Manchester, NH

    About Us

    Our Firm

    Founded in 1992 by K. Brian McLaughlin, Granite Group is a full-service employee benefits and risk management consulting firm. Our mission is to exceed our clients’ and their employees’ expectations as they relate to our commitment to outstanding service, innovation, ethics, and expertise. We are a customer focused company that brings personal and exceptional service to our valued clients on a consistent basis through our dedicated approach.

    Our People

    Built around the premise of teamwork, Granite Group employees’ broad and varied skillsets can better serve our clients unique needs. Our experienced staff will deliver tailored benefits solutions based on a structured consulting process. Our team will assess your benefits needs, survey the marketplace, set goals, provide thorough risk assessment and competitive pricing, and introduce the tools and technology to deliver the best benefit options for you and your employees. In 2023, our Manchester, NH office welcomed former Landmark Benefits employees from the Windham, NH location.

    Our Presence

    Developed over 30 years, GGB remains focused on our client community, and supports their business and social needs across New England. Our employees live and serve in the neighborhoods they grew up in, providing our clients with a valuable resource that understands the local needs of the community. As an Alera Group firm, our clients also benefit from the expertise and resources of a large national firm, while still maintaining the advantages of local service and relationships.
     

    Associations

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    Meet Our Team

    K. Brian McLaughlin

    Managing Partner
    Photo of K. Brian McLaughlin

    (603) 296-0700 ext. 5267
     

    In 1988, Brian received a BS degree in Economics and Finance from Southern New Hampshire University. After working for John Hancock Financial Services, Mass Mutual and Benefit Strategies, Inc., he founded Granite Group Benefits in 1992. He has been involved in the employee benefit industry for more than 25 years. He is a licensed producer and employee benefits broker in the State of New Hampshire and many other states.

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    James Scammon

    Executive Vice President
    James Scammon

    (603) 296-0700 ext. 5268
     

    Jim has been in group benefits since 1986 and has a broad range of experience. He came to Granite Group Benefits from CIGNA HealthCare of New Hampshire where he was Sales Manager for all lines of group coverage for six years. Prior to CIGNA, Jim spent four years as a benefits consultant for Towers Perrin in New York City, working with large employers such as AT&T, NYNEX, and MacMillan/McGraw-Hill. He began his career as an Account Executive for The Travelers in New York. Jim has a Bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and earned his MBA at the Stern School of New York University.

     

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    Brenna Hansen

    Director of IT & Communications
    Photo of Brenna Hansen

    (603) 296-0700 ext. 5266
     

    The GGB team welcomed Brenna in 2003 as the IT/Communications Manager. She came to Granite Group after working at a local insurance agency for eight years as a Marketing and IT professional. Brenna has been working in the insurance industry for over 25 years and is a licensed Life, Accident & Health Producer in the State of New Hampshire. She is also a NAHU Certified PPACA Professional and a Project Management Professional (PMP).

    At Granite Group, Brenna manages systems and communications, oversees the Employee Benefit Lounge (EBL℠) platform, and optimizes electronic documentation and communication policies and procedures. She works closely with clients to tailor Granite Group's solutions to meet their technological needs. With her significant experience as a graphic designer, Brenna enjoys delivering professional, custom branded solutions to clients. At Alera, she leads the Communications Impact Group which brings together thought leaders from across the nation to develop advanced strategies, ideas and solutions.

    Brenna was educated in the arts at Northeastern University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Southern New Hampshire University. She is an active member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) as well as a Notary Public. She has volunteered with Girl Scouts of the Green & White Mountains, The Greater Manchester Chapter of the American Red Cross and The Caregivers, Inc. of Manchester.

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    Kathy Ellis

    Director of Health & Wellness
    Photo of Kathy Ellis

    (603) 296-0700 ext. 5265
     

    Kathy joined Granite Group Benefits as the Director of Health & Wellness in November 2014.  Prior to being a part of Alera, she managed comprehensive employee wellness programs for large corporations, worked in clinical health promotion and instructed undergraduate classes in health and human performance.  Kathy’s passion for wellbeing goes beyond promoting healthy habits.  She looks to help people find a way to feel their best every day so they can pursue the things they love. She thrives on sharing those concepts with employers to help create workplace communities that help employees thrive.

