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A former podcast from Lockton’s ERISA Compliance Consulting team 

You’ve reached the home of ERISA is a Friend of Mine, an informal and informational podcast series that Lockton’s ERISA Compliance Consulting team produced from 2019 to 2022. Scroll down to view and listen to any of the podcast episodes. NOTE: These podcasts have not been updated since their publication dates.

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  1. All Episodes
  2. Chasing Jackie Robinson: Giving minority-owned benefits brokers a chance to play

Chasing Jackie Robinson: Giving minority-owned benefits brokers a chance to play

May 10, 2021

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.