It's Personnel

Helpside
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  • Management

They say business isn’t personal. They’re wrong. In a growing company, it’s always personnel. Managing a team of 20 to 150 employees is the highest-stakes work you’ll ever do. It’s messy, it’s rewarding, and it’s often overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt like an "accidental HR Director" or a leader drowning in compliance instead of focusing on culture, this show is for you. Welcome to It’s Personnel, the podcast from Helpside where we strip away the clinical jargon of Human Resources to focus on the human beings behind the business. Hosted by the experts at Helpside, we dive deep into the strategies that help small businesses grow 2x faster and stay 50% more resilient than their peers. What you’ll learn every other week: The Hero’s Journey of HR: How to move from paperwork processor to strategic leader.Growth Levers: Using Fortune 500-level benefits and "big company" perks to win the war for talent.Compliance Without the Headache: Staying ahead of 2026 labor trends, AI in the workplace, and multi-state payroll.Culture as a Metric: Real-world stories of building teams that don't just work—they thrive. Whether you’re a CEO looking for a competitive edge or an HR manager looking for a force multiplier, It’s Personnel provides the roadmap to handle the personnel, so you can focus on the personal. Subscribe now to turn your HR from a back-office burden into your biggest business advantage.

  1. Inside Helpside's Texas Expansion: What We're Seeing in the DFW Market

    May 28

    Inside Helpside's Texas Expansion: What We're Seeing in the DFW Market

    Colin Beneke and Nikki Sullivan both came from Insperity — one of the largest PEOs in the country. So why did they leave to help launch Helpside in a brand new market? In this episode, Colin and Nikki sit down to talk about how they ended up in Dallas, what drew them to ⁠Helpside⁠, what they're seeing in the DFW business market, and what they think the next 12 months looks like for the Texas team. What's covered: Why two experienced PEO sales reps left an established national brand for a startup marketWhat makes the DFW market one of the most exciting business environments in the country right nowHow Helpside's culture and leadership stood out from other opportunitiesThe real challenges of launching a PEO brand in a brand new cityWhy Texas businesses are ready for a different kind of PEO conversationWhat success looks like for the Dallas team in year oneWhat Colin and Nikki would tell any Dallas business owner who's considering Helpside If you're a business owner in the DFW area wondering whether Helpside is the right fit — or if you're considering a career in PEO sales — this conversation is worth your time. 👍 Like & Subscribe for more helpful Helpside insights. Interested? ⁠Book a free 15 minute benefit audit⁠ to learn more. Chapters: 0:00 – Meet Colin and Nikki: Helpside's Dallas team 1:16 – Why the Dallas-Fort Worth market is exploding right now 4:21 – How Helpside found Colin (and why he said yes) 5:39 – What stood out to Nikki from day one 6:32 – What made them both commit to Helpside 15:06 – What opportunities they see in the Dallas market 16:19 – The real challenges of launching in a new city 18:00 – Why Texas was a massive missed opportunity for Helpside to ignore 19:06 – What success looks like after year one 20:25 – What Nikki is most excited about in the next 6–12 months 21:11 – What Colin would tell any Dallas business owner considering Helpside 22:59 – Closing thoughts and how to connect

    23 min
  2. Your Manager Is Your Biggest Legal Risk — Here's What to Do About It

    May 20

    Your Manager Is Your Biggest Legal Risk — Here's What to Do About It

    Most companies treat harassment training like a checkbox. Watch the video, sign the form, move on. But Rachelle Beers and Amanda Rojas from Helpside have seen what happens when that's all you do — and it's expensive. In Part 2 of this series, they break down what employers specifically need to get right when it comes to harassment and discrimination. Not just the legal minimum. The stuff that actually protects your company and builds a workplace people want to stay in. What's covered: Why your managers are your biggest legal risk — and what to do about itThe difference between being legally compliant and having a healthy workplace cultureWhat happens when you protect a toxic high performer (and why it always backfires)How inconsistent management creates discrimination claims — even when nobody intended anything wrongThe "he said, she said" situation — how to handle it properlyWhy documentation and consistency are the two things that save companies in every investigationLeadership accountability: why high performers don't get a free passIf you're an employer who thinks you're probably fine — this episode will make you think twice. Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome: Part 2 recap and what employers need to know 1:58 – Harassment training isn't enough — what leaders actually need 2:52 – Good policy vs. healthy culture — why compliance isn't the same as safety 3:57 – Choosing the right managers and what their training must include 5:00 – Policies vs. reality — why a generic handbook doesn't protect you 7:00 – How inconsistent management creates legal exposure 9:00 – What to do the moment a complaint is filed 12:00 – How to handle a he said / she said situation 15:00 – Documentation, coaching, and keeping your eyes open for patterns 17:10 – Why managers make or break this — and the risk of leaving them untrained 18:00 – Leadership accountability: high performers don't get a free pass 18:50 – Final thoughts for employers and employees Call us today for your free benefits audit: 1-800-748-5102 or schedule now.

