We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patrick Sutton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Patrick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

My first big client as a HR Advisor came through the power of relationships and reputation. A former manager, who had seen my strategic approach firsthand, recommended me for the role. Within hours, I was in a meeting with the founder, diving into their challenges and vision. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and I could tell my insights resonated. By the end of the hour, there was a clear alignment. Just three hours later, my contract was in hand. It was a defining moment—proof that expertise, trust, and the right connections can open doors faster than I ever imagined.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Patrick Sutton, the founder of PS Consulting, a Fractional HR company that supports pre- seed to series B startups. I’m a problem-solver—someone who pieces together the “people puzzles” that shape the future of work. With over 20+ years in the industry, I’ve built my career around helping early-stage startups navigate the complexities of talent strategy, employee/ leadership development, and organizational growth. Many of the companies I have supported are operating with modest budgets, yet they need executive-level people leadership to scale. That’s where I come in.

I provide fractional HR leadership, designing people strategies and coaching founders and CEOs to build sustainable, people-first cultures. My approach is simple: I’m the right person, at the right time, for the right cost—bringing the expertise startups need without the overhead of a full-time executive.

Beyond my enjoyments in HR, I’m a creative at heart. I support up and coming writers and filmmakers trying to get their short films made. There’s an instinctive sense that makes me want to help others succeed. Whether I’m helping a founder shape their vision or crafting narratives on screen, my work is always about people—empowering them, creating opportunities, and building something that lasts.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation in the market has been built on a mix of deep expertise, trust, and my ability to solve complex people challenges with a no-nonsense, strategic approach. Over the years, I’ve built credibility by delivering results—whether it’s helping a founder navigate tough leadership decisions, designing people strategies that actually move the needle, or stepping in as a trusted advisor when a company needs executive-level HR without the full-time commitment.

My ability to step into high-pressure situations, quickly assess what’s needed, and provide actionable solutions has set me apart. Startups move fast, and they need someone who can keep up, adapt, and drive impact without the fluff. That’s exactly what I do.

Beyond that, relationships have played a huge role. I’ve built a strong network based on mutual respect and a reputation for being direct, effective, and invested in my clients’ success. People know that when they bring me in, they’re getting someone who won’t just check the box but will genuinely help them scale, lead, and build a company that people want to be a part of. The outcome of the work is very important to me, and that is what makes my approach and style in the HR space different.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

When we start working together, I’m your advisor—helping you solve immediate people challenges, design a strong people strategy, and lay the foundation for growth. But as we work together, that relationship evolves. I become your coach, your sounding board, and sometimes even the person you call when you need to talk through a tough leadership decision. It’s never just transactional for me.

Even when the contract ends, my investment in the company’s success doesn’t end. I stay connected, check in on their progress, and will continue to be a resource when needed. Because for me, it’s not just about delivering a service—it’s about building a partnership that scales with you and your company. Your wins matter to me, whether I’m actively working with you or cheering from the sidelines.

Here’s how I foster that long-term partnership:

1. From Advisor to Coach – Initially, I step in as an advisor, offering strategic solutions and people insights. But as the company grows, my role naturally evolves into a coaching relationship—helping you, your leaders, and your teams navigate the complexities of leadership, hiring, and scaling.

2. More Than a Contract – Our collaboration doesn’t just stop when the formal engagement ends. I stay invested, keeping up with your company’s progress and making myself available for quick check-ins or strategic conversations when you need them.

3. Tailored Support When You Need It – Every company moves at its own pace, and I recognize that sometimes you need more support, and other times you need space. I’m flexible in how I engage—whether that’s ongoing coaching, project-based work, or just being a trusted contact when big decisions arise.

4. Proactive Check-ins – I don’t just wait for you to reach out. I make an effort to check in, offer relevant insights, and see how things are progressing. Whether it’s a simple email or a conversation over coffee, I stay engaged because I genuinely care about your success.

5. Scaling With You – Startups don’t stay small forever, and as your business evolves, so do your needs. My approach is designed to grow with you—whether that means shifting from HR advisory to leadership coaching, supporting your first executive hires, or helping you build a long-term people strategy that aligns with your next stage of growth.

At the end of the day, I don’t see my work as just a service—I see it as a partnership. I’m the right person, at the right time, for the right cost—but more importantly, I’m here to help you build something that lasts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iampatricksutton.my.canva.site/patricksuttonconsulting
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psconsulting_atl?igsh=dGQ4YTVzNXltbHlr&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-sutton-/

Image Credits

Image 1: The Bertrand Circus Productions Photography
Image 2: 2023 Chief Learning Officer Symposium
Image 3-5 : The Bertrand Circus Productions Photography