Those of you who have followed this space for the past 11 years know that it's been filled with the unique passion and viewpoint of Denis Storey. Throughout those years, Denis was an important contributor to the growth of our print, digital and event brands, as well as a valued partner of mine, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. I'm grateful for the time we worked together and for his dedication to you, our loyal readers, who drive this industry forward in a time of change and evolution. Just as the industry we serve is in the midst of a transition, we here at Benefits Selling are as well.

However, we will continue in our mission to provide you with the insight and information you need to thrive in the employee benefits market. At the recent Benefits Selling Expo in Scottsdale, our Broker of the Year winner, David Contorno, was a perfect example of thriving in an industry some may feel is threatened.

David started in the insurance industry at the age of 14 and has since built a successful business that helps clients mitigate rising benefits costs by focusing on educating employers and employees on being better consumers of health care. He embraces tactics involving self-funding, technology and wellness to help his clients reduce costs in a post-PPACA world. And, on a personal level, he followed his own advice about “walking the wellness walk,” losing 120 pounds and abating a potential diabetes diagnosis.