Meet Laura Keim, our newest Member of the Month. Laura is a business consultant for Nextep, and is “bringing the human back to human resources”. Laura is obsessed with the TV show Friday Night Lights and The Stairclimber, used to work in the alcohol industry, and is always offering to help our staff. 

Headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma, Nextep has resourceful, dedicated teams of specialists in twelve cities across the United States. Nextep elevates the employment experience for businesses by delivering cutting-edge technology, unbeatable expert support, and HR where you are. They create a customized solution for each company they work with. Nextep has simplified HR so you can get back to the things that matter most: building your business.

What do you do? Tell us a little bit about your company. 

I am a business consultant for Nextep. We are a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) based in Norman that helps small to medium businesses with all things HR. We help business owners offer the best benefits to their employees, provide HR expertise, and payroll service all through our technology. 

What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? 

The courage to start over. I left one industry after 12 years, and found this job in the fall of 2021. 

What is the best part of your job? 

I didn’t know anything about the PEO industry, or even Nextep. I am so lucky to have found Nextep, because the people and culture of this company have been life-changing for me. 

What strategies do you use to make big decisions? 

I externally process a lot, and it drives my husband nuts. So he gets to hear all my thoughts regarding big and even the smallest decisions. 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

I wanted to be a lot of things, but a few that come to mind, ambassador, amusement park ride developer (even though I hate roller coasters or things that are tall), and President.

Given unlimited resources, how would you go about making the world a better place? 

Find your passion and spend it in a non-profit, whether its time, money, representing, something. Do what feels good and give back. 

If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

I don’t think I could pick one meal, but I am a big Chick-fil-a fan, so I would say I could eat off their menu for every meal. 

What is one of your favorite things about being a member of The Root Coworking? 

I’ve been here less than a year, but I really have enjoyed just getting to know the people AND I am a big fan of the Blackberry-Lime flavored water.