If you’ve ever wondered whether a professional employer organization (PEO) is right for your business, you’re not alone.
In this episode of It’s Personnel, Erica Brune (CEO at Lever1) and Chad Braymer (President at Lever1) break down what PEO services actually look like in practice—and why more companies are turning to them for HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance support.
Whether you’re evaluating a PEO for small business, comparing PEO pricing, or exploring payroll and HR outsourcing, this conversation offers real-world clarity.
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What Does a PEO Company Actually Do?
A PEO company partners with businesses to manage critical back-office functions like:
- Payroll processing
- HR administration
- Employee benefits
- Compliance and risk management
As Erica explains, Lever1 originally built a PEO to support its own portfolio of businesses—then quickly realized how powerful the model could be for others:
“We thought that was going to be a really effective way for us to manage our companies… and we fell in love with it.”
Today, PEO providers act as strategic partners—not just vendors—helping businesses scale without getting buried in administrative complexity.
Why Small Businesses Use PEO Services
Most companies don’t start by searching “small business PEO.” They start with a problem:
- Rising benefits costs
- Payroll errors
- HR compliance risks
- Multi-state hiring complexity
Chad puts it simply:
“It’s not a problem until it’s a problem… and then it’s a very expensive problem.”
That’s where PEO HR payroll benefits solutions come in—offering proactive support before issues escalate.
Key Benefits of a PEO for Small Business
✅ Access to Fortune 500-level benefits
✅ Reduced compliance risk
✅ Streamlined payroll services
✅ Strategic HR consulting
✅ Peace of mind for business owners
What Makes a Great PEO vs. an Average One?
Not all PEO companies are created equal.
According to Erica and Chad, the biggest differentiator is proactive, consultative support:
- Anticipating issues before they happen
- Acting as an extension of your team
- Providing real strategic guidance—not just software
This is where many SaaS-only platforms fall short—and why businesses often look for a Rippling alternative, Justworks alternative, or TriNet alternative when they outgrow self-service tools.
How Much Does a PEO Cost?
One of the most common questions is:
“How much does a PEO cost?”
While PEO pricing varies, it’s typically structured as:
- A percentage of payroll or
- A flat PEO fee per employee
Factors that influence professional employer organization cost include:
- Company size
- Industry risk level
- Benefits selection
- Multi-state complexity
👉 (Helpside has extensive content breaking down PEO cost and pricing models—use this to reinforce credibility in your landing pages.)
Important Insight
The lowest PEO cost doesn’t always equal the best value.
“Our clients aren’t looking for the lowest cost solution—they’re looking for the best solution.”
Payroll & HR Outsourcing: Why It’s Growing Fast
The rise of remote work has made outsourced payroll and HR outsourcing more critical than ever.
Companies now face:
- Multi-state payroll compliance
- Varying tax regulations
- Complex employment laws
“It’s an impossible task for a small business to try and do on their own.”
This is why businesses are increasingly searching for:
- Payroll services
- Payroll for small business
- Multi-state payroll processing
- HR compliance help
- Employment law compliance help
Employee Benefits: Competing with Bigger Companies
One major advantage of a small business benefits provider like a PEO is access to better plans.
Through pooled buying power, businesses can offer:
- Affordable health benefits for small business
- Competitive retirement plans
- Expanded coverage options
This allows smaller companies to deliver “Fortune 500 benefits for small business”—without the enterprise price tag.
Risk, Compliance & Workers’ Comp Support
Another overlooked benefit of PEO services is risk management.
Businesses get support with:
- Workers comp help
- Workplace safety training
- Reducing workers comp costs
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
Many companies don’t realize how exposed they are until it’s too late.
A strong PEO helps eliminate that risk proactively.
The Future of PEO: High-Tech vs. High-Touch
According to Chad and Erica, the PEO industry is splitting into two paths:
1. Low-Touch, Tech-Driven
- Self-service platforms
- AI-powered answers
- Lower cost, less support
2. High-Touch, Strategic PEOs
- Dedicated experts
- Consultative partnerships
- Deep business involvement
“You’re either going very high touch… or very efficient and low touch.”
For growing businesses, the second model often delivers significantly more long-term value.
Local Expertise Matters: PEO by State
If you’re searching for:
- Utah PEO
- Arizona PEO
- Idaho PEO
- Wyoming PEO
Local expertise can make a major difference—especially with state-specific compliance and employment laws.
Helpside and Lever1 both emphasize community-driven service models, combining national capabilities with regional expertise.
Is a PEO Right for Your Business?
The ideal client for a PEO for small business isn’t defined by size or industry—it’s mindset.
“The perfect client is the entrepreneur who says: I’m going to grow my business—and you handle payroll, HR, and benefits.”
If you want to:
- Scale faster
- Reduce risk
- Improve employee experience
- Offload administrative burden
…then a professional employer organization could be one of the most impactful decisions you make.
Final Takeaway
A great PEO provider doesn’t just save time—it transforms how your business operates.
Instead of reacting to problems, you gain:
- A proactive partner
- Strategic guidance
- Operational confidence
And most importantly:
👉 The freedom to focus on growing your business.
Ready to simplify HR, payroll, and benefits?
Talk to a PEO expert today and see how Helpside can support your business.
Call Helpside today for your Free 15-Minute Benefits Audit: 1-800-748-5102 and see how much time and money your business could save.
Further Readings:
Why Onboarding with a PEO Can Make or Break Your Business Growth