Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammie McKenzie.
Tammie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My business began the afternoon of January 10, 2011. Earlier that morning, I was working as a direct sales rep for a PEO provider based in Florida and was expected to give a presentation to new owners who recently purchased the company I was working for. They asked all of the reps to prepare a presentation for them, but I had a very strange feeling this was not what they had in mind at all. The topic, the order of who was presenting, and the amount of time allowed to accomplish this, just didn’t add up. When it came time for my presentation, I was informed company changes were being made, and I, along with the other reps in my market, were being let go.
At that time, my 10-year-old daughter was home sick from school and overheard my conversation. She came into my office and asked, “Mom did you just get fired…? “I replied, “Well something like that.” She asked, “Are you going to cry?” I said, “No, I don’t think so.” Then she asked, “Are we going to be poor now?” I chuckled and replied, “No babe, I hope not.” I could see her wheels turning, and she went on to inquire, “Will we be on Medicare?” I said, “It’s Medicaid, Medicare is for people over 60.” With a roll of her eyes she said, “Whatever, you know what I mean” …and proceed to asked, “So what are you going to do now?” I replied, “Right now I am going to pray and ask God what he thinks I should do. You see, I have an idea I want to run by him. It’s something I have been thinking about for quite some time and since I just got pushed off the ledge, maybe I will free fall and ask for wings and see what happens.” Maddie casually says, “Good idea, I hope it works ….so what’s for lunch?” I will always remember that day… my daughter was used to me working from home for the past several years, and over heard many business calls but I had no idea, she was actually paying attention!
So there I was, at my desk, unemployed and a single mom. I spent that afternoon on the phone calling prospects to tell them about my new business and the service I could provide. 2 days, later I had my first client and 30 days later I was blessed with another. Thus, the creation of PEO Broker LLC. It was amazing! Those two clients are still with me today and will always be special in a unique way. Without them, I may not have made it this far.
As a PEO broker I have the opportunity to connect businesses with the right PEO and plan for their company’s unique needs. Each and every client I have means more to me than revenue, they are all special people and they have trusted me to guide and advise them with employee benefits, risk services and employer related compliance. In every case, my clients have realized large reductions in health insurance, workers compensation insurance, 401K and state Unemployment costs. The impact my service offers not only saves the company money, it saves their employees and family members money on health care too. It is truly rewarding. I feel grateful my service can offer affordable health insurance, especially during a time when premiums are at an all-time high. Being able to offer richer health plans at more affordable rates goes way beyond money. It impacts lives each day.
A professional employer organization (PEO) is a single source provider for employee benefits, payroll, workers’ compensation, risk & safety management, 401K, Human Resource management, and employee training and development. The advantage of working with a PEO is they streamline employee administration, minimize employer related risk and provide businesses with buying power for employee benefits and other insurance products through a large pool of companies.
A PEO broker uses their understanding of the PEO market to help companies find the right PEO solution for their business. The broker works for the company looking for PEO services and not for the PEO. PEO Brokers are becoming more popular in the PEO market because the PEO market is so complex and difficult to maneuver successfully without expert knowledge of the differences between each PEO.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? For the most part I can honestly say yes it has …. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed to keep up with technology, social media and internet rankings, but as long as I focus on the opportunity in front of me and do the best I can, it seems to all work out.
Please tell us about PEO Broker.
My company, PEO Broker LLC is a niche company that matches businesses with best suited Professional Employer Organizations (PEO). Similar to how a commercial insurance agent works, but in the PEO industry.
A PEO is a single source provider that provides employee benefits, workers compensation, payroll, HR, and 401K, through a large pooled program. Business owners outsource these services to the PEO who are able to get richer benefits, lower premiums, more choices and streamline their administration. A business typically saves 30% off their bottom line labor costs when hiring a PEO.
What sets me apart from others is my years of experience, extensive knowledge and how I personally manage the entire process for my clients. I am a licensed health agent and can take clients a great amount of time by eliminating markets that are not a fit and focusing on key markets only.
I am most proud of starting a company from zero, having a 98% client retention rate, the opportunity to work all over the US and the ability to help people with affordable health insurance.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, not much. Each challenge and victory has lead me to where I am today. I have learned a few things for sure. I’ve learned that one change, can change everything and come to accept and believe my unique personality is perfect for my destination.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peobrokerllc.com
- Phone: 713-822-1508
- Email: tmckenzie@peobrokerllc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peobrokerllc/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/peo-broker-houston-2
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammiemckenziehouston/
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