The starting point for this business relationship began from a meeting happening over a decade ago. Spurred from that first meeting planted a seed into what has grown into a beautiful working business partnership where each principal can offer their respective services while encouraging their clients to use the other person’s expertise. The joint venture works because both companies can partner naturally to offer these important options.
This endeavor does not have a fancy name or catchy jingle. Instead, the partners simply go by their business names.
Craig Force, Jr., is the President of ExactPay Payroll in Warwick. They focus on employee payroll systems and its related issues. They are a small company with the capabilities of a much larger organization. The company prides themselves on offering exceptional service in part because they are local and have a dedicated person handling each account. Craig said that makes a huge difference when difficult situations arise.
“When something happens, company leaders want to get
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Joining Craig is Patty Lyons-Bousquet, Owner of CompLyons HR Consulting LLC in East Providence. Her firm specializes in all things human resources related. Her clients stretch out throughout the country. She and her staff deal with agencies who are hiring additional staff and ensuring that all of the rules and procedures are being followed uniformly. Patty noted that most firms are often unaware of these topics…until something drastic occurs. If a given company does not have something clearly written about employee expectation, codes of conduct, and the consequences of said actions or violations, then they could be open to all sorts of litigation and other problems that could entangle the business—or worse.
Her firm works with all clients to ensure the so-called “doomsday scenario” does not come into play. She said being prepared and proper planning are the best defenses against this becoming a grim reality.
“In any company, owners never want to expose their employees, Boards, or their stockholders to subject themselves to anything that would be considered detrimental to their core values,” Patty said. “If there is a document available that clearly explains what the proper code of conduct is and what happens when it gets violated, then there is a much-lesser chance of it severely impacting the business at that point. My staff and I work diligently behind the scenes to develop the right programs and wording so it is in place should it ever be needed.”
The partnership between Craig and Patty works because they complement each other both professionally and personally. Both have been in their given industries for years. They each offer the other’s services as options to streamline processes. Both are also local and do not have problems going on location if necessary to fix problems. They are on each other’s minds when they attend networking events. Both of them are “serial” networkers, meaning are often seen at many events throughout Rhode Island in a given week.
In ExactPay Payroll’s case, they can see whether their client needs human resources- related help. While their purpose is making sure employees get paid on time, they can also find out if there are other areas that need assistance. Small companies often discover that not having a current handbook could have devastating consequences. Force hopes to be proactive when that conversation starts.
“Business owners are always working on their company. They don’t have time to deal with the other areas that need attention. Human Resources is one of those areas that cannot be ignored. Patty does a wonderful job of determining the needs of that business and provides them with the tools and resources to be compliant with state and federal regulations,” he said. “No company wants to be put in that situation.”
As for Patty, she also understands where payroll can be a pain point for some. It must run smoothly so employees receive their check with the correct amounts taken out for taxes, deductions, and other reasons. Everyone will quickly find out when the process fails because an announcement of late or missing checks usually comes next. She credits Craig for making that portion easy to understand and to stay connected with the clients.
“One thing that separates Craig from other like-minded companies is his commitment to the client after the sale,” Lyons-Bousquet said. “There are too many cases where the agent leaves after the sales process ends. However, that is actually when the partnership begins. They need to have someone there where the system breaks down. Otherwise, there are going to be major problems. Craig’s dedication to his clients doesn’t allow that scenario to happen.”
The duo offers free seminars both online and in person that deals with all things HR and Payroll. Their next seminar will happen in September. Watch their social media pages for further details.
To contact Craig Force of ExactPay, he may be reached at his office by calling 401-785-0300, ext. 125 or at craig@exactpaypayroll.com.
Patty Lyons-Bousquet of CompLyons HR Consulting LLC may be reached by cell at 401-526-5966 or by email at: patty@complyonsHR.com.
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