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 become the 11th largest independent insurance and financial services firm in the nation with over 4,000 employees, 180 firms, 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 150 Alera Group locations across the country. Wherever you are, we can meet your needs.
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.
Meet Our Team
Jeff Kolker, RHU
Senior Vice President, Benefits Consulting | Employee Benefits
Jeff joined the firm in 1992 and became Vice President of Employee Benefits in 1999. His responsibilities include supervision of the employee benefits resource team, product review, and the sale of new and renewal employee benefits programs including medical, dental, disability, and various other employee benefits to our clientele.
After working for a public accounting firm in Denver, Jeff relocated to the Chicagoland area and entered the insurance business. He retained his RHU professional designation and has been in the insurance business since 1989, with a specialty in employee benefits since 1991. Jeff has used his accounting background and communication skills to become a leading producer in group benefits. He has been involved in speaking and advisory roles for many of the national health carriers, helping design benefit plans and providing valuable feedback on various plans’ strengths and weaknesses. His understanding and grasp of the continued pressures on businesses to remain competitive and profitable have helped make him successful in the employee benefits field. Jeff has also served on various advisory boards for insurance carriers doing business in the Chicagoland area. Jeff, along with the firm’s employee benefits division, has been recognized by several of the national carriers as a top producer and preferred broker.
Jeff is active in several charities and civic organizations, including the firm's monthly community giving program, and he often helps fundraise for other organizations.
Jeff's focus is his family life. Most of his time is spent with his wife and three kids doing various activities ranging from education to travel to sporting activities. When he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys golfing and other sports.
Education: B.S., Accounting, University of Denver, 1987.
Credentials: RHU
Organizations: National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and Association of Health Insurance Advisors.
John C. Kwasigroch, CLTC
Field Manager/Investment Advisor
As a financial services professional, John’s goals are simple: to help individuals, families, and small businesses understand and prioritize their financial objectives. This is accomplished by helping them insure, protect, and invest all while navigating life’s ups, downs and, most importantly, its unknowns.
Having more than 30 years of experience has taught John a couple of very valuable lessons. The first one is that people don’t plan to fail; they just fail to plan. The second lesson is whether it’s saving enough for college, investing enough for retirement, or having enough life insurance to secure the family or business, it is possible if you execute the right plan.
John lives in Lemont with his wife Lynn and their 2 chihuahuas (Norman and Chia). He enjoys exercising, golfing, and watching TV. In his spare time, John is an avid reader of non-fiction and a crossword puzzle connoisseur.
Life Experience: United States Army – Ft. Benning, Georgia (1985-1988)
Education: Eastern Illinois University – B.A. Political Science (1988- 1992)
Credentials: National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), Certified in 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.
Dawn Lauret
Vice President, Benefits Consulting | Employee Benefits
Dawn Lauret joined the firm in 1998 and became Vice President of Benefits Consulting in 2005. She brings a consultative approach to the sale and retention of small group employee benefit packages with her background in both the sales and service aspects of the business. Her role is to partner with firm brokers to identify employee benefit opportunities on existing clients as well as new prospects. Many of the national health carriers have tapped Dawn for advisory boards, and she has been instrumental in designing benefit plans and providing feedback on plan strengths and weaknesses for small groups.
Before joining the firm, Dawn was an account manager for a small benefits agency in the employee benefit division.
Dawn enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends. She also enjoys playing volleyball, golfing, walking, biking, crafting, and traveling.
Education: B.S., Workforce Education and Development, Southern Illinois University.
David Lehenbauer, CPFA®
Associate Wealth Advisor
As a member of the team supporting John Fisher, CFP®, CPFA® (Vice President, Wealth Services), David provides client service and assists in life insurance needs.
David graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in finance, and a minor in Nonprofit Management. During his time at Indiana, he discovered his passion for helping people through the financial services industry.
Outside of the office, David has a wide range of interests. He's an avid music enthusiast, often attending concerts and exploring new genres. On weekends, you can find him on the golf course, enjoying a run or watching a baseball game.
David currently holds his Illinois Life and Health insurance licenses.
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.
Resources
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
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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Employee Benefits
Setting Your Strategy for the New Year: Alera Group's 2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook
Our experts will highlight key results from Alera Group’s 2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook Report and explain how these trends can impact your benefits program this year.
January 16, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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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.
January 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
Avoiding an Employee Lawsuit Over a Tobacco Surcharge Claim
Tobacco surcharges on health insurance premiums for employees who use tobacco products are attractive options for employers looking to keep their workforce healthy while lowering their organization’s healthcare costs. But surcharges can go too far, and many employers may be unaware of the limitations. Alera Group's new whitepaper on tobacco surcharges is designed to assist employers in complying with federal regulations.
November 19, 2024
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Wealth Services
Weekly Market Update
Stocks fell last week as the postelection rally lost momentum amid an inflation uptick and cautious comments from Fed officials.
November 18, 2024
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Employee Benefits
Q4 Considerations: New HIPAA Privacy Considerations
Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Final Rule titled HIPAA Privacy Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy.
November 15, 2024
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Spotlight on 2025 Benefit Limits
The IRS has released the 2025 benefit plan limits. The following chart shows some of the key limits for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 tax years.
November 15, 2024
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