Angler Insurance works primarily with smaller clients with between 25 and 500 employees.

“Our medical captive solution offers the perfect balance — self-funding with the benefit of pooling risk with like-minded companies,” Hawkins says. “We pride ourselves on working with both for-profit and non-profit organizations, the latter being especially close to my heart, since the money we help save goes right back into supporting their mission. I personally take on only 10 new clients each year to ensure that every company we serve becomes part of our Angler Insurance family.”

Peninsula Glass Co. in Vancouver, Wa. is one of those clients that have benefited from her expertise.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for our partnership with Rachel and her team at Angler Insurance,” says Peninsula CEO Jeff Kemp. “From day one, she has guided us through the complexities of medical insurance captives, helping us achieve immediate and long-term savings. Her expertise is evident, but what truly sets her apart is her dedication to client service that extends far beyond the conference table. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found a partner who delivers tangible cost savings and provides genuine care and support.”

Hawkins began her career with Aflac in 2009, starting in voluntary benefits, before moving into the complexities of medical plans and eventually medical captives.

“I’ve witnessed the industry shift from one-size-fits-all, low-deductible group plans to highly customized, data-driven solutions,” she says. “From the transformative impact of the ACA in 2010, to advancements in compliance and online enrollment platforms today, technology and innovative risk-transfer methods have reshaped our landscape. The increasing unsustainability of traditional plans, driven by the soaring cost of care, has made alternative solutions like medical captives more essential than ever.”

As with most successful advisors, Hawkins has benefited from the mentorship of several people over the years who have helped shape her career. “Early on, I was fortunate to work with Jodi Moylan, an experienced benefits consultant whose serve-first philosophy taught me to always work from the heart. I also met my husband, Richard Hawkins, through Aflac. His unwavering support has lifted me up and encouraged me to follow my dreams.

“Scott Nokleby introduced me to the world of alternative funding, and Ron Bruchet showed me the power of teamwork and community giving, while Heidi Duncan, a former employer, instilled in me the fundamentals of sound business operations. And my favorite coworker, Misty Duncan, has been the backbone of our support team.”

She also cites industry partners including Jay Booth and the team at Roundstone, who “challenged me to think creatively and embrace change,” along with her business coach, Andy Neary, “who helped me find my voice and market the innovative solutions I’m passionate about.”

In addition to her husband, Hawkins also cites the “unwavering support and encouragement” of her two daughters, mom, dad and brother. “Their belief in me has been a critical foundation for my success,” she says.

Hawkins is committed to paying all of this support forward by building a team based on mutual respect and trust.

“My team is the backbone of Angler Insurance’s success,” she says. “We look for individuals who not only possess technical expertise, but also share our passion for client-focused, innovative solutions. We invest in continuous professional development, robust mentorships, and a collaborative, family-first culture. We offer flexibility that lets team members balance their professional and personal lives, ensuring they’re available for important family moments. This approach not only attracts top talent, but also creates an environment where every team member feels valued, empowered and committed to our collective success.

“When my husband and I started this business, we didn’t have all the answers, but we knew that if we built it on a strong foundation of morals, ethics and always doing the right thing for our clients, everything would work out. That’s what ‘faith over fear’ means to us: trusting in the process, taking bold steps, and knowing that integrity will always lead us in the right direction.”

This family approach also extends to the company’s clients.

“My role has evolved well beyond delivering off-the-shelf solutions,” Hawkins says. “For example, I recently worked with a mid-sized health care company facing runaway premium costs. I designed a tailored medical captive solution that controlled costs and streamlined claims management, achieving immediate savings while establishing long-term financial stability. Another recent success involved implementing a new pharmacy benefit manager that secured a $20,983 pharmaceutical rebate. We also set them up with direct primary care, which enabled prompt treatment for a member’s injury and prevented a costly hospital visit. These examples underscore the value of proactive, strategic partnerships in solving real-world problems.”

Mindy Simmons, executive pastor of finance and administration for Evergreen Christian Community in Olympia, Wa. has worked with Angler Insurance since 2023.

