What Others Say
“True pioneers like Kevin Kennemer are rare. He accomplishes the amazing feat of challenging colleagues and clients to act ethically at a time when ‘business ethics’ in the U.S. is almost an oxymoron. I met him through his statewide campaign for the Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium. With this strong moral foundation his consulting practice, this courageous consultant then took the next major step — to certify Great Places to Work. I believe Kevin is uniquely qualified to make it happen against all odds. Some companies want the designation but have no intention of living up to the standards required to earn the moniker. Kevin is a kind, but consistently ethical, man who will not loan his name to any sham efforts. He will ensure that The People Group designation as a Certified Great Workplace will have meaning and that those companies will have to sustain their efforts to provide safe, healthy and ethical workplaces for all employees. He is a positive man, with strong faith in the inherent goodness of all human beings. How aptly named is his company, The People Group. However, he is no Pollyanna. His new project is informed by real experiences with the antithesis of Great Places to Work, so he knows what it takes to excel. I trust him as a valued partner to whom I turn for advice. His clients trust him. And employees everywhere will be able to trust The People Group’s Certified Great Workplace designation when seeking work with a reputable exemplar employer.”
Gary Namie, PhD
Co-Founder, Workplace Bullying Institute
Workplace Bullying University, Work Doctor®, Inc., and Expert Witness on Abusive Work Environments
“I highly recommend Kevin Kennemer’s excellent and tireless efforts promoting great workplaces and helping companies improve their people practices. Kevin’s wealth of experience developing and executing corporate human resources strategies will be an asset to any company lucky enough to retain his services.”
Asher Adelman
Founder
eBossWatch“Thank you very much for speaking to our OSU Ethics and HR Clubs. Your talk on “Living with Integrity in the Toxic World of Work” elicited more interaction with the audience than previous presentations.”
Tom Stone
Professor
Spears School of Business
Oklahoma State University“I have known Kevin Kennemer for over 20 years. He is a consummate professional with unique insights and instincts when it comes to all aspects of managing people. Kevin understands the impact that corporate culture has on results and gets it right when it comes to workplace dynamics.”
Scott Anderson
Senior Executive Vice President, Retired
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.
“Kevin Kennemer recently delivered a two-hour presentation called “Living with Ethics & Integrity in the Toxic World of Work” to the Tulsa Chapter of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs. Kevin brought a fresh perspective to the concept of good and bad influences in the workplace while using a multimedia show to demonstrate how your co-workers can impact your behavior and your view of other. He received excellent reviews from the 70 people in attendance.”
Jim Small, CPA
CPE Committee Chair and Public Relations Committee Chair – Tulsa Chapter of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants“Kevin Kennemer delivered a great presentation to the Industrial Relations Association – Tulsa: “How to Create Jerk-Free Workplace.” Kevin’s insights into the HR profession served him well during the presentation to this group. We were all engaged in the presentation as this is a topic that comes up frequently; however, we rarely have tools to deal with it. Kevin’s presentation not only gave some “rules of engagement” for how to deal with it but also the costs associated – what every executive needs to know!”
Lisa Reese
President, Industrial Relations Association – Tulsa“Kevin Kennemer delivered his “Power of Positive People Practices” presentation to our IAAP group. The information contained in the presentation was tremendous and many of our members walked away with great benefits they took back to their workplaces. However, the most powerful part of the presentation was Kevin’s ability to teach and entertain. He is artful in his delivery and truly engages his audience. We look forward to his return.”
Terrie Scott, CPS, CWCA
President, Will Rogers Chapter, IAAP“Right from the start it was obvious for me that Kevin Kennemer of The People Group is passionate about the importance of creating and maintaining a positive workplace culture. Recently, Kevin graciously accepted an invitation to speak about workplace culture at the Tulsa Area Call Center Round Table. He created and delivered a great presentation about creating and maintaining “a jerk-free work place”. The presentation was well received by all. Kevin’s down to earth, approachable style was refreshing.”
Kelly Beyer
Branch Manager
Manpower Inc.
“Kevin Kennemer is truly dedicated to promoting civilized behavior in the workplace! Kevin visited my graduate-level HR class to talk with my students about positive people practices. The students and I truly enjoyed his talk as Kevin is one of those presenters who is uniquely adept at engaging his audience with just the right mix of research-based evidence, illustrative anecdotes, and humorous stories. His presentation made a lasting impact on my students regarding how effective (or ineffective) management of human resources can make (or break) an organization.”
Jennifer L. Kisamore, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Oklahoma
“I have had the great privilege of knowing and working with Kevin Kennemer for over a decade now and know him to be a faithful, thoughtful and honest leader and entrepreneur in our community. His experience, insight and humor are invaluable to organizations needing first time training or refresher courses on positive people management practices.”
Traci Keil
Human Resources Professional
“It has been my privilege and pleasure to work with Kevin Kennemer for the past 8 years. He has been completely honest, knowledgeable, sincere, and caring. He is the type of employer all employees would love to have as their mentor.”
Barbara Armijo
Broker
The Holmes Organisation, Inc.
“The coaching and human resource management was amazing and fun! Kevin Kennemer is so easy to talk to and his empathy and enthusiasm are clear. I really appreciated the way Kevin remained flexible as different paths seemed to appear. His ease in accommodating new directions is making such transitions seem less daunting, as if they weren’t fazing him; they were less likely to faze me.”
Bill Grant
Business Executive
Tulsa, OK
“I have worked with Kevin Kennemer in the development of several internship programs for a Tulsa organization. It was a pleasure to develop and organize these important programs, and I genuinely appreciated the focus he provided towards producing a thoughtful and results-oriented event. Kevin is a positive and motivating individual whose goal is always to provide the best support and direction to his clients–both internal and external.”
Debra Arntsen
Founder
FORESight
“My business relationship with Kevin has always been a very open and honest relationship that allowed us to cope with and resolve many difficult, challenging internal issues. I have the utmost respect for Kevin, his knowledge and his professionalism in any situation. He has integrity and compassion, always striving to do what is right. Kevin is not only a valued business associate, but a friend.”
Frank Panzer
Energy Industry Executive
“I have worked with Kevin Kennemer on a professional level for many years. His knowledge of all aspects of Human Resources, including leadership and motivational skills, are second to none. He is a man of integrity, honesty and utmost professionalism.”
Marcia Fender
Regional Manager
Rogers Benefit Group
“Listening to Kevin Kennemer present is well worth every minute! His knowledge and personal insights are relevant and applicable. The difference with Kevin is that he really cares about individual successes, and that’s what leads to success in the work environment. I see Kevin changing the way America does business!”
Natalie Bounds-Adams
Business Executive
Tulsa, OK
“When I think of the true HR Professional, Kevin Kennemer is the gold standard. I have had the privilege of working with Kevin as an HR partner in recruiting, developing and retaining talent. He is a strategic thinker who continues to positively impact every organization in which he is associated.”
Tammy Been
Business Executive
Tulsa, OK
Thank You!
We would like to thank our many clients, affiliates and business partners for working to spread positive people practices across America.
Kevin Kennemer
Founder & Principal
The People Group









