About Us
Our History
Since 1975, GCG Financial, LLC, has been a trusted partner for our clients. Our mission has been to enhance the financial security of the businesses and families we serve through exceptional employee benefits, risk management, and wealth management solutions.
In 2017, GCG Financial and 23 other like- minded, entrepreneurial firms came together to form Alera Group. Since then, Alera Group has grown to over 4,400 employees, 160+ locations, and thousands of clients across the country.
In 2022, we officially began embracing the Alera Group brand. What remains consistent is holding our clients at the core of our business; we focus on bringing personalized solutions, expanding our capabilities, and deepening our resources nationally.
Our Team
Trusted. Smart. Passionate.
Our team has a sincere commitment to the long- term success of our clients. With an emphasis on collaboration and teamwork, we create unique solutions that fit the distinct needs of each client. We are passionate about doing what is right for every client, driven by the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, integrity, character, fairness, trust, and confidence.
Our Presence
Our clients benefit from the expertise and resources of a large national firm, while still maintaining the advantages of local service and relationships. We leverage powerful relationships, industry experience, and resources with the goal of supporting our clients’ business strategies and elevating the experience of working with us.
Above all, our firm believes in empowering people – our clients, our team, and the individuals in the communities where we live and work.
We are headquartered in Deerfield, IL, with offices throughout Illinois and Colorado, along with more than 160 Alera Group locations across the country. Wherever you are, we can meet your needs.
Meet Our Team
Eric Rauscher, CLU®, ChFC®
Vice President, Benefits Consulting
Having joined the firm in 1986, Eric has over 35 years of valued experience in the Employee Benefits industry. As a Vice President at Alera Group, his specialty is working with medium to large businesses (10-2,500 employees) in the development and review of their employee benefit programs, including group insurance plans, qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, executive benefit programs, business succession strategies, and the personal insurance and wealth accumulation needs of the executive team. Eric maintains a client base that includes more than 250 physicians and medical practices.
He has served for seven years on the Board of Directors of Premier Resource Group (PRG), a marketing organization of accomplished advisors located throughout the United States. Eric was also a member of the firm’s former Black-Tie Club, reserved for high producing Advisors. Additionally, Eric is active in many charitable and civic organizations. He is a second-generation speaker for The Illinois Holocaust Museum, as well as a previous President of his Homeowners Association.
Eric is married with one child and two grandchildren. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, especially traveling.
Education: B.S., Education, Indiana State University
Credentials: CLU®, ChFC®
"Alera Group" is a brand name utilized by Alera Group, Inc. and certain subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively "Alera").
Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.
CA license # 0F05221
Michael Resnick, BFA™, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor | Wealth Services
Michael brought a vast array of business skill when he joined the team. His acumen extends from the financial markets and risk mitigation to financial planning for business owners and families. Michael’s focus is on helping families and business owners grow and protect their wealth in a tax-efficient manner, helping to allow the transfer of wealth to future generations.
Always the entrepreneur, Michael has built businesses on the trading floors of Chicago as well as in the fast-paced world of hedge funds. His practice is built around relationships with his clients that extend beyond the products used to implement the financial strategies. His philosophy is that the plan itself is paramount to the success of his clients. Michael has always felt that giving back is a very important and rewarding part of life. He has continued his involvement with Brandeis University as a member of the National Board of Directors of the Alumni Association as well as involvement with other charitable organizations, both local and national.
Michael and his wife live in Deerfield, Illinois with their three daughters. Michael enjoys watching his children’s activities as well as getting out on the golf course to try to regain the elusive single-digit handicap.
Credentials: Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), FINRA Series 7 and 66 Securities registrations, licensed in Life, Health, and Long-Term Care insurances.
Education: Brandeis University, Northwestern University
Investment Advisory Services offered through Alera Investment Advisors, LLC. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC., Member FINRA/SIPC. Triad Advisors LLC is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Triad Advisors.
Brent Rosen, CBC
Senior Vice President, Benefits Consulting | Employee Benefits
Brent Rosen is a Senior Vice President of Benefits Consulting. Since joining the firm, Brent has specialized in serving the mid-market segment and works with clients across the country. Brent supports multiple middle-market private equity firms as they work to achieve economies of scale and deliver value to their portfolio companies with respect to benefit plan enhancements, cost savings, and acquisition due-diligence.
Brent has developed considerable expertise in working with multi-location companies, and those growing through acquisition. Brent also functions as the Co-Managing Broker for the firm’s Veterinary Employee Benefits Practice and has served proudly as the American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) preferred provider for employee benefits since 2009.
In addition to group medical and ancillary lines of insurance, Brent also works to provide expert and objective guidance with respect to 401(k) and other salary-deferral plans, pension and profit-sharing plans, deferred-compensation plans, and executive benefits. Brent has also earned the Chartered Benefits Consultant (CBC) designation, provided by the National Association of Alternative Benefits Consultants, which demonstrates his expertise in Consumer-Driven Health Plans.
Brent provides a unique strategic perspective to employee benefits with a focus on long-term sustainability of his clients’ plans. Brent’s practice is built on a foundation of education and believes his focus on educating his clients’ employees and their benefit administrators has been a key factor in his success.
Brent is a graduate of Indiana University and spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Brent has lived in Chicago since 2002. He enjoys playing guitar, exercising, reading, cooking, and is an enthusiastic world traveler. Brent is also an active member of the firm’s Hardly Riders Team and participates annually in a nationwide charitable ride that raises money for research for rare cancers.
Education: B.S. Finance, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University
Credentials: Investment Advisory Services offered through Alera Investment Advisors, LLC and Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC; Member FINRA/SIPC.
