When Jake Kannas was in college, he began an internship in the employee benefits industry and discovered he had a passion for helping people with their insurance and benefits needs. He excelled at learning the intricacies of the business, which led him to a career as an Employee Benefits Broker for Holmes Murphy after graduation. He specializes in small business health insurance and consults with small businesses in Nebraska and helps guide them through the confusing world of health insurance.
Below is an interview with Jake:
How has the business grown over the years?
We all know that health insurance is becoming increasingly expensive and complex. This makes it essential for businesses to have a solution to navigate this landscape effectively. As premiums rise and plan options multiply, a health insurance broker’s role is evolving into a more strategic one. Brokers are now tasked with not only finding the best coverage but also implementing tailored strategies that help clients manage costs and maximize value.
What do you think sets you apart from other businesses in the same industry?
At Holmes Murphy, a privately held Midwest company, we prioritize our employees and customers instead of shareholders and stock prices. This commitment shapes our approach to service, especially for small businesses. Many of these businesses are pleasantly surprised by the depth of support we offer, often realizing for the first time that a company of their size can access such comprehensive resources.
While it’s common in my industry to chase after the “big fish,” which is understandable, this often leaves smaller clients overlooked. While landing a major account can lead to a nice payday, I find far greater personal fulfillment in helping small businesses take meaningful steps toward their dreams. I firmly believe that when you focus on doing good work for the right reasons, financial success will naturally follow. This philosophy not only guides my work but also fosters genuine connections with the clients I serve.
What do you like about living and working in Omaha?
I have lived in Omaha my whole life. I love how Omaha combines a big city life with small-town values. No matter who you meet, you will find that you are somehow connected. In many ways, everyone is always looking for ways to help each other. Around here, I feel like growing up in Omaha is seen as a badge of honor and that those who are from here have each other’s back.
What are your plans for the next five years at the business? 10? 25?
In the next five years, I plan to continue my dedicated focus on helping small businesses thrive. I believe that staying actively involved in the community and genuinely prioritizing the needs of my clients is a practice that pays dividends in numerous ways. I am incredibly optimistic about the future, both for myself and for the city of Omaha. As I continue to support local businesses, I see great potential for growth and collaboration within our community. By working together and sharing resources, we can create a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures innovation and resilience.
In ten years, I hope to grow alongside the small businesses that I partner with. Watching my clients grow is just as much a goal to me as personal growth. I would like to lead a team of driven individuals dedicated to serving our clients.
In Twenty-five years, I hope to be mentoring and teaching young professionals like me the value of working with small businesses. I have grown and gained immense knowledge from my mentors and see myself taking the same role.
If you could choose one thing you enjoy most about your business, what would it be?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the profound impact I can have on people’s lives. Unlike traditional sales where tangible products are exchanged, my work revolves around providing valuable solutions that directly influence individuals’ well-being and peace of mind.
Each day, I have the privilege of meeting with clients and potential clients and discussing their unique needs and challenges. When I leave these meetings, I carry with me the satisfaction of knowing that, regardless of whether we ultimately work together, I’ve made a positive contribution to their situation. My goal is to provide guidance and support that empowers them to make informed decisions about their health benefits.
This approach goes beyond just the numbers; it’s about fostering genuine relationships built on trust and understanding. I strive to provide insights that can help them navigate the complexities of health insurance, even if it means offering advice that doesn’t lead to an immediate sale. This sense of purpose is what I enjoy most about my business—it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
How do you or the rest of the team give back to the community?
Holmes Murphy actively partners with United Way and regularly organizes company-wide fundraising events to support our communities. Most recently, we purchased school supplies and filled backpacks to assist with the back-to-school season. This collaboration with United Way was a strategic choice, as it empowers each of our city offices to make a meaningful impact in their local communities.
What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?
Approach everything with the mentality that you get out what you put in. It is a powerful truth that permeates every aspect of life, whether it’s in our relationships, our professional endeavors, or even our daily routines. Ultimately, this principle serves as a reminder that our actions, driven by genuine intentions, have a significant impact on our experiences. The effort we invest not only shapes our outcomes but also influences the quality of our interactions and the satisfaction we derive from life.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, tell us about him or her.
My mother, who has dedicated her career to professional sales, has been an incredibly impactful mentor. She has taught me that integrity is paramount; if you consistently do the right thing, success will naturally follow. On days when frustration threatens to derail my focus, her experience serves as a guiding light, reminding me of the importance of resilience and consistency in my work. Our relationship extends beyond the professional realm, allowing her to provide candid feedback and encouragement, whether I’m facing work-related challenges or personal hurdles.
When I joined Holmes Murphy, I was fortunate to have Beau Reid not only as my boss but also as a mentor. Beau’s extensive experience in the industry, particularly in Omaha, has given him invaluable insights. He often emphasizes that some of the strongest relationships he has built are with small businesses. This perspective has reshaped my approach, as Beau took the time to break down various business dynamics with me, helping me navigate my new role. His belief that small businesses can be as, if not more, valuable than larger ones has inspired me to cultivate these relationships with care and diligence.
Together, these mentors have instilled in me a sense of confidence in any situation I face. Their embodiment of hard work and integrity serves as a constant reminder that I am part of a great team that supports me. Their influence has shown me that not only can I achieve the success they have, but I can surpass it with their guidance. I feel a deep responsibility to pay it forward by reflecting their teachings onto others in the future, ensuring that the impact they’ve had on my life can continue to ripple outwards.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Find a way to make every day the best day ever.
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