BAN Blog

Please allow us to introduce David Fischer. David’s specialty is transforming organizations into market leaders that deliver sustained growth and profitability. Fusing a high-energy sales, business development, change management, and operations background with a lifelong work ethic and leadership built within the US Marine Corps, David has ignited multimillion-dollar growth across a range of industries and settings, including startups, Fortune 500, and PE/VC-backed ventures.  David is an innovator and natural leader that attracts and develops new businesses, expands market opportunities, and builds trust across the entire business ecosystem.

After serving eight years as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, David spent twelve years in the high-tech public sector with an emphasis on international sales providing manufacturing software solutions to the Fortune 100. He then moved into the private sector where he led innovative startups from launch to acquisition. Currently, David is the Chief Revenue Officer at Gregory and Appel Insurance, where he leads the organization’s sales development, revenue sustainability, and go-to-market strategies. David earned his degree in Economics and Marketing at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1987.

What is your background and how did you get into this line of work?

I have had a very diverse professional career. After graduating college, I served eight years as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.  My combat billets were infantry, parachute, and special operations while my non-combat billets were finance and logistics.  My experience in the military also included a diplomatic tour as a General’s aide.

I then spent twelve years with large publicly traded organizations in the high-tech market where I focused on international sales, sales leadership, and revenue operations. I have spent the last fifteen years in the private sector across many industries and developed go-to-market strategies for emerging companies, led two financial recoveries, and executed multiple M&A events.

My last two roles have both been in the insurance industry serving in leadership and organizational transition, and I have to admit, I never thought I would be in the “insurance business.” Now that I am here, I LOVE it. We are in a fascinating industry — and the best part is that we get to help people.

What are your leadership principles?

Integrity, authenticity, communication, intentionality, and action.

Why are you passionate about BAN? What value has it brought you/your business?

It’s only natural to be passionate about BAN membership!  It brings an incredible peer group of agencies that are open to collaboration and sharing of best practices.  Each interaction with the agencies and members has led to mutual learning that is beyond measurable and ultimately helped create better outcomes for our clients.  In addition to professional growth and relationships, I value the newly developed friendships.

With ongoing inflation, higher interest rates, and a shaky economy, are you worried about the economy?  If so, are you taking steps to prepare for a recession?

I am not worried about the economy minus a catastrophic global event between world leaders and warring nations — then we will all have to face a much different set of issues.  The economy has a proven track record of cyclicality: do not over-enjoy the “ups” and do not dwell on the “downs” as both shall pass.  So, no, I am not taking steps to prepare for a recession but rather ensuring that I have put my organization in a position to withstand any economic condition.  The same goes for my personal life.

Where do you see the industry headed for the balance of 2023 and in 2024?

We are seeing a tremendous amount of activity coming out of the pandemic on all sides of our agency and we planned for the increase in activity.  During COVID, organizations were only addressing the parts of their business that were in critical need.  An employee benefits program change was not high on the list of adjustments to make during COVID unless it was categorically not working or not supporting employees.  Now, all bets are off and it is a blessing and a curse. Tenured clients are exploring options just out of curiosity to understand what the market now has to offer.  This puts current clients at risk but opens discussions and opportunities for new clients.

We have also seen a significant increase in alternative risk solutions being adopted.  I anticipate that trend to continue if not outright accelerate.   

What are the industry’s biggest challenges?

An aging workforce coupled with a limited talent pool is being recruited into our industry.  Every forum, seminar, conference or leadership discussion I have been a part of centers around three critical components: one, retaining, developing, and engaging the talent we have; two, recruiting new talent; three, bringing people back into the office while maintaining a hybrid environment.

My highest priority and concern for my agency is recruiting.  We will not continue our scale and growth trajectory without increasing our talent pool and onboarding them successfully to build a career. 

For the younger generation, what are one or two lessons you’ve learned that you can share with them?

1. Have a growth mindset in all aspects of your life.  Never stop learning.  Never stop pushing.  Never stop challenging.
2. Be BOLD.  Take calculated risks.
3. Be reflective and learn from your mistakes.  Embrace them, don’t run away from them.

_____________________

Meet Kate Current. As Director of Employee Benefit Operations, Kate oversees the delivery of employee benefits insurance brokerage services to ensure that they meet or exceed the Hausmann Group’s quality standards. She also leads, develops, and manages employee service departments. Kate has spent many years in customer experience and has led using the model “scalable, repeatable, reportable.”

Kate describes herself as “daytime outdoorsy.” She loves to run, bike, kayak, hike, and garden. She is also a certified running coach. The most important thing that she’s learned through coursework and coaching clients is that everyone needs something different: different training plans, different goal-setting, and different support. She’s found that this relates well to leadership; a leader needs to take the time to understand each team member individually.

A fun fact about Kate: She was the Parliamentarian in her college sorority. By definition, a Parliamentarian is an expert in rules of order and the proper procedure for the conduct of meetings. She loves how this little choice she made years ago impacts her career in unexpected ways!

What is your background and how did you get into this line of work?

