Finding a better fit 401(k) for a growing vet practice
How Family Pet Hospital modernized their 401(k) with automation and a simplified employee experience
Family Pet Hospital at a glance
- 2Entities
- VeterinaryIndustry
- ADPPrevious 401(k) provider
Switching to Guideline was on our to-do list for too long. We thought transferring a pair of 401(k)s would be a big deal—but it wasn’t at all. It was easy and painless.Client of Guideline. Views may not be representative of other clients.
Challenges
Dated technology and lengthy support wait times complicated multi-entity 401(k) management and created unnecessary work.Why Guideline
Modern, user-friendly product that simplifies 401k(k) for the entire team via an easy-to-use employee mobile app.Results
Regained hours each month thanks to automated data entry, self-serve employee tools, and a direct phone line to support.
Challenge
For the decade following the opening of Family Pet Hospital, Les was a proud supporter of Dr. Fegans— company founder, lead veterinarian, and Les’ wife of many years.
Les supported the practice from the sidelines until a career pivot made it possible for him to bring his software expertise to Family Pet Hospital full-time. Les knew exactly which project he wanted to tackle first.
“Switching 401(k) providers had been on the company to-do-list for too long. We thought transferring retirement benefits for two entities would be painful—so we kept punting on the project until I joined.”
But why prioritize a switch at all?
“Our old provider just wasn’t the right fit. They did everything—but our business didn’t need everything. The tools we actually did use felt antiquated and overly complicated—and even simple tasks required calls to customer support and hours of hold music. It was clear that we needed to find better fit tools for both payroll and 401(k)—so our business shopped for both at the same time so we could switch at the end of the year.”
Our old provider just wasn’t the right fit. They did everything—but our business didn’t need everything. The tools we actually did use felt antiquated and overly complicated.
Solution
Les put his technology background to work evaluating new providers. Family Pet Hospital decided first on Gusto for payroll. And after evaluating Gusto-integrated 401(k) providers, they discovered that Guideline offered exactly what they were looking for:
- Automation that removed responsibilities like eligibility tracking, data entry, and enrollment
- Simplified 401k management for multiple business entities2
- Low cost, no-cancellation-fee plans3
- Custom 401(k) plan design options that support a wide range of employee types
- Dedicated support, with a direct phone number and average email response times of four business hours or less4
- Modern technology that made the 401(k) easy-to-understand, even for non-experts
The cherry on top? A simpler-than-expected end of year switch to Guideline that helped keep tax time simple too.
Guideline checked all the boxes for us: fair pricing, dedicated support, and an easy-to-use product. You don't need to be a 401(k) expert to use Guideline.
Results
Les and team found the modern, right-sized solution they were looking for in Guideline and Gusto.
So, what’s life like after making the switch?
“With Guideline, we customized a 401(k) plan that supports savings goals for each of our employee types—from hourly, entry-level vet techs to our salaried doctors. We’ve unlocked more automation and more savings for our business. And as the 401(k) admin for two separate business entities, I don't even think about eligibility, enrollment, payroll deductions, or compliance now. Guideline just works.”
I don't even think about eligibility, enrollment, payroll deductions, or compliance now. Guideline just works.
Get a retirement plan your team will love