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.
A PEO company partners with businesses to manage critical back-office functions like:
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.
Most companies don’t start by searching “small business PEO.” They start with a problem:
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.
Not all PEO companies are created equal.
According to Erica and Chad, the biggest differentiator is proactive, consultative support:
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.
One of the most common questions is:
While PEO pricing varies, it’s typically structured as:
Factors that influence professional employer organization cost include:
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.”
The rise of remote work has made outsourced payroll and HR outsourcing more critical than ever.
Companies now face:
“It’s an impossible task for a small business to try and do on their own.”
This is why businesses are increasingly searching for:
One major advantage of a small business benefits provider like a PEO is access to better plans.
Through pooled buying power, businesses can offer:
This allows smaller companies to deliver “Fortune 500 benefits for small business”—without the enterprise price tag.
Another overlooked benefit of PEO services is risk management.
Businesses get support with:
Many companies don’t realize how exposed they are until it’s too late.
A strong PEO helps eliminate that risk proactively.
According to Chad and Erica, the PEO industry is splitting into two paths:
“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.
If you’re searching for:
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.
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:
…then a professional employer organization could be one of the most impactful decisions you make.
A great PEO provider doesn’t just save time—it transforms how your business operates.
Instead of reacting to problems, you gain:
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.