Member Testimonials

Santa Clara County Medical Society - Monterey County Medical Society -  TPO Member Since 1994

William C. Parrish, Jr., Chief Executive Officer: "TPO adds to the success of our organization in two ways. 1) TPO is a most valuable resource in the management of our personnel and any such issues that arise...from training, employee handbook creation, consultation, to problem intervention/resolution. In small to medium size business like ours, it is impossible and impractical to have multiple experienced and credentialed human resource professionals on staff; and unfeasible to personally stay current on all issues and changes that impact successful management. 2) TPO is a wonderful resource that we are able to recommend to our members when they face potential issues or need assistance. The quality and service TPO provides allows us, and our members, to focus on what we do best while creating/maintaining a positive work environment. This relationship creates a win/win/win situation where all benefit.”

Pacific Ag Rentals - TPO Member Since 2009

Bart Walker, Vice President: "My Father started Pacific Ag Rentals (PAR) in 2001 with 4 people. Through his great vision and leadership we have grown the company to 54 full time employees covering all growing regions of CA from the Oregon border to south of Phoenix in Arizona. Our HR Department title had been held by several different people and was made up of an employee manual that was my Senior Project in 1994 and a yearly subscription to a web site HR service that sent out a few posters once a year. I knew the record keeping and regulations would increase when we grew to 50 employees so I started looking for a service to handle our HR needs.

Derek Derdivanis, local Chair of Vistage International, told me about TPO and the services they provided. I called Robert and he met with me to discuss our HR needs and how TPO could fill them. Susan Kettmann, SPHR, was assigned to be our main contact; all of the TPO Team Members are nationally certified as Senior Professionals in HR and highly experienced specialists in their field. Susan let us know of all the services that were needed to be put in place and we made the decision which items to prioritize and implement.

In less than two months we were up to date with all of our employee record keeping, required training, custom employee manual, job descriptions and all of the forms required by law in an easy to use binder. I don’t have to know how to implement an HR program I just need to know somebody who does; TPO is my somebody. I am very happy with TPO and what they have delivered. I know I am only one phone call away from a real person to answer my HR questions."

The Big Sur Land Trust - TPO Member Since 2001
Bill Leahy, Executive Director

"TPO brings a full service one-stop-shop human resources department to our organization without us having to hire, at great cost, human resources personnel. TPO provides us the expertise we need to solve difficult personnel challenges, address ever-complex legal standards, craft job descriptions, initiate recruitments, provide training and do day-to-day trouble shooting. Because of the diverse set of organizations TPO works with, they also bring to the table far more creative strategies to address human resource matters than we could ever develop on our own."

Sambrailo Packaging - TPO Member Since 2002
Mark Sambrailo, President

"Sambrailo has over 180 employees throughout 11 facilities in the US and Mexico. TPO has provided invaluable support spanning beyond the HR realm to functioning as a strategic business partner. With LaTonya and the TPO team of experts at our fingertips, we feel confident that we can access the most current regulatory answers on the spot. Even more than that, we gain a practical menu of employee relations considerations and implications to weigh up against our decisions and actions before we act. Our outcomes are always improved when we enlist TPO’s involvement.

TPO has taken on a wide variety of assignments, with outstanding and sustainable results. Examples include: hiring of executives, compensation comparisons, our sales bonus plan development, management by objective (MBO) development, customized performance record tools, regulatory compliance training & support, as needed conflict resolution support – and being the sounding board for managers and recommending creative solutions to problems."

PASATIEMPO GOLF CLUB – TPO Member Since 2000

Jay Walkinshaw, General Manager

 “We call upon Melissa for strategic advice as well as flawless administration of their workshops and training programs; such as CA Employment Essentials, Harassment & Discrimination in the Workplace Training and their Annual Conference with informative and entertaining guest speakers.  An invaluable bonus is their ability to offer these programs in Spanish.  Blanca is engaging and always helpful.  TPO offers best practice advice and solutions tailored to Pasatiempo’s diverse and unique environment and eclectic workforce.  From keeping our Employee Handbook accurate and up-to-date, to assisting with investigating employee complaints, Jill, Robert, Melissa and the whole TPO team take the time to understand our business, our culture and our needs.”

THE DON CHAPIN COMPANY – TPO Member Since 2001

Don Chapin Jr., President / CEO

“TPO has been a great partner and have been very instrumental in helping us with our Company Policy Handbook and with every day issues that we need some expert advice on.  In the last seven years our company has grown from 175 employees to 275 just with the Don Chapin Co.  TPO has provided not only technical information needed to ensure exemplary HR practices, but you have mentored us as we developed our own human resource department.  Your staff is outstanding and always very helpful.  Our employees are our biggest asset and you have helped us in our quest to attract and retain outstanding staff.”

THE MISSION RANCH – TPO Member Since 1993

Theresa A. Jung, General Manager

"The Mission Ranch and TPO have been partners for over 13 years. The Mission Ranch employs 149 staff members and we have a wonderful diverse group of individuals who are dedicated employees. TPO has provided us with invaluable Leadership and HR classes. They have created "on premises" classes for our employees that directly pertain to the Hospitality Industry and our specific needs. TPO has been very instrumental in helping us create and train our HR department. Your staff members are professional, always helpful (even at 4:25pm!) with great advise. Robert and Jill, your dedication to Employer and Employee Relations and much more, has made our operation's successful on so many levels. Our testimonials are our managers and employees who come back after your trainings enthusiastic, lifted morale and greater communication skills, egger to apply what they have just learned."

