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Employee Benefits Shouldn't Be a Commodity. They Should Be a Competitive Advantage.
At Core Benefits, we believe most employers are underserved by the traditional brokerage model — shown a few plan options every year, handed a renewal, and left to figure out the rest on their own.
We were built to do something different.
Years in Business
Our Story
Three Decades of Strategic Evolution
Core Benefits Insurance Services was founded in 1989 by Timothy "TJ" Johnson under the original name The Johnson Group. In 2004, the firm rebranded and formally incorporated as Core Benefits Insurance Services — reflecting a broader strategic vision: to evolve beyond brokerage into a multidisciplinary employee benefits consulting firm.
Today, Core Benefits operates as a strategic consulting partner for mid-market employers seeking long-term cost control, transparency, and a genuine advisory relationship. We bring innovation, discipline, and modern systems thinking to an industry that too often relies on outdated models and reactive service.
Over 35 years, we've served manufacturing companies, medical practices, professional services firms, multi-state employers, and organizations navigating PEO transitions — building long-term relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and results.
1989
Founded as The Johnson Group by Timothy "TJ" Johnson in California.
2004
Rebranded as Core Benefits Insurance Services — expanding into a full-spectrum benefits consulting firm.
Today
A strategic partner to mid-market employers across California and beyond, spanning benefits, funding, compliance, and HCM.
Our Philosophy
Three Decades of Strategic Evolution
Benefits decisions should support the long-term success of the organization — not just satisfy this year's renewal. Our consulting model is built around four core beliefs
Full Transparency
Employers deserve full transparency into what drives their healthcare costs.
Strategy & Business Alignment
Benefits strategy and business strategy should be aligned — not siloed.
Technology That Works For You
Technology should reduce administrative friction, not create more of it.
Trust Over Transactions
The best client relationships are built on trust, not transactions.
Why Companies Work With Us
Why Companies Work With Core Benefits
01
Strategy-First Planning
We build multi-year roadmaps, not just annual renewals. Every recommendation has a longer horizon in mind.
02
Funding-Agnostic Analysis
We evaluate all options objectively — fully insured, level-funded, self-funded, captive — with no carrier bias.
03
Technology Integration Expertise
Benefits, payroll, HR, and compliance as a unified system — not a collection of disconnected platforms.
04
Executive Advisory Approach
We speak the language of CEOs and CFOs. Our guidance is financial, strategic, and built for decision-makers.
05
Employee-Centered Design
Programs built around how people actually use their benefits — improving appreciation, utilization, and retention.
06
Deep Service Culture
We show up year-round. Our clients have direct access to TJ and the team — not a call center or ticketing queue.
Registered Health Underwriter (RHU)
CA License #0E50855
Timothy “TJ” Johnson
Founder & Managing Principal
TJ Johnson has spent more than three decades advising business leaders on employee benefits strategy, healthcare cost management, PEO evaluation, and human capital infrastructure.
He founded Core Benefits with a conviction that mid-market employers deserve the same caliber of strategic guidance typically reserved for large corporations — delivered with the personal attention that only an independent firm can provide.
TJ holds the Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) designation — a nationally recognized credential reflecting advanced expertise in health and benefits planning.
Outside of client work, TJ is an active thought leader on LinkedIn, where he publishes regularly on healthcare cost strategy, self-funding, PEO evaluation, and human capital management for growth-focused employers.
Our Team
The People Behind the Strategy
Andreas Gershkoffte
Director of Operations
Andreas oversees the operational infrastructure of Core Benefits, ensuring that client service, compliance oversight, and administrative systems run with precision. He brings deep expertise in benefits administration and HR technology integration.
Lill Martinez
Marketing & Account Management
Lill serves as the primary client relationship manager for Core Benefits accounts, providing day-to-day service, renewal coordination, and benefits education support. She is known for her responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to the people she serves.
Vicki Zerna
Account Managers
Vicki Zerna supports Core Benefits clients with ongoing service, renewal coordination, and clear communication throughout the lifecycle of each account. She is recognized for her proactive approach, strong organizational skills, and dedication to ensuring clients feel informed and supported at every step.
Marcela Johnson
Account Manager
Marcela Johnson works closely with Core Benefits clients to deliver reliable day-to-day service, assist with renewals, and provide benefits education tailored to each organization’s needs. She is known for her thoughtful communication, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to building lasting client relationships.
Let's Build Something That Lasts.
Whether you're evaluating your current benefits structure, facing a difficult renewal, or exploring alternatives to your PEO — we'd welcome a conversation.