Expert Human Resources Saves Companies Time and Money

March 16, 2015

Avoid employment litigation and non-compliance fines: hire Expert Human Resources

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Vanessa G. Nelson, president and owner of Expert Human Resources in Flint, Michigan. When asked why she started her company, Nelson states, “Employment litigation increased 2000% since 1995, [and] the average lawsuit settlement is $165,000. If the case goes to court, it can cost $1 million or more. Employment law non-compliance fines can cost upwards of $100,000. It is way too much for employers to operate their businesses and try to keep track of red tape and issues.” These staggering facts spearheaded Nelson to start Expert Human Resources in 2009 to help companies protect their assets.

Nelson, who was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, knew early on that she wanted to help others. She learned a strong work ethic from her role model and mom, Ione Larry who, Nelson states, always worked hard, took pride in all of the work she did, and is a strong leader. Nelson’s career path began over 30 years ago when she worked at Sparrow Hospital. She then went on to work at Hurley Medical Center in 1991 where, in 2000, she was promoted to Human Resources as a Benefits Specialist. After working in benefits for four years, a promotional opportunity became available in Labor Relations, a position she competed for and won. Nelson states, “I knew that Labor Relations was my passion almost immediately. I LOVED it!” She adds, “I had found my calling. “

During Nelson’s tenure at the Medical Center, she earned her Masters Degree from Central Michigan University, Certified Labor Relations Leader Certification from Michigan State University, and the prestigious Senior Professional in Human Resources Certificate from the Human Resource Certification Institute. While Nelson worked on her Master Degree, she wrote her thesis (business plan) on the “feasibility of starting a Human Resources consulting firm in Michigan,” she declares, further stating that, “I conducted all the research, surveys, market analysis, etc. and ultimately received an ‘A’ on my thesis. The professors thought my idea was so outstanding I decided to execute my plan.”

Simultaneously, while working on her Masters, Nelson noticed that many of her colleagues would complain about being sued and having to pay large employment settlements, jury verdicts, and/or non-compliance fines. It was then that Nelson had an “Aha” moment and realized that many of those incidents would not have happened if those colleagues had certain policies or procedures in place, as well as if they had kept up with the changing laws, or had their managers properly trained to observe the workplace. Nelson lights up as she describes that, “It was then that I realized I could help companies save money!”

Due to Expert Human Resources being so well received, in 2013, Nelson retired from the corporate arena. She states, “Many business owners don’t have the time or the manpower to dedicate to protecting their companies, which is where Expert Human Resources can help. Our consultants have over 100 years of combined HR and employment law experience, and we stay up-to-date for our clients. Expert Human Resources works closely with businesses to make sure they have the right policies and procedures in place. We train managers and supervisors to protect the workplace, conduct HR audits to eliminate or reduce risk, perform workplace investigations to ensure policies are adhered to, and we help to make sure companies are consistent with their policy application across all avenues of the business.” And expert Human Resources also has memberships available for only $99 per year, which is a great affordable price for many small businesses. The basic membership includes one FREE, 10-minute call each month to discuss any HR or employment law issue, free access to seminars, free customizable forms, sample job descriptions, employment law interpretations, hiring and termination toolkits, and more! Based on the level of service needed, a business can upgrade its membership at any time.

Vanessa G. Nelson is also a sought-after speaker in her industry. She recently presented Human Resources and Employment Law: Don’t Put Your Company at Risk! to the National Association of RV and Parks Conference -- to roomful of about 80 participant’s in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nelson reports, “After the presentation, I received a flood of emails from the attendees, thanking me for presenting and for all the tools I gave them during the presentation. One of the freebies I give to all businesses is a social media policy. Employers need to understand and communicate the social media policy to their employees to protect their companies’ reputations and bottom lines,” Nelson explains.

You can find a copy of Expert Human Resources’ Social Media Policy Sample on her website www.experthumanresources.com under the ‘Shop’ section. You can also find her FREE e-Book entitled, Management Guide to Crucial Human Resource Strategies. This book explains how to be proactive and avoid common employee- related litigation and non-compliance fees.

