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. Jul 17

    Stop Doing Everything: HR Help for Kansas City & St. Louis Business Owners

    Most business owners wait until something breaks — a compliance issue, a bad hire, a benefits renewal that's 30% higher than last year — before they make a change. By then it's already harder and more expensive to fix. What's covered: How Jen and Tracy both ended up in the PEO space — and why they chose ⁠Helpside⁠ over other optionsWhat makes Helpside's approach to service delivery different from other PEOsWhat the Kansas City and St. Louis business markets look like right nowThe #1 misconception Missouri business owners have about PEOs ("it's just expensive payroll")Why "we're not big enough yet" is almost always the wrong reason to waitWhat the right HR infrastructure actually looks like for a growing businessWhy feeling the strain is a signal — not a failureWhat Tracy and Jen want Missouri business owners to know before they make a decisionCall us today for your free benefits audit: 1-800-748-5102 or  ⁠schedule now⁠ 👍 Like & Subscribe for more helpful Helpside insights. chapters: 0:00  – Welcome: It's Personnel, Missouri edition 1:07  – Meet Jen Leubbert (St. Louis) and how she got into the PEO space 2:18  – Meet Tracy Aspinwall (Kansas City), corporate world to PEO 3:08  – How Jen and Tracy already knew each other 3:36  – Why Helpside is expanding into Missouri 4:24  – What makes Helpside different from other PEOs 5:23  – How they introduce Helpside to a Missouri business owner 6:33  – The one thing about a PEO that surprises owners 7:03  – "Helpside isn't headquartered here" and the Lever1 advantage 7:43  – Inside the St. Louis small business market 9:22  – Inside the Kansas City metro and the two-state line 10:03 – The biggest HR pain points right now: talent, compliance, bandwidth 11:11 – Missouri employment-law issues that catch owners off guard 11:47 – How the Kansas–Missouri state line creates real compliance complexity 12:25 – Why trust is built differently in these markets 13:33 – Advice for expanding between St. Louis and Kansas City 14:43 – Do the two cities compete for the same talent? 15:14 – Family-owned businesses and how the HR conversation changes 16:29 – What both markets share that outsiders miss 17:18 – What success looks like one year from now 18:22 – The biggest misconception: "it's just expensive payroll" 18:50 – "We're not big enough yet" and why waiting costs more 19:18 – The honest case for changing before something breaks 20:18 – What Jen and Tracy are most excited about 21:36 – One piece of advice for Missouri business owners 22:47 – Closing and how to connect

    Stop Doing Everything: HR Help for Kansas City & St. Louis Business Owners

  2. Jul 7

    You Can't Scale Alone — Why We Left Everything to Build Helpside in New Markets

    Edrick Shelby spent 19 years in food service, served in the US military, and sold life insurance door to door before finding his way into PEO sales. Kirby O'Loughlin relocated from Tampa to Denver, built a career in sales, and eventually landed at Helpside. Neither of them planned to be here. Both of them are glad they are. In this episode of It's Personnel, Edrick Shelby (Houston) and Kirby O'Loughlin (Denver) sit down for a raw, unscripted conversation about how they got into the PEO world, what drew them to Helpside, and what they're actually building on the ground in two brand new markets. What's covered: Edrick's path: military veteran → food service → door-to-door life insurance → PEO salesKirby's path: Tampa native → Denver transplant → business consultant at HelpsideWhat both of them saw in Helpside that other PEOs couldn't offerWhat the Houston market looks like right now — and why it's one of the best business environments in the countryThe Denver market: tech, mountains, and a business community ready for a different kind of HR conversationWhy brand awareness is the biggest challenge when launching in a new cityWhat a year from now looks like for both marketsWhat they'd want any Houston or Denver business owner to know about Helpside right now If you're a small business owner in Houston or Denver wondering what Helpside actually is — this is the episode for you. 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 Connect: Website: ⁠https://www.helpside.com⁠

    You Can't Scale Alone — Why We Left Everything to Build Helpside in New Markets

  3. 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

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

  4. 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.

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

  5. 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

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

  6. 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

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

  7. 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

    Gusto vs QuickBooks vs Paychex: The Truth Nobody Tells You

  8. 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.

    The Peace of Mind No HR Software Can Give You
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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
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Helpside
  • Show Website
    It's Personnel