This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 191st installment visiting with Kelley Bell, Group Benefits Consultant with Saxon that helps businesses with up to 120 employees to implement a comprehensive benefits package for their employees.
Describe more about Saxon. We are a small business and our niche is small businesses that want affordable and impactful benefits that will keep and hire good employees. We do not charge a fee, the carriers pay us. We shop all the carriers for medical, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD and supplemental plans. Many of the products can be offered to employees on a voluntary basis. I do enjoy partnering with area businesses and organizations to build relationships so I can grow our resources to refer those businesses, promote, engage and elevate them. Offering benefits is good business. It is what employees want.
How did you begin your career? Prior to joining SAXON, I had 25 years in the banking industry. The last 3 years in banking, I was a Program Manager for a bank, partnering with numerous health insurance Brokers, educating employees on the Health Savings Bank Account when they were offered the HSA health plan. I enjoyed attending those employee meetings with the Brokers and had an interest in becoming a Group Benefits Consultant. I chose SAXON over several offers from other Brokers I partnered with because of our unique service model and focus on small businesses.
What is your background? I already had the most important skills which encompass relationship building, organization, time management, and communication. I obtained my health and life license in 2016. The carriers educate us on their products and services. We have resources and technology to stay up to date on legal and compliance, have meetings with our entire team weekly and most importantly, my mentor is the owner, Jamie Charlton. We still have a standing one on one meeting every week and he always asks, what do you need from me.
Describe your customers. There is not an industry we cannot help. Every business is unique and understanding their needs is where I begin. There are numerous product offerings. I am also a connector and will provide people and resources to assist them with their current challenges. Companies that truly care about their employees and want them to be happy and healthy.
What do you enjoy most about this business? I enjoy people. Networking, prospect and client meetings, hearing their story, touring their building, meeting their teams. Being a resource for them. Educating them on their benefits and the details of their plan. Making benefits better and saving them money so they can then use that money to continue to expand and grow their business.