About Us

We help bring alive great ideas through our purpose driven service delivery.

Our Agency

Why Us?

Our style

We function as partners, rather than service providers, combining our business expertise and entrepreneural vision with amazing technical skills and the ability to execute effectively and efficiently.

We are innovators

Our team is passionate about opportunities to innovate and find amazing ways to solve complex business challengies. We design and develop solutions for customers to increase their efficincy and better their revenue generation.

Our entrepreneurship

Because we help shape projects and talents at strategic levels and not just the delivery of technical chalengies, we have been part of the commercial success of so many start ups and individuals who have shown enthusiaism and the eagerness to learn.

We collaborate

As our policy, irrespective of whether we're working with enterprise clients, new start ups, individual freelancers or professionals, collaboration is the core of everything we do. We partner with our clients for a common goal as we leverage our global talents to deliver excellent results.

Our Team

Robb Railer

CEO and Co-Founder

Chief executive officer and co-founder of Cognowiz group inc.

Jane Stone

Head, Hr and Ops

Head of human resource and operations at First HR Connect.

Simon Wilderfed

Head, legal dep't

Head of the legal department at Cognowiz group inc.

Our Story

First HR Connect was born from a simple belief: great workplaces drive great results. Founded by HR veterans frustrated by disjointed solutions, we’ve spent 25+ years perfecting an integrated approach to human resources. From our roots as a 3-person consultancy, we’ve grown into a trusted partner for 2,000+ organizations nationwide – but our commitment to personal service remains unchanged.

Mission:

To empower organizations to unlock human potential through strategic, compassionate HR solutions that balance compliance with innovation.

Vision:

o redefine HR’s role as the catalyst for sustainable business growth and employee fulfillment.

Our Core Values

Integrity First

We say what we mean and deliver what we promise

Human-Centered

People over processes, always

Partnership DNA

92% of clients rate us as “true extensions of their team”

Relentless Innovation

40% of R&D budget dedicated to HR tech advancement

Milestones

1998

Founded in Chicago by HR pioneers Linda Chen & Michael O’Connell

2023

Celebrated 25 years with 98% client retention rate

2005

Launched industry-first HR compliance SaaS platform

2012

Expanded to 50-state service coverage

2020

Recognized as Top HR Innovator by HR Executive Magazine

2021

SHRM Hall of Fame "True HR excellence means aligning with human needs."

Leadership Team

Linda Chen

CEO | 25-year HR veteran

"True HR excellence means aligning policies with human needs."

First HR Connect is proud to be:

🔸 SHRM Platinum Partner 🔸 BBB A+ Accredited 🔸 EDGE Certified for Diversity

Happy Customers

“

“Your excellence is contagious. We are elated at our progress today because of your professional contribution to our organization, thank you.”

Greg Samuelson, CEO and Founder of iLab

“I get more than satisfaction working as a freelancer on your team. Its such a rear opportunity, and I appreciate a great deal.”

Smith Allen, Freelancer

“I am grateful to have come across the offer at First HR Connect. My life is much better since I joined..”

Bob Nial, Designer