--- title: Our 5 Most Popular Blog Posts from 2017 description: As we look to the year ahead, let's take a moment to look back at where we've been. So please enjoy the 5 most popular blog posts from 2017! image: https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Clinton-218402-edited.jpg --- [![PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PG%20Registered%20Logos/PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01.png?width=1966&height=1530&name=PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01.png "PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01")](https://www.populusgroup.com/en) - [Employers](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/workforce-solutions) - [Careers](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/job-seeker) - [Contractors](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/contractor-resources) - [Blog](https://blog.populusgroup.com) - [About](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/about) - [Impact](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/impact) - [Work With Us](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/contact) [The PG Blog](https://blog.populusgroup.com) Search Search this site on Google Search Google Subscribe ### Subscribe to Email Updates Select Category - [Industry (52)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/industry) - [Diversity (44)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/diversity) - [Climber Stories (31)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/climber-stories) - [Community (28)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/community) - [Foreign National Talent Management (26)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/foreign-national-talent-management) - [Compliance (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/compliance) - [Leadership (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/leadership) - [Staffing and Recruiting (24)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/staffing-and-recruiting) - [Contingent Workforce Trends (21)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contingent-workforce-trends) - [Careers (16)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/careers) - [Military Veterans (15)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/military-veterans) - [Legislation (13)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/legislation) - [Independent Contractor Compliance (ICC) (12)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/independent-contractor-compliance-icc) - [Personal Development (12)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/personal-development) - [Professional Development (10)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/professional-development) - [Company Culture (9)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/company-culture) - [PG Celebrates (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/pg-celebrates) - [Managed Service Provider (MSP) (7)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/managed-service-provider-msp) - [Mental Health (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/mental-health) - [Pay It Forward (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/pay-it-forward) - [Payroll Services (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/payroll-services) - [Sustainability (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/sustainability) - [AI (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/ai) - [Contractor Experience (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contractor-experience) Select Author - [Populus Group (70)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) - [Bobby Herrera (34)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) - [Whitney Barton (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/whitney-barton) - [Samantha Heilman (15)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/samantha-heilman) - [Brandon Wischmeyer (14)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-wischmeyer) - [Cynthia Waddell (10)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cynthia-waddell) - [Ejay Oravecz (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ejay-oravecz) - [Austin McCool (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/austin-mccool) - [Jen Pasquier (6)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jen-pasquier) - [Jackie McCool (6)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jackie-mccool) - [Brandon Byrd (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-byrd) - [Tom Mehl (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tom-mehl) - [Briana Walker and Kristine Baker (4)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/briana-walker-and-kristine) - [Sebastian Puravet (4)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/sebastian-puravet) - [Jaylynn Hogeboom (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jaylynn-hogeboom) - [Kathryn Crimmins (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kathryn-crimmins) - [Danielle Hein (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/danielle-hein) - [Taniesha Thomas & Tiasha Holcomb (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tanisha-thomas-tiasha-holcomb) - [Raul Ramos (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/raul-ramos) - [Donna Morris (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/donna-morris) - [DE&I Council (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/diversity-inclusion-council) - [Rosemarie Fontela (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/rosemarie-fontela) - [Brooke Stovall (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brooke-stovall) - [Eric Schmitz (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/eric-schmitz) - [Jessica Bitell (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jessica-bitell) - [Kyle Heilman (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kyle-heilman) - [Mario L. Lambert II (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/mario-l-lambert-ii) - [Dr. Jenna Rowen (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/dr-jenna-rowen) - [Liz Waters (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/liz-waters) - [Maxwell Barry (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/maxwell-barry) - [Megan Mallie (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/megan-mallie) - [Taniesha Thomas (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/taniesha-thomas) - [Derek Kimmerle (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/derek-kimmerle) - [Shelby