Altura Benefits
428 E Winchester St, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Bank products: Business Checking, Savings, and Money Market Accounts, Bill pay services, loans, & Private Banking
Years in business: 20
Years with Zions Bank: 35
Providing employee benefits is a critical way for employers to attract and retain top talent, but it can be difficult for small and medium-sized businesses to manage benefits programs alone. Small businesses often lack dedicated HR support that can help administer benefits programs and navigate complex government regulations.
That’s why Craig Paulson founded Altura Benefits, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, which specializes in group employee benefits, insurance and creating human resource efficiencies. Since founding his company 20 years ago, Paulson has earned numerous industry awards, including “Best of SLC” and recognition in the Marketplace Circle of Champion, an annual recognition program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
He’s also served as the past chapter president of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals’ Utah Chapter, which is among a network of more than 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents, consultants and benefit professionals.
Paulson explains how employers can design compelling benefits programs that fit within their budget.
What do you want people to know about your small business?
“We are a boutique firm that offers highly specialized, tailored services for group employee benefits, insurance and human resource support. We have an experienced team of 15 professionals and recently celebrated our company’s 20th anniversary.”
“Our purpose is to make our client’s lives easier by providing compelling benefits, administering programs and providing guidance to stay compliant. We offer helpful cloud-based tools that make managing benefits easy. We’ve also grown a network of vetted health carriers and third-party providers to help meet a wide range of client needs.”
“By delivering personalized care, we empower our clients to focus on growing their business, while taking care of their employees who make it possible.”
Why are employee benefits important for growing companies?
“You can’t build a strong company without taking care of your workforce. Employee benefits are a strategic investment that helps you create a happier, healthier workforce capable of delivering sustainable business growth.”
Regarding employee benefits, what guidance would you give to new and established businesses?
“If you’re developing a benefits program for the first time, it’s important to understand what your employees value and what your commitments are as an employer. From our experience, an overwhelming number of employees prioritize healthcare and retirement benefits.”
“We can provide numerous options to fit an employer’s budget, but if you want your benefits to help recruit and retain talent, it’s important to spend more than the bare minimum. For example, some companies pay up to 85% of their employee’s healthcare premiums.”
“Many companies have approached us because they’ve been frustrated with increasing premiums, clunky implementation or lack of HR support. We address these challenges through helping clients research cost-effective options, implementing solutions in an employee-centered way while meeting compliance requirements.”
What guidance do you have for other small business owners?
“While offering benefits may feel daunting, it’s very achievable. In addition to providing benefits, find ways to show your employees you value them.”
“Finally, I’m working on helping Altura team members find purpose beyond a paycheck. I’m proud of my team’s dedication and focus on helping our clients support their workforce.”
Why did you choose to work with Zions Bank and how has it helped your small business?
“I started banking with Zions Bank when I was a BYU student and this relationship has deepened over the years. I like the convenience of bundling my personal and business banking under one roof, with a wide variety of products and services. I greatly value my Zion’s banker and appreciate his timely support and guidance.”
As Altura benefits has expanded over the past two decades, its relationship with Zions Bank has supported its financial operations and long-term business success.
Looking for a bank that’s invested in your future and can help your small business reach its financial goals? Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including SBA loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.
