PEO Speedwagon

PEOMG
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Business
  • Updated Semiweekly

The PEO Speedwagon Podcast is a dynamic podcast that delves into the intricate world of HR outsourcing, focusing on how small businesses can leverage Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to their advantage. Hosted by Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro (peomg.com), each episode unpacks the complexities of PEOs in a conversational and accessible manner to demystify the process and highlight its benefits. With a blend of expert insights, real-world examples, and a touch of humor, this is the go-to resource for anyone looking to optimize their HR operations and foster growth.

  1. Sep 21

    HR Tea - Watch Out for HR Karma!

    Welcome to HRT: HR Tea, a new PEO Speedwagon format where Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro dig into the strange, messy, complicated, and occasionally unbelievable stories happening in the world of work. Because HR headlines are rarely as simple as they sound. In our first edition, Heather and Ryan take on three stories that raise some surprisingly big questions about leadership, workplace culture, discrimination, employee behavior, and what happens when the people making employment decisions suddenly find themselves on the other side of one. First up is the story of Vishal Garg, the Better.com CEO who became infamous for firing roughly 900 employees during a Zoom call. Years later, Garg reportedly found himself out of the CEO role, giving Heather and Ryan plenty to discuss about leadership, accountability, and whether the way an organization handles difficult decisions tells you something about its culture. From there, the conversation turns to age discrimination and a case that isn't quite as straightforward as the headline might suggest. What responsibilities do employers have when making decisions that affect older workers? Where does legitimate business judgment end and discrimination begin? And how should leaders think about consistency when employment decisions inevitably involve some level of subjectivity? Then things get even messier. What happens when an employee does something questionable outside of work? At what point does personal behavior become an employer's concern, and how much should someone's actions away from the office influence their professional life? It's an increasingly difficult line for employers to navigate, especially when social media can turn a private moment into a very public one almost instantly. Naturally, this discussion also leads to an unexpectedly detailed conversation about stealing trash cans, because apparently that's part of HR now too. Throughout the episode, Heather and Ryan don't always agree, and that's exactly the point of HRT. These aren't meant to be perfectly packaged case studies with obvious answers. They're real situations that expose the gray areas leaders, HR professionals, and business owners have to navigate every day. How consistent do you need to be? When should an employer get involved? How much does context matter? And what does the way you handle the uncomfortable situations say about the culture you're actually building? Pour yourself a cup. ☕️ The first serving of HRT: HR Tea is officially on the table.

  2. Sep 8

    For the Good of the Pack with Fred Gauna | Endangered Wolf Center

    What do wolves, leadership, and PEOs have in common?More than you'd probably expect.In this episode of the PEO Speedwagon Podcast, Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro sit down with Fred Gauna, Executive Director of the Endangered Wolf Center, for a conversation that starts with endangered species and eventually finds its way to a challenge facing leaders of small and mission-driven organizations everywhere:How do you take care of your people while protecting the resources you need to fulfill your mission?Fred's career has taken him from working directly with animals to leading an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered wolves and other wild canid species. He gives us a fascinating look behind the scenes at the Endangered Wolf Center, the realities of conservation work, and what it means to lead an organization where the mission is deeply personal to the people doing the work.That passion, however, can come with a cost.Fred talks candidly about the "passion tax" that often exists in nonprofit organizations, where employees accept lower compensation or fewer benefits because they believe so deeply in the work. As a leader, Fred wanted something better for his team.That ultimately led the Endangered Wolf Center to explore a PEO.Fred shares what that decision looked like, the concerns he had going into the process, and what has changed since making the move. Two years later, the organization has been able to invest more in employee benefits while gaining access to the HR infrastructure and support a smaller organization would struggle to build internally.For Fred, that means less time navigating the administrative side of employment and more time focused on the work only his organization can do.And that work is pretty incredible.We get into wolf conservation, breeding programs, raising pups for eventual release into the wild, the role wolves play in healthy ecosystems, and some of the misconceptions people still have about these animals.We also explore Fred's evolution from animal care into executive leadership, what working with animals has taught him about people, and the unique challenge of leading employees who are deeply emotionally connected to an organization's mission.And because this is PEO Speedwagon, we don't stay entirely on the serious stuff.Fred tells us about his former life walking a warthog on a leash, we debate which animals you should actually be afraid of in the wild, crows make a surprisingly strong case for being smarter than most of us give them credit for, and Ryan gets the opportunity to ask approximately every question he would have asked during a third-grade field trip.It's a conversation about conservation, leadership, employee experience, and the role a PEO can play in helping a small organization operate with the resources and sophistication of a much larger one.But more than anything, it's a reminder of what all that HR infrastructure is supposed to accomplish in the first place:Give great people the support they need to spend more of their time doing work that matters.

