Our Founder and CEO Stephen Cilley shares his story and the inspiration for Ataraxis in a podcast interview, None of My Business. Also available on Apple Podcasts.

Our Story

Built to Support Employers

Ataraxis was built to solve a challenge many employers know well: managing HR, payroll, benefits, and workers’ compensation while trying to grow a business.

Our Founder, Stephen Cilley, faced that challenge firsthand. In 2008, he was leading a fast-growing insurance adjusting firm with 70 employees across five states, and much of his time was spent on compliance, payroll, benefits, and employee relations instead of strategy and growth.

After a year of searching for support, Stephen found only software platforms and firms offering advice from the sidelines. The solution he needed did not exist, so he built it. This section already supports trust well because it clearly explains the problem, the gap in the market, and the origin of the company.

Built for Business Owners, Inspired by Real Experience

In 2010, Stephen launched Ataraxis to deliver full-service HR, payroll, and benefits not as a vendor, but as a true extension of the businesses it serves.

The name “Ataraxis” means the absence of mental stress or anxiety, and that philosophy continues to guide the company’s work. The current page already connects that meaning to the company’s role in easing burden, doing the work, and helping businesses move forward with less risk and more confidence. Those ideas are helpful trust signals because they connect your name, philosophy, and service promise in a clear way.

From HR Frustration to a Full‑Service Employer Partner

What began as a response to one business owner’s challenge grew into a broader mission: helping employers navigate HR, payroll, benefits, and workforce complexity with experienced support.

Employers came to Ataraxis looking for more than software or advice. They needed experienced professionals who could manage HR administration, payroll processing, benefits coordination, and compliance with confidence and ownership.

As those needs evolved, so did we. Ataraxis expanded with intention, building services designed to support employers through growth, complexity, and change while maintaining a personal, relationship‑driven approach.

Expanding HR, Payroll, and Employer Services Nationwide

Our growth has been shaped by long-term relationships, expanded service capabilities, and continued investment in leadership, systems, and support for employers

Milestones That Matter

2010 – Ataraxis is founded and welcomed its first client.
2011 – Added Workers’ Compensation to our service offering for Idaho-based clients.
2013 – Expanded our services across Nevada.
2014 – Expanded our Western presence by supporting California clients.
2018 – Added staffing services and expanded into Texas. Glen Scott joined the company as Chief Operating Officer.
2019 – Established the Scott Esplin Memorial Foundation to honor a beloved team member and support student-athletes.
2020 – With the dramatic shift toward remote work, we expanded our services in 11 additional states.
2021 – Expanded our licensing in 25 states to support clients. Glen Scott transitioned to Chief People Officer. Eric Smith joined the company as Chief Operating Officer.
2022 – Ataraxis implemented a new HRIS system and introduced Beneficient, our ASO model, founded by Stephen Cilley and Eric Smith.
2024 – Our national footprint grew with the acquisition of Cornerstone Innovations and Diversified Employee Solutions in Ohio. Kailee Rosentreter was promoted to VP of HR and Operations.
2025 – Celebrated our 15th anniversary. Now delivering our services in 45 states and counting. Our Founder, Stephen Cilley, was elevated to Chairman of the Board. Eric Smith promoted to Chief Executive Officer and Autumn Brown was named VP of Finance.
2026 – Strategic leadership realignment with Stephen Cilley returning to CEO. Eric Smith transitions to Chief Revenue Officer, where he will lead national growth initiatives, strategic partnerships, and revenue strategy.

What Drives Ataraxis Today

Ataraxis is more than a service provider. We are a people-first PEO partner designed to support employers with hands-on HR, payroll, and benefits support. We believe that when employees thrive, businesses do too, which is why we work as an extension of the teams we serve. We believe that when employees thrive, businesses do too, which is why we work as an extension of the teams we serve.

We simplify the work behind the work so employers can lead with more focus, less risk, and greater confidence.

Who We Serve

We serve employers who want more than disconnected tools or surface-level advice. Our clients value experienced support, practical guidance, and a team that works as an extension of their business. Whether a business is growing, expanding into new states, or looking for stronger HR, payroll, and benefits support, Ataraxis is here to help employers move forward with confidence.

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