Established in 1989, Benefit Professionals is a group benefits’ brokerage firm located in La Vista. They work with clients in Nebraska and Iowa finding solutions to meet their individual needs when it comes to employee benefits. Wendi Peterson is part of the management team at Benefit Professionals as Vice President.
Tell us a little about your business. – We handle all aspects of Employee Benefits including consulting, sales and ongoing client service. In today’s business market, benefits can be the largest expense a company has next to salary. Whether it is a small company or a large corporation we constantly explore new avenues to combat rising health care costs. We assist our clients in designing a benefits package that meets their needs whether it is to attract top talent in their industry or to retain and create loyal employees. We monitor our clients’ plans on a day to day basis to make sure they are getting the most for their insurance dollar.
How did you get started in the business? – I started my employee benefits career on the insurance carrier side, working in a service capacity. Working this side of the business gave me great experience and knowledge for the role of the insurance broker. One major challenge that I face on a daily basis, that I truly love, is finding a solution to meet a customer’s need. I moved to the insurance broker side of this business 18 years ago. Although the daily challenges can be frustrating at times, especially with all the changes due to Health Care Reform, this career is a perfect fit for my personality.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Dealing with Health Care Reform Laws. It is our job to advise our clients on the best way to meet their insurance needs within their budgetary constraints. When the federal government gets in the middle and they truly do not understand the challenges for the businesses in our area, it makes it very difficult.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being able to have a successful career in a highly demanding service field while raising a family. This has been a huge achievement for me personally and professionally.
Tell me a little about your family. – I have three wonderful, beautiful children. I have one son, JJ, who is 29. He and his wife Carrie have been married for a little over 5 years. They blessed me with my first grandchild approximately 2 ½ years ago. I have two daughters; Leigha is 21 and Danielle (Danie) is 20. Leigha is a senior at UNL and Danie is a junior at UNL. Although my children don’t live with me on a full time basis, they are certainly in my daily (sometimes hourly) life. My three children are what complete me as a person and fill my heart with love. My grandson, Rylan is the light of my life. He is the bow that ties my family together.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend time with any of my children, and of course with my grandson. This generally means sharing a meal together.
What are you the most proud of? – My children and the way they have survived a personal tragedy.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Thoughtful.
What is your favorite movie? – The Sound of Music.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Firebirds.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By phone at (402) 592-7777, via email at wpeterson@benefitprofessionals.net, or visit www.benefitprofessionals.net.