OneDigital’s Ted Crawford on Leadership, Growth, and the Future of PEOs
Few leaders in the PEO industry can point to a nearly 30 year career shaped as much by patience as performance, and that perspective anchors a recent PEO Insider cover story featuring Ted Crawford.
In “OneDigital’s Ted Crawford: Playing the Long Game,” Ted Crawford, President of PEO, OneDigital, reflects on the career decisions and leadership principles that have shaped both his professional journey and the evolution of the organization he leads.
The article traces Ted’s path from early roles in insurance and financial services to becoming a respected leader in the PEO space. Along the way, he developed a belief that meaningful growth is built through disciplined execution, strong client relationships, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions even when faster or easier paths are available.
A central theme of the piece highlights the impact of Resourcing Edge joining OneDigital, a move that expanded geographic reach, strengthened infrastructure, and created a broader platform to support employers nationwide. Rather than focusing solely on scale, Ted emphasizes the importance of building durable systems and long term partnerships, particularly as workforce complexity continues to increase.
Looking ahead, Ted shares his perspective on how the PEO industry is evolving, from rising expectations among business owners to the growing role of technology, productivity, and adaptability. Across each chapter of the story, his leadership philosophy remains consistent: success is rarely built overnight, and organizations that endure are those willing to invest with intention, clarity, and purpose.
In most industries, you get in at the peak or the tail end. This was an opportunity to get in at the beginning.
— Ted Crawford, President of PEO