Broker’s Service Management Group II LLC was founded in 1972 by David Lea Jr., who had a vision about how he wanted his life-insurance consulting firm to be formed. Since that time, the company has grown considerably, and part of the reason is because Lea is not afraid to show his appreciation to the team that makes it all happen.
Pam DeMelim, chief administrative officer, started at the company 16 years ago and has never regretted her decision. DeMelim said it did not take long for her to realize the company is committed to providing employees with a stimulating, safe, healthy environment that they can actually enjoy going to every day. “This company really stays connected to their employees. … There’s always the chance to grow and move up here. I really feel like I’ve found a home here,” DeMelim said.
The company - which has 54 employees, 39 of which are in Providence - represents more than 40 insurance companies nationwide. Employees receive a competitive salary, as well as a package that includes two weeks of vacation time in the first year, a 401(k), profit sharing, a cell phone allowance for all employees, and a health care package fully paid by the company.
DeMelim said long tenures for employees are common, with many staying for more than 20 years. “The company offers a lot of flexibility and plenty of opportunity for employees to find challenge in their work,” she said.
Stacey Reynolds was still in college studying accounting when she accepted a part-time position as an intern at the company. As soon as she graduated, she was offered a full-time position and three years later she is the commissions/accounting manager – and a happy employee.
“It’s just that there’s an overall feeling of appreciation here that make it a great place to work. It’s the little things, like every Thursday a massage therapist comes into the company and offers free 20-minute chair massages for employees. The company pays for Dunkin’ Donuts coffee that’s always available in the break room. And our Christmas party is a blast,” Reynolds said.
Because of the camaraderie that exists at the company, Reynolds says she has no plans to leave her position. “I’m happy to go to work every day. And how many people can say that?” she said.
DeMelim said that while it’s a great company to work for, employees know that the company sets high expectations, and employees are accountable and expected to work hard. “But we’re always rewarded for our efforts. We have a wellness director on staff that helps people to lose weight or quit smoking; and there’s a running program called “Go the Extra Mile” in which any employee who goes over and above what’s expected of them receives a $25 recognition check,” DeMelim said.
Both DeMelim and Reynolds say the company has grown considerably since they went to work there. Simply put, DeMelim said “Employees do right by our customers, and in turn we do right by our employees.” •
