WHAT WORKS FOR ME · PAYROLL
The payroll system I actually use.
Gusto is the payroll system we use at The Madrona Group—and the one I recommend when the fit is right.
REQUEST A GUSTO INTRODUCTION →
I’m a Gusto referral partner and may receive compensation if you become a customer.
WHY IT EARNED ITS PLACE
Payroll shouldn’t become another job.
I didn’t choose Gusto because I wanted another platform. I chose it because payroll and people-related work need to be handled accurately, on time and without creating more work for the business.
I’m already running a brokerage, managing systems and dealing with plenty of moving pieces. Payroll is not something I want to think about every week. I want it set up correctly, easy to understand and predictable.
THE FIT
Good recommendations are specific about who they are for.
GOOD FIT
Who I think Gusto makes sense for.
- Small businesses with employees
- Owner-operated businesses
- Growing teams
- Businesses prioritizing simplicity
If people need to be paid consistently and you want payroll, employee information and the other people-related pieces in one clear system, this is where Gusto starts making a lot of sense to me.
MAY NOT BE THE FIT
Who I’d look elsewhere for.
- No actual payroll need
- Enterprise HR complexity
- Highly specialized payroll
- Shopping strictly on lowest price
I didn’t choose Gusto because it was the cheapest option available. I chose it because the combination of usability and functionality worked for our business.
REAL-WORLD CONTEXT
I use this in a real operating business.
The Madrona Group is a real estate brokerage with actual payroll, employees, deadlines and plenty of moving pieces. I didn’t sign up for Gusto so I could write this page. We were already using it.
That’s the standard I’m trying to use throughout What Works for Me: if I recommend a business tool, I want it to be something I’ve actually trusted with part of a real business.
A SIMPLE INTRODUCTION
Want me to connect you with Gusto?
- Complete the short form.
- I’ll review it to make sure Gusto looks like a reasonable fit.
- If it does, I’ll register the referral through my Gusto partner account. Gusto will contact you directly.
REQUEST A GUSTO INTRODUCTION
CLEAR ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP
A recommendation should be clear about the relationship.
I’m a Gusto referral partner and may receive compensation if a referred business becomes a customer. That doesn’t change the recommendation: I’ll tell you if Gusto isn’t the right fit.