You didn’t start your business to become an expert in government compliance. Whether you run a heavy concrete crew, a massive HVAC operation, or an electrical contracting outfit, your profits are made on the job site—not behind a desk trying to decipher the latest changes to Health Care Reform.
But over the last few years, managing Human Resources (HR) has become incredibly difficult. Between ever-increasing government regulations, complex payroll tax codes, and the threat of severe compliance penalties, the administrative burden on Texas specialty contractors has never been heavier.
If your back office is spending more time managing paperwork than supporting your workforce, it is time to make a change. The smartest companies that build Texas are turning to HR Outsourcing to reclaim their time, protect their balance sheet, and get back to doing what they do best.
Here is what you need to know about navigating the administrative side of HR—and how Association Benefit Solutions (ABS) can secure you the best rates in the industry via streamlined Administrative Services Only (ASO) structures.
What is HR Outsourcing? (And Why Do the Skilled Trades Need It?)
HR Outsourcing simply means transferring a portion—or all—of your Human Resource functions to a specialized third party. For commercial builders and the skilled trades, this is an absolute game-changer. It can be done at an extremely affordable cost, instantly freeing up internal resources so you can focus on winning bids and growing your business.
However, the outsourced HR market is crowded, confusing, and full of vendors who overcharge for services you don’t need. Navigating it requires a partner who understands the unique margins and labor dynamics of the commercial building sector.
Unlike rigid, high-fee co-employment models that force you to completely surrender control over your employee benefits, ABS focuses on streamlined Administrative Services Only (ASO). With an ASO framework, you remain the sole employer of record and retain total ownership of your customized plan designs, while the administrative heavy lifting is entirely offloaded.
The ABS Advantage: Institutional Buying Power
Since 1978, ABS has been the proudly endorsed insurance partner of associations throughout the state of Texas. We have the deep expertise and legacy knowledge required to steer you in the right direction. We don’t just sell you a service; we analyze your workforce, your margins, and your operational goals to maximize your back-office efficiency.
More importantly, we get you the best possible rate.
Because of the sheer size of the associations we represent, ABS commands massive institutional buying power. We utilize exclusive master-contracts to secure substantial deals on these administrative programs. You get premium, enterprise-level HR support at highly negotiated rates that standard, lazy brokers simply cannot access.
Already Have an HR or ASO System? Let Us Audit It.
Many construction and construction-related companies already utilize a standard payroll or third-party administration vendor. But when was the last time you actually scrutinized what you are paying for? Vendor creep is real, and many businesses are unknowingly overpaying for redundant services or getting hit with hidden administrative fees.
If you currently have an administration system in place, ABS will perform a comprehensive, frictionless review of your current services. Our goal is simple: We will strive to provide an upgrade in your services while actively decreasing your costs.
We Bring Added Value to the Table
Whether you decide to implement a tailored administration framework or transition your team to one of our highly efficient level-funded health plans, ABS always acts as an extension of your business.
To ensure your back office is completely supported, we provide an unmatched suite of premium, included value-added services at absolutely no additional cost to our clients:
- COBRA Administration: We handle the complex paperwork and timelines to keep you compliant.
- 1094/1095 ACA Reporting: We manage the IRS reporting so you don’t face steep federal penalties.
- PCORI Fee Calculations: Automatically calculated and prepared for you.
- Claims Adjudication: If an employee’s claim is unfairly denied, we fight the insurance carriers on their behalf.
- Employee Navigator: A state-of-the-art Employee Benefits Administration System provided to streamline onboarding.
- Access to an Employee Labor Law Firm: Expert legal guidance to protect your company from employee disputes and regulatory audits.
Protect Your Business and Your Bottom Line
Growing trade operations don’t have the time or the margins to waste on inefficient processes or bloated, generic contracts. You build Texas. We protect your business.
Whether you need to explore HR Outsourcing for the first time, or you need an expert to audit your current provider and negotiate a better deal, ABS is ready to go to work for you.
Stop overpaying for administration. Take the guesswork out of your back-office expenses. Get a Free Cost Analysis from ABS today. All we need is a simple employee census to show you exactly how our institutional buying power can upgrade your capabilities and transform your balance sheet.


