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Derek Evans-Morales and Trygve Waage, co-owners of Reliance HR Solutions, describe themselves as 鈥減assionate about being entrepreneurs,鈥� which led them to start their own business in June 2019.

鈥淲e were working for a professional employer organization and saw things that could be done better and cheaper, so we jumped at the opportunity to leverage our networks and skills,鈥� Evans-Morales said.

Waage has a background in sales and brokerage marketing and has owned several businesses. Evans-Morales worked in the private and public sectors, and has a background in information systems and human resources management. They have combined those skills to help clients navigate the complex world of employment law by ensuring compliance with payroll, payroll taxes, workers鈥� compensation and human resources management.

鈥淓ntrepreneurship is engrained in our beings. We saw an opportunity and jumped on it and it鈥檚 in a line of work that is very fulfilling, as we help others to become more successful. We saw a true win-win situation where we grow as we help our clients to grow. There鈥檚 a lot to be said for being your own boss,鈥� Evans-Morales said.

With three core employees, Reliance HR works with a variety of small and medium-sized businesses in many industries, which gives them a unique perspective that they can apply across companies. 鈥淚t is fulfilling that our success relies on the success of our clients. So, we appreciate how this structure incentivizes a productive relationship. And it is enjoyable to work with diverse companies and to get to know so many hard-working entrepreneurs.鈥�

Evans-Morales noted that the team has learned a lot over the past three years about the many challenges faced by startups and small businesses.

鈥淲e ask our clients about their internal policies as a good baseline for where we should focus. For example, do they already have SOPs in place, do they have an employee handbook, what are their policies surrounding paid leave, who handles their workers鈥� compensation? These are foundational issues that should be determined before opening your doors,鈥� he said.

As a small business itself, Reliance HR appreciates the support it receives from NAMC-OR and its staff and contractors. 鈥淗owever, we also benefit from the networking and exposure that we get from being part of this community. It feels great to have community with other entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds,鈥� Evans-Morales said.