Nelson also has other valuable information that can be found on her blog, including ‘5 Smart Things to Do in 2015 to Protect Your Business’ and ‘Affordable Care Act Update: Employer Mandate in Effect January 1, 2015.' “We are different at Expert Human Resources. We are [concerned with] preventing employment lawsuits and helping companies maintain employment law compliance because that is where our clients are most vulnerable,” Nelson explains. “We are protecting our clients’ assets.”

Get connected with Vanessa G. Nelson and Expert Human Resources today. Expert Human Resources has worked with over 60 companies, including McDonalds, MTA, Genesee District Library, Suski Chevrolet Buick, Old Newsboys of Flint, Pain Management Center of Flint, Village of Birch Run, Hank Graff Chevrolet, Balance Concierge, Richfield Trailer Supply, Lapeer County Vision Center, I-Ken Video, Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, Energy Sciences, and many more.

Expert Human Resources is also a benefits partner with the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce and the Birch Run Chamber of Commerce. Expert Human Resources has clients all over Michigan, as well as in Texas, Maryland, Georgia, New Jersey and Washington.
Expert Human Resourcesis located at 2425 South Linden Road, Suite D126 Flint, Michigan (Oak Creek Office Park) (877) 356-6175.

Holiday catalog cover with two people carrying gift baskets outside a cabin, titled “The Heart of the Season.”
By Chelsea Mills • October 2, 2026
Plan Christmas gifts for clients, customers and employees with Behind Your Design. Explore branded merch ideas and a timeline for ordering before the rush.
September 30, 2026
A great staff appreciation gift should be thoughtful, useful and connected to the organization. For the Crim Fitness Foundation , custom reverse umbrellas combined function with standout branding. These 46-inch umbrellas feature full-color sublimation on both sides of the canopy, giving the Crim brand plenty of room to make an impact. Branded Inside and Out The outside features the Crim Fitness Foundation logo and brand colors. Open the umbrella, and custom artwork of runners making their way through Flint is revealed inside. Using colors from the Crim brand, the artwork celebrates the organization’s connection to running, movement and the Flint community. Full sublimation on both sides of the canopy allows branded umbrellas to go beyond a logo. Colors, patterns, illustrations and original artwork can become part of the design.
September 29, 2026
Custom jerseys are a fun way to take spirit wear beyond the standard T-shirt or sweatshirt. With fully customizable designs, they can be created around your school, team, organization or event and made to feel completely unique. At Behind Your Design, we can customize jerseys with your colors, logos, graphics, names, numbers and more. Full-color dye sublimation gives you plenty of freedom to create bold designs across the entire jersey while keeping the finished piece comfortable and wearable. We’ve created several custom jersey styles for our clients, including football and baseball jerseys for Michigan State University Fall Fest. Each offered a different look while giving MSU a memorable piece of custom spirit wear that still felt true to their brand.
September 29, 2026
We had a fantastic time at the 2026 Michigan State University Vendor Fair ! It was a great day of connecting with so many wonderful people including current customers, new faces and plenty of potential future clients from departments and organizations across campus. One of the biggest hits at our booth was our T-shirt bags , which definitely got people talking. We also had lots of interest in the fully sublimated, two-sided umbrella we created for the CRIM Fitness Foundation. It was a great example of how a promotional product can go beyond simply adding a logo and become something truly custom and memorable.
September 29, 2026
There’s something special about taking the time to recognize the people who support your business throughout the year. Whether you’re thanking loyal clients or celebrating your employees, a thoughtful holiday gift is a simple way to show your appreciation. We love working with Hackney Jones Wealth Management , and this year, we’re helping their team get an early start on their holiday client gifts. Together, we curated several gift package options so they can choose something that feels just right for each recipient. Their custom gifts include cappuccino/soup mugs, stemless wine glasses, blankets and travel mugs. Each item was chosen with quality and function in mind because a great branded gift doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes the most appreciated gifts are simply the ones people will use again and again.
September 28, 2026
Behind Your Design is once again working with LAFF Pathways to help bring its annual Pancake Breakfast to life. The 2026 LAFF Pathways Pancake Breakfast takes place Sunday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Serendipity Spa of Linden, 129 E. Broad Street in Linden, Michigan. Our team has been working behind the scenes on event coordination, permits, schedules, timelines, setup and marketing to keep the details organized leading up to the event.
Show More