OH-based startup builds benefits strategy with Gusto & Take Command

ootBox is an innovative startup that transforms shipping containers into everything from backyard workspaces to pop-up retail stores to offices for industrial warehouses. ootBox also provides a turnkey, logistics-free solution to New York's outdoor dining program, handling design, delivery, and storage. A team of seven skilled employees hand-builds every ootBox in Columbus, Ohio. 

For co-founders Allison Zofan and Robbie Friedman, launching ootBox meant mastering every aspect of running a business. Coming from corporate environments, they were experts in their fields but beginners when it came to back office operations such as payroll and human resources. They needed smart, affordable solutions to get their new business off to a successful start. 

With no background in payroll, I needed software that was going to help me learn as fast as possible — a resource that could act as an additional member of the team, explained Zofan.

Bridging knowledge gaps with Gusto

Gusto, the payroll, HR, and benefits platform for small businesses, was a natural fit for ootBox. Gusto allows business owners to run payroll in minutes, regardless of experience. Automated tax filing, streamlined benefits, and support on demand are other big advantages for small businesses. 

"What's so great about Gusto is that there's no question I can't get an answer to," said Zofan. "When my employees ask something about their payroll and I don't have the answer, I can quickly become the subject matter expert with help from the Gusto support team."

With Gusto, small business owners can manage payroll with confidence and steer clear of missteps as they learn the ropes. By minimizing the administrative workload, there's also more time for owners to dedicate to innovation and growth.

Skills shortages call for competitive benefits

Retaining talent is a priority for American manufacturers facing growing skills shortages. For small businesses, it's especially challenging — limited budgets mean most are unable to offer the same compensation as their larger competitors. 

We needed to increase our retention efforts, but as a very small business coming out of Covid, we weren't able to just bump up salaries, explained Zofan. "We wanted employees to feel good about working for us, but we needed an alternative solution.

Offering health benefits is one way for companies to encourage loyalty. However, given the pressure that would come from meeting participation requirements, the employees preferred having more flexibility over their insurance options, which an HRA could provide.

Stepping into insurance with QSEHRA and Take Command

An email from the Gusto team introduced Zofan to Take Command and the qualified small employer HRA (QSEHRA). QSEHRA allows ootBox to offer employees a fixed monthly allowance to spend on individual health insurance premiums — no participation requirements.

With the freedom to choose their own plan, employees can balance their personal health requirements and their budget. "It all came down to giving our employees as much choice as possible," said Zofan. "Knowing that we're helping everybody stay happy and healthy is important to Robbie and me." 

QSEHRA is also helping ootBox attract new talent to the growing business: "Offering these benefits differentiates us from other companies a candidate might have chosen to work for, or pushes them to work with us instead of staying independent," said Zofan.

Gusto and Take Command: Perfect partners for small businesses    

Gusto and Take Command work together to simplify employee benefits. Employers enter the monthly reimbursement to add to each regular payroll in Gusto and, once processed, that amount appears as a separate line item on employees' pay stubs. Take Command sends employers a reimbursement report each month, allowing them to track their healthcare spend.

For Zofan, this friction-free connection between systems has played a key role in bridging knowledge gaps and staying compliant. "Having seamless reimbursements between Take Command and Gusto is a huge help," said Zofan. "As I'm still becoming an expert, I need all the help I can get." 

Offering an HRA also fast-tracked the process of educating ootBox employees — crucial time savings for small business owners juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. "It would have taken me hours to learn about group insurance and teach that to our employees," said Zofan. Instead, she can give employees the option of enrolling and provide the tools and resources they need to get started. 

By reducing the steps to reimbursement, Gusto and Take Command encourage employees to take up the offer of health benefits and start shopping for insurance. With the right coverage, ootBox employees are able to prioritize their well-being, stay productive, and continue building a successful business.

It's been very self-explanatory, said Zofan. Employees simply go in and upload their proof of coverage. I run the report once a month and upload it to Gusto, and the employees get their reimbursement — it's been a seamless process for everyone.