I jumped into the insurance field after a summer internship at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Working at a call center seemed like a much more lucrative job than vacuuming rental cars in a suit. While my first full-time role was at an agency, I’ve spent most of my career in the insurance technology field managing broker-facing teams. I’m using the same principles of scalable, repeatable, and profitable to build an awesome client experience at Hausmann Group.

What are your leadership principles?

I’m a running coach and have coached athletes in half marathons, marathons, and ultramarathons. You need to understand the motivation of your athletes, what has worked (and not worked) in the past, and what success means to them to write an excellent training plan. I apply the same principles to leadership. Everyone brings different strengths to the team and as the leader (or coach), it is your role to bring out the best in them.

Why are you passionate about BAN? What value has it brought you/your business?

Best practice sharing with other operational leaders. We are in the process of transforming our Data Analytics strategy so learning from other agencies and Directors has been invaluable.

With ongoing inflation, higher interest rates, and a shaky economy, are you worried about the economy?  If so, are you taking steps to prepare for a recession?

Risk management is critical to our industry so inflation or not, we’re regularly looking at ways to make sure that our business is performing in a healthy way. We’ve spent considerable time in 2023 defining our target market, identifying key differentiators (“crown jewels”), and creating efficiencies. Internally, this means that our associates can be more flexible in responding to client needs. One of our differentiators takes significant work off HR’s plate, allowing them to be more agile within their own businesses.

Where do you see the industry headed for the balance of 2023 and in 2024?

More options in the pharmacy and specialty services spaces. Navigating pharmacy programs for the employer can feel like trying to learn a foreign language. Many clients choose embedded options for the simplicity but are leaving thousands if not more dollars in savings on the table. Education needs to be a year-long process where savings vs. employee disruption are carefully measured.

We’re also seeing new solutions enter the market to address categories of care. By combining a sound analytics strategy with a prescriptive “now what”, brokers can implement programs that manage costs and make employees happier.

What are the industry’s biggest challenges?

Creating exciting career paths for non-selling roles. I left the insurance industry after seven years due to what I perceived as a lack of career development. We need to do better to retain our top talent by providing skills and compensation growth.

For the younger generation, what are one or two lessons you’ve learned that you can share with them?

Take some calculated risks.  You will learn more and build resiliency through taking chances and making mistakes.

_____________________

You need to know Sheri Alexander: an employee benefits guru whose ledger of experience is longer than her young-at-heart vigor might suggest. Sheri wakes each morning driven to seize every opportunity the day affords. Add to that an insatiable hunger for learning, and you have an influencer who not only understands the complexities of the healthcare system but will also inevitably be a part of making it better.

Sheri has decades of experience in the employee benefits world. Before retiring in 2022 Sheri served as Chief Strategy Officer and President of Employee Benefits for Gregory & Appel Insurance in Indianapolis.  Prior to joining Gregory & Appel in 2005, she spent 15 years with Marsh & McLennan/Mercer and nearly 10 years with Gardner & White. Throughout her tenure, she has cultivated experience in group captives, employer clinics, value-based and reference-based benefits design, price transparency tools, voluntary benefits, benefits administration, joint-purchase programs, and more. Additionally, she has served on the Advisory Councils of Anthem, Boston Mutual, and United Healthcare, to name a few—not to mention countless memberships and board service for industry-related organizations and not-for-profits.

What is your background and how did you get into this line of work? 

In the summer of 1980, I was approached by one of my regular customers at a restaurant where I was waitressing.  She said, “I know this sounds cliché but what is a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?”  She then gave me her business card and asked me to give her a call when I was ready for a “real job.”  She was a recruiter and wanted me to apply for an entry-level position in a local agency’s claims department.  My mom didn’t think it was such a good idea so naturally, I did it 😊.  The rest is history. 

What are your leadership principles?

Honesty, transparency, and clear and consistent communication.  And don’t forget there are two things you should never mess with – a person’s time or their money!

Why are you passionate about BAN? What value has it brought you/your business?

BAN is blessed to have some of the best and brightest in the business as employees and members.  The ability to collaborate in a safe and protected environment is invaluable.  The ROI my former agency realized from our BAN membership was incredible.

With ongoing inflation, higher interest rates, and a shaky economy, are you worried about the economy?  If so, are you taking steps to prepare for a recession?

I’m not personally concerned as the Fed appears to be cooling its rate-hiking jets.

Where do you see the industry headed for the balance of 2023 and 2024?

I believe many employers will come out of their Covid-induced fog and begin to evaluate their advisor relationship(s) seriously.  The best advisors will be armed and ready with up-to-date information on legislative/compliance topics and the ever-changing hospital and pharmacy price transparency movement.  Look for advancements in direct-to-employer contracting with hospitals and physicians.

What are the industry’s biggest challenges? 

Attracting and retaining diverse talent, especially in the advisor and producer roles.

