Large Group News
Published January 27, 2020
In November 2019, we told you about a new sales team dedicated just to helping you grow and sell to businesses with 51–99 employees.
Here’s what the team will do for you:
- Help you build your consultative knowledge and skills on Premera products and funding options, especially Preferred Choice Plans and OptiFlex funding
- Work with you to streamline the process* of bringing on new group clients with 51–99 employees, giving you more time to grow your 100+ business with Premera
- Build stronger relationships with you and businesses across Washington state
The 51–99 sales team is growing
The 51–99 sales team now has two new members. Check them out.
New! Erin Flajole
Area: Will serve as a resource for both WA and AK
About Erin: She joins the Premera sales team as our senior sales executive focusing on our ancillary cross-sell initiatives. Her depth of industry expertise and relationships in the region will be a tremendous resource for the Premera team. After starting her career at MetLife, the majority of her time was spent at Assurant Employee Benefits and later Sun Life after their 2016 acquisition. Most recently, she has been the face of Axa Equitable Life Insurance Company in the market, working with brokers in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a wardrobe of crimson and gray as a devoted Washington State Cougar.
New! Meridith Weaver
Area: Will serve as a resource for both WA and AK
About Meridith: She joins Premera as our ancillary implementation manager. In her 20+ years of experience in the industry managing complex ancillary accounts across the region, she has been routinely recognized for her attention to detail and her dedication to making things right. She comes to us directly from the oil and gas industry where these skills have refined countless business practices. Her ownership of our growing ancillary book of business will be a great addition to an already strong team. Meridith has a business degree from the University of Washington and is a proud Husky.
Jessica Scharf
Area: King County and north to Whatcom County
About Jessica: She has built deep relationships across the Northwest over the years by facilitating ancillary cross-sell business in collaboration with Premera account executives and managers. She’ll continue to focus on the ancillary market as well as medical plans for 51–99 businesses. She and her Rottweiler pup, Roxie, will undoubtedly be in your office soon.
Curt Esteb
Area: Central and Eastern Washington
About Curt: As a seasoned business development executive who has focused primarily on ancillary business, Curt has opened new relationships for Premera across business segments. He’ll be the primary Premera contact for building medical plan business for the 51–99 segment. His experience in the market is overshadowed only by his palate. Look him up in Walla Walla. You’ll be glad you did!
Andy Lentz
Area: King County and south to Clark County
About Andy: He built his large-market expertise at The Standard Insurance and MetLife where he worked with the Connexion team on ancillary cross-sell efforts. Andy will focus on the broad market strategies Premera has developed for the 51–99 segment, including Peak Care. As a former Husky baseball player, he’s got the Apple Cup circled on his calendar. Stop by his tailgate and welcome him to the Premera team!
*We make it easy for producers to quote or renew clients with Preferred Choice plans! Our Preferred Choice producer toolkit includes a checklist with easy-to-follow instructions and benefit highlights for our medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.