    20 min
  3. Am I Being Harassed at Work? Here's How to Know

    May 13

    Am I Being Harassed at Work? Here's How to Know

    Most workplace situations that feel wrong don't start with bad intentions. They start with poor judgment, a misunderstanding, or someone thinking "this probably isn't that big of a deal" — until it is. In this episode of It's Personnel, Rachelle Beers (HR Manager) and Amanda Rojas (HR Business Partner) break down workplace harassment and discrimination from two angles: what employees need to know, and what employers absolutely must get right. What's covered: What actually counts as harassment vs. discrimination — and why most people get it wrongThe difference between a policy violation and an actual legal violationThe "equal opportunity jerk" rule — why a bad manager isn't always breaking the lawAm I overreacting? How to evaluate your situation using the reasonable person standardWhat retaliation actually is — and what it isn'tWhy filing a complaint doesn't protect you from accountability for your own performanceWhat employers must do the moment a complaint is filed — and why doing nothing is never an optionHow to build a workplace culture that goes beyond just avoiding the legal minimum Whether you're an employee wondering if you should say something, or an employer hoping you're probably fine — this episode is for you. Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: Rachelle and Amanda on workplace harassment 1:10 – What actually counts as harassment and discrimination 3:22 – Policy violation vs. legal violation — the key difference 4:36 – Am I overreacting? The reasonable person standard 7:00 – Should I say something? Fears around reporting 9:00 – What happens after you report — the investigation process 12:00 – Retaliation: what it is and what it isn't 18:24 – Why documentation and consistency are your best defense 21:32 – Common misconceptions and key takeaways for employees 23:47 – Employer obligations when a complaint is filed Call us today for your ⁠free benefits audit: 1-800-748-5102 or schedule now.⁠ 👍 Like & Subscribe for more helpful ⁠Helpside ⁠insights. Resources: ⁠The Ultimate HR Success Toolkit -15+ Essential Checklists, Guides, and Templates for Complete Compliance and Growth⁠⁠

    24 min
  4. Why Your Employees Keep Quitting (And How to Fix It)

    May 7

    Why Your Employees Keep Quitting (And How to Fix It)

    60% of employees at small businesses quit within their first year. And replacing each one costs between $25,000 and $100,000 depending on their salary. Most business owners have no idea it's happening — and even less idea why. Sam T. from ⁠Helpside ⁠has worked with hundreds of small businesses on HR, payroll, and benefits. In this video he breaks down the five real reasons employees leave small businesses — and exactly what you can do to stop it. What's covered: Why 63% of workers who quit say it was because of low pay — and how to compete without matching corporate salariesThe benefits gap that's costing you top talent (and how a PEO closes it for less than you're paying now)Why employees leave managers, not jobs — and how to fix your culture before it's too lateHow burnout and lack of work-life balance is quietly gutting small business teamsThe four-step retention system that actually works for companies under 50 employees If you're tired of losing good people and starting over, this video will show you exactly what to fix first. 👍 Like & Subscribe for more helpful Helpside insights. Get your ⁠free benefits audit: schedule now⁠ Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: The true cost of employee turnover  1:03 – What turnover is actually costing your business  2:14 – Reason 1: They found better pay elsewhere  2:49 – Reason 2: No benefits or bad benefits  3:44 – The PEO solution — how small businesses get Fortune 500 benefits  4:23 – Reason 3: No growth opportunities  4:54 – Reason 4: Bad management or toxic culture  5:36 – Reason 5: Burnout and lack of work-life balance  6:07 – The 4-step fix: benefits, culture, growth, and hiring smart  7:34 – Free benefits consultation from Helpside