What are one or two lessons you’ve learned that you can share with the younger generations?

a. Under promise and over deliver

b. Immediately own any mistake made

c. ALWAYS keep your promises

_____________________

Leading Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Lawyer Peter Marathas Joins Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Tiller at jtiller@pughandtillerpr.com or 443.621.7690

CLEVELAND, OH (5/16/23) – Benefit Advisors Network (BAN) – the premier international network of independent employee benefit firms – is announcing its updated Board of Directors, including new board member, Peter Marathas.

Sheri Alexander, Retired: Sheri Alexander, Retired Healthcare Strategist: Sheri has decades of experience in the employee benefits world.  Before retiring in 2022 Sheri served as Chief Strategy Officer and President of Employee Benefits for Gregory & Appel Insurance in Indianapolis.  Prior to joining Gregory & Appel in 2005, she spent 15 years with Marsh & McLennan/Mercer and nearly 10 years with Gardner & White. Throughout her tenure, she has cultivated experience in group captives, employer clinics, value-based and reference-based benefits design, price transparency tools, voluntary benefits, benefits administration, joint-purchase programs, and more. Additionally, she has served on the Advisory Councils of Anthem, Boston Mutual, and United Healthcare, to name a few—not to mention countless memberships and board service for industry-related organizations and not-for-profits.

David Fischer, Chief Revenue Officer, Gregory & Appel Insurance: Currently, David is the Chief Revenue Officer at Gregory and Appel Insurance, where he leads the organization’s sales development, revenue sustainability, and go-to-market strategies. David’s specialty is transforming organizations into market leaders that deliver sustained growth and profitability. Fusing a high-energy sales, business development, change management, and operations background with a lifelong work ethic and leadership built within the US Marine Corps, David has ignited multimillion-dollar growth across a range of industries and settings, including startups, Fortune 500, and PE/VC-backed ventures. 

Mark Fisher, CEO, President, Benefits Advisor, Advanced Benefits: As company founder, Mark manages client relationships, oversees business operations, and is a chief visionary for the company. Mark combines his passion for people with his deep industry experience and knowledge to provide client partners with a trusted advisor in all matters of human capital management. He also has a variety of specialized certifications and licenses.

Peter Marathas, Chief Legal Officer, Alera Group: Peter Marathas is the Chief Legal Officer of Alera Group, Inc., one of the country’s largest private insurance and financial services providers.  Mr. Marathas not only serves as Alera Group’s Chief Legal Officer he was one of the individuals who founded that company and has overseen its significant growth over the last six years.  As Alera Group’s Chief Legal Officer, Mr. Marathas oversees all legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions.  He and his team have closed over 175 acquisitions in the insurance, financial services and consulting services arena since 2017.  In addition to his role at Alera Group, Mr. Marathas has acted as Benefit Advisors Network’s legal advisor since its inception in the early 2000’s.  Along with Mr. Braun and others, Mr. Marathas has help BAN to grow and become one of the country’s premiere benefits/HR services consortiums.

Tom Murphy, Managing Partner, Sonus Benefits: Thomas Murphy AIF®, CEO, Sonus Benefits: Tom leads a team of industry specialists to provide custom benefits solutions for business owners, CFOs, and HR directors. In addition to his role at Sonus Benefits, Tom serves as one of three partners at MSMF, a wealth management firm and a Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. He sits on numerous professional and charitable boards and routinely speaks to professional associations and employer groups on topics that relate to employee benefits and healthcare reform. Tom is Past-President of the St. Louis Association of Health Underwriters and a past officer of the Missouri Association of Health Underwriters.

Barry Richter, President and Principal, Hausmann Group: Barry joined Hausmann Group Insurance in 2010 and was later named President in 2014. During his time as President, the agency has been named on the lists of 10 Best Workplaces in Insurance (2015), 50 Best Workplaces for Giving Back (2016), and Best Small Workplaces (2016, 2017, and 2018) by Fortune. Prior to joining the Hausmann Group, Barry gained insurance industry experience as a commercial agent after concluding a long career playing professional hockey. He also sits on the American Family Children’s Hospital’s advisory board.

“We are grateful to our board for their continued guidance and look forward to their valuable contributions as BAN moves into its next chapter,” says Perry Braun, President & CEO, Benefit Advisors Network (BAN). “They each bring a diverse set of skills and expertise and can provide meaningful counsel. I am confident that these talented individuals will be a great asset in setting the strategic vision and of the organization.”

In April, Perry Braun acquired the Benefit Advisors Network from Alera Group.

BAN intentionally limits membership to top-tier firms only. The organizational philosophy of collaboration while providing world-class resources, such as preferred pricing arrangements and direct access to underwriters, has helped its members continue to grow, thrive, and succeed.

About Benefit Advisors Network

Founded in 2002, BAN is an exclusive, premier, international network of independent, employee benefit brokerage and consulting companies. BAN delivers industry-leading tools, technology, and expertise to member firms so that they can deliver optimum results to their employee benefit customers. BAN intentionally limits membership because of the highly collaborative interactions. For more information, visit:  www.benefitadvisorsnetwork.com or follow them on LinkedIn.