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Three entrepreneurs make one big idea.  Benefit Design Group is an employee benefits company that works primarily with privately owned businesses and Associations. The company’s focus is employee-paid benefits, including life and disability insurance.

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Emerging Business

STARTUP | Benefit Design Group

Three entrepreneurs make one big idea

The Kansas City Star

Tammy Ljungblad | The Kansas City Star Partners Garrett French (from left), Duffy Hokanson and Brandon Scarborough created Benefit Design Group in Overland Park.

Company: Benefit Design Group, 5340 College Blvd., Overland Park; (913) 754-1357; french@thinkingbeyond.com

Owners: Duffy Hokanson, Garrett French and Brandon Scarborough

About the company: Benefit Design Group is an employee benefits company that works primarily with privately owned businesses and Associations. The company’s focus is employee-paid benefits, including life and disability insurance.

Owners’ role: Hokanson said all three are doing all of the roles, including marketing and client relations.

How long did it take you to start your business?

Hokanson: “It took about two to three months from conception to running. We opened in April 2006.”

What worked in starting your own business?

Scarborough: “I think it really helped that we all got along well. Duffy and Garrett and I were friends for a long time. We had an idea and we started working on it.”

French: “We also have entrepreneurial personalities. Duffy had worked for himself before, but for Brandon and I, it really was a dream of ours to do this. Working for someone else for a few years made us realize that.”

What is your best advice for others hoping to start their own businesses?

Hokanson: “Talk to others in the industry. Find out both the good and the bad. As wonderful as starting your own business is, there’s a lot of things I think you should be aware of, and be prepared for, so when they do happen, you’re ready for them.”

Scarborough: “And be patient. It is a slow process getting it up and running.”

Did you reach a low point in this process, and, if so, how did you overcome it?

Hokanson: “We did hit some hurdles, but we all have different backgrounds, and we all have different strengths. … Having three of us to brainstorm together has been very beneficial.”

What is your educational background?

Hokanson: “All three of us have college degrees, and all three of us are in the process of getting our CEBS (certified employee benefits specialist) designations. For the last 11 or 12 years, I’ve been doing individual financial planning for clients, including medical and 401k plans. Garrett was in the insurance industry, and Brandon was in the health-care industry.”

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Scarborough: “Be ready to provide better customer service than the next guy.”