Then and Now...What I've Learned
When Benefits Selling magazine approached me about doing a follow-up to my 2003 interview, it had me reflecting over the past 14 years since I started Benefits & Incentives Group.
There is something completely satisfying in nurturing a company and watching it grow. In the past ten years, we have grown nearly 300 percent in revenue and more than doubled our staff. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished while staying true to our core values and having fun along the way.
I believe I learned a great recipe for success through the past 14 years while raising this fine company.
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Make Great Hires: We take our time and use resources to identify “A” players.
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Invest in Resources: We have purchased resources and affiliations to augment our personal touch.
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Be a Joiner: We are in the people business and we need to stay in front of people, clients and prospects to maintain and grow. Getting involved helps us create strong relationships and partnerships.
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Make it Fun: It is important to create an environment that is positive, energetic, and a culture that fosters teamwork and laughter. Loving your job, your co-workers, and clients will mean a successful business.
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Share the Wealth: I provide monthly updates to all staff on our financial progress and annual objectives. We have a very competitive compensation program and at year end I like to see profits go to our staff as well as to charity.
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Create Incredible Client Experiences: We exist because of our clients. We always go above and beyond for our clients and that relationship is priority with our firm.
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Value Your Relationships: Our relationships with our partners, carriers, competitors, prospects and clients are all vitally important. When a tough situation comes our way we know exactly who to contact to ensure we make a good business decision.
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Know your Place: Know your place and maintain a spirituality that keeps you humble.
I have guided the business in the direction I wanted it to go, but I couldn't have done it had I not surrounded myself with wonderful talent.
Our firm is filled with intellectual capital, fresh ideas and people who want to make an impact. I thank my team for making our company a continued success and such an enjoyable place to come to work each day. After all, I am just the cover boy — it’s my team that makes the place run like a fine machine.
P.S. Congratulations to Benefits Selling magazine for eight years (and counting) of their own success.
Above photo by Benjamin Rasmussen
