Rich VanThournout begins each workday looking forward to what’s ahead, and he leaves with a smile, knowing the herronpalmer team makes a positive difference. This is a departure from his experience with other organizations, colleagues, and clients.
“The difference at herronpalmer is the type of work. In prior positions, we seemed to be solving client issues and people issues to dig out of a hole and get back to even. Here, we’re working together to rise above even. Every day involves a thank you and asking for additional assistance.”
Rich thinks of his consulting role as a sort of referral service. You need something? Rich can probably connect you with the right resource, service, or expertise.
“If a client, team member, or provider needs something, our team will find a way to get it done using our extended teams, relationships, influence, and hard work. You need something? I gotta guy.”
Rich is, himself, a guy you might want on speed dial. He advises clients on all aspects of HR and benefits service offerings—including administration, consulting, product strategy, ongoing compliance, governance, and provider relations. Think of him as your go-to advisor for:
- annual planning
- contract adherence and negotiations
- administration completeness and efficiency
- new service offering and reviews
- remediation consulting
- enhancing provider relationships
As preparation for his position at herronpalmer, Rich invested 35 years in challenging and rewarding roles in HR/benefits administration. Working for industry greats such as Hewitt Associates (now known as Alight), Mercer, and Lifeworks (now known as TELUS Health), Rich has contributed to every aspect of implementation, ongoing administration, and business leadership. For 20+ years, he led the relationship management teams that provided service across defined benefit, defined contribution, health & welfare, and HR plans to hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies.
Rich’s degree in mathematics and computer sciences is from the University of Notre Dame, where he also played baseball and served as team captain. For this and other fun facts, please look him up on LinkedIn.
How can you earn Rich’s admiration?
“Demonstrate integrity. People with integrity can rely on that quality to help them through key decisions in their personal and professional lives. If you have proven to me that you have integrity, I always know I can trust your actions and words, regardless of whether I personally agree.”
Rich’s first experience as an employee …
At age 11 or 12, Rich took his first paid job at the ballpark, working as umpire/pitcher for little league baseball in his hometown. As a ballplayer himself, this job gave Rich a chance to be extra-involved in a sport he loved. He made $5 per game and learned that he could make more money by being reliable.
“When an ump didn’t show, the game didn’t start, and the league scrambled to find a sub. I always showed up and stuck around because I knew others wouldn’t. I picked up many extra games that way. I learned that living up to your commitments pays off.”
When Rich is not working …
“I love to be outdoors, especially on the golf course, where I can be alone, with friends, or with family. Golf challenges me individually, allows me to spend quality time with friends and family, and reminds me how lucky I’ve been to have the opportunities I’ve had.”
Something to make you say “wow” …
“When I was a freshman in high school, I was one of the smallest — if not the smallest kid — in a school of 2,400 students. I was 4’10” and 90 pounds.”