The Benefits Edge decodes employee perks

Jan B. Sherman faced a decision about a dozen years ago. The Farmington Hills resident had been climbing the corporate ladder for 17 years, making vice president of national marketing. The job made him a jetsetter but it also took precious time from his young family. He left it all for the flexibility of starting The Benefits Edge.

"I never miss a dance recital or a sporting event," Sherman says. "I am happy about that."

The Benefits Edge helps people decipher the contents of their benefits package, with a focus on health insurance. Sherman, the company's only employee, also advises clients on life and disability insurance. The business has been growing an average of 10 percent a year, almost entirely from referrals.

"The phone keeps ringing when you treat people right and give them sincere, good advice that helps them solve their problems," Sherman says.

Leaving the safe corporate job for the uncertainty of being your own boss isn't the easiest decision, especially with a young family depending on you. But the decision became an easy one for Sherman when a friend told him that everyone is self-employed. They either have one customer (an employer) or a number of customers (from a business). It was a piece of advice that set Sherman free and let him see his kids whenever he wanted.

Source: Jan B. Sherman, owner of The Benefits Edge
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

The Benefits Edge decodes employee perks

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