The 2018 Fastest Growing Firms: HRpepper

Consulting: What were the main factors that contributed to your firm's exceptional growth?

Meifert: The main reasons for the extraordinary growth are three: One reason for this is the way we advise our clients, and this is met with a very positive response from them. We are not a classic management consultancy. We focus on trusting relationships and work with our clients at eye level. The creation of positive experiences is important to us. In addition, we have exceptional consultants who are very well qualified and have very pronounced personal and social skills. Everyone has a high degree of personal responsibility and freedom with us. A third reason is certainly to be found in the market. Organizations are under great pressure to change—mainly due to digitalization. They have to transform themselves and are looking for companions who are competent and with whom they can work together trustfully. 

Consulting: How is this year shaping up for your firm?

Meifert: This year, we deliberately decided to take our foot off the accelerator a little and concentrate more on our own structures and processes. This is important if we strive to achieve sustainable growth in the long term.

Consulting: How would you describe your firm's outlook for 2019? 

Meifert: In 2019, we will certainly grow very strongly again. We will therefore hire several consultants and intensify our cooperation with freelancers. Looking ahead to 2019, there are many opportunities for us. The digital transformation of companies will then be an even more pressing issue than it is today. This will further advance our business. For this reason, we will focus even more strongly on cooperation and investment with companies that have digital expertise in various fields. 

Consulting: What would you say are your firm's biggest challenges?

Meifert: The biggest challenge is, on the one hand, the general economic development, on which we, like other organizational consultancies, are dependent. Growth can, of course, slow down if, for example, the trade dispute between the U.S. and China intensifies. On the other hand, we must continue to work on our structures in order to cope well with HRpepper's growth, which has been sustained for years.

Consulting: What does being named one of Consulting's Fastest Growing Firms mean to your firm, your employees and your clients?

Meifert: The award is a great honor and recognition for the efforts of each individual consultant. We are pleased to receive the award for the second time in a row, which shows that we are sustainably successful. Like us, customers are proud to be able to work together with such a successful firm.