Health insurance is something that no one looks forward to buying and it’s generally a very stressful time whenever it’s being used. With over a dozen years’ experience in the industry, we also understand health benefits are expensive and very complex. We strive to educate and guide employees and employers through a confusing and opaque healthcare system, while keeping the quality of care as high as possible and keeping expense as low as possible.
BKZ Benefits Group was founded in 2014 on a Christian foundation with Christian principles that most aptly helps to genuinely care about our clients.
We keep Employees Healthy, to help give Employers a Healthy Bottom Line.
Meet the BKZ Team!
Brian Lewis, President
Brian is responsible for consulting and guiding businesses through an ever-changing labyrinth of health insurance coverage, administration and compliance. Brian started as a broker in North Carolina and moved when his wife Kristy became pregnant and wanted to be close to her family here in Maryland, so that’s when Brian sold most of his clients in North Carolina and opened up BKZ Benefits Group, Inc. in September of 2014 on Main Street in Westminster. Brian’s goal is to always put his clients first, while striving to make changes in the extremely challenging world of healthcare finance.
Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA, as well as a Minor in Environmental Science and a Certificate in Accounting from Philadelphia University. Brian likes to give back to the community as much as possible and donates to about a dozen local nonprofits here in Carroll County, as well as a few others regionally and nationally.
Kristy Lewis, Office Manager
Kristy is responsible for organizing office operations and procedures; preparing and managing accounting, commissions, event planning and other general office management. Kristy comes to BKZ with over 15 years of managerial experience; including ten years in project management for a general contractor and five years in medical billing and account management.
Kristy holds a Bachelor of Social Work from West Virginia University. She has also completed training in medical billing, EPA certification and OSHA CEUs.
In her free time Kristy enjoys spending time with her husband Brian and their daughter Zoë. She loves camping adventures, traveling, running, circuit training, and kickboxing.
Gail Cousins, Client Relationship Manager
Gail is responsible for helping our clients with their healthcare and benefit requirements. Gail comes to BKZ with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare and benefits markets. She looks forward to always taking a personal approach and building strong and lasting relationships with her clients built on trust and great service.
In the few years Gail has been with BKZ Benefits Group, we have been more than impressed with her skill and knowledge, and has become an integral part of the company.
Gail holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a Minor in Business and Economics from Greensboro College in Greensboro, NC. In addition, she also has her Maryland Life and Health license.
Gail is very active in her community. She serves on the Board for the FSK Jr. Eagles basketball league. In addition to serving as a board member, she also coaches her son’s team and previously has coached several teams at one time. She is also a member of the Taneytown Ravens Roost and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Taneytown American Legion.
Gail has a daughter that attends FSK high school and a son that attends Taneytown Elementary. When not spending time with her children, Gail enjoys camping, hiking, and traveling. In the cold winter months, she enjoys staying home and watching College basketball.