  3. Aug 25

    CONVERGENCE: Where Competitors Became Collaborators | PEO Brokers Collective

    The PEO brokerage industry just had its breakout moment. Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro unpack CONVERGENCE, the first event where competitors showed up to collaborate, learn, and build something bigger than any one firm. What happened in Duluth, Georgia wasn’t just a networking event - it was a reset for an entire industry. Brokers who’ve operated in silos for years finally got face time with peers from around the country, and for the first time, PEOs, sales leaders, and general agents were all in the same room having the kind of honest conversations that usually stay behind closed doors. You'll hear how the energy in the room shifted from hesitation to momentum, why the breakout sessions were packed with practical tactics people could take home and use immediately, and how open conversations about underwriting, healthcare cost pressure, client fit, and better sales alignment are reshaping what it means to serve small and medium-sized businesses. Heather and Ryan also break down the deeper value of the PEO Brokers Collective’s three pillars - collaboration, community, and education - and why this event gave many attendees something they’ve been missing for years: a real sense of belonging, plus a stronger network to solve problems with. If you care about the future of PEO, brokerage, or how real industry change happens when competitors decide to help each other, this episode is packed with momentum, insight, and proof that the next chapter has already started. Heather Applegate is the host of PEO Speedwagon, Chief Advisory Officer at peomg, and emcee of the inaugural CONVERGENCE, helping build community and education for brokers across the industry. Ryan Shapiro joins as President of the PEO Brokers Collective, offering an on-the-ground view of the event’s energy, tactical breakout sessions, and the opportunities this new community is creating. Perfect for PEO brokers, sales leaders, and anyone who wants to understand why this first-of-its-kind gathering may become a defining moment for the industry.

    CONVERGENCE: Where Competitors Became Collaborators | PEO Brokers Collective

  4. Aug 11

    Your Values Have a Job to Do with Steve Blair | New Nexus Group

    Leadership isn't a title. It's a series of choices. In this episode of the PEO Speedwagon Podcast, Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro sit down with Steve Blair of New Nexus Group to explore what separates good leaders from truly influential ones. Drawing from his years at Procter & Gamble and his work helping organizations develop leaders and high-performing teams, Steve shares practical lessons on career growth, culture, coaching, and why investing in people is still the highest-return decision a leader can make. Along the way, the conversation takes an unexpected turn into one of Steve's favorite traditions: choosing walk-up songs. His picks? 🎵 "Winning" by Santana Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/search/Winning%20Santana](https://open.spotify.com/search/Winning%20Santana?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Apple Music: [https://music.apple.com/us/search?term=Winning%20Santana](https://music.apple.com/us/search?term=Winning+Santana&utm_source=chatgpt.com) 🎵 "Out the Speakers" by A-Trak & Milo & Otis Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/search/Out%20the%20Speakers%20A-Trak%20Milo%20%26%20Otis](https://open.spotify.com/search/Out%20the%20Speakers%20A-Trak%20Milo%20%26%20Otis?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Apple Music: [https://music.apple.com/us/search?term=Out%20the%20Speakers%20A-Trak%20Milo%20Otis](https://music.apple.com/us/search?term=Out+the+Speakers+A-Trak+Milo+Otis&utm_source=chatgpt.com) Whether you're leading a company, building a team, or simply trying to become a better leader, this episode is full of thoughtful insights on growth, service, and creating cultures where people can do their best work.

  5. Jul 28

    Building Startup Ecosystems with Gabe Angieri | Arch Grants

    What does it really take to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem? In this episode of the PEO Speedwagon Podcast, Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro sit down with Gabe Angieri, Executive Director of Arch Grants, to discuss what it means to build communities where founders, investors, advisors, and organizations all play a role in helping new ideas become successful businesses. Gabe shares his path from New York to St. Louis, the mission behind Arch Grants, and why supporting entrepreneurs is about far more than funding. The conversation explores leadership through influence, the realities of startup growth, and the partnerships that allow small business owners to stay focused on building. As the discussion turns to scaling companies, Heather and Ryan explore the role Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) can play in removing operational friction, helping founders access enterprise-level HR and human resources support, and creating the infrastructure growing businesses need without slowing their momentum. Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, PEO professional, or someone passionate about building stronger business communities, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how great companies, startup ecosystems, and the partnerships behind them are built.

