ABOUT THIS EPISODE
The PEO brokerage industry just had its breakout moment. Heather Applegate and Ryan Shapiro unpack CONVERGENCE, the first event where competitors showed up to collaborate, learn, and build something bigger than any one firm.
What happened in Duluth, Georgia wasn’t just a networking event - it was a reset for an entire industry. Brokers who’ve operated in silos for years finally got face time with peers from around the country, and for the first time, PEOs, sales leaders, and general agents were all in the same room having the kind of honest conversations that usually stay behind closed doors.
You'll hear how the energy in the room shifted from hesitation to momentum, why the breakout sessions were packed with practical tactics people could take home and use immediately, and how open conversations about underwriting, healthcare cost pressure, client fit, and better sales alignment are reshaping what it means to serve small and medium-sized businesses.
Heather and Ryan also break down the deeper value of the PEO Brokers Collective’s three pillars - collaboration, community, and education - and why this event gave many attendees something they’ve been missing for years: a real sense of belonging, plus a stronger network to solve problems with.
If you care about the future of PEO, brokerage, or how real industry change happens when competitors decide to help each other, this episode is packed with momentum, insight, and proof that the next chapter has already started.
Heather Applegate is the host of PEO Speedwagon, Chief Advisory Officer at peomg, and emcee of the inaugural CONVERGENCE, helping build community and education for brokers across the industry.
Ryan Shapiro joins as President of the PEO Brokers Collective, offering an on-the-ground view of the event’s energy, tactical breakout sessions, and the opportunities this new community is creating.
Perfect for PEO brokers, sales leaders, and anyone who wants to understand why this first-of-its-kind gathering may become a defining moment for the industry.
