Robert Cerone

20 years’ experience has given Bob a veteran’s perspective on the Professional Employer Services (PEO) and Human Resources (HR) Management space. Bob serves as the Midwest Leadership Chair for the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), which is the governing arm of the PEO industry. He stays grounded volunteering his time as a mentor at the Junto Institute - the only leadership and revenue accelerator for growth-stage companies.

Bob entered the PEO space in 1995 when he founded EmPowerHR. In 2011, EmPowerHR was sold to Laurus Strategies, where Bob subsequently served as CEO. In 2015, Bob started Cognos HR and continues to play an active role in providing the highest level of human capital and benefits service to our clients.

Prior to his work in the PEO business, Bob worked for Canon USA, Philips DuPont Optical Company and Xerox Corporation. He also served as an educator and facilitator for adolescents with special needs.