Jim Lynch from ALKEME interviews Gary Kramer, BBSI Chief Executive Officer, regarding the current state of the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) industry and BBSI's strategic positioning. Gary discusses BBSI's evolution through an IT journey to enhance the employee lifecycle and details their unique broker-centric model, which prioritizes broker partners over direct sales to avoid competing with brokers. The conversation covers market shifts, including rising health insurance and workers' compensation costs in California, and the impact of economic headwinds on small to midsize businesses. Gary also addresses the role of AI, noting its current use for internal administrative efficiency and software development, while outlining BBSI's commitment to a local, people-focused service model that differentiates them from larger, more automated competitors. The discussion concludes with insights into BBSI's growth strategy and their approach to navigating labor market volatility and generational shifts in the workforce.

Terri Carter and Steven Hirschfeld discuss the significant effects of the Trump administration on the American workplace, particularly in the realm of labor and employment law. They highlight the stagnation of minimum wage laws and the increasing complexity of compliance due to varying state regulations. The conversation also touches on the rise of unionization among white-collar workers and the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As federal agencies take on more regulatory roles, businesses must navigate a patchwork of laws and adapt to new challenges, including mental health accommodations and the implications of artificial intelligence in hiring practices. Overall, the session emphasizes the need for employers to stay informed and proactive in managing their workforce amidst these changes.

This session is packed with practical insights for business owners, HR professionals, and legal teams.

Robert Hambleton, an Area Manager at BBSI, joins the show to discuss creating a growth plan for your small business. Robert shares key industry indicators and metrics to measure success, the advantage of incorporating SMART goals, the best practices to track or evaluate performance, and more. You'll learn how to identify growth opportunities within your small business so you can start planning for and managing your growth today!

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