Welcome to Group Benefits, Ltd. (GBL)
Since our beginning, GBL has been built on relationships, trust, and a genuine commitment to supporting independent agents and the communities they serve. Today, we are proud to be the largest General Agency in Iowa, serving independent agents across the Midwest with a focus on service, collaboration, and doing the right thing.
Headquartered in Urbandale, Iowa, GBL supports a strong network of affiliated agents who collectively serve more than 3,000 employer groups and 60,000 individual clients. While our reach continues to grow, our mission remains the same: to provide dependable support, meaningful resources, and a partnership agents can rely on year after year.
Our History
2024: GBL becomes part of the Warner Pacific family
In 2024, GBL entered an exciting new chapter by becoming part of the Warner Pacific family. This partnership aligned GBL with an organization that shares our long-standing commitment to supporting independent agents and strengthening the communities we serve. By joining forces, we gained access to expanded resources, enhanced technology, and broader market opportunities while continuing to deliver the personalized service and Midwest values that have defined GBL since the beginning.
2018: GBL Partners with Acrisure
In 2018, GBL partnered with Acrisure, marking an important milestone in our continued growth. This relationship provided access to additional programs, tools, and operational resources that supported our ability to serve affiliated agents more effectively. While our day-to-day approach and commitment to service remained consistent, the partnership allowed us to explore new ways to strengthen support, improve efficiencies, and expand opportunities for our agent network.
2014: Life's Solutions Established
Recognizing the growing need for comprehensive planning solutions, GBL established Life’s Solutions in 2014. This initiative created a centralized resource hub designed to support agents with life insurance, long-term care, disability income, and annuity planning. By offering access to knowledgeable resources and expanded product lines, GBL helped agents better meet the diverse needs of their clients.
2013: R.S. Doughty Associates Ltd. Merger
In 2013, GBL merged with R.S. Doughty Associates Ltd., strengthening our presence and expanding the range of services available to affiliated agents. This merger combined expertise, relationships, and operational knowledge, creating new opportunities for growth and enhancing the support available across our network.
2012: Launch of GBL Marketing Services
Understanding that many independent agents operate with limited time and resources, GBL launched GBL Marketing Services in 2012. This dedicated department was created to provide agents with customized marketing materials, strategic guidance, and practical tools designed to help them communicate more effectively with their clients and communities.
1999: Agent Advisory Board Established
In 1999, GBL formed the Agent Advisory Board to ensure that the voices of independent agents remained central to decision-making. Comprised of experienced agents from across our network, the board provides insight, feedback, and direction that helps guide key initiatives and reinforces our commitment to collaboration.
1996: Level 2 Sales Structure and Vesting Rules Implemented
In 1996, GBL introduced its Level 2 Sales Structure and vesting guidelines to better support affiliated agents in growing their businesses. This structure was designed to allow GBL to provide product expertise and support services while enabling agents to focus on building relationships and serving clients.
From the beginning, GBL has operated with a philosophy centered on trust and fairness. Our vesting approach was created to provide clarity and stability, ensuring that agents maintain ownership of their book of business and the flexibility to manage their professional paths with confidence.
1995: GBL's Beginning
GBL was founded in 1995 by a group of independent insurance agents who believed in doing the right thing for the agent community. Their vision was simple: create an organization built on integrity, service, and collaboration.
Since those early days, GBL has grown into a trusted General Agency serving independent agents across Iowa and throughout the Midwest. While the industry has evolved over the years, our core values remain the same. We continue to focus on supporting agents, strengthening relationships, and providing resources that help independent agencies serve their clients with confidence.
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