--- title: The 7 Most Popular Posts of 2018! description: 2018 was a big year for us! We launched our fresh new brand, we hit some big goals and we expanded our community of Climbers and customers quite a bit. As we look back on our awesome year, here are the top 7 posts from the Blog, enjoy! image: https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/2018%20Blog/Brand%20Launch/About%20PG%20Video%20Email%20Preview.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) # The 7 Most Popular Posts of 2018! [![Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/PG.png)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/322350/PG_blog_images/pgblog-icon-facebook.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/populusgroup) - [![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/322350/PG_blog_images/pgblog-icon-linkedin.jpg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/70117/) [by Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) 2018 was a big year for us! We launched our fresh new brand, we hit some big goals and we expanded our community of Climbers and customers quite a bit. As we look back on our awesome year, here are the top 7 posts from the Blog, enjoy! ## [New Year, Fresh Brand, Same PG \[video\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/new-populus-group-brand-announcement) [![About PG Video Email Preview](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20Blog/Brand%20Launch/About%20PG%20Video%20Email%20Preview.jpg?width=550&name=About%20PG%20Video%20Email%20Preview.jpg)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/new-populus-group-brand-announcement) After celebrating our 15th birthday last fall, we were ready for a refresh to reflect the company we've grown to become. We're especially excited to share our new logo and brand with you, our community. Because of your partnership, we're able to do what we love, and bring Populus Group into 2018 with a renewed purpose. Same PG, new look and logo. [**See full post >>**](https://blog.populusgroup.com/new-populus-group-brand-announcement)   ## [Happy Holidays from Populus Group! \[video\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/happy-holidays-from-populus-group-2018) [![Happy Holidays from PG-1](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Happy%20Holidays%20from%20PG-1.png?width=550&name=Happy%20Holidays%20from%20PG-1.png)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/happy-holidays-from-populus-group-2018) The holidays are a special time of year. No matter how you celebrate, it's a great time to slow down, spend time with loved ones and enjoy the simple things. In the s[https://blog.populusgroup.com/a-story-about-trust-and-company-culture](https://blog.populusgroup.com/a-story-about-trust-and-company-culture)pirit of celebrating, here's what some people in our PG community enjoy the most about the holiday season. And from all of us here at PG, happy holidays! [**See full post >>**](https://blog.populusgroup.com/happy-holidays-from-populus-group-2018)   ## [A Story About Trust, and How I Threw It All Away](https://blog.populusgroup.com/a-story-about-trust-and-company-culture) ![Derek Kimmerle HS ](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Derek%20Kimmerle%20HS%20.jpg?width=550&name=Derek%20Kimmerle%20HS%20.jpg) Ahh high school. There’s something about the warm smell of rubber pizza in the air. Cheerleaders practicing their half time routine at lunch. Baseball players creating over the top handshakes during passing periods. And a social studies professor calmly scrutinizing a cognitively underdeveloped adolescent, who felt the need to steal an exam in order to get an A. [**See full post >>**](https://blog.populusgroup.com/a-story-about-trust-and-company-culture)   ## [Populus Group Named One of the Best Workplaces in Michigan!](https://blog.populusgroup.com/populus-group-named-one-of-the-best-workplaces-in-michigan) ![Populus Group Best Workplaces Michigan](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Populus%20Group%20Best%20Workplaces%20Michigan.png?width=550&name=Populus%20Group%20Best%20Workplaces%20Michigan.png) After being named one of the best places to work by the Puget Sound Business Journal, we are SO PROUD AND HONORED to announce that the Detroit Free Press named PG as one of the Top Workplaces in Michigan! Each year the Detroit Free Press names the top workplaces in the state based on employee feedback, culture and benefits--and Populus Group was ranked 23rd in the small company category (see the press release here). [**See full post >>**](https://blog.populusgroup.com/populus-group-named-one-of-the-best-workplaces-in-michigan)   ## [The Impact of Tax Reform on Independent Contractors: 5 Things You Need to Know](https://blog.populusgroup.com/impact-of-tax-reform-on-independent-contractors) [![tax reform](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20Blog/tax%20reform.jpg?width=550&name=tax%20reform.jpg)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/impact-of-tax-reform-on-independent-contractors) Working with Independent Contractors is complicated to begin with. Add in new legislation and shifting regulations and things get even more complex. So we pulled in an expert, employment attorney and workforce expert Denis Kenny to give you the scoop on what you need to know about ICs and Tax Reform. [**See full post >>**](https://blog.populusgroup.com/impact-of-tax-reform-on-independent-contractors)   ## [The Secret to Succeeding: Failing Forward](https://blog.populusgroup.com/career-growth-failing-forward) [![Derek Kimmerle and Michael at Graduation-800px](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20Blog/Derek%20Kimmerle%20and%20Michael%20at%20Graduation-800px.jpg?width=550&name=Derek%20Kimmerle%20and%20Michael%20at%20Graduation-800px.jpg)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/a-story-about-trust-and-company-culture) I’ve never been one to “put it all out there,” especially in a work setting. However I think the “Climber” culture at this particular organization makes it easier for me to do that. Being a Climber (aka a Populus Group employee) encompasses the positively unique culture: one that allows you to fail, and that is why I have succeeded. More about that later, let me rewind first. [**See full post >>**](https://blog.populusgroup.com/a-story-about-trust-and-company-culture)   ## [The Bus Story (Our Purpose) \[video\]](https://blog.populusgroup.com/populus-group-purpose-bus-story) [![Bobby Herrera Bus Story4-1](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bobby%20Herrera%20Bus%20Story4-1.jpg?width=550&name=Bobby%20Herrera%20Bus%20Story4-1.jpg)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/populus-group-purpose-bus-story) Our treasure chest of memories defines the story we’re living. For many of us, the moments we hold dearest to our heart were sparked by a simple act of generosity by someone who didn’t realize how much you needed to be seen. These kind acts inspire us to pay it forward and become the person we imagine. For me, one of these moments came early in my life, and it impacted not only who I am, but also the way I lead and what I'm striving to build each day.  [**See full post >>**](https://blog.populusgroup.com/populus-group-purpose-bus-story)   **[![subscribe to the PG Blog for more good stuff!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/450029/bd56563b-e1a2-4e08-841f-6d841390eeee.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/450029/bd56563b-e1a2-4e08-841f-6d841390eeee)** **What was your favorite post this year? Let us know in the comments below!** ## Leave a comment [![Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/PG.png)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) Written by [Populus Group](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) Populus is Latin for people which means we put people first. So whether you’re managing a non-permanent labor program, or you’re looking for a cool new job, we work with you to understand your specific needs so we can guide you to the transformation you’re looking for. When you work with us, you’ll get a solution that addresses your unique goals and challenges and empowers you with the roadmap you need to be successful. Populus Group is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and a Veteran-Owned Business (VOB). When you work with us, you’ll also create economic and community impact for your organization. **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)