My Story
I didn't come from the benefits industry. I founded and sold a telecommunications company right here in Grand Rapids. I've made payroll during tough months, worried about rising healthcare costs, and made the hard decisions that keep a business healthy while taking care of the team.
That firsthand experience is exactly why I'm here now. After three decades of building businesses and relationships, I chose to channel everything I'd learned into helping business owners navigate one of the most complex and expensive challenges they face: healthcare.
As one of the original founders of Nexus, I've been part of this company's journey from day one. But my day-to-day work is what matters most to me—sitting across the table from a business owner, understanding what's keeping them up at night, and building a benefits strategy that actually solves the problem. Not a cookie-cutter plan. Not a renewal rubber stamp. A real strategy that protects their people and controls their costs.
I bring the full resources of Nexus to every client relationship. Compliance support, data analytics, carrier negotiations, plan design expertise—my clients get all of it. But what they tell me matters most is that I understand their world. I've been the one signing the checks. I know what it feels like when healthcare costs jump 20% and you're trying to figure out how to absorb it without passing it all to your employees.
My background isn't typical for this industry, and that's exactly the point. I've walked in my clients' shoes. That shapes every conversation I have and every solution we build together.
The NetPlus Philosophy
Are you a net positive in someone else's life? That's the question Ken asks every day—and the philosophy behind everything he does.
NetPlus Connections
Published 2012 · Available on Amazon
Ken co-authored the book that became a roadmap for hundreds of professionals. The core idea is simple but powerful: be the one who makes everyone else's world bigger and better. Not networking for personal gain—selfless service that creates value for everyone involved.
Over 14 years later, the NetPlus philosophy continues to help business leaders form authentic, lasting relationships with prospects, clients, teammates, and family.
Speaking & Team Training
Available for your organization
Ken brings the NetPlus framework directly to your team. Whether it's a keynote, a half-day workshop, or ongoing coaching, he'll teach your people how to build a stronger personal and professional network—and how to make it work for them.
- Team workshops on authentic networking and relationship building
- Leadership coaching and one-on-one executive development
- Keynote speaking for conferences, retreats, and corporate events
Why I Chose Nexus
Nexus gives me the platform to do what I do best: solve complex problems through authentic relationships. We don't just sell benefits—we create unique solutions tailored to each client's specific needs. Every business has different challenges, different team dynamics, and different goals. My job is to listen, connect the dots, and co-create solutions that actually work in the real world. That's the NetPlus way.
Areas of Expertise
- Employee benefits strategy and design
- Healthcare cost management
- Executive leadership and business development
- Relationship-driven consulting
- Strategic networking and partnerships
- Public speaking and leadership training
Who We Work With
- Business owners who want a true benefits strategy, not just a policy
- CEOs and HR leaders tired of the 'set it and forget it' approach
- Growing businesses where healthcare costs are a top concern
- Leaders who value long-term relationships over transactional interactions
Accomplishments & Recognition
- Co-founded Nexus Benefit Solutions
- 30+ years in business, 20+ years executive leadership
- Founded and successfully sold a telecommunications company
- Co-authored NetPlus Connections (2012), training hundreds of business leaders
- Co-Chair, Davenport University Alumni Board
- Board Member, Kids' Food Basket (since 2013)
- Candidate for Michigan State Representative, 73rd District (2018)
- Bachelor's Degree in Business and Management, Davenport University
Beyond the Office
When I'm not helping clients or connecting people who should know each other, you'll find me at home in Forest Hills with my wife, Diana, and our twins, Asher and Eliana. Family is everything, and I'm grateful for the life we've built together. I'm also an active member at Watermark Country Club, where I enjoy the camaraderie of the Men's Association and the occasional round of golf.
Outside of Work
Meet the Nexus Team
Our advisors share a commitment to doing right by clients. Meet the rest of the team.