Get control: A Q&A with Chris Wolpert

Chris Wolpert is the founder of Group Benefit Solutions in Tacoma, Washington, a risk-mitigation and cost-containment consulting firm with expertise in converting a top P&L liability into earnings for employers, while increasing the quality of life for their employees.

Paul Wilson: How did you get your start in the benefits industry?

Coming out of college, I was doing insurance claims and hated it. I wanted to get onto the sales side, so I became a financial advisor in 2009. Not exactly the best time to enter that industry; and we had an infant, so it was a scary time.

As the implementation of the ACA began to inch closer, many of my clients said, “What I really need help with is figuring out what the ACA will mean for me and my company.” I had no experience in that area, so I ended up referring a guy I knew. At one point, he said, “I’m always looking for somebody who is potentially interested in what I do on the health side to take over my book of business.” I eventually came back to him and said, “I’m not satisfied with what I’m doing. I’d love to have someone teach me the business.” There were a bunch of people who were getting out of the industry, so I saw that as the opportunity. The playing field had been completely leveled; no one had any more experience in dealing with ACA compliance and all the new regulations than I did.