WolfpackHR
Rapid City, SD
Quik Signs
Spearfish
About WolfpackHR
WolfpackHR provides outsourced human resources support for small and growing businesses throughout the Black Hills. Serving as a practical, people-first HR partner, WolfpackHR helps business owners navigate everything from HR strategy and compliance guidance to employee relations, hiring support, onboarding, performance management, and day-to-day HR advising. Their goal is to simplify HR, reduce risk, and remove the stress that often comes with managing people and policies.
Founded to fill the gap many small businesses face without an in-house HR department, WolfpackHR offers customized solutions tailored to each client’s business, culture, and goals. Clients appreciate their approachable, relationship-driven style and clear, plain-language guidance that makes even complex HR issues easier to understand. Led by founder Ammie Michaels, a South Dakota native who has called the Black Hills home for over 40 years, WolfpackHR is deeply rooted in the local community and committed to helping businesses and their employees thrive together.
Our Story
How did your business get started?
WolfpackHR was founded after seeing firsthand how many small businesses struggle with HR not because they don’t care about their people, but because they don’t have the time or resources to manage it properly. The business was built to fill that gap by offering reliable, professional HR support that small and growing companies can truly depend on.
What inspired you to open this business? The inspiration came from years of working in human resources and watching business owners feel overwhelmed, unsure, or exposed when it came to compliance, employee issues, and people decisions. WolfpackHR was created to simplify HR, remove fear from the process, and help both employers and employees succeed.
How long have you been in the Black Hills area?
Ammie Michaels, WolfpackHR’s founder is a South Dakota Native and has called the Black Hills home for the last 40 years. WolfpackHR is proud to call the Black Hills home and to serve businesses throughout the area. Being rooted locally allows us to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that Black Hills businesses face.
What do you love most about being part of the local community?
What we love most is the strong sense of connection and support among local businesses. The Black Hills community values relationships, trust, and hard work and that aligns perfectly with how WolfpackHR operates. Being able to support fellow local business owners and contribute to a thriving local economy is incredibly rewarding.
Customer Experience
What can customers expect when they visit you for the first time? From the first conversation, customers can expect a welcoming, judgment-free experience. We take time to listen, ask the right questions, and understand their business before offering solutions. There’s no pressure, just honest guidance, clear next steps, and a plan that fits their needs.
What’s the atmosphere or vibe of your business?
The vibe at WolfpackHR is professional but approachable. We’re knowledgeable and strategic, yet down-to-earth and easy to work with. Clients often describe working with us as having a trusted advisor on their team rather than a distant consultant.
What do people always come back for? Clients come back for consistency, reliability, and peace of mind. They know they’ll get timely responses, practical solutions, and support they can trust especially when dealing with sensitive or complex people issues.
What are you most proud to offer customers?
We’re most proud of offering confidence and clarity. Business owners leave conversations with WolfpackHR feeling supported, informed, and empowered to make better decisions for their people and their business.
Ammie Michaels
WolfpackHR Founder
I’m the founder of WolfpackHR, bringing years of experience in human resources and a passion for helping small businesses build strong, compliant, people-first workplaces. I believe HR should feel supportive and practical, not overwhelming. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll usually find me outdoors enjoying everything the Black Hills has to offer, from hiking and exploring new trails to simply soaking up time in nature. That balance between people, business, and the outdoors is a big part of what drives how I work.
Outdoor Adventures
Trail Talk
What’s your favorite trail in the Black Hills and why? Any trail that offers quiet, fresh air, and a good view. The Black Hills never disappoint.
Most memorable experience on a Black Hills trail?
One of my most memorable experiences on a Black Hills trail was spending several hours at Buzzard’s Roost with a small group of incredible women during an outdoor cohort session. We hiked, talked, reflected, and shared real conversations while surrounded by some of the most beautiful views in the Hills. It was a powerful reminder that growth, both personal and professional, often happens best when you slow down, step outside, and create space to truly connect.