    Kathy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science & Sports Studies from the University of Tampa and her Master’s degree in Human Performance from Bridgewater State University. She is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and is also certified through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council of Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). An outdoor enthusiast, Kathy is also a volunteer hike leader for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) New Hampshire Chapter.

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    Our Community

    We believe in being contributing members of the communities we serve. GGB employees, through business-sponsored and personal endeavors, volunteer their time mentoring, fundraising, and supporting multiple organizations in our local community to include:

    Veterans Count, American Red Cross of Greater Manchester, Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, CareGivers, Cystic Fibrosis – Northern NE Chapter, Girl Scouts of the Green & White Mountains, Granite United Way, Greater Lakes Region Making Strides, Henniker Food Pantry, Manchester Area Human Resources Association, Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County, New England Parkinson's Ride, and UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

    Our culture rewards teamwork. Whether we are working for you, or helping in our communities, we do it together.

    Eugene Van Loan Leadership Award

    2021 Easter Seals NH Celebration Breakfast Granite Group Benefits congratulates Managing Partner Brian McLaughlin, this year’s Eugene Van Loan Leadership Award recipient at Easterseals. 

    We are so proud of your service and all of the great work you continue to do in the community.

    2021 Easter Seals NH Celebration Breakfast

    “We Take Care of the People Who Took Care of Us”

    The Meals on Wheels cause runs deep in the Scammon family. He recalled that when talking to his parents after first joining the board, he learned his grandmother had been a driver for Meals on Wheels. 

    “This cause is so important-we are literally helping people in need be able to live safely at home. These are the teachers, police officers, fire fighters, coaches-all people who played a key role in the community.”

    Logo for Meals on Wheels

    The Meals on Wheels CRAZE! Event is coming up!

    Saturday, October 30th, 5:00-7:00pm, Trombly Gardens, Milford, NH. This is our new outdoor fall event which is fun for all ages! 

    There will be a corn maze, costume contest, bonfire, hot dogs/ s’mores roast, pumpkin cornhole, and more! Cool CRAZE t-shirts available for $10. 

    Visit https://www.hcmow.org/craze to purchase your tickets and t-shirts!

    Poster for Craze

    GGB supports the Meals on Wheels Jam Fest!

    Saturday, September 25th, 11:30 AM- 9:00 PM, Sherman’s Pit Stop, Wilton, NH. 

    All of the musicians’ tip proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County!

    Visit: https://www.hcmow.org/jam-fest for more info and a concert schedule.

    Jam Fest

    Cheering by Chairing for our Community

    Our very own Kim Socha is helping to chair the 8th Annual Farnum Spirit of Hope event taking place May 12th. 

    Friends and supporters gather annually at the Spirit of Hope Event, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, to celebrate the victories of recovery made possible through Farnum Services. 

    The event raises awareness about substance use treatment services and invites members of the community to join in changing the conversation around addiction from stigma to support, from problems to solutions. 

    Learn more about the event!

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    Champions Among Us!

    Senator Lou D’Allesandro, a longtime supporter of senior services in NH, stopped by the Carpenter Center in Manchester to assist with the distribution of “Grab ‘n’ Go” meals from Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County.  

    Jim Scammon, current board chair of MOWHC, met with the Senator to thank him for his participation and many years of support.

    Jim Scammon and Senator Lou D’Allesandro

    GGB is Making Strides

    Granite Group Benefits' Jeanette Chasse and her team Carole Strong at the 27th Annual Greater Lakes Region Making Strides walk yesterday at Opechee Park in Laconia!

    Photo of Making Strides Team

    GGB Steps UP!

    Great time last night supporting SJCS Meals on Wheels and their Step UP! 5k.

    Photo of SJCS Team

    We Support Veteran’s Count

    The 5th Annual “Make 12 Hours Count” Radio Thon is this Wednesday, March 20th. 

