Strongpoint Partners

What Strongpoint Partners does

Strongpoint Partners is a tech-enabled retirement services and payroll platform serving small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and their plan participants across the United States. The company delivers third-party administration (TPA), recordkeeping, actuarial, fiduciary, compliance, payroll, and HR services through a roll-up model that has absorbed 24+ independent TPA partner firms since founding in January 2022 under Chicago-based private equity sponsor Shore Capital Partners. Strongpoint's product surface includes Defined Contribution, Defined Benefit, ESOP, and Cash Balance plan administration modules; the Strongpay payroll and HRIS platform (launched October 2023); the ACT with Strongpoint program enabling retiring TPA owners to monetize and transition clients; and SECURE Act 2.0 compliance tooling. The underlying platform integrates Salesforce-based plan administration with 401(k) recordkeepers including Empower, American Funds, and Nationwide's RetireAssist Connect pooled plan, providing what the company describes as a "single pane of glass" from onboarding through ongoing service. The platform administers $54B+ in plan assets across 32K+ plans serving 25K+ unique customers and 600K+ plan participants in 42+ states, with a coast-to-coast network of 375+ US-based retirement consultants averaging 35+ years of plan design experience. Revenue is generated through professional-service fees on a quote-based, multi-year contractual basis tied to plan type, participant count, and service scope, with no publicly disclosed pricing tiers. Go-to-market is field-led: direct SMB engagement via regional partner firms supported by a national sales organization, plus bottom-of-funnel partner acquisition through invite-only "A Day with Strongpoint" events, an established M&A deal team, and sell-side advisor relationships.

Name

Strongpoint Partners

Legal name

Strongpoint Partners

Website

https://www.strongpointpartners.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Strongpoint Partners is a Shore Capital Partners-backed tech-enabled retirement plan administration, payroll, and HR platform serving 25,000+ small- and mid-sized businesses across 42+ U.S. states through 24+ acquired independent TPA partner firms, administering $54B+ in plan assets for 600K+ participants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retirement Plan Administration Services

NAICS

Pharmacy Benefit Management and Other Third Party Administration of Insurance and Pension Funds (524292), Payroll Services (541214), Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services (54121)

SIC

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Benefits Administration & Total Rewards Outsourcing (BPACAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employee Benefit & Retirement Plan Trust Services (FSAAANAC), Benefits Administration & Enrollment Support (BPAAAIAB), Employee Benefits Brokerage & Consulting (FSAEADAC), Benefits Administration (BPACAPAC)

Keywords

• Retirement plan administration
• Third-party administration
• Payroll HR solutions
• Fiduciary advisory services
• ESOP consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Retirement Plan Administration Services: Third-party administration (TPA) services for retirement plans including 401(k), Defined Contribution, Defined Benefit, ESOP, Cash Balance plans. Services include plan design, recordkeeping, actuarial services, fiduciary oversight, compliance and reporting.
2. ACT with Strongpoint (Practice Acquisition): Program enabling TPA practice owners to monetize their businesses while transitioning clients. Deal process eliminates extensive legal and diligence fees with approximately 90-day conversion period. Strongpoint claims ~83% historical 2-year retention rate.
3. Payroll and HR Solutions (Strongpay): Integrated payroll services with customized workflows, enterprise-level data validation, and HR solutions. Processing over 481,000 W-2s annually with $21.7B+ funds dispersed. Revenue derived from service fees for payroll processing and HR administration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Strongpoint Partners delivers retirement plan administration, payroll, HR, and fiduciary services to small and mid-sized plan sponsors through a partner network of third-party administrators. Its services span Defined Contribution, Defined Benefit, and ESOP plan administration, supported by an integrated Salesforce-based technology platform and the Strongpay payroll/HR solution. The firm also runs the ACT with Strongpoint program, enabling retiring TPA practice owners to monetize and transition their books while maintaining continuity for clients.

Product overview

Strongpoint Partners is a tech-enabled retirement services platform that operates as a platform-plus-partner-network architecture. The core platform provides integrated retirement third-party administration (TPA), recordkeeping, payroll, and HR solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. Key products include Strongpay (payroll and HR services), ACT with Strongpoint (client transition/monetization program for retiring TPA owners), and specific service modules for Defined Contribution, Defined Benefit, ESOP & Specialty Consulting, and Retirement Integrated Payroll & HRIS. The platform is delivered through a coast-to-coast network of independent TPA partner firms, combining local expertise with national infrastructure support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Strongpay: Payroll and HR solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses, integrated with retirement services.

