Members of Benefit Advisors Network, a national network of progressive and visionary employee benefit brokers and consulting firms, are known as Smart Partners. Members are screened before membership is granted to ensure they distinguish themselves from their competitors through their knowledge of the employee benefits industry, ethical approach, business acumen, and strategic vision, according to Perry Braun, executive director of Benefit Advisors Network.

David Levitz, co-owner and president of the employee benefits division at GCG, cited being able to tap into the network of experts and strategic resources of Benefit Advisors Network as a key attraction to membership. These resources will allow GCG to provide additional and critical services to clients. 

“Under the changing landscape of the Affordable Care Act we are particularly looking forward to having a collegial forum where we can learn from others in our same position, as well as have access to leading compliance experts within the employee benefits industry,” Levitz said. He noted as well the network departments that specialize in actuarial, pharmacy, wellness and population health management as factors that would help create key differentiators for GCG to distinguish the firm from its competitors.

As a result of health care reform, many in the employee benefits industry are trying to continue moving forward despite the continuous upheaval in regulations and resulting uncertainty. Through a progressive, head-on approach, Benefit Advisors Network seeks to mitigate uncertainty by serving as a collaborative resource, with their new departments providing products and services for members that help them to remain relevant in an ever-changing marketplace.

“We have seen an increase in brokers across the country wanting and waiting to join our organization, which they recognize will help successfully navigate the complexities of the market—therefore adding value to their clients,” Braun said. “However, we have strict standards we adhere to, and we intentionally limit membership to the top tier firms per geographic market.”

GCG, which also has an office in Denver, was founded 38 years ago as an individual life insurance company. The organization’s benefits division was created in 1986, and a property and casualty division was launched four years ago. The privately held company has four founding partners and three minority partners. The firm employs nearly 190 professionals and serves close to 1,600 clients.