CENTRAL COAST YMCA - TPO Member Since 1999
Sharon Gish, President/CEO:

“TPO has been a great partner and you have been very instrumental in our success. In the last nine years, the Central Coast YMCA has grown to five branches in three counties with more than 500 employees throughout the year. The majority of our employees are part-time and many of them are teens who are just entering the workforce. Consistency and fairness in our personnel policies and practices helps build staff morale and create a stronger sense of teamwork.

TPO has provided not only the technical information needed to ensure exemplary HR practices, but you have mentored us as we developed our own human resources department. Your staff is outstanding and always helpful when we need advice on a challenging issue. Over the years, you have assisted us in staying current on HR regulations, trained us on a variety of topics and provided us with excellent advice. Our employees are our biggest asset and you have helped us in our quest to attract and retain outstanding staff."

MONTEREY COUNTY BANK – TPO Member Since 2005
Charles T. Chrietzberg, Jr., President/CEO/Chairman

“Monterey County Bank has grown in the past several years and we now find ourselves with over 50 employees. The laws that govern employers with 50+ employees are often different than those with less than 50. TPO’s guidance in these areas has been critical, in order for MCB to maintain our strict adherence to HR statutory regulations. Additionally, it has been very helpful to have the experts at TPO available when we encounter HR situations that may be unusual, or something we have not previously encountered.”

KINSHIP CENTER – TPO Member Since 1997

Carol Biddle, President/CEO

“During the many years that Kinship Center has utilized the services of TPO, our staff has grown from 30 to more than 150, and we have developed our own internal HR department. TPO has supported us during this time of development and change. When we update our employee handbook, we rely on TPO to be sure that it contains all of the current HR regulations, and we appreciate their quick responses to our questions. We have sent several new managers to TPO's Management Excellence Series and HR-101 workshops, and TPO has worked with us to present the mandated harassment training to our entire statewide staff at one time. We look forward to their annual update seminars each year.”

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION – TPO Member Since 2000

Todd Lueders, President/CEO

“The Foundation has grown to include 23 staff members in 5 different locations. TPO has been a great help by providing reliable “as needed” guidance for regulatory compliance and handling both formal and informal employee/management issues. You have also been instrumental in our professional development efforts by presenting impactful training programs including legal compliance for harassment & discrimination prevention and communications programs including leadership skills and conflict management. We rely on your regulatory expertise, impactful training programs and appreciate your good advice.”

CITY OF MARINA – TPO Member Since 2006

Anthony Altfeld, City Manager

"The TPO team has offered the City of Marina a myriad of coaching, training and specialized services that have positively affected every department and has served to enhance our already strong Human Resources Department. As a public agency, we provide services to our community through staff, volunteers serving on councils, boards and commissions and contracted services. Understanding the intricacies of employment and labor law, in addition to offering appropriate training sessions to the various groups has been something that TPO's team has offered with professionalism and accuracy. It is with the assistance of TPO that we've been able to focus on what we do best and have every confidence that we have access to quality education, accurate information and the latest in mandates, trends and decisions that effect our employment practices."

INTERWEST INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. – TPO Member Since 2003
Dave Dias, Vice President – Executive Board Member

"TPO has been a major contributor to InterWest and our clients in at least two significant ways! First and foremost, it’s their people. TPO HR Management consultants “say what they do and do what they say.” They are individuals operating within the context of a team environment where character and ethics are a top priority. Their diligent commitment to follow-through really sets them apart. Second, they are very competent in their respective discipline. Whether it’s consulting with us and our clients on Employee Handbooks, Communications Support, Employee Applications, FMLA/CFRA Compliance Programs, Personnel File Management or Policy & Procedure Manuals, we have found their professional recommendations relevant and timely. We always depend upon them to deliver."

CHARTWELL SCHOOL – TPO Member Since 1997

Douglas Atkins, Executive Director

"Chartwell School is a non-profit that has experienced steady growth and development over the span of 25 years. Navigating through the often-tumultuous waters of human resources for the past ten years is something that TPO has done with excellence and precision. Knowing that answers, advice and support are only a phone call or e-mail away has truly made me feel as if our HR department is just down the hall. The staff is always professional, knowledgeable, accessible as well as personable. We have come to think of Jill, Robert, Melissa and the entire TPO staff as an extension of our team. They have taken time to get to know our organization and the population we serve. This understanding has helped TPO more effectively serve Chartwell and meet our needs. We value the many years of dedicated service TPO has provided with appreciation."

CHISPA – TPO Member Since 2003 (Client since 1995)

Alfred Diaz-Infante, CEO

“As a nonprofit organization with 60 employees between CHISPA and two subsidiaries, a construction company and a property management company that is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, we have had some challenging and unique human resource issues over the years. TPO staff has listened to our concerns, served as a sounding board, and offered practical advice and solutions to each situation that has arisen.

TPO has also been a great source of information and training for our employees and management staff, from the mandatory Harassment & Discrimination training to basic labor law (California Employment Essentials) for supervisors and management training (Management Excellence Series). Whether assisting with special projects such as harassment investigations, revision of policies, compensation studies of similar organizations, or providing training and consulting services, Jill, Robert and the TPO staff have provided an invaluable service that is greatly appreciated.”

FOUR SISTERS INNS – TPO Member Since 1993

Shelley Post Claudel, President

"As an organization with 15 different locations spread across two states, our human resources needs are both unique and challenging. TPO has provided us with a coordinated and comprehensive approach to addressing this situation. Additionally the management team has greatly benefited from the training seminars, including those offered in a large group format with other companies and particularly those customized to address our particular issues.

TPO has walked us through a variety of diverse employee situations over the years, using an effective combination of sound HR advice, practical solutions and a little humor. Jill, Robert and their entire team have always "been there" for us, to listen and advise, and we are very appreciative!"