Meet the Merchant: Workplace Benefits guides companies through insurance labyrinth

Since the COVID crisis hit, the need for insurance has become even more important. Workplace Benefits LLC is one of the local businesses that helps employers, individuals, and families find affordable insurance options 

 

Owner Reese McFaddin Gately grew up in Sumter, South Carolina. She moved to the Lowcountry in 2005, after being recruited by a financial firm on Daniel Island to start their benefits division.

 

McFaddin Gately fell in love with Daniel Island. In May 2006 she took a risk and opened Workplace Benefits on the island. Several years ago she married Bob Gately, and soon after they joined forces at work as well. Workplace Benefits became a true family affair. 

 

“While I started the business 14 years ago on my own, my husband joined me about six years ago. Now, we’re literally a ‘mom and pop’ agency,” said McFaddin Gately.

 

The COVID crisis has put a strain on both businesses and families across the Lowcountry, especially when it comes to health care. The pandemic put many residents out of work and left them without medical benefits. Workplace Benefits adapted quickly to meet the needs of the community during the ongoing crisis. 

 

“Unfortunately, a lot of people have been laid off during this crisis. We’ve been busy helping them evaluate their options in the market versus their COBRA plan offerings.” said McFaddin Gately.

 

Alice White of Charleston Industrial appreciates the extra support provided by Workplace Benefits as the COVID crisis continues to adversely affect local businesses.  

 

“COVID has presented a unique set of challenges, notably on how to predict our future workload and plan our staffing accordingly. Reese remains very flexible and is able to react quickly when hiring and benefit decisions need to be made swiftly and amid uncertainty,” said White. “Every employer wants the best for their employees, and WB helps enhance the bond between us and our staff. [Workplace Benefits] keeps up with current changes in health care, and that supports our employees, who need to make

important life decisions about their coverage options. Our staff appreciates the opportunity to speak directly with an advisor as knowledgeable and compassionate as Reese.”

 

Dyan Heineck of Island Expressions uses Workplace Benefits to navigate the ever-changing insurance options and guidelines.  

 

“We are a family of two small business owners. We’ve always had to shop around for health insurance, as it is a major expense for us. Reese makes this process so much easier, plus she has saved us so much money through the years,” Heineck said. “We have switched carriers and plans multiple times over the years and she makes it a seamless transition and handles the complete application process for us… We love working with someone locally and what we appreciate most is the personal service and quick response time.

 

McFaddin Gately says Workplace Benefits’ mission is to help provide people with protection and keep it simple. She also stressed the company’s desire to always put people over profits.  

 

“We’ll tell people if it’s not a fit to do business with us. We’d rather give good advice than make the sale,” she said. “Also, we employ a medical billing advocate on retainer. So, if there is a complicated claim situation, our advocate’s services are free for our clients.”

 

Find out more online at benefitwork.com.

If there are any local merchants you’d like to see featured in an upcoming column, email marie@thedanielislandnews.com.