Builttodothisdifferently.
Brown Benefits Group exists because employers deserve better — better data, better explanations, and a partner who actually sticks around.
Our story.
The background
Years at larger brokerage firms taught Nick what worked: the modeling, the forecasting, the scenario building. That analytical rigor made a real difference for employers.
The problem
Too often, good analysis was buried under jargon. Leadership's eyes glazed over. And advisors disappeared between renewals — showing up only when the number was due.
The fix
Brown Benefits Group was built to do both. The analytical work, done right. Then explained like a human being. And be there when the phone rings in July, not just in October.
We're small on purpose. That's not a limitation — it's the point.
How we operate.
Independence
Not owned by a larger brokerage. Not tied to carriers. Our advice comes from your data and your situation — nothing else.
Transparency
You'll always understand what we're recommending, why we're recommending it, and how we're compensated.
Long-term thinking
We're not optimizing for one renewal cycle. We're building a strategy that works this year and sets you up for the years after.
The team.
Nick Brown
President
Born and raised in Illinois, educated at The University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business, Nick approaches life with midwestern values. Spending the entirety of his career in employee benefits consulting, Nick understands what it is that employers need to effectively manage their benefits program.
The best consulting combines a proactive, well-thought strategy with rigorous analysis and clear communication. Clients deserve it.
When he's not pursuing new ideas or modeling renewal scenarios, he and his wife are chasing their three kids around the backyard, cheering on the Hawkeyes, or finding any excuse to be outside.
Blake Schlawin
Business Operations Consultant
Blake brings over 15 years of experience helping businesses build their technical infrastructure, streamline operations, and position their brands for growth. At Brown Benefits Group, he focuses on the systems, strategy, and digital presence that make the client experience seamless.
Outside of work, Blake is always moving — projects around the house, learning something new, creating music, or spending time at the lake with his wife and boys.