HCM Unlocked: Empowering Businesses with Tech-Enabled HR and Payroll Solutions

A Bold Leap into Entrepreneurship:

HCM Unlocked was founded in 2018 when John Wallace made the bold decision to leave his successful career at ADP to build something of his own. With over a decade of experience in sales and leadership roles, John saw an opportunity to address a critical gap in the market: mid-sized companies struggling with payroll and HR technology. “If I didn’t take the leap then, I knew I’d regret it for the rest of my life,” John shares. With a vision in mind, he launched HCM Unlocked, starting small but with big ambitions.

In its early days, the company operated on a scrappy, hands-on approach. John focused on sales while partnering with a former colleague, Kelly Davis, as a contractor to handle client work. “I couldn’t afford to pay her a salary, but her belief in the vision motivated me to keep pushing,” he recalls. Within six months, HCM Unlocked landed its first major client, allowing John to bring Kelly on as the company’s first employee—a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of their growth trajectory.

A Culture of People and Purpose:

HCM Unlocked thrives on a culture built around three pillars: people, culture, and strategy. John personally meets with every new hire during quarterly calls to emphasize the company’s mission and values. “Our culture is about hard work, support, and accountability,” he explains. The team operates in a fully remote environment, spread across 35 states, yet remains deeply connected through regular meetups and collaborative initiatives.

The company’s people-first mindset extends to their clients as well. HCM Unlocked’s team prides itself on being a trusted partner, delivering customized solutions that simplify HR and payroll processes while ensuring exceptional outcomes.

Innovating HR and Payroll Services:

HCM Unlocked stands out in the industry by combining expert services with proprietary technology. Their Delta software is a game-changer, automating data validation across payroll, HR, and benefits systems. This tool ensures accuracy during complex transitions, such as migrating from one vendor to another, where thousands of data points need to be reconciled. “We’ve built a solution that scales with our clients’ needs, delivering unmatched accuracy and efficiency,” John says.

The company’s ability to provide a comprehensive suite of managed services—spanning payroll processing, HR administration, and benefits reconciliation—sets it apart from competitors. HCM Unlocked’s focus on outcomes enables mid-sized and large organizations to trust them with mission-critical operations.

Overcoming Challenges:

Starting a company from scratch comes with its challenges, and for John, the biggest hurdle was navigating uncertainty in the early days. “I had to stay laser-focused on generating revenue while building the team and services simultaneously,” he recalls. Another challenge lay in competing with larger players in the HR tech space. HCM Unlocked’s solution was to create a clear value proposition with their Delta technology, which allows them to offer faster, more accurate services at scale.

“It’s about delivering results, not just promises,” John says, reflecting on how the company gained client trust and loyalty through consistent delivery.

What It Means to Be and Honoree:

Being named a GrowFL honoree is a significant milestone for John and the team at HCM Unlocked. “This recognition validates the hard work and dedication of everyone here,” he shares. “It’s not often you get to stop and celebrate your efforts, and this honor reminds us of how far we’ve come.” John also expressed gratitude to David Hartman, CEO of TSL, who nominated HCM Unlocked for the award. “David and his team helped us build our Delta software, and their partnership has been invaluable to our success,” John says.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

John’s advice to future entrepreneurs is simple but impactful: “Focus on what you can control today, take consistent action, and keep moving forward one step at a time.” He emphasizes the importance of resilience, hard work, and staying focused on incremental progress rather than getting overwhelmed by long-term goals. “The journey is what shapes you,” he says, “so embrace it and don’t let setbacks discourage you.

Notable Community Involvement:

HCM Unlocked is dedicated to fostering future talent and building relationships within its industry. The company plans to launch a campus recruitment program next year, targeting Florida’s top universities to develop a pipeline of homegrown talent. They also maintain strong partnerships with brokers, private equity firms, and leading HCM companies, strengthening their reach and impact across the industry. Through these initiatives, HCM Unlocked not only supports its own growth but also contributes to the broader HR and payroll ecosystem..