CSL Solutions: Three Decades of Evolution

Michelle Wightman’s journey into the PEO industry wasn’t one she planned, but looking back, it feels inevitable. Growing up, she had a front-row seat to her father’s fearless entrepreneurial ventures— who started businesses ranging from real estate to construction and even a premier deer processing plant in Alabama. Watching him navigate both successes and setbacks, she absorbed a natural instinct for building something from the ground up.

On May 5, 1993, Michelle officially launched her PEO, Certified Staff Leasing (now CSL Solutions), filing her Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State. Thirty-two years later, her business continues to thrive in California, serving clients with a deeply personal approach to professional employer services.

Yet, even after decades in the industry, family and friends still ask her the age-old question: “What exactly do you do?”

“It’s funny because people who’ve known me for years still aren’t sure. They guess things like staffing service, insurance broker, or labor law attorney,” Michelle says. “I always tell them, ‘Almost, yes, but not quite.”

THE EARLY DAYS

Before launching CSL, television broadcasting seemed to be Michelle’s calling. She studied it in school and envisioned herself becoming the next Maria Shriver or Diane Sawyer. But her time in the newsroom quickly revealed the harsh realities of the field.

“Uncovering bad news, uncovering tragedy—I hated it,” she recalls. “It just wasn’t good for my soul.”

Feeling lost, she packed her car and prepared to move to Washington State. But a stop at a friend’s house changed everything.

“My friend had circled a wanted ad from a temp agency, and it caught my attention,” Michelle says. “Their tagline—‘Find your next best career’—hooked me. I decided to stay in California for a bit longer and give it a shot.”

With intentions of signing up to explore different industries and find a new career path, Michelle instead found herself being hired internally by the temp agency to work in its office. She soon began selling staffing services to small businesses in manufacturing and blue/grey-collar sectors. It was during this time that one client’s dilemma sparked an idea that would change the course of her career.

“He explained that running temp labor through the agency’s payroll was cheaper than handling it himself because of workers’ comp costs,” she explains. “It was a breakthrough moment. I loved the concept, and as a commissioned salesperson, I loved helping a client grow from 3 employees to 30.”

Michelle immersed herself in the emerging field of “staff leasing,” attending workshops and learning from pioneers like T. Joe Wiley and Martin Babinec. When her temp agency decided to step away from the liability of co-employment, she had 30 days to find a solution for her clients.

HARDER NOT TO START A BUSINESS

With a $1,000 contribution from her mother—a gesture of support and belief in her vision—Michelle launched her company and framed the Articles of Incorporation alongside the check as meaningful reminders of her humble beginnings.

“The first five years were all about survival,” she says. “It was the epitome of on-the-job training—payroll taxes, benefits, compliance, safety, and even leadership. My focus was just keeping the lights on and making payroll.”

Reflecting on her career, Michelle divides her journey into three distinct decades.

“If I had to break down my ‘Lessons Learned Log,’ the first 10 years were all about learning the industry,” she explains. “Becoming an expert in all things employment isn’t easy, but I dove in headfirst.”

The next 10 years were focused on managing and growing the business. “Those years taught me resilience,” she says. “I built new client relationships, navigated financial planning, and took some tough hits. Balancing family and business was a real challenge, but I learned to get back up every time.”

The last decade, she says, has been the most meaningful. “It’s been about leading a team well, focusing on service with heart, and realizing this is more than a numbers game. It’s about relationships, personal growth, and becoming the best versions of ourselves. It’s about finding joy in the middle of it all.”

CULTURE IS EVERYTHING

At the heart of CSL’s success is a team that’s flexible, committed, and client-focused.

“Our team is everything because our clients are everything,” Michelle says. “We have an amazing team because they stay flexible and always put our clients first. I don’t take that for granted—it’s a privilege to work with people who genuinely care about delivering the best for our clients.”

Michelle credits her team’s success to their shared commitment to growth and adaptability.

“We’re willing to do what it takes to give our clients what they need, even if that means customizing our processes or finding new ways to solve challenges,” she explains.

Part of what makes this possible is CSL’s focus on continuous growth, supported by coaching.

“I’ve brought in my own coach to work with our team on communication, collaboration, and understanding one another’s strengths,” Michelle says. “It’s helped us build trust, improve how we work together, and create innovative solutions for our clients.”

With this mindset, CSL delivers a high-touch approach that truly sets them apart. “It’s not just about doing the work—it’s about growing as a team so we can serve our clients better,” Michelle says.

A defining part of CSL’s culture is the dynamic partnership between Michelle and her daughter Sydney, who leads operations. Sydney’s meticulous nature and focus on details—crossing T’s and dotting I’s—perfectly complement her mother’s visionary approach. “I love dreaming big, trying new things, and bringing people together to talk about possibilities,” Michelle says. “Sydney’s follow-through ensures those ideas become reality. We’re a perfect team.”

She often jokes, “If Sydney leaves, I leave. But no one is leaving.”

For Michelle, having her daughter work alongside her is a dream come true.

“Raising my girl, sending her off to college to spread her wings, and then watching her come back to use her skills in this family business—it’s more than I could have hoped for,” she says.

Michelle’s son also shares her entrepreneurial spirit.

“He’s cut from the same cloth as me,” she says proudly.

Currently in college, he’s exploring his passions and finding his purpose. While his future path remains his own, Michelle smiles at the possibility of him bringing his talents back to CSL someday.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

As the PEO industry has evolved, so has CSL Solutions. Technology has transformed the way businesses operate, from fax machines to digital portals. Michelle embraces these changes while maintaining the personal touch that defines her company’s culture.

She’s also deeply grateful for NAPEO’s role in advocating for the industry, particularly during pivotal moments like the fight for PPP loan eligibility.

“That recognition of PEO tax IDs didn’t just happen—it was fought for,” she says. “Leaders in this industry and at NAPEO put in the work, and we all stand on the shoulders of giants. I’m beyond grateful for everything they’ve done to protect and elevate this industry.”

Michelle is also proud to reengage with NAPEO on the service side, particularly through initiatives like NAPEO Gives Back. “There are so many PEOs out there who value serving and giving in their communities, and it’s truly inspiring,” she explains. “I feel called to connect with those PEOs, learn their stories, and share them. Don’t be surprised if you’re a PEO and you get a call from me wanting the tea on your most recent service endeavors!”

Looking ahead, Michelle is focused on providing exceptional service and nurturing a culture of growth.

“This is an industry worth fighting for, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes us,” she says.