Author: Vince Franco

Neil is a highly-accomplished HR professional with over 25 years of successful HR experience, and has been a long-time partner and associate of Green Benefits Group. Fueled by his passion for creating a truly great customer experience, Neil began his career in the HR consulting and outsourcing industry in 2008, which allowed him to better leverage his ability to develop and implement creative, valuable and practical HR solutions for clients. In 2013, Neil founded NCHR Consulting & Recruitment Services, a full-service firm that helps small to medium sized organizations, not-for-profits, and industry associations manage their employee related issues and achieve their business goals. NCHR’s flexible and customer friendly approach has helped countless GBG clients responsibly deal with their people related issues in a cost-effective way.

Carson was born and raised in Waterdown, Ontario, and has a rich background in sales. Previously, he worked as a National Account Manager for Protech Solutions in the IT and Engineering staffing fields. Through developing relationships and building on networks, Carson managed and developed accounts from Toyota Manufacturing, FedEx, and many other small to mid-size companies. He also has experience working with car dealerships and in the HVAC industry as an outside sales representative. As a former University football player at the University of Guelph and a current Scout with the University of Toronto, Carson aims to use his competitive drive in the world of group benefits.

Garth finished his Bachelor of Commerce degree at McMaster University in 1994 and has been working in the financial service industry since 1996. He immediately set out to complete a certificate program in financial planning from the Canadian Association of Financial Planners and then completed the examination process to receive the Certified Financial Planner® professional designation from Financial Planner’s Standard Counsel in the year 2000. Garth has had the honour and pleasure of helping hundreds of business owners, professionals, and families chart a course to their goals and objectives. This, along with his own experience of raising a family and running a business has led to the development of a planning process that provides clients with an experience miles beyond simple charts and spreadsheets.

Chris grew up in Port Colborne, Ontario on a Dairy/Cash crop farm. Upon graduating from Niagara College in 1993 with a diploma in Business Sales & Marketing, Chris began his career at Canada Life in the insurance and investment industry. Eventually, he relocated to Welland to work with an experienced advisor who was looking to assist him with a gradual business succession. This business also services a large block of group clients who require a group retirement specialist for retirement planning services and advice. As of 2021, Green Benefits Group acquired the firm and continues to provide similar services for new and existing clients. Chris also runs his own practice specializing in retirement income planning and risk management for individuals.

Carolyn recently returned to the business community after spending the past few years raising her children. Carolyn has a history of working in various administrative and customer service roles for different types of companies. After recently receiving her certificate in the Fundamentals in Group Benefits, Carolyn joined Green Benefits Group and continues to work towards learning all that she can about the employee benefits and health industry.

Jennifer is responsible for handling various accounts held by all GBG Advisors. Bringing extensive knowledge and insight, Jennifer has previous experience working for a large corporate benefit consulting firm, which helps her understand the needs of both employers and employees. She also is an experienced account manager and appreciates the daily tasks and analytical nature of working directly with our clients.

With over 30 years of experience in employee benefits and finance, Ian works with our small business clients to ensure their benefits program continues to meet their strategic needs, as well as engage their staff. He believes good governance, ongoing communication with employees, and targeted education is the key to a successful benefits program. Having previously worked for a major insurer and other benefit brokerages, Ian has a well-rounded knowledge of both the insurance industry and the brokerage/client side of employee benefits.

Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Keaton forged his career in the insurance industry over several years. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Financial Economics and a brief career playing professional hockey, Keaton worked on the pricing committee at a national insurance company where he spent time in Ontario and British Columbia as an employee benefits specialist. During that time, he obtained the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation. In 2017, he joined the dynamic team at Green Benefits Group so he could deal directly with organizations and provide customized solutions on his client’s behalf. Since then, Keaton has become a partner in Green Benefits Group and continues to help further grow the business. Today, Keaton and his extended family reside in Brantford and continue to advocate on behalf of local organizations.