Case Study: How One Benefits Broker Found Freedom and Growth with EVCO

Background

After 15 years of building a successful employee benefits agency, one broker found herself increasingly weighed down by administrative burdens rather than focusing on growth and client relationships. With 43 groups under management, she faced a familiar dilemma: she wasn't ready to retire, but the day-to-day operations were preventing her from thriving.

The Challenge: Service Burden Limiting Growth

Despite her success and industry expertise, the broker faced several operational challenges that were limiting both her personal freedom and business growth:

• Technology Inconsistency: With only 10 groups on Ease and 33 others managed manually, there was no consistent approach to account management.
• Staffing Headaches: Account manager turnover created continuity issues, while hiring and training new staff consumed valuable time and resources.
• Service vs. Production Balance: The broker found herself increasingly pulled into day-to-day service issues rather than focusing on client relationships and growth.
• Client Retention Concerns: Service inconsistencies were beginning to affect client satisfaction and retention rates.

"I wasn't ready to retire, but I wanted the flexibility to step back from the business when the time was right. More importantly, I needed to free myself from operations so I could focus on what I do best—serving clients and growing my book."

— Agency Owner

The EVCO Solution: Partnership Without Compromise

After exploring various options, the broker chose to partner with EVCO through a "Keep Working, Stop Servicing" model. This partnership approach allowed her to maintain client relationships and income while offloading operational responsibilities.

The Implementation Process:

1. Broker of Record Transition: The broker BOR'd all 43 groups to EVCO, maintaining her client relationships while shifting administrative responsibilities.
2. Technology Standardization: EVCO rapidly implemented Employee Navigator across all groups, replacing Ease and manual processes with a consistent, digital experience.
3. Client Communication: EVCO introduced dedicated account managers, help desk support, and HR solutions to all clients, ensuring a smooth transition.
4. Compensation Structure: EVCO established a revenue-sharing agreement that provided the broker with 100% of commissions for a specified period on all transferred business.

Results: Freedom to Focus on Growth

Within just four months of the transition, the partnership yielded impressive results:

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Focus: Freed from operational burdens, the broker could concentrate exclusively on client relationships and new business development.
• Improved Client Experience: All groups now benefited from consistent, technology-enabled service and support.
• Reduced Operational Costs: Elimination of account manager salaries and technology expenses substantially reduced overhead.
• Expanded Capabilities: Access to EVCO's resources allowed the broker to pursue larger, more complex groups previously beyond reach.
• Future Flexibility: The partnership established a pathway for eventual retirement or transition without immediate pressure.

"Thank you so much! We've needed this forever... or should I say FOREVCO!"

— Client of Transitioned Agency

Partnership Options with EVCO

This case study highlights just one of several partnership models EVCO offers to benefits brokers seeking operational relief, growth opportunities, or eventual transition:

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Growth-Focused Brokers

For benefits brokers feeling the weight of operations and administration, EVCO's partnership models offer an appealing alternative to continuing alone or selling outright. With a 98% group retention rate and a steady flow of new leads, EVCO provides both the infrastructure and opportunity for brokers to thrive.

This broker's experience demonstrates how the right partnership can transform challenges into opportunities—allowing experienced professionals to focus on what they do best while ensuring their clients receive exceptional service.