THE ACCIDENTAL OPERATOR: HOW MIKE SUSKO BECAME THE STEADY HAND BEHIND CENTRAL STAFF SERVICES

Mike Susko never set out to build a career in the professional employer organization (PEO) industry. Two decades ago, his path changed not in a boardroom or business seminar, but over a casual dinner with a fellow hockey parent on Long Island. That parent was Georgia Perrone, president and owner of Central Staff Services, Inc. (CSS). Over dinner, she had mentioned an opening for a benefits manager. Susko, who had no prior PEO experience, decided to take a chance.

“I was a true green rookie,” Susko says now, with a laugh. “I gave it a shot and it’s been great. I’m still very grateful for the opportunity.”

Today, nearly 20 years later, Susko is vice president of operations at CSS and Perrone’s right-hand man—an all-hands-on-deck leader whose fingerprints are on nearly every part of the organization. From payroll and benefits to compliance, client service, sales, social media and even late-night phone calls, Susko embodies the kind of relationship-driven leadership that has become increasingly rare in today’s world.

BUILT ON FAMILY, FUELED BY SERVICE

Central Staff Services is, at its core, a family business. The company was founded in 2000 by Perrone’s mother, Linda, who started the business out of her home. The first employee was a neighbor. When Linda passed away, Georgia took over the PEO.

That family-first ethos still defines the company today. With headquarters in Mt. Sinai, New York, and a second physical office in Sarasota, Florida, CSS operates in 26 states, serving clients that range from sole proprietors to companies with dozens of employees. Client diversity is striking: elevator repair companies, architecture firms, auto parts suppliers, medical and dental practices and even a cryptocurrency firm whose 18 employees are spread across 12 states and run the entire business from their phones.

“We don’t target a specific industry,” Susko explains. “If the business seems like a good fit for us, we’ll take a serious look.”

THE HUMAN VOICE ON THE OTHER END OF THE LINE

What truly sets CSS apart, Susko believes, is its uncompromising commitment to customer service. During office hours, there is no voicemail. Someone always picks up the phone. Leaders of client companies have direct access to Susko—including his cell phone.

“It’s not uncommon for me to get a call late on a Friday night about something they received in the mail,” he says. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, it’s much ado about nothing, but they appreciate the reassurance.”

That accessibility isn’t a gimmick; it’s cultural. Whether a client has two employees or 80, they receive the same level of attention. Susko stays in touch with nearly all clients personally and makes frequent site visits, especially in Florida, where some clients assumed he lived because they saw him so often.

“Face-to-face, human connection still matters,” he says. “That hasn’t changed.”

EXPANSION IN A POST-COVID WORLD

The pandemic accelerated changes that were already underway. Remote work opened the door for CSS to expand into new states, supporting clients whose employees were suddenly scattered across the country. Florida, in particular, became a growth engine.

Perrone relocated to Florida around the pandemic, and in January 2023, CSS opened its Sarasota office. The difference in market awareness was immediate.

“In Florida, business owners know what a PEO is,” Susko says.

The sales team gained traction quickly, and the Florida presence complemented CSS’s strong Northeast roots. Today, the company maintains physical offices in two states while seamlessly supporting clients in dozens more.

NO COOKIE CUTTER SOLUTIONS

If there’s one area that has consistently challenged Susko and his clients, it’s benefits—particularly rising medical and insurance premiums.

“That’s been the biggest challenge,” he says. “We’re always looking for ways to reduce costs. We analyze everything.”

CSS prides itself on avoiding cookie-cutter solutions. Every client wants a benefits package tailored to their workforce, and Susko embraces that complexity. He often reminds business owners that investing in benefits—sometimes $10,000 a year or more—is still far less expensive than replacing a high-performing employee.

“Offering a competitive benefits package is crucial for retention,” he says. “It takes collaboration, but that’s what keeps clients competitive.”

A TEAM THAT SHOWS UP—AND STAYS

Behind Susko is a team he clearly reveres: eight internal employees in New York and five in Florida. One of them, Cheryl, has been with CSS even longer than he has.

“I call her the rock of Central Staff Services,” he says.

The company has minimal internal turnover, something Susko attributes to an open, supportive culture.

“No one here says, ‘I only do benefits’ or ‘I only do payroll,’” he explains. “We all help each other. I don’t want anyone waking up dreading work or worrying that I’m going to get mad. That’s no way to run a business.”

Everyone works on site. Susko is typically in the office by 7 a.m.—sometimes earlier—though official hours run from 9 to 4:30. He oversees day-to-day operations, workers’ compensation, payroll, open enrollment, billing, networking events, and yes, even social media.

“I’m not an expert,” he admits, “but I didn’t think it made sense to pay someone six figures for it [social media].”

Instead, he’s leaned into technology, including AI, to help with tasks like image generation, email tracking, and spreadsheet creation. It’s a practical, cost-conscious approach that mirrors how he runs the rest of the business.

BALANCE, PERSPECTIVE, AND THE LONG GAME

Outside the office, Susko finds balance in unlikely places. He’s an official for girls’ high school lacrosse—a role he says helps keep stress in perspective.

“Compared to payroll and comp audits, having parents scream at you is nothing,” he jokes.

He’s also a beginner kickboxer, often at the gym by 5 a.m. before work. Married for 26 years, Susko has two sons, 27 and 23, both still at home and both working blue-collar jobs—one building playgrounds across the tri-state area.

“I know our clients so well, I feel comfortable talking to them about anything,” Susko says. “I’ve met some at tournaments. These are real relationships that are truly valued.”

At the center of it all is his partnership with Georgia Perrone, whom he credits as a mentor and leader.

“She’s been incredible to learn from and to this day I still pick up amazing advice during our conversations” he says.

From accidental beginnings to operational backbone, Mike Susko’s story is a reminder that the PEO industry, at its best, is still about people—showing up, answering the phone, and building trust one relationship at a time.