Careers

Executive Team

Executive Team

Meet the People Behind PEOPLE

John Walker Hardin

Chief Executive Officer

John W. Hardin is the Chief Executive Officer and Owner of multiple Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and PEO Management Companies. Currently, with his own PEOs, cumulatively known as PEOPLE, Inc., his directive revolves around developing and fostering business relationships while improving sales and retention within his businesses.

Prior to his entry into the PEO Industry, John worked with KPMG in the Auditing Division. He was responsible for major public accounts including Allied & Federated Department Stores, Burger King, Sunglass Hut, and Ryder Systems. John’s accounting background and expertise has been instrumental in acquisition opportunities throughout his PEO career.

John Hardin headshot

In 1990, John started his career in the PEO Industry with a national PEO, where he served as the Director of Sales from 1990 to 2010. During that time, John perfected the Agent Channel model by developing a network of Property & Casualty (P&C) agents, PEO brokers, and Health Care agents that provided qualified opportunities. As a pioneer in this method, John’s leadership has helped establish new business models for the Human Resources (HR) industry, where companies can transform from a functional operations model to a process-driven, customer-focused model. His expertise and practices in business optimization and business enterprise cost containment are nationally recognized. 

Mr. Hardin graduated from Florida International University in Miami, FL with a B.A. in Accounting. He is a true humanitarian and enjoys being actively involved in his community. He supports several local and national charities.

Dan Opferman

Chief Insurance Officer

Dan Opferman, the Chief Insurance Officer of Vensure Employer Services, was most recently PEOPLE’s Chief Operations Officer. In this role, he led a project to convert the company from an older, less effective HRIS to the company’s current powerful technology platform – PrismHR. He is delighted to report a high level of client satisfaction with this dynamic integrated system.

Prior to working in the PEO industry, Dan was—and remains—a licensed insurance agent and has experience as a certified financial planner. To this day, he maintains and services a book of clients and enjoys seeing how Vensure’s services help businesses grow and provide employees with a better experience. Dan thrives on nurturing his relationships with clients because it allows him to get first-hand knowledge of how they’re experiencing PEOPLE’s services.

Daniel Opferman headshot

Starting with benefits sales in the PEO industry, Dan advanced to positions such as Vice President of Payroll, Vice President of HR, Chief Operating Officer, and President of PEO Risks, LLC.

Dan attended the University of Wisconsin Parkside and was an All-American soccer player. He is a proud father of two successful daughters and grandfather of one lovely granddaughter. When not spending time with his family, Dan enjoys playing golf, supporting charity events on the links, and hosting parties and BBQs.