Brandon Ernstes

About Brandon Ernstes

I help business leaders build health plans that make financial sense—for the company and its people.Growing up on a small farm in Northern Kentucky taught me the value of hard work and every dollar earned. That perspective guides how I approach benefits today: with transparency, practicality, and a focus on long-term results.I work alongside employers who are ready to take control of rising healthcare costs. Whether you’re a private company, a public entity, or an employee-owned organization, my goal is the same—to design benefit strategies that reward smart utilization, promote better care decisions, and protect your bottom line.Houchens Insurance Group is a 100% employee-owned firm, so I’ve seen firsthand how ownership changes everything. When companies and employees both have a stake in the outcome, engagement and accountability rise, and the results follow.If you’re ready to move beyond renewals and start building a benefits plan with purpose, let’s connect.Focus Areas:ESOPsEmployee equity modelsSelf-FundedCaptivesAlternative fundingPharmacy Spend ManagementPopulation Health M••••••••@higusa.com 61••••••86

Experience

1. VP of Employee Benefits and Market Leader

   Houchens Insurance Group

   Mar 2024 — Present · Nashville, TN, US

   Employee Owned Benefits Practice LeaderIdeal fit for our practice-Employee Owned Companies -Holding Companies -Firms with broad based ownership programsAdvising on how to create a high preforming healthcare & benefits program that is customized to your goals/culture and maximizes employee ownership.

Education

• Western Kentucky University

  (BS), Bachelors of Science and Mathematics