Featured Member: Salopek & Associates

As a cornerstone of business success, Salopek & Associates is redefining the role of human resources – emphasizing that people are not just assets, but the heartbeat of any thriving organization. Founded in 2006, this innovative HR consulting firm takes a people-first approach that goes beyond compliance and policies, integrating strategic HR solutions with a deep focus on workplace culture. The result? Thriving businesses, engaged employees and long-term success.

With a bold vision for the future, Salopek & Associates is reshaping the HR across Canada. Leading the charge is Executive Partner Vanessa Salopek, whose leadership is propelling the company to new heights.

Leading the charge in HR transformation

Vanessa Salopek’s leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of business operations. Her career began in the fast-paced hospitality industry, where she owned and operated a restaurant recognized as one of the top 50 best restaurants in Canada. It was there that she discovered the profound impact of effective people management, culture and leadership on business success.

“What truly shaped my career was the people,” says Vanessa. “Owning a restaurant meant I was responsible for hiring, training, retention, culture and leadership—all the things that make or break a business.”

This hands-on experience gave her a unique perspective on HR – one that prioritizes culture and leadership as critical drivers for business growth. Today, as co-leader of Salopek & Associates, she is helping reshape how HR is perceived, mentoring clients to create sustainable solutions, and empowering teams to manage their own HR functions.

Redefining the role of human resources

Salopek & Associates takes a holistic approach that considers the many factors influencing workplace environments. While traditional HR often focuses on compliance and risk mitigation, Vanessa explains that these are just the foundation. "HR isn’t just about policies—it’s about building a culture that fosters innovation, loyalty and growth."

By combining core HR principles with a strong emphasis on workplace culture and engagement, Salopek & Associates helps businesses not only survive but thrive. Their offerings are designed to attract, retain and empower top talent by aligning HR practices with broader strategic goals. With a highly qualified team and customizable service models, Salopek & Associates provides expert guidance to meet each organization’s unique needs.

What's ahead for Salopek & Associates

Looking ahead, Salopek & Associates has ambitious goals. The company recently received the 2025 Canadian HR Reporter "Leading HR Teams Innovation Award," – a testament to its forward-thinking approach to HR. With exciting new workplace culture programs in development and a continued commitment to innovation Salopek is solidifying its position as a leader in transforming workplace environments.

The company is also expanding nationally. In 2024, Salopek launched Black Sheep Business Consulting, which offers a more holistic approach to business consulting, adding services like leadership development, operations efficiency and marketing to supplement their HR expertise. This expansion reflects the company’s vision of becoming a one-stop shop for businesses seeking strategic HR and operational support.

Community engagement remains a priority as well. Salopek & HR is a proud member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, with Vanessa highlighting the Chamber’s essential role in fostering networking, learning, and advocacy.

"For companies like Salopek, being part of the Chamber means connecting with other business leaders to share knowledge and insights, gaining access to resources that support business growth and collaboration with like-minded organizations to drive innovation and change."

Building the future of workplaces

By setting new standards in the HR industry, Salopek & Associates is transforming HR into a powerful catalyst for workplace culture and organizational success. With a clear focus on people at the heart of every business, Vanessa shares that the team is passionate about helping organizations create thriving, inclusive environments where employees are motivated to excel.

"HR has the greatest ROI,” she says. “By investing in your people and building a culture that fosters collaboration, respect, belonging, purpose and authenticity, it will return to your business tenfold through your team's commitment in wanting the business to thrive."

With continued growth, innovation and a commitment to reshaping the way businesses think about HR, Salopek & Associates is leading the way in building workplace cultures that inspire and sustain long-term success for organizations across Canada.

For more information about Salopek & Associates, visit: salopekconsulting.com.