Kenneth J. Miller, LUTCF
Insurance Professional
Ken is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a degree in education, as well as secondary education and physical education.
Ken graduated and received his fellowship from the Life Underwriters Training Council in 1992. Ken is currently enrolled in the prestigious Certified Financial Planner Program.
Ken is the founder and president of Great Lakes Benefits, Inc., which he started in 1990. Ken has been a General Agent for Illinois Mutual since 1996.
Previously, Ken served as a Field Representative and Training Director for National Life of Vermont, a Field Representative and Career Development Supervisor for The Guardian, and Senior Marketing Agent and District Manager for Monumental Life Insurance Company.
Ken's professional memberships are numerous, including the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Financial Planners Association of America, and the Million Dollar Roundtable. Ken also serves as the 52nd President for NAIFA Southeast Michigan/Monroe, as well as serving as the New Membership Director for the organization.
Ken has been active in numerous community activities all over the State of Michigan when he lived Ferndale was the chairman of the Woodward Dream Cruise, as well being elected to a seat on the city of Ferndale Public Library Board of directors. Now that he has moved on to Monroe Michigan were everything for Ken started after graduating Bedford High School, in Monroe County, “It is nice to be back to were my roots began, and I will be as active here in Monroe as I have been in other communities in the past.” Ken is currently 2009-2010 President of SE Michigan/ Monroe NAIFA, and on the operating board for the “2nd Annual Monroe Bed Race for Children” and has been appointment to serve a four year board position for the City of Monroe’s Library Advisory Committee. Plus Kens very active in his church as a elected official for the parish council of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
Ken has also been glad to donate and raise funds for numerous charitable groups throughout the community.
Ken can bring his years of experience to the plate in serving your individual, family and small business financial planning needs.
Let me go to bat for you!
Stephen L. Swartz
Group Benefits Specialist
Stephen earned his BA from University of Toledo.
Stephen has years of experience as an insurance professional, including his ongoing success in representing Aflac. AFLAC may be best known for its now famous "duck", but it offers a variety of affordable benefits that can be tailored to the needs of companies and their employees, providing cash to pay bills when someone is injured or ill, as well as during hospitalization and many other circumstances. Just ask Stephen to tell you more about how this can work for you and your business. AFLAC doesn't cost the company a penny; employees choose their coverage and pay using payroll deductions.
Stephen joined the Great Lakes Benefits, Inc. team, bringing this experience and his passion for delivering financial solutions to individuals, families and small businesses. In addition to being a benefits consultant, Stephen enjoys being involved in his community.
Stephen and his wife Kendra are the proud parents of two boys, Brandon and Jacob, and one girl, Olivia, and Stephen coaches Brandon's cross-country team at St. John's Grade School and volunteers for church activities and charitable works.
Stephan is currently tackling the 2nd Annual Monroe Bed Race for Children as sponsorship chairman, as well as the SE Michigan/ Monroe NAIFA, 2009-2010 Treasurer .
Additionally, Stephen serves as the past President of the Southeast Michigan/Monroe NAIFA organization.
Stephen looks forward to working with individuals, families and small-businesses, helping with financial plans that make dollars and sense for his clients.
Ralph M. Sherman, JD, Attorney-at-Law
Insurance Professional
Ralph earned his BA from Carnegie-Mellon University and his Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law.
Ralph joined the Great Lakes Benefits, Inc. team, bringing over 17 years' experience working with small business clients as an attorney and entrepreneur, throughout the US and overseas.
Ralph's experience in private law practice, as well as working for financial-service firms, helps him understand the needs of small business owners and their employees.
Ralph and his wife Rose live in St. Clair Shores, and Ralph enjoys participating in community activities. He served two terms as the President of the Ferndale Arts & Cultural Commission. He also regularly attends and participates in the discussions of the Ferndale Library Board and serves as the Secretary of the Southeast Michigan/Monroe NAIFA organization.
Ralph is ready to help you with your personal and business financial planning needs.
Helen L. Gienapp
Administrative Assistant
Ferndale Resident for 28 years
Involved in various city activities
- Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise
- Election poll worker – 4 years
- Ferndale Youth Assistance – 6 years
- Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission – 4 years
Citizen of the Year 2005
Over 50 years in leadership roles in numerous organizations, including:
- National president of 200,000 member Lutheran Woman's Missionary League
- Currently Board of Directors member other church-related organizations
In the business world over 50 years, relating to and dealing with people
- Past – Executive Assistant to Detroit Chamber of Commerce President – 14 years
- Currently – Administrative Assistant, Great Lakes Benefits Inc., Ferndale – 6 years
Personal: Widow Rev. Walter Gienapp, mother of 5, grandmother of 12, greatgrand mother of 7, Listed in Who's Who in American Women and Who's Who in Religion.
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