Management Team
Wayne Blasman - President & CEO
Wayne has over 30 years experience in the insurance business. In 1987, Wayne formed Bridgeport Benefits, Inc. Wayne has won numerous service awards and is a member of Life Underwriters Association and Health Underwriters Association, as well as a member in good standing of the National Association of Health Underwriters. He is Past President and board member for the Oak Park Unified School District. He was nominated as Small Business Person of the Year by his local Member of Congress.
Julie Martin - Director of Client Services
Benefits and Service Administrator, Julie has worked in the insurance business for over 15 years specializing in client support. The special relationships she has formed with vendors has been an asset for fast and accurate resolutions to claim issues. The vast knowledge she has gained through her time in the insurance industry, her incomparable customer service and ability to resolve problems is why she is considered a fundamental part of Bridgeport Benefits.
Stephen Salinas, CEBS - Director of Benefits & Insurance Services
Steve has over 13 years of experience in the group benefits field working on both the carrier and broker sides of the industry. Steve has extensive experience in large group account management for private and public corporations, school districts and municipalities. Currently Steve is leading business expansion projects and is the key resource for new benefits technology. Steve received his CEBS certification in 1999 and is a former fellow and local chapter board member of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists.
Sales Team
California
Lori Harmon - Account Executive, Individual & Small Group
Lori has worked in the insurance brokerage business for over 20 years and has been with Bridgeport Benefits since its inception. She is our individual health insurance specialist and caters to the employee benefits for small groups. She also holds the role of group client liaison. Her extensive background and knowledge of the industry, combined with her ability to continually offer personal aid to all individuals and groups, gives clients peace of mind and reassurance. Her ability to tailor and accommodate the specific needs of clients makes her an essential part of the Bridgeport Benefits team.
Matt Honke - Senior Analyst
Matt joined Bridgeport Benefits in 2007 and has over 5 years of employee benefits experience on both the carrier and brokerage sides of the industry. Matt's expertise spans across multiple industry spectrums in the mid and large group markets. He is the lead analyst for our key clientele and business development projects. Matt is a current member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters.
Nevada
John Thielen - Account Executive
John has over 14 years of employee benefits experience in Nevada as both a carrier representative and broker. John has sold and serviced large and small group clients. He is a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelors Degree in Business and an emphasis in Finance. John is active in the West Charleston Lions Club as well as the UNLV Alumni Association. He is instrumental in the expansion of our Nevada operations and the growth of the Nevada Restaurant Association Health Plan involving 1500 employer groups and over 20,000 eligible employees.