Bob Knauss

About Bob Knauss

As a seasoned Sales and Marketing Leader, I bring over 30 years of dynamic experience driving revenue through market disruption and fostering innovation within the healthcare and health and life insurance sectors. My successful career has been marked by a unique blend of result-driven, strategic vision, hands-on expertise building a successful group benefits business, an in-depth understanding of multibillion-dollar health systems, professional employer organizations (PEO), and human resource (HR) outsourcing leadership roles. I excel in leading transformative initiatives, cultivating strategic partnerships, and attaining critical key performance indicators (KPIs). I don’t believe in the mindset of “if it’s not broke don’t fix it”. Rather I follow the mantra of “if it’s not broke – break it”. I thrive within environments of constant change. I believe in a leadership style that encourages people to grow and thrive by providing them with the runway to achieve their personal and professional goals and then stand back and watch! I love staying fit with regular strength and conditioning training, exploring the outdoors while camping or fly fishing. I also grow and make wine as a passion of mine. I\'ve been a longtime believer in healthy food as medicine, plant-based diets, Blue Zones methodology and research studies, Key Competencies:• Strategic Planning: Crafting and executing long-term business strategies to drive market penetration and growth.• Operational Budgeting: Managing substantial P & Ls and ensuring financial efficiency.• Business Development: Developing innovative strategies that open new revenue streams and enhance market prominence.• Networking and Partnership Acquisition: Building and maintaining relationships with brokers, consultants, business coalitions, payers, and healthcare providers.• Empowering Leadership: Leading teams to success through vision execution, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset.• Client Acquisition and Retention: Developing strategies to attract and retain clients, ensuring sustained business growth.• Strategic Consulting and Negotiation: Providing expert advice and negotiating favorable terms to benefit clients and organizations.• Market Disruption: Implementing groundbreaking approaches to disrupt and innovate within the market.• Communication: Excelling in both written and oral communication to effectively convey strategic vision and operational objectives.

Experience

1. Senior Account Manager

   McGriff

   Nov 2024 — Present · Allentown, PA, US

   Managed portfolio of mid-to-large employer groups employees), serving as the primary liaison for benefits strategy, plan design, market innovation and renewal negotiations.• Partnered with HR and C-suite leaders to develop customized benefit solutions addressing cost containment, compliance, employee engagement and overall value enhancement.• Led annual renewal and open enrollment processes, including financial analysis, vendor negotiations and delivery of recommendations to executive stakeholders.• Collaborated with carriers, TPA’s and technology partners to streamline benefits administration and enhance the client experience. • Conducted quarterly and annual plan performance reviews, analyzing claims data, utilization trends, and market benchmarks to advise clients on cost-containment strategies.• Served as a strategic consultant on compliance issues including ACA, ERISA and state-specific mandates, ensuring client programs remained up-to-date.• Mentored junior account managers and coordinators, providing guidance on client service best practices, benefits analysis and relationship management.• Consistently achieved high client retention and satisfaction, contributing to revenue growth and expansion within assigned book of business.

Education

• DeSales University

  Bachelor of Science, Marketing

  1998 — 2002

• William Allen High School

  GED, College Prep

  1980 — 1984

Skills

• Certified Consumer-Driven Benefits Communications
• Board of Directors for Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce
• Immediate Past President of the Hellertown Lower Saucon Chamber and Board Member
• Nj Licensed Producer Health/Life/Fixed Annuities/Variable Life and Annuities
• Series 6
• Business
• Pa Licensed Producer Health/Life/Fixed Annuities/Variable Life and Annuities
• Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee
• Board of Governors Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce