Small businesses power the economy but often lack the resources of large corporations. Nextep has positioned itself as a transformative force, bridging that gap through people-first innovation, culture, and leadership. At the helm is Brian Fayak, Founder and CEO, whose vision for Nextep was born from both professional insight and personal conviction.
The Moment That Defined a Mission
The story of Nextep’s founding is both strategic and deeply personal. Fayak describes it as a two-part revelation. First, understanding what truly mattered to clients, and second, a defining personal catalyst.
“My prior experiences in the PEO industry shaped my view of what an ideal client relationship should be,” Fayak recalls. “Clients want three things: great technology, high-quality benefits at competitive prices, and personalized service that truly matters to their business. But these are often delivered inconsistently.”
The turning point came through a family crisis when his wife’s youngest brother became terminally ill. That painful experience reframed his understanding of risk and purpose.
“The fears of leaving a stable job became tolerable because I wanted to bring my family together in one place, in order to support my brother-in-law and his family,” he says. “It was then I decided to build my own business, one that could deliver the service clients truly wanted.”
That decision laid the foundation for Nextep’s mission: to elevate the employment experience and enrich people’s lives.
Bringing the Mission to Life
At Nextep, the mission isn’t just a slogan; it’s embedded in the company’s culture and every client interaction. Fayak believes that supporting small businesses is the key to empowering America’s workforce.
“We know small businesses drive employment and growth in this country,” Fayak says. “But they often struggle to offer timely, compliant HR services and Fortune 500-level benefits. That’s where Nextep steps in.”
Through its comprehensive services, Nextep enables small businesses to provide seamless payroll, compliance, retirement plans, and top-tier medical and disability coverage benefits that rival those offered by large corporations. The result? Employees enjoy the close-knit environment of a small business with the security and advantages of a large one.
“It’s our collective responsibility at Nextep to enhance people’s lives by empowering small businesses,” Fayak adds.
Scaling with Purpose and Culture
With offices expanding across the U.S., Nextep’s national growth brings both opportunity and challenge. For Fayak, scaling isn’t just about opening doors; it’s about protecting the company’s DNA.
“As we enter new markets, our goal is to grow without losing our culture,” he explains. “We promote the right people and place them strategically so the Nextep spirit remains intact.”
That culture, rooted in trust, accountability, and client focus, is what defines Nextep’s national leadership in the PEO industry.
Innovation with Intention
Innovation at Nextep isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about creating value where it matters most. Fayak believes that innovation must be selective, strategic, and aligned with the company’s core values.
“Innovation is a lifeline for every company,” he says. “But it’s not the answer to everything. You have to prioritize where you innovate.”
In an era dominated by AI and automation, Nextep focuses on innovating with purpose, integrating technology in ways that simplify client experiences while protecting the human connection that defines the company.
“We want to innovate where it makes sense, where it enhances service, strengthens relationships, and drives results,” Fayak explains.
The Client Comes First—Always
Nextep’s client-first approach is deeply ingrained in its culture and operational rhythm. Fayak emphasizes that being client-centric isn’t a department; it’s a mindset.
“Either you’re a client-focused organization or you’re not,” he says. “At Nextep, it’s in our DNA.”
From team meetings to strategic decisions, every process is designed to prioritize client satisfaction, responsiveness, and trust. This clarity of purpose ensures that no matter how large Nextep grows, the client always remains at the heart of every decision.
Recognition as a Reflection of Impact
Under Fayak’s leadership, Nextep’s dedication to excellence has earned numerous industry accolades, including ClearlyRated’s Best of HR Services Award and recognition as a Great Place to Work.
But for Fayak, awards are more than trophies; they’re validation and accountability.
“Recognition provides focus,” he explains. “It confirms that our efforts resonate with clients and gives us valuable feedback to keep improving.”
Each award serves as a milestone in Nextep’s journey toward continuous service excellence.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
As Nextep grows, nurturing leadership from within remains a top priority. Fayak’s approach is rooted in balance, hiring external talent when necessary while promoting homegrown leaders who understand and protect the company’s culture.
“It’s very important to hire and promote from within,” he says. “The people who got us here form the foundation of who we are. Then we bring in great talent from the outside to help us see where we want to go.”
This thoughtful approach ensures that Nextep remains agile and future-ready, with leaders who embody both experience and innovation.
Lessons in Leadership
Reflecting on his journey, Fayak admits that leadership lessons often come from experience and patience.
“I’ve learned that not everything can be rolled out in a single day,” he shares. “Whether it’s a new market or a new technology, success requires an aggressive-but-deliberate approach.”
This maturity in leadership, tempered by years of growth and resilience, has shaped his philosophy of steady, strategic progress.
Leadership Rooted in Humanity
At the core of Fayak’s leadership philosophy is the belief that organizational health mirrors personal growth.
“Your success in building a company is tied to your personal journey of becoming the best person you can be,” he says. “If you want to build a high-performing and deeply human organization, start with yourself.”
He believes self-awareness and authenticity are non-negotiable for effective leadership.
“Any relationship we lead, personal or professional, is only as healthy as we are as leaders,” Fayak reflects. “You must continuously push yourself to grow as a human being to lead others toward excellence.”
Building the Future, One Relationship at a Time
Nextep’s success story is more than just a business achievement—it’s a reflection of leadership rooted in empathy, innovation, and service. Fayak’s journey shows that great companies aren’t built on products alone, but on people, purpose, and principles.
As Nextep continues to expand across the U.S., its mission remains unchanged: to elevate the employment experience and enrich lives, proving that business growth and human connection can thrive together.
About Nextep
Nextep is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) headquartered in Oklahoma, offering comprehensive HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. Guided by its mission to elevate the employment experience, Nextep empowers companies to provide top-notch support with the personal touch of a trusted local partner.
Company Details
- Company Name: Nextep
- Founding Year: 1997
- Official Website: https://www.nextep.com/
- Industry/ Sector: Professional Employer Organization (PEO)
- Office Locations: https://www.nextep.com/about/locations/
Leader’s Profile
- Name of the Featured Leader: Brian Fayak
- Designation: Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)