About First Benefits Group, Inc.
We work with Business Owners and Individuals who are Confused, Overwhelmed, and Concerned about Healthcare and Rising Healthcare Costs.
Current Family Coverage with Fully Insured Carriers is running in excess of $1,000 per month. If current trends continue this amount could exceed $2,000 within 5 Years.
We educate our clients on the strategies which help contain this alarming trend.
We focus on Simplicity and Clarity for Understanding, Managing and Controlling this Complex Issue.
We help individuals and business owners navigate the complex and confusing financial information highway.
The Reality is Americans are living longer in retirement and can’t afford to make mistakes with their money. Decisions made today have far reaching impact on lifestyle during retirement.
Focusing on the greatest rate of return in most cases will not yield the best results. We work with our clients on proven and verifiable strategies that will give the tools needed for the results wanted and the lifestyle desired
Our clients discover what they don’t know may be more important than what you do know.
Meet the Team
Terrance J. O'Brien, President
Terry graduated from Michigan State with a degree in Marketing. He has lived in Sarasota since 1972. Trustee Member of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
tobrien@firstbenefits.net
Frances Lane
Fran graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dental Hygiene. Her professional career has been in health care for over 30 years, with 10 years of experience in the insurance field. She offers knowledge and experience to her clients, thus helping them manage the complex issues of personal insurance.
Fran is an author of various professional articles on insurance which have been published in Contemporary Dental Hygiene, and Gulf Coast Living magazine. She is available for speaking engagements. Fran was a participant in a speaker’s panel for “Age-u-ca-tion”, designed to help seniors find information regarding such topics as social security, spouse benefits, long term care, and other concerns.
Fran is very involved in both industry related and community organizations, including: Member American Dental Hygiene Association; Past President of Manatee Sarasota Dental Hygiene Association; previous board member Manatee Community College, Dental Hygiene Division; Member National Association of Health Underwriter ‘s Association; Member Sarasota Community Aging Network; and Member Who’s Who.
Click to Read: "What Are Your Plans?" Click to Read: "Fran Lane: Helping You with Your Insurance Needs" .
flane@firstbenefits.net
Barbara Jo Mangrum
BJ has 29 years combined experience in construction, real estate and real estate development, insurance and mortgage brokerage businesses. She was previously affiliated with Smith Barney for 7 years as a financial consultant with responsibilities in personal portfolio management. For 4 years she was with Northern Trust Bank as Florida Sales Manager for their signature mutual funds, The Northern Funds. BJ holds the following Florida Professional licenses: Certified General Contractor, Realtor/Salesman, Life/Health and Variable Annuity and Mortgage Broker.
BJ co-founded First Benefits Group, Inc. in 1995 and BJ Mangrum Builder in 1979. She earned the designation Certified Liability Advisor (CLA) and is a faculty member of The National Institute of Financial Education. She is also a member of Circle of Wealth/Money Trax.
BJ is a Financial Educator dedicated to providing clarity, focus, balance and confidence when her clients buy, sell or refinance real estate. She seeks to maximize her clients' wealth through the management of their liabilities. The end result is liquidity, use and control of their money. She teaches her clients to effectively use a mortgage as a tool to build financial stability and to leverage government tax incentives which reduce the cost of homeownership.
BJ co-authored "Borrow Smart Retire Rich". Visit www.borrowsmartwithbj.com for more information. bjmangrum@firstbenefits.net
Gary Hickerson
During his 30 years in health care financial management Gary Hickerson has developed and managed health care provider networks and provider sponsored insurance plans. Gary has been recognized for developing successful partnerships between providers, insurers and employers. These partnerships have improved health care quality and reduced unnecessary cost.
Gary has a master of business administration degree from the University of Dayton. He is a licensed life and health insurance agent and maintains memberships in the National Association of Health Underwriters and Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Gary is also Vice Chair of the Holmes Beach Planning Commission and is periodically called to volunteer by his wife Joyce Karp, Director of the Anna Maria Island Art League.