Gerschick (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/shelby-gerschick) - [Jennifer Stevens (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jennifer-stevens) - [Leah Koskinen (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/leah-koskinen) - [Alyse Nilson (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/alyse-nilson) - [Jen Colburn (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jen-colburn) - [Jim Mann (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jim-mann) - [Ejay Oravecz & Austin McCool (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ejay-oravecz-austin-mccool) - [Joy Goberville (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/joy-goberville) - [Bismah Khan (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bismah-khan) - [Irene Lawrence (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/irene-lawrence) - [Ron Lippitt (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ron-lippitt) - [Andrea Pulkkinen (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/andrea-pulkkinen) - [Ed Herrera (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ed-herrera) - [Pride Alliance ERG (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/pride-alliance-erg) - [Joanna Esparza (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/joanna-esparza) - [Nicole Stevens-Delgado (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/nicole-stevens-delgado) - [Billy Alfonsi (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/billy-alfonsi) - [Brandon Bates (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-bates) - [Judy Yang (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/judy-yang) - [Pamela Warchuck (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/pamela-warchuck) - [Rosemarie Fontela & Denis Kenny (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/rosemarie-fontela-denis-kenny) - [Brookie Clark (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brookie-clark) - [Darwin Morgan (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/darwin-morgan) - [Bunker Labs (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bunker-labs) - [Joy Bartolome (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/joy-bartolome) - [Josh Hauser (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/josh-hauser) - [Karen Philbrick (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/karen-philbrick) - [Helen Konrad (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/helen-konrad) - [Michelle Nyhart & Ejay Oravecz (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/michelle-nyhart-ejay-oravecz) - [The Cultures Connected ERG (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cultures-connected-erg) - [Derrick Workman (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/derrick-workman) - [Frank DeCastro (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/frank-decastro) - [Tim Zeches (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tim-zeches) - [Izabela Miklas (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/izabela-miklas) - [Justin Stewart (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/justin-stewart) - [Stephanie DeStefanis (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/stephanie-destefanis) - [Dominic Charleston (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/dominic-charleston) - [Cheryl Longo (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cheryl-longo) - [Dorian Cast (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/dorian-cast) - [Sydnie Chy (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/sydnie-chy) - [Josh Schreck (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/josh-schreck) - [Jacob Houston (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jacob-houston) - [Jillian Seidl (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jillian-seidl) - [Matt King (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/matt-king) - [Marcella Cheng (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/marcella-cheng) - [David Kaggwa (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/david-kaggwa) - [Lance Schroder (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/lance-schroder) - [Stephanie Hill (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/stephanie-hill) - [Megan Anderson (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/megan-anderson) - [Michelle Fedorkiw (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/michelle-fedorkiw) - [Kimberly Mills (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kimberly-mills) - [Denis Kenny (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/denis-kenny) - [Tim Wang (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tim-wang) # Our 5 Most Popular Blog Posts from 2017 [![Whitney Barton](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/WB.jpg)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/whitney-barton) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/322350/PG_blog_images/pgblog-icon-linkedin.jpg)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-barton-19136511/) [by Whitney Barton](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/whitney-barton) **Looking back, 2017 was a big year for Populus Group**: we celebrated our 15th birthday, created some amazing new partnerships, strengthened existing ones, and expanded our community of Climbers (aka employees). We want to thank our community of supporters, partners and leaders; without you, none of this would be possible! We're looking forward to making an even greater impact in 2018, and **we're excited to share some big news with you very soon! **As we consider the new stories we'll write in the upcoming year, we also want to take a moment to look back at the ones we've already written. In that spirit, here's a look at the **5 most popular Blog Posts from 2017!** ## [Stories from My Time at the White House](https://blog.populusgroup.com/my-time-with-the-president) 2/20/2017 By [Raul Ramos](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/raul-ramos) ## ![Clinton-218402-edited.jpg](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Clinton-218402-edited.jpg?width=250&height=250&name=Clinton-218402-edited.jpg)One decision can change everything My journey from working at a grocery store while attending the University of Houston, to becoming a US Marine, stationed at the White House as part of the Marine One HMX-1 Presidential Security Squadron, has shaped who I am today. **[Read more >>](https://blog.populusgroup.com/my-time-with-the-president)**      [What Veterans Do Better Than Anyone](https://blog.populusgroup.com/what-veterans-do-better-than-anyone) 5/24/2017 [By Bobby Herrera](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) ![image1 (1)-159701-edited.jpeg](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Blog/Memorial%20Day/image1%20(1)-159701-edited.jpeg?width=250&height=250&name=image1%20(1)-159701-edited.jpeg)In late 2009 I received a call from my great-nephew. He said; “**Uncle Bobby, I think I’m going to join the Army.