About Me

The journey from restaurant floors to executive suites — and everything I've learned along the way.

Tanner Kohoutek at professional conference

Building Businesses, Empowering People

I started my career on restaurant floors — managing teams, solving problems in real-time, and learning that business success always comes back to people. That foundation shaped everything that followed.

After transitioning into Human Resources, I discovered my calling: helping organizations align their people strategy with business objectives. I earned my SHRM-SCP certification, completed dual bachelor's degrees in Human Resource Management and Law, and built a track record of turning HR from a cost center into a competitive advantage. I stay current by attending industry conferences and continuing education — because the employment landscape never stops evolving.

Today, I split my time between three ventures: IBAP Consulting (my HR consulting practice), Onyx Core Enterprises (an EdTech holding company I co-founded), and Kohoutek House LLC (my real estate investments). Each one teaches me something different about leadership, risk, and creating value.

I'm currently pursuing my MBA, set to begin Summer 2026 — because I believe the best leaders never stop learning.

Tanner presenting at an HR seminar in Phoenix
Presenting at an HR half-day seminar in Phoenix
Tanner at Route 66 Kingman visiting client
Client visit in Kingman — 3 hours from Scottsdale. Commitment means showing up.
SHRM-SCP Senior Certified Professional
BA Human Resource Management
BA Law
MBA Candidate, Summer 2026

Philosophy

I believe the best businesses find balance between purpose, people, and profit. Chase any one without the others, and you'll eventually fail at all three.

Purpose gives direction. It's why you exist, who you serve, what problem you're solving. Without it, you're just chasing numbers.

People are the engine. Employees, customers, partners — treat them as means to an end and they'll give you exactly that: the bare minimum. Invest in them, and they'll move mountains.

Profit is the fuel. Not a dirty word, not the point of everything — just the resource that lets you keep doing the work. A business that doesn't generate profit can't serve its purpose or its people for long.

That's the Ikigai of business. That's what I help organizations find.

Let's Connect

Whether you want to talk HR strategy, explore a partnership, or just say hello — I'm always open to a conversation.

Get in Touch