    9 min
  5. Gusto vs QuickBooks vs Paychex: The Truth Nobody Tells You

    Apr 17

    Gusto vs QuickBooks vs Paychex: The Truth Nobody Tells You

    Gusto. QuickBooks. Paychex. They're the three most popular payroll options for small businesses — and they all have the same problem nobody talks about. They're software. Which means when something goes wrong — a missed tax deadline, a wage law violation, a compliance error — the penalty doesn't go to them. It comes to you. In this video, Shelly from Helpside breaks down exactly what each platform does, what it costs, and where it leaves you exposed. Then she covers the option most small business owners don't even know exists. What's covered: Gusto: best for tech-savvy owners, starts at $40/month + $6 per employeeQuickBooks Payroll: best if you're already in the QuickBooks ecosystem, starts at $45/monthPaychex: dedicated account rep, but still software — and expensiveWhy all three leave compliance risk entirely on youWhat a PEO actually does differently — and why it changes everything If you're running payroll yourself and assuming your software has you covered, this video will make you rethink that assumption. Learn more about payroll at Helpside.com Chapters: 0:00 – The problem with payroll software  0:45 – Gusto: pricing and limitations  2:10 – QuickBooks Payroll: pricing and limitations  3:15 – Paychex: pricing and limitations  4:08 – What all three have in common  5:00 – What a PEO actually does  6:30 – Which option is right for you

    8 min
  6. The Peace of Mind No HR Software Can Give You

    Apr 8

    The Peace of Mind No HR Software Can Give You

    Most small business owners don't know they have an HR problem until it shows up as an IRS notice, a Department of Labor audit, or a lawsuit. Erica Brune (CEO) and Chad Brahmer (President) of Lever One have spent a combined 20+ years helping small businesses get out of their own way when it comes to HR, payroll, and compliance. In this episode, they break down how Lever One started, what separates a great PEO from an average one, and why the clients who treat their PEO as a strategic partner — not just a vendor — are the ones who actually sleep at night. What's covered: - How Lever One accidentally started a PEO — and why they never looked back - The compliance mistakes small businesses make without even knowing it - What long-term clients say they value most (it's not what you think) - Why the best PEO clients aren't looking for the cheapest solution - How Lever One is expanding into new markets with Helpside If you're a small business owner managing HR, payroll, or benefits internally — this conversation will make you rethink that decision. Chapters 0:00 – Intro: Meet Erica and Chad 0:29 – Chad's background and why he joined Lever One 2:29 – How Lever One started as an internal PEO 3:47 – What people misunderstand about compliance 5:00 – What keeps Erica driven after 14 years 7:00 – What separates a great PEO from an average one 8:30 – What clients actually care about most 9:48 – The compliance mistakes new clients always make 10:45 – How client expectations have changed 33:01 – Lever One's expansion with Helpside 35:00 – The dreamer vs. the operator dynamic 36:19 – What's next for Lever One 38:00 – Closing thoughts Call us today for your free benefits audit: 1-800-748-5102 or schedule now. 👍 Like & Subscribe for more helpful Helpside insights.

    39 min
  7. How Small Businesses Can Finally Escape Rising Health Insurance Costs

    Mar 26

    How Small Businesses Can Finally Escape Rising Health Insurance Costs

    Most small business owners think they're stuck — paying whatever their insurance company demands with no way out. They're wrong. In this episode of the It's Personnel Podcast, host Greg Williams sits down with Trent Sanders and Katie Peacock from GBS Benefits — Utah's largest employee benefits provider — along with HelpSide Senior Business Consultant Dave Ashby, to break down exactly how small businesses can take back control of their benefits costs and start competing for top talent like the big guys. What you'll learn in this episode: Why being under 50 employees doesn't mean you're stuck in community-rated ACA pricingHow association plans, level-funded options, and PEO partnerships open doors most owners don't know existWhat healthy groups are leaving on the table by staying in the wrong planHow losing a key employee to better benefits is 100% preventable — and what to do about itWhy your broker should be having strategic conversations year-round, not just at renewalHow the HelpSide and GBS partnership creates a full-coverage solution for small businesses at any size Who should watch: Small business owners, HR managers, and anyone responsible for employee benefits who wants to stop overpaying and start offering a package that actually attracts and retains great people. If your broker is just handing you a renewal and saying "here's what it is" — this episode is your wake-up call. Subscribe to the It's Personnel Podcast for more real conversations, real insights, and real strategies to help your business grow. Chapters 0:00 - Welcome to the It's Personnel Podcast  1:36 - Meet the GBS Benefits Team: Trent Sanders & Katie Peacock  3:30 - Dave Ashby & Greg Williams: The HelpSide Side of the Partnership  5:00 - Why Small Businesses Feel Trapped by Rising Health Costs  7:30 - Breaking Out of Community Rating: Real Options for Small Groups  10:00 - Stop Checking the Box at Renewal — Think Strategically  10:53 - How Benefit Gaps Are Costing You Your Best Employees  14:00 - Competing With Large Companies on Benefits as a Small Business  18:00 - Level Funded & Association Plans: What Owners Need to Know  24:00 - The Power of a Broker + PEO Partnership  35:00 - How HelpSide and GBS Work Together to Find the Right Fit  50:00 - Real Stories: What Clients Are Saying  1:03:30 - Who's the Best Fit for This Partnership? Call us today for your free benefits audit: 1-800-748-5102 or schedule now: https://www.helpside.com/benefits-audit/ 👍 Like & Subscribe for more helpful Helpside insights.

