Consolidated Admin Services

Last year, Consolidated Admin Services of Cabot saw its greatest growth to date, owner Carrie Stout said.

She established the firm in November 2009 out of a small office in her home. Since then, it’s grown from a sole proprietorship to employing a team of 32. “Steady, slow growth was my goal,” Stout said.

“Employers now need help, more than ever, due to all the regulations. And so we’re here to help ease their mind and ease their pain and help their employees through all that,” she said of CAS’s work as a third-party administrator handling cafeteria plans, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, Family & Medical Leave Act-related administration, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act-related administration and reporting related to the Affordable Care Act.

As for the pandemic’s effect on CAS, Stout said business has been steady. “We’re continuing to grow. And it’s so nice to still be able to not only maintain our team but to add team members in a pandemic,” she said. CAS employees enjoy a “caring” workplace environment where engagement is incentivized, work-life balance is encouraged and bringing pets to the office is allowed, she said.

Stout said the pandemic has proved that her company is sustainable. She’s pleased that CAS could “be here for employers that have had to have employee loss and employee changes and help them, and guide them through the uncertainties.”

In addition, “I’ve actually been in the industry for 20 years, and I can honestly say this year has been the most challenging with law changes and things,” Stout said.

Asked what sets CAS apart from its competitors, she cited its high-quality customer service and a team that is structured to keep up with ever-changing technology and laws.

Her goal for the next five years is to keep up the good work and do it locally. “We do everything in Arkansas. Everything. We do not outsource anything. And that’s a goal of ours, is to continue to maintain that,” Stout said.