2014 40 Under 40 Broker Awards: Jeff Kluge
West Region Reprints
Vice president, principal and consultant
GBS Benefits Inc.
Age: 38
When Jeff Kluge considered the sort of career he'd like to pursue after college, he focused on something recession-proof that allowed him to work with people and gave him a chance to work both in and out of the office.
Two other factors also shaped his view. “I love the problem solving part of consulting,” Mr. Kluge said. And, “I really like negotiating and the strategy behind it.”
As vice president, principal and consultant at broker GBS Benefits Inc. in Salt Lake City, he believes he's found a role that fits all those criteria.
Today Mr. Kluge, who has an MBA from Webster University as well as an undergraduate degree in management and finance, is experienced in all areas of employee benefits plans and their funding. He's known for his ability to identify customer needs and present appropriate products and services to meet those needs.
“I have a lot of the marquee clients in our geography,” Mr. Kluge said. “When I got into the business, you always heard that January is the busy season. What's surprised me is there is no busy season anymore — when you grow to a certain level you're always busy. Everything is always going 110 miles per hour.”
“The biggest thing for me is customer service from any of my vendors or providers,” said Brent Shimada, senior vice president of human resources at EnergySolutions Inc. in Salt Lake City. “Jeff is absolutely top-notch — responsive, creative. He really tries to solve the problem without creating obstacles.”
“He probably enjoys the challenge of looking at a problem or issue and seeing if he can come up with a solution to it,” Mr. Shimada said. “And he really instills that in his whole team.”
In addition to his individual success and that of his company, Mr. Kluge said that what he's enjoyed most about his job are “the people, my business partners, the friendships I've developed.”
Read Next
-
<i>Business Insurance</i> 40 Under 40 Broker Awards recognizes star performers
Talent is the lifeblood of the insurance brokerage business. That's easy enough to say, but finding that talent is anything but easy. Finding and cultivating the best and brightest takes time and commitment — on the part of the brokerage and the part of the person hired.
