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