Driven by expertise. Focused on outcomes. We transform HR operations with proven solutions and a people-first approach.
Decades of HRIS and People Technology leadership. Our team delivers proven outcomes for complex HR transformations.
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Grant didn’t set out to be a CEO. For over a decade, he was a practitioner on the front lines, leading HR systems and analytics for growing organizations. Time and again, he saw the frustrating gap between what powerful platforms like Workday promised and what businesses actually experienced after a lengthy implementation. He noticed that the most successful outcomes weren't driven by large, impersonal consulting firms, but by hands-on experts who had lived with the system and understood the real-world challenges.
He founded The Smythe Group on a simple principle: to be the practical, expert partner he wished he’d had, helping clients transform their HR technology from a source of friction into a true strategic asset.
His expertise is both broad and deep, centered on two critical domains. First is holistic system and business process optimization; he dives into the core of an organization's operations—from HCM, Payroll, and Benefits to Advanced Compensation and Talent Management—to eliminate bottlenecks, automate manual work, and build for long-term scale. Second is his passion for people analytics; he architects the reporting and dashboard frameworks that transform raw Workday data from a reporting burden into the clear, actionable intelligence that executives need to make informed decisions. He's known for his ability not just to configure a system, but to fundamentally improve the processes it supports.
This philosophy of bringing order and stability to complex situations extends well beyond the office. As an Advanced EMT on a frontline 911 ambulance, he has honed his ability to deliver elegant, high-impact results under extreme pressure. When not on shift, his focus turns to the culinary arts. He finds that both consulting and cooking require a thick skin for criticism, though he notes that feedback from his seven-year-old nephew is generally easier to handle than findings from a SOX auditor. In both worlds, success hinges on a solid plan, meticulous execution, and the ability to adapt when the heat is on.
Austin brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of HR technology, operational strategy, and organizational transformation. As Vice President of Contracts at The Smythe Group, he leads the charge on structuring high-impact SaaS consulting engagements with a specialty in Workday solutions. His work ensures that clients not only receive exceptional service but also the kind of airtight contracts that make legal teams sleep well at night.
Before joining The Smythe Group, Austin honed his skills at industry giants like The Walt Disney Company and CVS Health, where he developed an uncanny ability to make complex systems more human and human systems more efficient. Known for bridging the gap between technical nuance and business impact, he is equal parts strategist, translator, and occasional office therapist.
Austin currently attends Wilmington University, where he is completing his degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Political Science and a concentration in Nonprofit Management. Why settle for one focus when you can have three?
When he is not negotiating contracts or untangling system configurations, Austin can be found running marathons for fun (yes, really), obsessively following Formula One race weekends, or being outsmarted by his two cats on a daily basis.
Nikki is the operational architect for The Smythe Group, responsible for building the scalable systems and processes that power our firm's success. She ensures the business runs with precision, allowing our consulting team to focus entirely on delivering exceptional client value.
With a background leading operations for high-growth professional services and technology firms, Nikki believes that world-class service is built on a foundation of flawless, repeatable processes. She was drawn to The Smythe Group because she saw a rare opportunity to build an operational model from the ground up—one designed to support elite practitioners and deliver on the promise of measurable client results.
When she isn't optimizing a business process, Nikki serves as a volunteer coach for a nationally ranked high school debate team. She finds the core principles are the same: success comes from breaking down a complex challenge into a simple, logical, and defensible framework that the entire team can execute flawlessly.
Riley is responsible for the successful delivery of every client engagement at The Smythe Group.
As the leader of the consulting team, he ensures that the firm's high standards for quality, practicality, and client partnership are met on every project.
After spending years managing large, complex implementations at a global consulting firm, Riley joined The Smythe Group to get back to what he loves most: building elite teams and partnering directly with clients to solve their toughest challenges.
Outside of the office, Riley is a key volunteer as a production manager for the local community theater. He's responsible for overseeing all the behind-the-scenes logistics, coordinating the cast and crew, managing the technical elements, and ensuring the show comes together seamlessly on opening night. This role highlights his exceptional organizational skills, his ability to manage diverse personalities, and his commitment to flawless execution under a tight deadline – all qualities he brings to leading professional services at The Smythe Group.
Unlock the full value of your technology investment. Our team delivers seamless guidance, tenant optimization, and secure HR solutions—driving efficiency, compliance, and measurable business outcomes for your organization.