    Tune in to News Radio 96.7 and WGIR AM 610 – Don’t forget about the online auction happening NOW — text VETSAUCTION to 51555 to bid on the items (the auction is open to everyone)!

    Veteran's Count

    EXPERT EDUCATION

    Events and Webinars

    Employee Benefits

    Balancing Cost and Care: Could a Captive solution be the right fit for you?

    In this session, our experts will discuss how Captive solutions work and what you need to consider for your own group’s needs.

    April 17, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

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    Employee Benefits

    Q2 2025 Quarterly Compliance Webinar

    Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.

    May 6, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

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    Employee Benefits

    2025 Healthcare and Employee Benefits Benchmarking Report: How Does Your Benefits Program Stack Up?

    In this session, our experts will dive into the results of our annual, market-leading benchmarking survey.

    June 26, 2025 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

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    Quote from Dawn Barker

    Granite Group Benefits is the Gold Standard for full service in Benefits. They are innovative and are always striving to offer more to their clients. When we wanted to offer wellness programs to our employees, Granite Group had programs to offer and suggestions on how to improve what we were offering. Granite Group Benefits is genuine and caring in the service they deliver.
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    Dawn Barker VP of Human Resources Riverwoods at Exeter

    Quote from Patricia Clark

    Breas Medical partnered with Granite Group Benefits in 2020. Our GGB team has provided outstanding support this past year. They are extremely knowledgeable and provide the necessary guidance so that Breas can make the best informed decisions regarding our benefit practices. Granite Group has also done an amazing job from a compliance perspective. They continuously send legal updates as regulations change especially in this world of COVID. I would highly recommend any company to engage with Granite Group if you are looking for outstanding customer service. Thank you for making our jobs easier on a daily basis!
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    Patricia Clark Human Resources Director Breas Medical

    Quote from Tina M. Sharby

    What sets Granite Group apart is their responsiveness and focus on customer service. They are always prepared to jump in and help us find a solution that works for the organization and our employees.
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    Tina M. Sharby Senior Vice President Human Resources Easter Seals NH, VT, NY, ME, RI and Harbor Schools

    THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

    Insights

    Employee Benefits

    Deadline for San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance is approaching

    The annual San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance (SF HCSO) reporting by employers that have employees who work in the City of or County of San Francisco is due by May 2, 2025. Employers should be aware of the upcoming deadline even if they are not located in San Francisco.



    The SF HCSO requires large and medium-sized employers to provide covered employees with benefits equal to or greater than the expenditure rate. Covered employees are those who have been employed for more than 90 days and who regularly work at least eight hours per week within the City of and County of San Francisco.

    April 14, 2025

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    Employee Benefits

    Webinar: Is Captive Insurance the Right Solution for Your Business?

    Join Alera Group on Thursday, April 17, for "Balancing Cost and Care: Could a Captive solution be the right fit for you?", a webinar on self-insuring to reduce group Medical Insurance costs and other business expense. Our experts will discuss how Captive solutions work and what you need to consider for your own group’s needs.

    April 3, 2025

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    Employee Benefits

    Benchmarking’s Role in Voluntary Benefits Program Design

    Alera Group’s Employee Benefits team recognizes that workforce composition varies from business to business, from industry to industry, from region to region. And, at a time when the U.S. workforce is more generationally diverse than ever before, the needs and priorities of one generation can be very different from those of another. This is where voluntary benefits — also known as supplemental, workplace or optional benefits — become so vital to an organization’s offerings strategy. Alera Group’s "Healthcare and Employee Benefits Benchmarking Reports" take an in-depth look at the benefits businesses provide, the options they offer and the strategies they use to manage costs.

    March 31, 2025

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    Employee Benefits

    HIPAA Webinar: Required Training and Valuable Refresher

    Whether meeting federal training requirements or simply refreshing their knowledge base, professionals whose role includes HIPAA administration will benefit from participating in Alera Group’s annual HIPAA Privacy and Security Overview, a one-hour webinar scheduled for Friday, April 11.

    March 27, 2025

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