Erin Hargrove Named a 2026 Leader in HR Services & Solutions
Twin Cities Business has named Erin Hargrove, Director of Business Development at Lakeside HR Group, as one of its 2026 Leaders in HR Services & Solutions.
The annual February/March feature recognizes professionals across payroll, benefits, staffing, recruiting, and HR technology who are helping Minnesota businesses thrive. These leaders are being recognized for their impact in key areas shaping 2026, including employee retention, engagement, and thoughtful adoption of AI. Erin’s inclusion reflects both her depth of experience and her people-first approach to helping organizations grow with confidence.
Leading With Connection and Care
Since joining Lakeside in 2023, Erin has played an important role in expanding the firm’s impact across Minnesota’s small and mid-sized business community. Known for her consultative approach and genuine ability to connect with people, Erin helps organizations access the HR and recruiting expertise they need at the right time.
“Erin has an incredible ability to meet people where they are,” says Lakeside Founder and CEO Kristin Nordling. “She brings clarity, warmth, and trust into every conversation, which is exactly what leaders need today.”
Creating Space for Real Conversations
One of Erin’s most meaningful contributions at Lakeside is Lakeside Chats, a monthly virtual series she created and leads. What began as an idea to foster connection has grown into a trusted forum that brings together more than 80 HR professionals and business leaders each month.
Lakeside Chats creates space for honest conversations around leadership, people, and culture. In a time when many leaders feel isolated, the series has become a place to learn, share experiences, and build authentic relationships. This reflects Erin’s belief that community plays a powerful role in engagement, retention, and long-term leadership growth.
Expanding Her Impact Beyond Lakeside
Erin’s passion for connection extends beyond her role at Lakeside HR Group. She is the Co-Founder of Radiate People, a peer community created to support independent consultants and solopreneurs through curated circles, shared learning, and meaningful connection.
As a co-founder, Erin helped shape the vision, build the model, and launch a platform that gives leaders a place to grow, recharge, and rise together. Guided by the belief Grow Together, Rise Together, Radiate People reflects Erin’s commitment to building spaces where leaders feel supported, seen, and empowered.
She also serves as an Ambassador for the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, where she leads small business roundtables and delivers training focused on culture, compliance, and employee engagement. In addition, Erin partners with Financial Executives International to support leaders in transition and help finance executives better understand the connection between people, culture, and the bottom line.
A Career Built Around People
With more than 20 years of experience across employee benefits, HR consulting, sales, and learning and development, Erin brings both strategic insight and genuine care to her work. Across every chapter of her career, Erin leads with curiosity, clarity, and heart. Curiosity is one of Lakeside’s core values, and it shows up in how Erin listens, asks thoughtful questions, and helps leaders see new possibilities.
Her work reflects a consistent truth. When organizations invest in people, everything else grows stronger.
Congratulations, Erin!
Being named a 2026 Leader in HR Services & Solutions is a well-deserved recognition of Erin’s leadership, impact, and commitment to empowering people and organizations alike. We are proud to have her as part of the Lakeside HR Group team and excited to see the continued impact she will make across Minnesota and beyond.
Read more about the Notable 2026 honorees in Twin Cities Business.
About Lakeside HR Group
We are a premier Recruiting and HR Consulting firm connecting people and businesses through personalized, full-service solutions. As a boutique firm of seasoned HR professionals, we specialize in providing customized HR services for small to midsize businesses. With expertise across diverse industries, positions, and states throughout the U.S., we partner with our clients to discover top talent and deliver the support needed to help their businesses thrive.
