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We're living through a period unlike anything we have experienced before. As we struggle with the ongoing uncertainty and anxiety brought about by our "new normal," many of us understandably find ourselves seeking out the latest information in an effort to better understand.
And this month's issue provides a wealth of insight and thought leadership on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our industry.
BenefitsPRO editor-in-chief Paul Wilson offers some sources of inspiration during an unprecedented time of stress.
Related: 5 ways benefits consultants can become more valuable during trying times
But in times like this, it's also important to look for sources of inspiration and guidance, and our five 2020 Broker of the Year finalists provide plenty of both.
They are adapting to sweeping changes taking place in our country, including the impacts of the coronavirus, while serving as pillars of strength for their clients and communities.
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| Read more about our Broker of the Year finalists in the latest digital edition of BenefitsPRO. |
- Ben Conner is an innovator, but looks to the past for guidance and inspiration. His firm focuses on helping the underserved or ignored. "You have to empathize with the people you are truly serving: the employees. Sometimes, the people who are making the plan decision are not reflective of the people actually using the program."
- One of Teri Weber's specialties is absence management, which means she's in high demand these days. "It's always that balancing act of the finance and the policy. It gets into the weeds quite quickly." Weber manages to remain upbeat as she guides clients while helping her daughters adjust to home learning. "I'm an optimist. I look for the good people out there."
- Donny Woo has experienced a lot of change, but he remains undaunted. "I don't believe in excuses; if there's a challenge ahead of me, I just keep digging until I find the solution." In an era of acquisitions and mergers, Woo remains proudly independent. And his diverse staff provides a preview of the future of the industry.
- Derek Winn's background as a history teacher helps him provide perspective during these troubled times. "I tell our employees, stop being a salesperson and start being an educator." As Winn guides employers through uncertainty, he takes pride in helping them grow. "The fun part is getting clients to take a journey they haven't taken before."
- The ongoing pandemic takes an emotional toll on Adam Berkowitz because he knows it could be different. "All the gaps in our system are exposed by the coronavirus outbreak. This is a stark reminder of just how broken our system is." Focused on helping his clients and their employees, he also has bigger things in mind. "If we can fix the health care system, we are addressing other economic problems at the same time."
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Paul Wilson
Paul Wilson is the editor-in-chief of BenefitsPRO Magazine and BenefitsPRO.com. He has covered the insurance industry for more than a decade, including stints at Retirement Advisor Magazine and ProducersWeb.
