How It Works
Independent PEO Consulting, Done Right
I help businesses find the right PEO — or figure out if what they already have is working. No provider ties, no sales quotas, no upsell agenda.
Step 1
Start With a Conversation
I start by learning about your business — your industry, headcount, current HR setup, and what’s working or not. No forms to fill out. Just a straightforward conversation.
If you already have a PEO, I’ll take a look at what you’re in and give you an honest read on whether it’s a good fit or whether there’s room to do better.
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“Most people come away from the first call with more clarity than they expected — even if they’re not sure yet what they’re looking for.”
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“You don’t have to sit through sales calls or fill out the same form seven times. I handle all of it.”
Step 2
I Find the Right Providers and Handle the Back-and-Forth
Based on what I learn, I reach out to 5–7 carefully selected PEOs, request proposals on your behalf, and manage all the follow-up. You don’t have to sit through sales calls or fill out the same form seven times.
I also handle negotiation. Because I know what’s market-rate and what’s not, I can push back where it matters — on fees, benefit structures, and contract terms.
Step 3
Plain-English Comparison, No Pressure Decision
I put together a clear, side-by-side comparison of your options — what each provider covers, what it costs, and where the tradeoffs are. Then I walk you through it and give you my honest recommendation.
There’s no pressure to move fast. This is a significant decision and I’d rather you get it right than get it done quickly. Once you choose, I stay involved through onboarding and beyond.
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“There’s no pressure to move fast. I’d rather you get it right than get it done quickly.”
Not sure where to start?
Reach out for a free 30-minute conversation. No pitch, no obligation — just an honest look at your situation and what your options are.
PEO Consulting FAQs
How much does a PEO cost?
PEO pricing comes in two models: a flat fee per employee per month (commonly $40 to $160) or a percentage of total payroll (usually 2% to 12%). What actually matters is your all-in cost after workers comp, benefits, and any hidden spread markups are added — not the headline rate. ForwardPEO audits every proposal line by line so you compare true total cost, not the number a salesperson leads with.
What is a PEO and how does it work?
A PEO (Professional Employer Organization) enters a co-employment arrangement with your business. You keep full control of daily operations and hiring while the PEO handles payroll, benefits administration, workers compensation, and HR compliance under a shared employer tax ID. This gives small and mid-sized companies access to big-company benefits and lower insurance rates than they could get on their own.
Do I lose control of my employees with a PEO?
No. Under co-employment you remain the worksite employer: you hire, manage, promote, and fire your own staff and run your business exactly as before. The PEO is the employer of record only for payroll, benefits, and compliance purposes. You never hand over control of who works for you or how they do their jobs.
Is a PEO worth it for a small business?
For many businesses with 5 to 500 employees, yes — a PEO can lower workers comp and benefits costs, remove HR and compliance risk, and free up owner time. But it is not right for everyone. ForwardPEO gives honest guidance on whether a PEO, an EOR, or in-house HR is the best fit for your size, growth stage, and budget, even when the answer is that you do not need one.
How long does it take to set up a PEO?
Most PEO implementations take two to six weeks from signed agreement to first payroll, depending on company size and how clean your existing payroll and benefits data is. ForwardPEO manages the transition so nothing falls through the cracks during onboarding.
How is ForwardPEO different from a regular PEO broker?
ForwardPEO is independent and works for you, not the PEO. Most brokers represent one or two providers and earn more by steering you toward the highest-commission option. ForwardPEO carries relationships across many PEOs, runs final underwriting before any deal closes, and is paid the same no matter which provider you choose — so the recommendation is based on fit and price, not payout. Every consultation and PEO audit is free.