“Rachel gives spectacular personal service and support,” she says. “I have never worked with benefit providers who are as knowledgeable and available as Rachel. She is the perfect partner for our benefits because of her expertise, outstanding customer service and personalized care. Rachel helped take our company out of the traditional insurance world into a self-funded captive, where we now have a solution that offers transparency and control over our health care spend.”

Simmons recalls many times in which Hawkins has gone the extra mile.

“She stepped in and gave timely assistance when an employee's COBRA benefits did not transfer over correctly,” she says. “She also helped us modify a portion of our plan when it became apparent that at least one employee would benefit from a plan change, and she has worked directly with several of our employees to find the best solutions for their personal insurance needs.”

As employee benefits become both more complex and expensive, this type of personal touch has become more important than ever.

“My best advice is to always keep the human element at the forefront,” Hawkins says. “While data and technology are vital, understanding and addressing the real needs of clients is what drives lasting success. If you’re new to this industry, invest in yourself and in your education, your skills and your ability to innovate. Never stop asking questions, and be open to change. Building a strong foundation in both technical expertise and relationship management will set you apart in this dynamic environment.”

As the landscape continues to shift, artificial intelligence and other technology have made it easier to research and develop effective solutions.

“Yet while these tools boost our efficiency, the essence of benefits remains deeply personal,” Hawkins says. “Clients turn to us for guidance during life-changing decisions, and trust is built through empathy and clear communication — qualities that no algorithm can replace. I appreciate the simplicity of online enrollment platforms and virtual meetings, but I enjoy the personal touch of a firm handshake. In short, technology amplifies our effectiveness, but human insight and personal connection are what truly make a difference.”

This combination of the personal touch and technological tools is a benefit to clients, as well as the Angler team.

“Thanks to Angler Insurance’s web portal, our management team and employees can quickly and easily access coverage information whenever needed,” Kemp says. “Even more impressive is Rachel’s attention to each employee’s concerns. Whether navigating prescription details or clarifying coverage questions, she’s always just a phone call away.”

In a fast-changing industry, Hawkins finds it essential to monitor potential challenges and opportunities.

“I continually assess industry trends, regulatory updates and direct client feedback,” she says. “By leveraging data analytics and closely collaborating with my team, we preemptively address risks through cost-control strategies and then pivot to create customized, cost-effective benefits solutions. I often remind clients that change can be difficult, but if you want different results, you must be willing to try new approaches. Our agency is in growth mode, committed to bringing innovative solutions that not only improve outcomes, but also strengthen our local community.”

Hawkins also keeps a close eye on national and state regulatory issues.

“With a new political environment in Washington D.C., a shift toward reduced regulation could provide more flexibility in designing benefits programs, but it may also introduce uncertainties around market stability,” she says. “Personally, I appreciate thought leaders like Marty Makary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for their candid views on health care transparency. And locally, we have a new insurance commissioner in Washington state for the first time in 24 years.”

Participation in the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals and Health Rosetta enables Hawkins to share insights with other industry leaders. Meanwhile, books such as “Never Pay the First Bill,” “Blind Spots” and “The Cure” have challenged her thinking and sparked new ideas.

When not working or fishing, Hawkins is active in Evergreen Christian Community and the Christian Benefit Advisors group. “My family is my rock, and I cherish every moment spent with them, especially with the beautiful Pacific Northwest as our playground,” she says. “A fact that surprises many people is that I have a dahlia flower farm on the side. If I ever chose a different career, I’d probably be a florist.”

Her place as an Advisor of the Year finalist has inspired Hawkins to double down on her commitment to her clients, employees and her industry.

“Being recognized as an Advisor of the Year finalist is both humbling and energizing,” she says. “This recognition reinforces my commitment to excellence, creativity and a client-first approach. On a personal level, it affirms that hard work, continuous learning and genuine care for our clients truly make a difference, not only in our industry but in the lives of those we serve.”

The 2025 Advisor of the Year will be announced at the BenefitsPRO Broker Expo, May 6-8, 2025 in Boston, MA. The winner will be further profiled after the announcement.