ChampionPEO was born from a life lived in pursuit of excellence. Our Founder, Michael J. Smith, Esq., began his journey in a foster home — a humble start that would quietly shape the resilience, determination, and compassion that define everything ChampionPEO stands for today. Adopted at age six, Michael went on to build a life and career worthy of the name Champion.

As the founding attorney of Michael J. Smith and Associates, PLLC, Michael earned a national reputation for his groundbreaking work in adoption law, entertainment, and a wide range of specialized legal fields. His ability to transform complex challenges into meaningful outcomes became his signature — and the foundation upon which ChampionPEO would eventually be built.

In the summer of 2016, a vision came to Michael in the middle of the night — vivid, urgent, and undeniable. He saw an opportunity to do something no other PEO had done: combine world-class employer services with the power of an in-house legal foundation. His mission was clear — to take everyday employers and entrepreneurs and turn them into Champions.

The name came naturally. ChampionPEO — a name that embodies winning, grit, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. To bring his vision to life, Michael turned to the people he trusted most: his family. Together, they built something truly unique — a boutique PEO with its own law firm at its core, offering a level of legal integration that no competitor could match.

Today, ChampionPEO is redefining what a PEO can be. High-touch, legally grounded, and deeply invested in the success of every client, we don't just manage your business — we elevate it. Surround yourself with assets, not liabilities. Become a Champion.