
We're not your typical HR agency.
We skip the buzzwords and experimental projects to build systems that actually work for your business.
Sell what's trendy
Unclear timelines
Hidden costs
Generic solutions
Other agencies
Other agencies
Other agencies
Other agencies overwhelm with buzzwords, take months to deliver, and leave you with tools you can't use.
Build what matters
Done with you
Transparent process
Real results
At Northstar, we use simple language, deliver results in weeks, and build systems that work from day one.
The Principals
You're in operator hands.
No layers of management. No handoffs to junior staff. You work directly with the people who've built these systems before and who'll own the outcome with you.
Lainie Cooney
Principal
Stephanie Ramos
Principal
The Principals
You're in operator hands.
No layers of management. No handoffs to junior staff. You work directly with the people who've built these systems before and who'll own the outcome with you.
Lainie Cooney
Principal
Stephanie Ramos
Principal
The Principals
You're in operator hands.
No layers of management. No handoffs to junior staff. You work directly with the people who've built these systems before and who'll own the outcome with you.
Lainie Cooney
Principal
Stephanie Ramos
Principal
I’ve known the team for a long time... Their ability to translate experience into real, workable solutions is what truly sets them apart.
Jeff Keene
Chief Information Officer
I’ve known the team for a long time... Their ability to translate experience into real, workable solutions is what truly sets them apart.
Jeff Keene
Chief Information Officer
I’ve known the team for a long time... Their ability to translate experience into real, workable solutions is what truly sets them apart.
Jeff Keene
Chief Information Officer
FAQ
Straight answers to common questions.
If you don't see what you need here, book a Paid Consult and we'll work through it live.
Do I need to know HR to work with you?
No. You run the business — we handle the people operations. Share the problem, and we'll build the plan.
How long does it take to see results?
Most clients have a working plan within the first session and measurable progress within 45 days. We focus on decisions you can act on now, then build from there.
What if the approach doesn't fit my business?
We scope before we build. The Paid Consult exists to diagnose fit, surface constraints, and map the right path — before any project work starts.
How much does it cost?
The Paid Consult is $250 — applied as credit toward approved follow-on work. Project and retainer pricing is scoped after we understand the situation. No hidden fees, no surprise invoices.
What happens after the work is done?
You own the systems. We document everything so your team can run it without us. If you want ongoing support, Advisory Retainers keep us on call without adding headcount.
FAQ
Straight answers to common questions.
If you don't see what you need here, book a Paid Consult and we'll work through it live.
Do I need to know HR to work with you?
No. You run the business — we handle the people operations. Share the problem, and we'll build the plan.
How long does it take to see results?
Most clients have a working plan within the first session and measurable progress within 45 days. We focus on decisions you can act on now, then build from there.
What if the approach doesn't fit my business?
We scope before we build. The Paid Consult exists to diagnose fit, surface constraints, and map the right path — before any project work starts.
How much does it cost?
The Paid Consult is $250 — applied as credit toward approved follow-on work. Project and retainer pricing is scoped after we understand the situation. No hidden fees, no surprise invoices.
What happens after the work is done?
You own the systems. We document everything so your team can run it without us. If you want ongoing support, Advisory Retainers keep us on call without adding headcount.
FAQ
Straight answers to common questions.
If you don't see what you need here, book a Paid Consult and we'll work through it live.
Do I need to know HR to work with you?
No. You run the business — we handle the people operations. Share the problem, and we'll build the plan.
How long does it take to see results?
Most clients have a working plan within the first session and measurable progress within 45 days. We focus on decisions you can act on now, then build from there.
What if the approach doesn't fit my business?
We scope before we build. The Paid Consult exists to diagnose fit, surface constraints, and map the right path — before any project work starts.
How much does it cost?
The Paid Consult is $250 — applied as credit toward approved follow-on work. Project and retainer pricing is scoped after we understand the situation. No hidden fees, no surprise invoices.
What happens after the work is done?
You own the systems. We document everything so your team can run it without us. If you want ongoing support, Advisory Retainers keep us on call without adding headcount.
Helped over 100+ businesses
Turn confusion into clarity, today.
Book a 60-minute consulting session that produces a decision path you can act on.
Helped over 100+ businesses
Turn confusion into clarity, today.
Book a 60-minute consulting session that produces a decision path you can act on.
Helped over 100+ businesses
Turn confusion into clarity, today.
Book a 60-minute consulting session that produces a decision path you can act on.