** I’ve always wanted to do it. Since you did it I want to talk to you about it.” We had a lengthy conversation about his choice and I recall feeling proud that my example had guided him to do the same for his own journey. I had a special connection with Nalito. [**Read more >>**](https://blog.populusgroup.com/what-veterans-do-better-than-anyone)       ## [6 Great Leadership Lessons from Meeting Our Mentor](https://blog.populusgroup.com/leadership-lessons-from-mentor-patrick-lencioni) 12/13/2017 [By Karen Philbrick](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/karen-philbrick) **![LencioniandPGLeadership-308509-edited.png](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/LencioniandPGLeadership-308509-edited.png)** **Patrick Lencioni is a name everyone at Populus Group is familiar with**. Each time we welcome a new Climber into our community, they receive excerpts from business books he has authored, [*Death by Meeting*](https://www.tablegroup.com/books/dbm) and [*The Advantage*](https://www.tablegroup.com/organizational-health), to name a few*. *In fact, his philosophies on leadership and management have been woven into the very fabric of our Culture Code. Starting with Bobby and our entire leadership team, we believe that the value of having a healthy, trusting culture cannot be overestimated. **To us, it’s everything. [Read more >>](https://blog.populusgroup.com/leadership-lessons-from-mentor-patrick-lencioni) **   ## [How Getting Demoted Was the Best Thing for My Career](https://blog.populusgroup.com/how-getting-a-demotion-was-the-best-thing-for-my-career) 7/10/2017 [By Jennifer Pasquier](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jennifer-pasquier) ![Jen_Climber_Story2-451122-edited.png](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jen_Climber_Story2-451122-edited.png?width=250&height=249&name=Jen_Climber_Story2-451122-edited.png)Regardless of your job title, **you've probably come face-to-face with a personal or professional challenge that turned your world upside-down**. Something that made you take a step back and reevaluate who you are, what you're made of and what your priorities are. **[Read/watch more >>](https://blog.populusgroup.com/how-getting-a-demotion-was-the-best-thing-for-my-career)**           ## [Happy Holidays from Populus Group!](https://blog.populusgroup.com/happy-holidays-from-populus-group) 12/20/2017 [By Bobby Herrera](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) **![2017 Bobby Holiday Video-563987-edited.jpg](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Bobby%20Holiday%20Video-563987-edited.jpg?width=250&height=250&name=2017%20Bobby%20Holiday%20Video-563987-edited.jpg)We want to wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season! ** Especially this time of year, we believe it's so important to **make time for what matters most**. At Populus Group, we call that Team 1--your loved ones. So we want to take a moment to wish you and your Team 1 a very merry season. We hope you enjoy time together doing what you love! **[Read/watch more >>](https://blog.populusgroup.com/happy-holidays-from-populus-group)**         *Thanks for reading and following along with our journey!* ## If you enjoyed these posts, make sure to subscribe!  ## **[![Don't miss out--Subscribe for weekly updates](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/450029/e3037e73-d7fa-43f2-b8ce-9692ea561ee0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/450029/e3037e73-d7fa-43f2-b8ce-9692ea561ee0)** ## Leave a comment [![Whitney Barton](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/WB.jpg)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/whitney-barton) Written by [Whitney Barton](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/whitney-barton) Whitney is the Digital Marketing Manager for Populus Group. She's responsible for bringing the PG brand to life online so it's easy for people who need our help IRL to find us. When she's not at work, you can find her writing, exploring Chicago, testing new recipes and getting a good workout in. **Corporate Headquarters** Populus Group, Troy Headquarters 3001 West Big Beaver Road Suite 608 Troy, MI 48084 [248-712-7900](tel:248-712-7900) [opportunities@populusgroup.com](mailto:opportunities@populusgroup.com) **Employment Verification Requests\*** [248-928-0530](tel:248-928-0530) [voe@populusgroup.com](mailto:voe@populusgroup.com) [Employer Services](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/workforce-solutions)[Begin Your Job Search](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/job-seeker) ©2023 Populus Group [Privacy Policy](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/privacy-policy)[Terms & Conditions](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/terms-conditions)[Site Map](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/sitemap) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-fb%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.facebook.com/populusgroup) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-twitter%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://twitter.com/populusgroup) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-instagram%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.instagram.com/populusgroup/) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-li%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/70117/) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-glassdoor%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Populus-Group-EI_IE259242.11,24.htm) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-youtube%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=39)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-O9v1hz-Q4OW0Ze0b9O_sg) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-gplus%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://plus.google.com/u/0/102588349136181669410) ![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-top%20png.png?h=33&la=en&w=33)