About Us
Shirazi Benefits brings a wealth of experience to every client. From our certified and licensed account managers and benefit analysts to our experienced leadership team, we know what to expect in this ever-changing industry, and we are ready to ensure your unique needs are met. With over 40 years in the industry, we have witnessed firsthand common – and not so common – issues. We use this knowledge to answer questions and handle problems for our clients in a prompt and effective manner.
Meet Our Team
People you can count on. People you can trust.
Michael Shirazi
Benefit Consultant
Michael was born and raised in Greeley, CO and is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a degree in finance. Before joining Shirazi Benefits, Michael worked for three and a half years with a major insurance company where he achieved several of the highest awards and recognitions. With his past experience, Michael brings a vast knowledge of group employee benefits with the perspective and experience from the carrier side. In addition to employee benefits, Michael has a background and experience in individual life, disability income and business planning and focuses his business in Northern Colorado. Michael is involved with several community organizations and brings a young, exciting energy to our group. Michael and his wife, Kelsey, and dog, Snickers, live in Fort Collins, CO.
Marc Shirazi
Benefit Consultant
Marc Shirazi initially joined the Shirazi Benefits team in 2014. He spent his first years at Shirazi acquiring his insurance licenses in multiple states for employee benefits. After earning his Bachelors degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, in 2015, Marc was promoted to Benefits Consultant where he focuses on helping employers attract and retain quality employees through unique benefit offerings. In addition to being licensed for employee benefits, Marc is series 6 certified and can provide strategic assistance in financial, estate and business planning. Aside from Employee Benefits, Marc’s passion is for assisting youth at risk. Marc is a part of several non-profit organizations such as, Northern Colorado United For Youth, Boys & Girls Club of Weld County, and the Windsor Rotary where he is committed to making a difference in our communities. Marc resides in Windsor, Colorado and takes an active part in the local community, being especially active on the golf course.
Sarah Thomas
Account Executive
Sarah Thomas joined Shirazi Benefits in 2002. Sarah has worked in nearly every role at Shirazi Benefits and through her experience she has gained a wealth of knowledge in the industry, but also has a unique insight into the operations of the agency as a whole. As an Account Executive with the team she works on a daily basis to ensure her client’s needs are addressed. Sarah is also committed to the Shirazi Benefits internal team, working to ensure the staff is trained, knowledgeable and effective in their roles in order to support the needs of our clients. Sarah offers strong group benefit experience in consumer-driven health care plans, flexible savings accounts, health savings accounts, life, dental, vision, and disability. She is a licensed representative for accident, health and life insurance. Sarah helps clients with every area of their employee benefit plan from administration to claims and benefits. Sarah focuses her customer service skills and considerable product knowledge to ensure any problems are resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner. Sarah and her husband Bryson have 3 children and enjoy spending time watching the boys play baseball, as well as camping and hiking.
Monica Lauer
Account Executive
Monica Lauer has worked in the insurance field for 28 years. She has 15 years of experience on the carrier side of insurance, as well as 13 years of experience on the broker side. Monica’s expertise is in small group employer benefits. Monica joined Shirazi Benefits in 2015 and since then has focused on employer benefits while working with her team out of the Fort Collins office. In addition to her insurance services, she is an active member of the National Association of Health Underwriters. Monica was born in England and now lives in Windsor with her husband and their puppy Stella.
Resources
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Property and Casualty
2025 Property and Casualty Market Outlook
Join our property and casualty experts for an exclusive look at the trends and challenges shaping the insurance landscape in 2025.
January 15, 2025 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" 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
State of the Market for Employee Benefits in 2025
What are the needs and priorities of those in the workforce and the employment market? What are rival businesses offering to attract and retain the best the market has to offer? And what shifts are taking place in the market that employers should anticipate and prepare for? Alera Group’s 2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook, scheduled for release on January 16, provides answers to those essential questions.
December 19, 2024
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Wealth Services
Why a Financial Plan Matters
A financial plan is more than just numbers—it’s a personalized roadmap to help balance your current needs with future goals. Discover how a thoughtful plan can provide clarity, reduce financial stress, and guide you through life’s uncertainties with confidence.
December 17, 2024
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Wealth Services
Weekly Market Update
Stocks finished the week mixed, bookending losses around midweek gains as investors digested fresh inflation data.
December 16, 2024
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It’s Here! — Alera Group’s Fifth Annual 'Property and Casualty Market Outlook'
Alera Group's "2025 Property and Casualty Market Outlook" is your guide to making informed decisions regarding your business and personal insurance coverage.
December 12, 2024
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