Whitney Munro, Consulting, Texas

When Whitney Munro made the decision to start her own consulting firm, she had flexibility in mind. 

“I’ve worked in positions where I didn’t have good balance in my life because of the demands of the role. The goal was to prioritize that work-life balance for my team while also prioritizing flexibility for our clients,” Whitney says. 

The firm, FLEX Partners, serves a variety of clients across the non-profit and private sectors, advising and implementing strategies in operations, communications, professional and business development, and event capabilities. With a diverse client base, the FLEX team has to remain nimble, plugging in specific capabilities when needed to serve the unique needs of each client. 

“FLEX was specifically designed to curate strong networks of skill-specific consultants who work with us as independent contractors. The contractor model allows us to tap in talent on a case-by-case basis for our clients, keeping costs down while ensuring our clients are getting the absolute best possible product,” Whitney explains. “It also enables us to partner with the best of the best.”

FLEX only has two full-time employees, Whitney included. The rest of the team is made up of freelancers who dictate their own fee structure, time commitment, and work schedule. And while FLEX is based out of Texas, its team members and clients alike are spread across the country.  

“We’ve been able to grow our network with talented individuals because they choose to operate as independent contractors. Many of our contractors have other clients–they’re not interested in full-time work. But when our clients have a project that requires their specific skill set, they’re ready to deliver.” 

Whitney knows that a new Department of Labor (DOL) rule could drastically impede her ability to continue to contract both with FLEX’s clients and its partner freelancers. The rule would change the classification of contractors, forcing many employers to terminate their relationship with their partners. 

“The partners I work with aren’t hurt by their classification as contractors–they’re empowered by it. Many of these individuals are parents and caretakers, and they value the flexibility that contracting offers above all else. FLEX’s business model depends on our contractor partnerships–the success of the business, and the livelihood of myself and my employees, depends on it. We have a network of people who are just trying to do the work they love in the way that best serves themselves and their families–and now the government wants to punish them.”