The founder of Benefits Network, David Straight, had observed a market that was over-served, yet under-serviced. As Vice President of Marketing & Sales for HealthAmerica, David had worked with most of the hundreds of insurance agencies, brokers and consultants in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. With rare exception, David witnessed that most of the brokers and agents had limited resources, leaned heavily on the insurance carriers to service their clients, and visited their clients only once a year to deliver the next rate increase. He envisioned a better way.

David developed a business plan built around creative marketing, superior and measurable service to clients, and innovative strategies to meet the needs of large groups of businesses.

In 1998, David teamed up with investment partner Patrick Mercier, president & CEO of BEA, Inc. and Benefits Network was formed. It quickly became a market leader by truly meeting the needs of its customers.