Coastal Region Benefits - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Coastal Region Benefits is an insurance agency established in 2009, dedicated to providing quality comprehensive insurance solutions to its clients while fostering trust and making a positive lifelong impact on its community. The company's vision is to be the leading provider of enhanced benefit solutions, offering financial wellness and security. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, the firm focuses on protecting crucial aspects of clients' lives through a diverse portfolio of insurance products and robust customer support. This client-centric approach and commitment to community distinguish its presence in the insurance sector.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

The primary objectives of Coastal Region Benefits revolve around delivering quality comprehensive insurance solutions and fostering trust within its community. The company aims to provide financial wellness and security to its clients. Its offerings are designed to assist businesses in attracting and retaining talent, and individuals in securing financial protection.

Specialization Areas

Coastal Region Benefits specializes in several key areas:

Voluntary Benefits and Enrollment Solutions: Tailored for employers, HR partners, and benefit brokers to enhance employee benefits programs, often at no direct cost to the organization.

Individual Personal Lines: Providing insurance solutions for personal and family needs.

Business Planning: Assisting businesses with long-term strategic financial planning.

Employee Retention Strategies: Helping companies retain talent, which can lead to cost savings and potential tax credits.

Compliance Assistance: Leveraging expertise to aid clients with Department of Labor (DOL) audits, Form 5500 filings, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance, along with proper employee communications.

Target Markets

The company's primary target markets include:

Employers/HR Partners: Businesses looking to enhance employee benefits packages and streamline enrollment processes.

Benefit Brokers: Collaborating to offer specialized voluntary benefits.

Individuals and Families: Seeking personal financial protection and insurance solutions.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Coastal Region Benefits is a privately held company with an estimated annual revenue of less than $5 million. The company employs fewer than 25 individuals. No public information regarding specific funding rounds, total funds raised, or notable investors is available.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Coastal Region Benefits offers a range of core insurance products and services:

Enhanced Employee Benefits: Solutions designed to create competitive employee benefits packages, aiding businesses in talent attraction and retention. This includes offering benefits programs that can be implemented at no cost to the organization.

Life Insurance: Policies providing financial security for loved ones in unforeseen events. The company works with multiple carriers to offer comprehensive protection.

Disability Insurance: Income protection that insures earned income against the risk of disability due to injury, illness, or medical conditions, preserving financial stability.

Long-Term Care: Insurance to cover out-of-pocket expenses for long-term care services, preventing the depletion of personal and family savings.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Coastal Region Benefits utilizes technology to optimize operations and improve client service. Key aspects include:

Electronic Enrollment Tools: Implementing systems for electronic enrollments of entire benefits packages, simplifying administration for HR teams.

Compliance Software: Employing tools and expertise to ensure compliance with DOL audits, 5500 filings, and ACA requirements.

Client Communication Platforms: Facilitating effective employee communications regarding benefits and compliance.

The technological approach combines cutting-edge solutions with a personal, local touch to provide efficient and client-friendly services.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

The leadership team at Coastal Region Benefits comprises experienced professionals dedicated to client-centric services:

Tiffany Smith, Partner / CEO: With experience since 1997, Tiffany focuses on developing competitive, cost-free enhanced benefit packages for businesses and educating employees on financial protection and claims filing.

Phillip Greer, Partner / COO: Phillip is dedicated to empowering clients' financial futures through personalized solutions for financial goals, estate planning strategies, and insurance needs, guiding them towards informed decisions for long-term success.

Glenn Smith, Senior Partner, CEPA: Glenn holds a senior leadership position within the company.

Brandi Smith, Director Of Operations: Brandi oversees the company's operational activities.

Mary Close-Arzon, SHRM-CP, Operations Manager: Mary manages key operational aspects of the business.

Brigitte Rausch, Operations Coordinator: Brigitte coordinates critical operational tasks.

John Ballinger, Business Development Executive: John collaborates with business owners to enhance employee benefits packages, providing analysis and proposals from various carriers.

Bob Strittmatter, Business Development Executive: Bob advises individual clients, families, and business owners on benefit solutions, emphasizing client education for achievable financial goals.

Vicky Mangan, Sr. Client Specialist: With over 30 years of experience, Vicky provides insurance benefits, helping families secure peace of mind and assisting business owners with payroll tax optimization and employee benefit offerings.

Tony Vaughn, Sr. Client Specialist: Tony serves as a Senior Client Specialist.

Kevin Moran, Sr. Client Specialist: Kevin holds the role of Senior Client Specialist.

Jason Hallman, Sr. Client Specialist: Jason is a Senior Client Specialist at the company.

Mason Smith, Client Specialist: Mason specializes in delivering supplemental insurance with personalized service to individuals and companies.

Will Moran, Client Specialist: Will is focused on understanding individual client needs to recommend appropriate products and strategies for financial goals, estate strategies, and insurance.

Ryan Saunders, Client Specialist: Ryan is committed to helping individuals and businesses prepare for a successful financial future, specializing in tailored insurance solutions, estate strategies, and benefits planning.

Mary Applewhite, Senior Benefits Advisor: Joining in May 2025, Mary brings extensive experience in the employee benefits insurance industry since 1990, with previous roles at Northwestern Mutual Life, Brown & Brown Insurance, and Towne Benefits. She is an active member of the National Association of Benefit Insurance Professionals.

Recent Leadership Changes

Mary Applewhite joined Coastal Region Benefits in May 2025 as a Senior Benefits Advisor, bringing substantial industry experience to the team.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Coastal Region Benefits maintains a lean workforce of fewer than 25 employees. As of November 2025, the average annual salary for employees is estimated at $85,702, with typical salaries ranging from $75,407 to $96,905. These figures vary based on job role, experience, skills, and location, indicating a competitive compensation structure for specialized roles within the insurance sector. The company focuses on a team approach, leveraging diverse backgrounds and experiences.

7. Operational Insights

Coastal Region Benefits operates with a strong client-centered philosophy, providing personalized service to address the unique needs and long-term financial goals of its clients. The company prides itself on a team-based approach, integrating diverse professional opinions to offer comprehensive solutions in the complex financial services landscape. They employ proactive strategies to help clients achieve their financial objectives through efficient methods. The firm also emphasizes close collaboration with HR teams to simplify benefits administration and ensure regulatory compliance with agencies such as the Department of Labor (DOL) and requirements like 5500 and ACA filings.