Ed Barker

My name is Ed Barker, and I am President of Capital Benefit Services, Inc. I have worked in the insurance industry since 1977. In 1986, I started a small health insurance program for members of the Master Builders Association. Over the last twenty years this program has grown into the largest association health insurance plan in the Northwest, providing insurance to 3,000 companies with 90,000 lives.

I started in the insurance industry as an underwriter with Blue Cross of Washington/Alaska, now known as Premera Blue Cross. In 1977, I was recruited by Foster Higgins, a division of Johnson & Higgins, now Mercer, Inc. While at Foster Higgins, I managed such prestigious accounts as The Boeing Company, Pacific Northwest Bell, and the State of Washington.

I was born and raised in the Seattle area. I went to the University of Washington and received a degree in finance. I continue to stay abreast of activities in the insurance industry to ensure that my company is providing the best rates and service it can. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Dennis Poppe

My name is Dennis Poppe, and I am a Senior Benefit Consultant for the MBA & BIAW Health Insurance Trusts and the Sales Manager for Capital Benefit Services, Inc. I have 27 years of experience in sales, eight of which have focused exclusively on sales and marketing in the health care industry. I have been with Capital Benefit Services for seven years.

Outside of the office, I am on the University of Washington Board of Directors in Retail Management. I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my family and friends, and making my way through the golf course as much as possible.

Ben Belur

My name is Ben Belur and I am Vice President of Sales for the MBA & BIAW Health Insurance Trusts. I graduated from Washington State University where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Business Finance. I am now nearing my second year of experience in the health insurance industry and have learned to go above and beyond to serve my clients day-to-day needs and questions. I take great pride in my job and enjoy my position because of the opportunity to meet new people and the feeling of accomplishment when a company goes out of their way to thank you for your services.

My extra curricular activities include coaching a U-16 boys soccer team for the Eastside F.C. Soccer Club, which I played for as a youth, playing soccer competitively with a group of friends, and continuing to hack my way around the golf course. I also love spending time with my family and friends. I pride myself in giving back to the community and doing all that I can to make those around me happy.

Nicole Vassar

My name is Nicole Vassar and I'm a Senior Benefit Consultant for the MBA/BIAW Health Trust. I attended the University of WA, Business School where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a Marketing concentration.

I'm well into my second year in the health insurance industry and appreciate how vital these decisions are to a business' success. I take great pride in going the extra mile for my clients, understanding the company and employee needs, all while providing excellent customer service. This translates into an employee benefits package that meets the client's bottom line goals while attracting and retaining quality employees. I'm also involved in growing the Building Industry Association of Washington.

When I'm not meeting with clients, I'm spending time with my friends and family. I love being creative, enjoying the outdoors, camping, hiking, or just starting a new adventure!

Adam Briscoe

My name is Adam Briscoe.  I am a Senior Benefit Consultant for the MBA/BIAW Health Trust.  I started my career with Capital Benefit Services in 2005 as an account manager.  I moved to a sales support position in 2007, which allowed me to work closely with our customers and better understand the needs of our clients and their employees. I enjoy every aspect of my job and I believe being part of a great team is what makes that possible. Now, as an account executive, I incorporate all that I have learned in my other positions here to give clients the best service possible.

When I'm not working with clients, I enjoy mountain biking with my black lab Tucker, snowboarding, backpacking, and working on my house. I believe that hard work and a positive attitude can lead to great things.