Products and services

• Strongpay Integrated payroll and HR solutions platform offered by Strongpoint Partners that combines payroll processing with HRIS functionality and links retirement plan data to streamline workforce and benefits administration for small and mid-sized employers.
• ACT with Strongpoint Acquisition and client transition program that enables independent third-party administration (TPA) and retirement consulting practice owners to sell, transition, or partner their books of business with Strongpoint Partners while preserving continuity for clients and staff.
• Defined Contribution Plan Administration Outsourced administration services for Defined Contribution retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)), covering plan design, recordkeeping, fiduciary oversight, compliance, and reporting for plan sponsors.
• Defined Benefit Plan Administration Administration, actuarial support, and compliance services for Defined Benefit (pension) plans, including plan design, valuation, government reporting, and ongoing administration for plan sponsors.
• ESOP & Specialty Consulting Specialty consulting and administration services for Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and other non-standard retirement plan arrangements, targeted at employers and selling shareholders.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3-year growth exceeding 400%
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bidwell Consulting Services, Inc. (BCS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026Founded in 2005 by Dave Banathy, Dennis Cargile, Creasia Gale, and Dan DeWitt, headquartered in Chico, California. Specializes in Defined Benefit and 401(k) plan solutions for small to medium sized businesses, founded on principles of superior, flexible, and innovative retirement plan administration.
• Integrated Pension Design, Inc. (IPD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026Founded in 1986 by Stan Lipton & led by Kiersten Bartlein, headquartered in Long Island, New York. A TPA firm delivering sophisticated plan design to clients nationwide with high touch service.
• Nationwide Retirement SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 October 2025Strongpoint is one of the service providers partnered with Nationwide for their RetireAssist Connect pooled plan solution. Nationwide serves as recordkeeper, custodian, and corporate trustee for the new product.
• American Retirement Plan Services (ARPS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Founded in 1997 by David S. Cohen and led by Amy Uddeme, headquartered in Baltimore County, MD. A boutique, consulting-focused firm delivering tailored services primarily to small and medium-sized businesses.
• SMS RetirementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Founded in 1985 and led by Mark Strakowski and Jeremy Schira, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. A TPA firm committed to delivering customized retirement plan solutions for employers, professional firms, and small business owners nationwide with best-in-class service.
• Creative Retirement Systems, LLC (CRS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Founded in 1979 and led by Kaezad Setna, headquartered in Springdale, Ohio. Prides themselves on helping clients reach retirement objectives with plans tailored to unique needs.
• Associated Pension Consultants, LLC (APC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Founded in 1995 by Warren Simon, headquartered in Melville, New York. Team of retirement consultants committed to delivering high-quality service to each client, helping them secure their retirement future.
• Allied Consultants, Inc. (ACI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Founded in 1988 by Nelson Yeung, headquartered in Chino Hills, CA. Specialized in retirement consulting and planning for almost 40 years, priding themselves on providing best solutions with knowledge, integrity, and professionalism.
• Benefit Equity, Inc. (BEI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Founded in 1989 by Robert Gorelick, headquartered in Santa Ana, California. A leader in retirement services industry set apart by belief in building and cultivating relationships and collaborative approach to solving problems. Acquisition facilitated by Dream Business Brokers.
• United Benefit Pensions, LLC (UBP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Founded in 2003 by Pat Deegan, headquartered in Melville, New York. Team has built reputation for delivering personalized service to each client, endeavoring to give them a roadmap to retirement success.
• CRP - California Retirement PlanscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025Founded in 1992 by Brian Smith, headquartered in Northern California. Has been specializing in relationship-driven retirement plan administration, consulting, and problem-solving services for over 30 years, serving small- to medium-sized businesses across the country.
• Actuaries Unlimited (AUI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025Founded in 1970 and led by Mindy Gassman and E. Mark Fishman, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. A leading provider of pension administration and retirement benefits consulting made up of nine esteemed Actuaries and dedicated skilled staff.
• Liden, Nestle, Soled & Associates (LNS)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025Acquisition of LNS announced as part of Strongpoint's growth initiatives in February 2026 to expand and strengthen retirement services platform.
• Pension Consultants, Inc. (PCI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Founded in 1971 by Ed Fishman, headquartered location not specified. A leader in 401(k), Cash Balance, and combo-plan retirement plan administration made up of experienced consultants, actuaries and support staff who build cost-effective, flexible, and trouble-free retirement plans.
• Cash Balance ActuariescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 December 2024Founded in 2009 by Charles Steingas, with employees spread across 11 states. Specializes in designing and administering flexible and easy-to-understand cash balance plans. Provides B2B and B2B2B Cash Balance and traditional Defined Benefit retirement solutions, including actuarial outsourcing to dozens of retirement TPA firms across the industry.
• Karel-Gordon & AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Founded in 1975 by Jerry Karel, headquartered in Deerfield, IL. Industry leader in combo retirement plan design, consulting, and administration, specializing in custom retirement solutions designed specifically for each client's unique retirement objectives. Led by Holly Danziger (President) and Seth Silverman (Head of Growth).
• Retirement Planning Consulting Group (RPCG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024Founded in 2018 by Claire May, headquartered outside Hartford, CT. Leverages breadth and depth of expertise across all retirement plan considerations to optimize plan performance for clients and participants.
• SI GROUPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Founded in 1983 by Craig Suemori, headquartered in Honolulu, HI. Specialized in custom retirement plan solutions for almost 40 years serving Hawaii and Pacific coast. Certified TPA with Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) since 2009, one of only 43 TPA firms in the nation.
• Carlson QuinncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024Founded in 1994 by Leif Carlson & Brian Quinn, headquartered outside San Francisco, CA. Specializes in unique plan strategies and complicated retirement objectives for mid-size and larger firms. Provides ESOP consulting and administration.
• Pollard & AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Founded in 1970 by Hans Banziger (led by Mary Grason), headquartered in the DMV area. Spent 50+ years helping customers 'navigate the bridge to retirement' with 1,000+ customers across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
• Pension Financial Services (PFS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Founded in 1982 by Earle Garvin, headquartered in Duluth, GA. Provides the highest caliber actuarial and retirement planning services to over 800 clients across the Southeast, guided by principle that 'interest today creates tomorrow.'
• Retirement Planners and Administrators (RPA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2023Founded in 1969 by Hans Banziger, headquartered in Falls Church, VA. Provides 401(k) plan administration and recordkeeping services to small-/mid-sized businesses, servicing 1,300+ plans.
• Retirement Strategies Group (RSG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2022Founded in 1999 by Joey Bender & Bob Guidry, headquartered in New Orleans, LA. Provides 401(k) plan administration and recordkeeping services to small-/mid-sized businesses, servicing 600+ plans including 401(k), Profit Sharing, Cash Balance and Traditional DB plans. Recognized as Top-Tier TPA by John Hancock with 98.7% plan retention.
• Jocelyn Pension ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2022Founded in 2002 by Bob Jocelyn, headquartered in Boulder, CO and San Rafael, CA. Provides professional advice and local support to create customized 401(k) plan solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. Second partner to join Strongpoint (September 2022). Nick Jocelyn serves on Schwab Retirement Business Services Trust & Custody Advisory Board.
• HowardSimoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 January 2022HowardSimon was founded in 1981 by Howard Simon, headquartered in Riverwoods, Illinois. It is a large independent TPA with recordkeeping and advisory capabilities offering integrated retirement, payroll, and HR solutions through a tech-enhanced service delivery model. Strongpoint's first partner firm (January 2022).

