Rich Cruz
Driving Change That WorksOrganizational Change Consultant
Behavioral Science Strategist
Champion for Purpose-Driven Workplaces
I enable business owners to increase the return on their investment in human capital (HCROI) by solving costly people problems, such as low productivity, high turnover, and resistance to change.
About Rich
I help organizations increase the return on their investment in people. As co-founder of Harmonious Workplaces, I work with mid-sized manufacturers, construction firms, and professional services organizations to reduce internal friction, retain institutional knowledge, and build resilient teams that perform.
Whether I’m leading a change readiness assessment, designing a leadership development program, or capturing institutional knowledge before it leaves the organization, my goal is the same: to help teams move forward with clarity, motivation, and accountability.
What sets me apart? I bridge the gap between strategy and execution. I don’t just advise from the sidelines, I roll up my sleeves and work alongside you and your team to get results. Whether you need to implement change initiatives, map out processes, build leadership capacity, or tackle performance issues, I translate strategy into action and integration.
I’m also a creative at heart. That’s why I use comics (like Hermie the HR Hermit Crab), podcast conversations, workshops, and storytelling to help people absorb big ideas and take action.
Credentials
- MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (Purdue)
- BA in Visual Art (UChicago)
- SHRM-CP
- Certified Management Consultant (CMC)
- Talent Optimization Certified
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- OD and Change Leadership Certification (Drucker School of Management)
- 27+ years in operations, marketing, and organizational development
- Executive, management, and production experience in manufacturing, nonprofit, and service sectors
- Writer for publications and co-host of The Harmonious Workplaces Podcast
- Adjunct professor and corporate trainer
- 60+ LinkedIn Recommendations | 5-Star Google Rating
Specialties
- Organizational Change & Alignment
- Motivation and Goal-Setting (Locke & Latham, Duckworth, Dweck)
- Leadership Development & Culture Transformation
- Change Readiness & Resistance Management
- Institutional Knowledge Retention & Succession
- Strategic Communication & Engagement Campaigns
Membership
I’m a member of the following organizations:
- Institute of Transformative Change: www.itc.pro
- Association for Change Management, Midwest Chapter – Partnerships Chair: https://www.acmpmidwest.org/about
- Chicago SHRM – Education Committee: https://www.chicagoshrm.org/
- HRA of Oak Brook – Member: https://www.hraoakbrook.org/
- SHRM: https://www.shrm.org/
- OD Network – Member: https://odnetwork.org/
- Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce – Workforce Development Committee: https://chicagosouthlandchamber.com/
- Chicago I-O Psychologists (CHIOP): https://chiop.wildapricot.org/
- Society for Evidence-Based Organizational Consulting (SEBOC) – Professional Member: https://www.seboc.com/
- Institute for Management Consultants USA (IMC USA) – Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and CMC Committee Chair: https://www.imcusa.org/
- National Cartoonist Society, Chicago Midwest Chapter – Henchman / Website Administrator: https://ncschicagocartoonists.com/
- Association for Talent Development (ATD) – Member and Content Contributor: https://www.td.org/
- HRHotSeat – Member and Contributor: https://www.hrhotseat.com/
- Knights of Columbus, Council 14057 at St. Alexander in Palos Heights, IL – Member: https://www.kofc14057.org/
What I Solve
Common Problems I Solve:
- Organizational chaos and disengagement
- Knowledge loss from retiring employees
- Talent development that doesn’t stick
- Leadership resistance to change
- Low ROI from ERP or digital transformation
How I Solve Them:
- Organizational Design & Restructuring
- Change Leadership & Communication Strategy
- Team Alignment Workshops & Coaching
- Process Mapping & Job Role Redefinition
- Psychological Safety & Culture Assessment
Real Results
- Silgan Closures: Provide ongoing consulting since 2019 in digital marketing integration, CRM and customer experience optimization, and market strategy refinement for B2B manufacturing operations.
- DWYIDAG (Manufacturing): Led org design and AS-IS process mapping during ERP transition with AI; increased alignment across Sales, Engineering, and Operations.
- CLA / LaundryCares: Integrated Salesforce CRM with operations and coached teams through tech adoption.
- Matanky Realty Group: Streamlined construction ops and marketing across real estate and GC divisions leveraging IT.
Client Feedback
Rich has an extensive knowledge of business technology and explains it so novices can understand. He even takes time to teach us how to make our own changes in the backend of our website. Plus, he works very well with our other vendors.
Rich helped our organization navigate the rapidly-changing tech landscape and set plans in motion to get our products into the hands of our customers. He exhibited an incredible work ethic and an approach to our members centered on integrity and service.
Overcoming Common Hiring Concerns
In my 27+ years serving more than 200 organizations as a consultant, executive, or committee member, I’ve encountered and addressed the most common concerns employers face.
If you’re considering me for your team, here’s how I address them:
Objections + Responses
You haven’t worked in our specific industry.
I adapt quickly across industries because I focus on core business principles. I make it my mission to deeply learn your company, culture, and customers—fast.
You seem to have moved roles frequently.
I understand that concern. I deliver meaningful results early, but changes in leadership or direction sometimes impact tenure. I am seeking a long-term opportunity to build lasting success.
At your age, are you tech-savvy enough?
Absolutely. I work daily with CRM, ERP, CMS, HRIS, AI tools, and analytics platforms. I embrace technology as a core part of organizational success.
You aren’t a specialist.
I am a flexible expert and continuous learner. While I can work across functions, I specialize when needed, bringing depth and breadth to solve complex, real-world business challenges.
You were a consultant—will you really commit to us?
I am fully committed to long-term impact. I am happy to arrange a contract demonstrating my commitment to your organization’s success. My work has earned 60+ positive LinkedIn recommendations, five-star Google Business reviews, and an A+ BBB rating for Greater Chicago Consulting, Inc.
You don’t have the exact certification or credential we listed.
Sometimes that’s true. But throughout my career, I’ve gained certifications as needed and delivered results ahead of schedule. Practical experience and continuous learning are my core habits.
You haven’t worked for a large, global firm.
I’ve made a difference where it matters—on the ground, leading change, improving performance, and empowering teams in small to mid-sized businesses that drive the real economy and positively impact communities.
Published Author & Speaker
In addition to consulting, I am the co-author and illustrator of Hermie the HR Hermit Crab©, a cartoon book that blends humor with evidence-based insights from Industrial-Organizational Psychology to teach better workplace culture and change leadership.
I write for trade associations, speak at conferences, publish a workplace culture blog, and co-host The Harmonious Workplaces Podcast.
Let’s Connect and Build Something Meaningful
If you seek someone who brings data, heart, and action to the table, I’d love to connect. Let’s make your workplace more productive, resilient, and purpose-driven.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjacruz
Call: 708-297-1535