206382 11/2017
Eric Rosenbloom, BFA™, ChFC®, CLTC
Vice President, Wealth Services
Eric Rosenbloom brings extensive financial and business knowledge and experience as a Vice President of Wealth Services. He counsels individuals and families on comprehensive financial planning to help navigate the complexities of retirement. In addition, he advises business owners on succession and executive compensation strategies.
Eric has served a diverse group of clients for over thirty years. He started his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in a large public accounting firm after graduating with honors from the University of Illinois. He then entered the private sector as a Controller. Eric was consistently recognized for his superior skills in troubleshooting and creative problem resolution and was promoted to Vice President of Finance early in his career. Subsequently, he was hired as the Chief Financial Officer for a telecommunications distributor. After several years with the distribution group, he accepted the position of CFO and Treasurer at a large retail cellular company.
In 2002, Eric brought his unique experiences to the firm. Throughout his career Eric has consulted business owners and individuals on a variety of financial issues, such as business protection, family security, estate planning, tax-efficient strategies, retirement plans and comprehensive financial planning.
Eric enjoys volunteering. He has served on several school district committees, works regularly with the Les Turner ALS Foundation, and values coaching youth baseball, basketball and soccer.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Illinois
Certifications: Behavioral Financial Advice (BFA™), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and the Certification for Long Term Care (CLTC)
Investment advisory services offered through Alera Investment Advisors, LLC. Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.
CA license # 0D94047
Resources
Alera Group Spends The Week Giving Back
In the spirit of our Generous Community Giving program, Alera Group employees participated in a week of events, both in-person and virtually, for our 2023 Community Giving week.
Chicago Housing Authority Hiring Fair
Alera Group colleagues spent the day at the Chicago Housing Authority Job Fair reviewing resumes, helping with interview prep, working on communication skills, and offering general insights and advice to people just starting their professional careers. It was time well spent helping others in the community both professionally and personally.
Feed My Starving Children
The Alera Group team volunteering with Feed My Starving Children had a positive experience measuring, bagging, weighing, sealing, and packing meals for children over the course of an afternoon. Not only did they feel like they made a difference in the lives of others, but they also enjoyed using the time as a teambuilding exercise to work with colleagues outside of their department.
Lyman Woods Nature Center
Alera Group volunteers rolled up their sleeves to beautify the nature preserve by building a new fence and cleaning up the trails for the community to enjoy now that the weather has warmed up. Despite being a physically demanding morning, everyone agreed it was a rewarding experience.
Send virtual cards to patients at St. Jude
Our remote teammates were able to participate in Community Giving Week as well! They wrote dozens of encouraging notes to patients undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
The Alera Group volunteers not only gave their time and energy to make a positive impact on our communities, but unanimously agreed that they had a great time while doing it!
Alera Group’s 2023 Office 5k Raises Money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
On October 12 we laced up our sneakers as part of our Generous Community Giving initiative. This year’s annual 5k included a record number of participants who enjoyed running and walking the outdoor course at our Deerfield, Illinois headquarters as well as a step challenge for remote employees. To keep things interesting, we added a new 5k relay event consisting of teams of four colleagues for some additional friendly competition.
The proceeds of the money raised this year benefits Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Their mission is to improve lives by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D).
The day was billed a success as the rain clouds held off long enough for us to support an important cause while enjoying the company of our fellow team members.
An Alera Group Care Package
Alera Group colleagues came together last month to enjoy a lunch and celebrate our shared successes in 2023. The day had a bigger purpose though, as we rolled up our sleeves to kickoff our first Generous Community Giving event in the new year with nonprofit group, Blessings in a Backpack.
Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. By the end of the afternoon, over 100 Alera Group colleagues had packed 500 bags! Not only was it rewarding to collaborate on a physical task together, but we were thrilled to know that our work would ensure children in our community would not go hungry that weekend.
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Wealth Services
State of the Markets
Join us as we unveil the factors that drive the nation's financial pulse and how they may impact your personal finances.
October 23, 2024 at 11:00 am CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
When Captive Insurance Makes Sense
In this session, our experts will talk about how captives work, the advantages and disadvantages and what you need to know to determine whether they make sense for your organization.
November 21, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
Q4 Compliance Update
Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.
December 3, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Wealth Services
Weekly Market Update
Stocks advanced last week despite mixed inflation data, lurching oil prices, and lingering anxiety about the Middle East.
October 15, 2024
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Retirement Plan Services
IRS Issues Guidance on Student Loan Matching
Thirty percent of adults in the U.S. report having received a student loan to further their education. According to the Federal Reserve, the median student loan debt for those with outstanding balances in 2023 ranged between $20,000 and $25,000. To help ease this financial burden, employers are increasingly offering a match toward student loan repayments as an employee benefit to help alleviate the financial strain. This trend also highlights the increasing focus on addressing student debt within the framework of overall financial wellness initiatives.
October 14, 2024
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Retirement Plan Services
Helping Employees Avoid Retirement Healthcare Sticker Shock
Housing? Check. Life insurance? Check. Dining out? Check. For most retirees, these types of line items are fairly predictable and factored into their monthly budget. But when it comes to healthcare, the situation can change dramatically. These expenses are often unpredictable and underestimated — and this wild card can disrupt an otherwise carefully planned retirement, leaving many seniors vulnerable.
October 8, 2024
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5 P&C Insurance Tips for Public Sector Entities
Public sector entities — including counties, cities, town villages, local law enforcement and special service districts — offer vital services to our communities. They also face growing challenges, some from the constituencies they serve, as they navigate heightened public scrutiny, shrinking budgets and inflation. In this challenging environment, having a comprehensive property and casualty (P&C) insurance program, supported by a strong risk management strategy, is more crucial than ever.
October 8, 2024
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