Almost 75 years ago, Jackie Robinson became one of major league baseball’s greatest players, but only because he was given a chance to play. In the substantially nondiverse world of employee benefits insurance and brokerage, minority-owned businesses simply want an opportunity to play.

In this compelling episode of ERISA is a friend of mine, Ed and Scott welcome Ken Hurtt, CEO of Birwood Services Group, a minority-owned broker founded in 2020 by Mr. Hurtt in a partnership with Lockton. Listen as Mr. Hurtt explains how Birwood, with Lockton’s support, plans to create a flow of opportunity for minority-owned businesses in the insurance industry. This episode explores:

• How can Birwood help employers meet their diversity, equity and inclusion goals?
• Ways that Birwood, with Lockton’s financial support, is working to foster insurance-related career opportunities for more people of color.
• What is the Birwood supply chain? How does it look beyond Birwood’s business objectives to introduce other quality, minority-owned benefits businesses to employers and give those firms a chance to compete for their business?
• How the name “Birwood Services Group” got its name? (Hint: It’s a journey from racial prejudice to a symbol of hope and change.)
• What does the Scorpions’ song “Winds of Change” have to do with the Birwood Wall?

To learn more about Birwood Services Group, visit www.birwoodsg.com or contact Mr. Hurtt directly.