Who we are
P5 Consulting Services, LLC was founded in 2004 by Don and Marylou Pritchard, bringing together a deep passion for Agriculture and Civil Engineering/Construction Management with decades of practical experience.What began as a niche recruitment service has since grown into a trusted resource for staffing, executive search, and innovative retention solutions across industries. Our mission has always been simple: Connect the right people with the right opportunities while ensuring long-term success.
Grounded in the solid work ethic instilled since childhood, Don and Marylou have built P5 with a reputation for quality client service, personal attention, and ethical standards. Our approach is grounded in real-world experience and the latest industry knowledge, keeping us at the forefront of staffing needs.
What Sets Us Apart
Both Don and Marylou were raised on family ranching operations. Marylou began working soon after high school in Public Works. This unique upbringing gives them an unparalleled understanding of the agriculture and civil engineering industries.
With decades of industry experience behind them, they don't simply understand the needs of the role you're trying to file - they have lived it.
Panorama from the top of the BarB6 ranch which has been in Don's family since the late 1800s.
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Don and Marylou celebrating an Easter Sunday picnic at the top - BarB6 Ranch
Our Approach
We understand that each client is unique. From organizational priorities to company culture, every placement requires a deep understanding of the factors that drive your business. With a wide perspective, deep understanding, and a commitment to personal service, we offer tailored solutions that go beyond the basic checklist.
Our success is demonstrated by our impressively high rate of repeat business with individuals from 2004 still on our active client list.
Our Founders
Co-Founder and Director of Agriculture
Don Pritchard
Born and raised on his family’s grain and commercial cattle ranch in the Carrisa Plains and Bitterwater Valley of San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties, Don Pritchard grew up immersed in the world of Agriculture. His family's ranching operations, which have been in his family since the late 1800s, gave Don a firsthand understanding of the challenges and reward of agribusiness. This upbringing on the ranch provided firsthand experience with the complexities of managing agricultural operations, from cattle and grain production to the everyday challenges of running a successful commercial ranch. This deep connection to the land has given Don an unmatched understanding of the agricultural sector, making him a trusted advisor and recruiter for companies in the industry. As a Co-Founder and Director of Agriculture at P5 Consulting Services, Don applies his decades of experience to help agribusinesses find the right leaders and technical experts to drive success. As a second generation graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, his ties with others are strong and run generations deep. This is enhanced with other family members who have been impactful through the Ag Leadership program which reaches global resources. Don’s approach to recruitment is grounded in authenticity and practicality—he knows what it takes to succeed in agriculture because he’s lived it. Whether he’s searching for executive leaders or technical specialists, Don is committed to finding candidates who understand the values, work ethic, and unique challenges of the agricultural industry. When he’s not working, Don enjoys rural life with his wife, Marylou, spending time with his children and grandson, riding motorcycles and watching Bodie in his Agility classes.
Don's approachable, no-nonsense style, combined with his deep industry expertise, makes him a go-to partner for agribusinesses looking to grow with the right talent.
Co-Founder and Director of Civil Engineering, CM and Survey
Marylou Pritchard, SHRM-SCP
With over 30 years of experience in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Human Resources, Marylou Pritchard is a seasoned Operational leader and recruitment subject matter expert who knows the industries she serves inside and out. Raised on a family ranch in rural California, Marylou's strong work ethic and commitment to doing things the right way were instilled early on, forming the foundation of her success in business. Marylou’s career spans a range of leadership roles, including stakeholder interest in a civil engineering firm, where she developed a reputation for optimizing team performance, and aligning HR strategies with organizational goals and business growth targets. Her expertise lies in strategic HR leadership, talent acquisition, and retention strategies, and she has successfully built and implemented systems that have helped companies thrive (preparing to scale) in highly competitive markets. As a SHRM-SCP certified professional, Marylou specializes in compensation design, performance management, and organizational development, including QA/QC and compliance. At P5 Consulting, she offers clients proprietary post-placement retention services, which go beyond traditional recruitment, ensuring long-term success for both the candidates she places and the companies she serves. Marylou’s personal connection to the industries she supports, combined with her professional expertise, sets her apart from typical recruiters. She doesn’t just fill roles—she builds relationships and helps companies grow through tailored, strategic recruitment and retention programs. Her work at P5 is driven by her passion for matching top-tier talent with organizations that value both performance and culture. When she’s not working, Marylou enjoys spending time in the peaceful setting of rural life with her husband, Don, their children and grandson, riding motorcycles, and their dog Bodie! Her dedication to her clients, paired with her personal and professional experience, makes her a trusted partner in both the civil engineering and HR spaces.