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Ignite Partners: Kevin Dolph on ExpertPEO’s Client-Centric Approach to HR Solutions | #112

Episode 112 of the Ignite Podcast

In today’s competitive business environment, managing HR, payroll, and employee benefits can be overwhelming for startups and small-to-midsize businesses. Many don’t realize there’s an alternative that can help streamline these tasks, improve employee satisfaction, and even save on costs. In this episode of The Ignite Podcast, Brian Bell speaks with Kevin Dolph, the founder of ExpertPEO, who specializes in connecting businesses with the right Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solutions. Here’s an overview of how PEOs can transform the HR operations of small companies and why ExpertPEO’s buy-side approach is particularly impactful.

What is a PEO and How Does it Benefit Small Businesses?

PEOs, or Professional Employer Organizations, offer a unique co-employment model. Essentially, a PEO handles a company’s HR, payroll, compliance, and benefits administration, acting as an external HR department. This allows small businesses to access high-quality benefits that typically only large corporations can afford, such as robust medical plans, 401(k) programs, and employee assistance services. Through the PEO’s buying power, startups can save 30-40% on benefits and 10-40% on workers’ compensation premiums—savings that make a meaningful difference in their budgets.

Kevin shares that many companies assume that a PEO replaces HR entirely, but the goal is to streamline and support, not replace. By integrating and automating HR tasks, such as onboarding, performance management, and time tracking, PEOs enable business owners and their teams to focus on growth rather than administrative duties.

How ExpertPEO Stands Out with a Buy-Side Approach

ExpertPEO works differently than most PEOs, adopting a buy-side approach that prioritizes the client’s needs over any specific PEO provider. With access to more than 13 PEOs on its platform, ExpertPEO acts as a broker, assessing a company’s unique needs and then matching them with the PEO that offers the best fit. For example, if a startup requires strong mental health support as a part of their benefits package, ExpertPEO can filter options to find the PEOs that prioritize those services.

This approach alleviates the stress of sifting through proposals and negotiating with sales reps. As Kevin explains, “We handle the entire process, spreadsheet the current and projected costs, and ensure clients find the best solution for their business goals.” This way, companies avoid locking themselves into ill-fitting contracts, ensuring they get maximum value from their PEO relationship.

Trending Benefits Small Businesses Should Consider

As Kevin highlights, some of the fastest-growing demands among employees today include mental health services and fertility benefits. ExpertPEO ensures that their partner PEOs provide these essential services, often as part of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer 24/7 mental health support. Fertility benefits, too, are increasingly relevant to young workforces, making them an attractive addition to any benefits package. These perks aren’t just about staying competitive in the job market; they help foster a supportive, inclusive culture that attracts and retains talent.

Another valuable feature of PEOs that many businesses overlook is health advocacy. Most PEOs offer health advocates who help employees navigate their medical bills, often working with providers to negotiate costs. This service can save employees significant amounts of money and provides peace of mind, knowing they have guidance on complicated medical expenses.

Compliance and Scaling: Simplifying the Complexities of Growth

With the rise of remote work, HR compliance has become more complex as companies navigate varying state regulations. For companies with teams spread across multiple states, keeping up with compliance—especially for benefits and paid family leave—can be daunting. ExpertPEO’s PEO partners have teams dedicated to managing compliance across all states, ensuring businesses avoid costly fines and focus on what they do best. This also enables companies to scale without worrying about regulatory challenges in new locations.

Kevin also explains that PEOs are flexible based on the company’s growth trajectory. ExpertPEO partners with PEOs that work with teams as small as two employees, allowing startups to benefit from these services early on. And even as companies grow, they often continue using PEOs, especially if they operate across states, where staying compliant requires constant updates and knowledge of local laws.

A Long-Term Partnership Focused on Savings and Efficiency

One of ExpertPEO’s greatest advantages is its commitment to long-term savings. When a company joins a PEO, ExpertPEO maintains a consulting relationship, overseeing renewals and assessing ongoing needs. Each year, ExpertPEO benchmarks the company’s current costs and works to keep renewal costs competitive. They even negotiate second-year rate caps on medical expenses, creating a two-year window of cost predictability, which is invaluable for small businesses managing tight budgets.

For companies looking to streamline HR, improve benefits, and manage growth without added complexity, ExpertPEO offers a powerful resource. With a client-first approach, deep industry knowledge, and a strong network of PEO partners, ExpertPEO helps small businesses unlock big benefits, making the journey of scaling smoother and more cost-effective.

Get in touch with ExpertPEO here

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Chapters:

·         Introduction to Kevin Dolph & ExpertPEO (00:01 – 00:37)

·         Understanding the PEO Model and Its Benefits (00:38 – 01:42)

·         Distinguishing PEOs from Traditional HR Outsourcing (01:43 – 02:55)

·         ExpertPEO’s Buy-Side Approach for Clients (02:56 – 04:53)

·         Client Success Stories in Cost Savings & Growth (04:54 – 05:48)

·         Trending Benefits: Mental Health and Fertility Support (05:49 – 07:02)

·         Compliance Challenges for Remote Teams (07:03 – 08:54)

·         Cost-Saving Strategies with Workers’ Comp & Insurance (08:55 – 10:15)

·         Ideal Client Size for PEO Engagement (10:16 – 12:12)

·         Ongoing Client Support and Renewal Management (12:13 – 13:14)

·         ExpertPEO’s Competitive Advantage in the PEO Space (13:15 – 15:04)

·         Rapid-Fire Insights & Productivity Tips from Kevin (15:05 – 16:00)