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• HUB International: HUB International is a large PE-backed insurance brokerage and benefits consulting firm providing employee benefits brokerage, retirement plan services, and HR consulting — competing with Strongpoint for SMB and mid-market plan sponsors through a broader insurance-focused portfolio.
• Paychex: Paychex is one of the largest U.S. payroll, HR, and benefits administration providers serving SMBs — directly comparable to Strongpoint's Strongpay offering and competing for integrated benefits/payroll customers in the same SMB segment.
• ADP (Automatic Data Processing): ADP is the dominant U.S. payroll and HR services provider, offering payroll, benefits administration, retirement services, and HR outsourcing at massive scale — serving many of the same SMB customers Strongpoint targets through Strongpay.
• USI Insurance Services: USI is a national insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm offering retirement plan services alongside property/casualty, benefits, and personal insurance — a broad incumbent that competes with Strongpoint in the employee benefits and retirement space.
• Empower Retirement: Empower is one of the largest U.S. retirement recordkeepers, having consolidated multiple recordkeeping platforms and increasingly bundling plan administration and advisory services — a major competitive incumbent whose scale and integrator relationships materially shape Strongpoint's market.
• Cetera Advisor Networks: Cetera is a large, PE-backed wealth management and retirement plan services platform serving advisors and plan sponsors across the U.S., offering retirement plan administration as part of a broader wealth/RIA platform — overlapping with Strongpoint's retirement focus.

Direct peers

• CAPTRUST: CAPTRUST is one of the largest independent retirement plan advisory firms in the U.S., providing plan design, investment advisory, and administration services to mid- to large-sized plan sponsors — directly comparable to Strongpoint's retirement consulting core offering.
• SageView Advisory: SageView is a national retirement plan advisory firm focused on 401(k), 403(b), and defined benefit plan consulting for middle-market employers — directly overlapping with Strongpoint's retirement plan design and consulting practice.
• Alerus Financial: Alerus provides retirement plan administration, recordkeeping, payroll, and HCM solutions for mid-market employers — operating a similar combined retirement-plus-payroll/HR platform with comparable target customers and service mix to Strongpoint Partners.
• OneDigital: OneDigital is a PE-backed insurance, benefits, and HR consulting platform that offers retirement plan administration, payroll, benefits brokerage, and HR outsourcing to SMBs — closely paralleling Strongpoint's integrated retirement/payroll/HR services model across a national footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@StrongpointPartners
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/strongpointpartners
• Xx.com/strongpointptrs

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries24 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Strongpoint Partners