What’s always in your backpack (your must-carry items)? Water, a good snack, and a notebook. I like to be prepared, but I also love capturing ideas or reflections that come up on the trail. There’s something about being outside that sparks clarity and creativity, and I never want to lose those moments.
Who is your favorite hiking/adventure partner? Anyone who enjoys a good trail, good conversation, and doesn’t rush the journey.
What are your top tips for people exploring the Hills? Take your time and explore beyond the most popular spots. Start early, bring plenty of water, and always be prepared for changing weather. Most importantly, be present…put the phone away when you can, respect the trails, and enjoy the quiet moments. The Black Hills reward curiosity and patience.
Is there a trail in the Black Hills you think everyone should experience at least once? The Cathedral Spires Trail in Custer State Park is one I think everyone should experience at least once. The granite spires are iconic, the trail is short but adventurous, and the views are unforgettable. It’s the kind of hike that makes you stop, look around, and truly appreciate the rugged beauty of the Black Hills.
What Black Hills season do you love exploring in most — and why?
Fall is my favorite season to explore the Black Hills. The cooler weather makes long hikes more enjoyable, and the changing colors add an extra layer of beauty to every trail. There’s a calm, grounded feeling in the Hills during fall that makes it the perfect time to slow down and take it all in.
Favorite trail snack or post-hike treat? It really depends on the trail I’m on. I always like to finish a hike by stopping at a local coffee shop or restaurant, it’s a great way to support local businesses and extend the experience beyond the trail.
What’s the coolest place you’ve explored outside the Black Hills?
One of the coolest places I’ve explored outside the Black Hills is Haleakalā in Maui with my family. The landscape feels otherworldly, and being there together made it even more meaningful. Watching the light change over the crater was an unforgettable reminder of how powerful and grounding nature can be.
If you could pick one dream destination for an outdoor trip, where would you go? Europe would be my dream destination for an outdoor trip. I love the idea of combining incredible landscapes, history, and culture…whether that’s hiking through the Alps, exploring coastal trails, or discovering small towns along the way. It feels like a place where adventure and experience naturally go hand in hand.
Favorite national park or public land you’ve visited?
Yellowstone is my favorite national park I’ve visited, with driving through the Grand Tetons coming in a close second. Yellowstone’s geothermal features and wide-open landscapes are unlike anywhere else, and the drive through the Tetons is absolutely breathtaking. Together, they make for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Most surprising wildlife encounter (here or elsewhere)? One of my most surprising wildlife encounters happened during a quick afternoon hike in the Skyline Wilderness Area. My husband and I came across what I’m convinced was the largest muskrat known to man. It completely caught us off guard and gave us a good laugh and was one of those unexpected moments that makes even a short hike memorable.
What’s one piece of gear you can’t live without? Good-quality socks. They’re not the most exciting piece of gear, but they make all the difference on the trail especially for comfort and longevity. When your feet are happy, the rest of the hike is better.
Which trail do you recommend for beginners? For beginners, I always recommend the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail at Sylvan Lake. It’s an easy, well-marked loop with beautiful scenery, minimal elevation gain, and plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the views. It’s a great introduction to hiking in the Black Hills and a reminder that you don’t need a difficult trail to have an incredible experience.
Which trail do you recommend for those wanting a challenge?
For those looking for a challenge, I recommend the trail to Black Elk Peak. The elevation gain, rock steps, and length make it a rewarding workout, and the views from the summit are hard to beat. It’s a hike that pushes you physically while offering a real sense of accomplishment at the top.
One piece of advice you’d give someone new to hiking or biking the Black Hills:
Start slow and respect the terrain. The Black Hills can change quickly with weather and trail conditions, so being prepared makes all the difference. Give yourself time, bring more water than you think you’ll need, and don’t be afraid to turn around because there’s always another trail waiting.
What outdoor activity do you enjoy most besides hiking? (Biking, fishing, climbing, trail running, etc.) Kayaking! I love being out on the water…it’s peaceful, grounding, and offers a completely different perspective on the outdoors. It’s the perfect balance of movement and calm.