In new role, insurance leader brings national expertise to Sioux Falls office

This piece is sponsored by Holmes Murphy.

When Jordan Anderson sits across the table from a business owner, he can relate to what it takes to become one.

Growing up in southeast Minnesota, Anderson’s father by day worked as a corporate construction employee. On the side, he had his own business cleaning commercial offices.

“I would go and help him in the evenings, whether it was taking out the garbage or mopping as he vacuumed and cleaned carpets,” Anderson said. “And my mom worked full time in a nursing home in medical records, so I’m very much about hard work. And I think that’s something that serves our industry well and that you can’t forget about as you move into leadership.”

Anderson recently became the new employee benefits sales leader at Holmes Murphy’s Sioux Falls office, building on a 20-year career that has included some of the industry’s largest names.

“I’ve always been a numbers and data geek, so I started off in underwriting, but for me, it was all about telling the story through the numbers,” he said.

After beginning his career with United HealthCare in Minneapolis, he moved to Colorado and transitioned to account management, sales and sales leadership roles with both United HealthCare and Aetna.

“I ended up working with large employers like Vail Resorts and the Children’s Hospital of Colorado on their self-funded insurance plans, each having their own unique needs for their employees,” he said.

“Through that role, I worked with brokers like Holmes Murphy, and I remember being impressed by the tremendous amount of resources and expertise they brought to the table every day for clients. That was exciting to me to see as a carrier representative, and it was something that drew me to Holmes Murphy years later when I had the chance to join the team.”

But first, a move to Sioux Falls brought a different opportunity. Anderson was recruited seven years ago to join Avera Health, where he served as vice president of sales and account management across commercial and government products.

“I grew up in southeast Minnesota, and my wife grew up in Bloomington, and we wanted to get back to the Midwest. I had not spent a lot of time in Sioux Falls, but I was open to the opportunity, and after three or four visits, we decided it was what we wanted to do. It was an amazing move for me personally and professionally, as well as my family. There couldn’t be a better place to be.”

Within Avera, he led sales and account management teams supporting the system’s insurance-based products for individuals, businesses, self-funded plans and government plans.

“Avera is a great organization and great for the community,” he said. “When the chance to join Holmes Murphy came up, for me it was more about being able to do more with my skill set in finding the best solution for the client beyond just one insurance product.”

Anderson “knows this community, he knows the business, and he’s exactly the kind of person you want leading big things,” said Doug Muth, Holmes Murphy senior vice president and Sioux Falls market leader.

“His experience and connections are going to be a huge asset as we keep growing our employee benefits presence in Sioux Falls, and we’re so excited to have him on board. He knows how to build strong teams, drive strategy and deliver results.”

At Holmes Murphy, “I would say I could feel the culture day one,” Anderson said. “It’s a culture of collaboration. It’s common that there will be multiple consultants helping support the same client and sharing expertise, which is unique. There’s a lot of camaraderie, and that’s infectious. People truly enjoy being around each other, sharing ideas and working together here.”

As a sales leader, he views his role as removing obstacles for his team but also in providing unique perspective and expertise to clients.

“I’m a data geek, so if I can find ways to use data to tell meaningful stories and bring solutions, I really enjoy that,” he said. “Our process involves really getting to understand our clients’ needs and challenges so we can help create the most impactful solutions for them.”

He also will lend his expertise on self-funded plans “because that’s really where I see myself excelling,” he added. “It’s where I’ve spent a majority of my career, and each self-funded plan is so unique that I see this being an area where I can add value for businesses and for my team.”

Anderson also believes strongly in giving back and being part of the community. He and his wife, Sarah, have four children, and after becoming a father, he was drawn to supporting nonprofits that support children.

He now serves on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire and First Tee of South Dakota, in addition to volunteering with Junior Achievement of South Dakota.

“Holmes Murphy as an organization is very focused on supporting nonprofits that are important to employees, including offering volunteer days off, which I found very impressive,” he said. “Anything we can do to support youth is where I’ll spend my time.”

Anderson’s community involvement shows “he’s not just bringing expertise in benefits. He’s bringing heart, leadership and a real connection to the people and businesses,” Muth said.

“One of the best parts of being an independent company is having the freedom to bring on incredible talent like Jordan. He really understands the Sioux Falls market and the benefits space inside and out. That kind of insight helps us stay ahead of the curve and deliver even more value to our clients.”

To connect with Jordan Anderson and his team, click here.

And to learn more about growing your career at Holmes Murphy, visit here.