  6. Jul 14

    Kenny Randle, From the NFL to PEO: How to Lead Championship Teams

    What do championship football teams, elite sales organizations, and great company cultures have in common?In this episode of the PEO Speedwagon Podcast, Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro sit down with Kenny Randle, founder of The Randall Group, former Insperity executive, former NFL player, and USC National Champion.Kenny shares lessons from professional sports, decades of leadership, and helping build one of the most influential organizations in the PEO industry. The conversation explores what separates good leaders from great ones, why culture drives long-term success, and how partnership, coaching, and trust create high-performing teams.In this episode:🏆 Championship mindset and leadership🏈 Lessons from USC, the NFL, and Tom Landry🤝 Building trust through coaching and partnership📈 Sales leadership and developing top performers🎯 Creating a culture people never want to leave💼 Growing businesses through people-first leadership🚀 The future of leadership, entrepreneurship, and the PEO industryWhether you're a business owner, sales leader, entrepreneur, HR professional, or PEO advisor, this episode is filled with practical insights on leadership, culture, coaching, and building organizations that win consistently.Subscribe to the PEO Speedwagon Podcast for conversations with the leaders shaping HR, PEO, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the future of work.

  7. Jun 30

    Stephanie Neale, CEO of Blind Zebra

    Stephanie Neale of Blind Zebra joins Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro on the PEO Speedwagon Podcast for a conversation on leadership, sales, company culture, business growth, and the evolving role of HR in today's workplace. From building high-performing sales teams and scaling organizations to leveraging PEOs (Professional Employer Organizations) and strengthening company culture, Stephanie shares practical insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, and growth-minded leaders. The conversation explores: • Sales leadership and business development• Company culture and employee engagement• PEOs and HR strategy for growing businesses• Hiring, retention, and talent acquisition• Remote work and multi-state compliance• Leadership accountability and core values• Scaling teams and organizational growth• Networking, relationship-building, and modern sales strategies Whether you're a business owner, HR leader, entrepreneur, sales professional, or advisor serving small and medium-sized businesses, this episode delivers actionable insights on leadership, people strategy, and sustainable growth. PEO Speedwagon is the podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, HR professionals, and PEO experts looking to build stronger businesses through better people strategy.Stephanie Neale of Blind Zebra joins Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro on the PEO Speedwagon Podcast for a conversation on leadership, sales, company culture, business growth, and the evolving role of HR in today's workplace. From building high-performing sales teams and scaling organizations to leveraging PEOs (Professional Employer Organizations) and strengthening company culture, Stephanie shares practical insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, and growth-minded leaders. The conversation explores: • Sales leadership and business development• Company culture and employee engagement• PEOs and HR strategy for growing businesses• Hiring, retention, and talent acquisition• Remote work and multi-state compliance• Leadership accountability and core values• Scaling teams and organizational growth• Networking, relationship-building, and modern sales strategies Whether you're a business owner, HR leader, entrepreneur, sales professional, or advisor serving small and medium-sized businesses, this episode delivers actionable insights on leadership, people strategy, and sustainable growth. PEO Speedwagon is the podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, HR professionals, and PEO experts looking to build stronger businesses through better people strategy.

  8. Jun 16

    Adam Robin, Founder, Inbox Zero VA

    Buying Back Your Time with Adam Robin | Hosted by Heather Applegate & Ryan Shapiro In a first for the PEO Speedwagon Podcast, Heather Applegate officially takes her seat behind the mic alongside Ryan Shapiro as co-host. And she wastes no time diving into one of the biggest challenges facing founders and business leaders today: How do you get your time back? Joined by Adam Robin, founder of Inbox Zero, the conversation explores the reality of entrepreneurship, burnout, delegation, virtual assistants, AI, and the difficult transition from doing everything yourself to building systems that create freedom. Adam shares his journey from physical therapist and practice owner to helping organizations reclaim bandwidth through intentional outsourcing and operational efficiency. Along the way, the group discusses: ✅ Why entrepreneurs hit the wall✅ The hidden cost of doing everything yourself✅ How to identify high-energy vs. low-energy work✅ Virtual assistants, AI, and the future of productivity✅ Leadership lessons for founders who struggle to let go✅ Practical ways to buy back your time and focus on what matters most If you've ever felt buried in admin work, stretched too thin, or trapped inside your own business, this episode is for you. Because sometimes growth isn't about doing more. It's about creating space to do the right things.

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5
out of 5
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About

The PEO Speedwagon Podcast is a dynamic podcast that delves into the intricate world of HR outsourcing, focusing on how small businesses can leverage Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to their advantage. Hosted by Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro (peomg.com), each episode unpacks the complexities of PEOs in a conversational and accessible manner to demystify the process and highlight its benefits. With a blend of expert insights, real-world examples, and a touch of humor, this is the go-to resource for anyone looking to optimize their HR operations and foster growth.

Information

  • Creator
    PEOMG
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PEOMG
  • Show Website
    PEO Speedwagon