    1h 8m
  8. The Client Onboarding Process Most Companies Get Wrong

    Mar 17

    The Client Onboarding Process Most Companies Get Wrong

    What really happens during the onboarding process with a PEO (Professional Employer Organization)? In this episode of ⁠It’s Personnel,⁠ we go behind the scenes of one of the most important — and most misunderstood — stages of HR outsourcing. Host Lexi Bartholomew sits down with ⁠Helpside⁠ onboarding specialists Jessica Rodriguez and Madison Rowley to break down why onboarding is far more than paperwork. While many business owners assume onboarding is just about I-9 forms and direct deposits, the first 60 days of a partnership can determine the success of the next six years. Together they discuss how strong communication, clear expectations, and structured timelines help companies successfully transition payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance into a PEO system. They also share real insights into the challenges businesses face when switching HR infrastructure and how a well-designed onboarding process can build trust from day one. If you’re a business owner, HR professional, or entrepreneur exploring PEO services, this conversation will give you a clear look at what onboarding actually involves—and why getting it right matters. In this episode we cover: Why onboarding is the most critical phase of a PEO partnershipThe biggest misconceptions companies have about HR onboardingHow payroll, benefits, and compliance get set up during the processCommon onboarding mistakes that slow down implementationWhy communication and timelines are essential for success Helpside has been helping businesses simplify HR, payroll, workers’ compensation, and benefits for over 35 years through a human-to-human service model designed to support long-term growth. If your company is considering ⁠HR outsourcing or PEO services⁠, this episode will help you understand what a successful onboarding experience should look like. Chapters 0:00 – Why Onboarding Matters More Than Most Companies Realize 1:16 – Meet the Helpside Onboarding Team 7:06 – What Business Owners Think Onboarding Is vs. What It Actually Is 9:19 – Why Companies Often Underestimate the Onboarding Process 11:42 – What Great Onboarding Looks Like 15:10 – Common Challenges That Slow Down Onboarding 19:06 – Handling Difficult Conversations With Clients 21:30 – Why Helpside Prioritizes Onboarding 25:05 – Systems That Make Onboarding Run Smoothly 26:37 – Supporting Clients Through a Major HR Transition 28:47 – Client Feedback After Onboarding 31:42 – Favorite Parts of the Job 33:21 – Advice for Companies Starting a PEO Partnership 35:27 – Final Thoughts on Building a Strong HR Foundation

    36 min
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About

They say business isn’t personal. They’re wrong. In a growing company, it’s always personnel. Managing a team of 20 to 150 employees is the highest-stakes work you’ll ever do. It’s messy, it’s rewarding, and it’s often overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt like an "accidental HR Director" or a leader drowning in compliance instead of focusing on culture, this show is for you. Welcome to It’s Personnel, the podcast from Helpside where we strip away the clinical jargon of Human Resources to focus on the human beings behind the business. Hosted by the experts at Helpside, we dive deep into the strategies that help small businesses grow 2x faster and stay 50% more resilient than their peers. What you’ll learn every other week: The Hero’s Journey of HR: How to move from paperwork processor to strategic leader.Growth Levers: Using Fortune 500-level benefits and "big company" perks to win the war for talent.Compliance Without the Headache: Staying ahead of 2026 labor trends, AI in the workplace, and multi-state payroll.Culture as a Metric: Real-world stories of building teams that don't just work—they thrive. Whether you’re a CEO looking for a competitive edge or an HR manager looking for a force multiplier, It’s Personnel provides the roadmap to handle the personnel, so you can focus on the personal. Subscribe now to turn your HR from a back-office burden into your biggest business advantage.

Information

  • Creator
    Helpside
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Helpside
  • Show Website
    It's Personnel