What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
That all healthcare rates and benefits are the same no matter whom you work with from an agent/broker perspective. That could not be further from the truth. Your agent can make all the difference in your quest to have an affordable and sustainable health plan.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
Right now, a lot of employers and employees are struggling with finding the extra money to pay for premiums, deductibles and prescriptions. And while we have a solution in place for most, finding enough time in the day to help each and every employer that reaches out to us for help has been a tall task.
What keeps you up at night?
No matter how many employers we help, there are thousands, if not millions out there that still need assistance. Most think there is only one way to buy insurance for their employees, when in fact, there are a multitude of avenues employers have access to.
What project is your company most proud of?
Our first month in business we saved a contractor with 100+ employees over $500k - while improving their benefits! This equated to roughly a 50% savings for the company, employees' cost went down, and copays lowered.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
Since our program is designed for contractors specifically, as the preeminent association for the construction industry, being a part of ABC is a no brainer for us. The great people are just an added bonus.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Sports Agent. I've always been interested in finding solutions for others, no matter the forum or industry.
Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.
Few know that I was the Executive Vice President for ABC National at the Insurance Trust for over 10 years.
What do you look forward to each day?
I try to look at every day as a new day, a new opportunity to do better. I'm always looking to try to improve on the day before or to learn or meet someone new.
What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
Old Ebbitt Grill is a personal favorite of mine. It's a great place to go for a casual lunch, formal dinner or to stop in for a quick bite. You also never know who you'll bump into from Congress.
What do you do for fun?
I play in adult soccer and basketball leagues throughout the year and love to coach my kids whenever possible.
What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?
Probably the best piece of advice I ever received was to listen and observe more than I speak.
What was your first job?
As an admin assistant for Sylvan Learning Center at 14 years old.