Established in 2020
PINEYWOODS BENEFITS is a Tampa based insurance consulting agency created to provide an alternative to the large national firms providing the same capabilities and resources with less cost and better service. PINEYWOODS BENEFITS is a client focused, cost efficient agency that leverages technology and creative communication strategies to educate and engage employees in a meaningful way.
Meet The Team
Jeffrey Lenderman
Jeffrey Lenderman | Bio
Jeff Lenderman is a principal owner and lead consultant for PINEYWOODS BENEFITS based in Tampa Fl. Jeff has over 18 years of experience in the group benefits industry working for National Firms USI Insurance Services, and Paychex Agency. Jeff has consistently been a top performer and earned Pinnacle Agent Designation for consistent sales performance and retention which represents the top 10% of agents nationwide. Most recently, Jeff was the practice leader for a large local agency M.E. Wilson Co. Under his leadership the firm’s benefits grew over 300% in 5 years.
Jeff oversees all agency operations at PINEYWOODS BENEFITS. He is responsible for new client relationships and the continuing delivery of strategic benefits consulting to existing clients. Jeff has extensive experience with Fully Insured plans, Self-Funding, ACA Compliance and PBM analysis. He speaks as a subject matter expert to HR groups, Hospitality Associations, and Chambers of Commerce. Jeff has provided consulting services for many well-known Florida companies like MicroLumen, The Florida Aquarium, Columbia Restaurant Group, Winghouse, and McKibbon Hospitality. Jeff has also provided consulting services for National Companies Subway’s Independent Purchasers group, Duracell, and Comcast.
In addition to Jeff’s work accomplishments, he is a graduate of Tampa Connection’s class of 2015 and joined the board for onbikes in 2016 and is now chair of the board since 2021. Onbikes is a Tampa based non-profit that provides at risk youth and children in foster care with their first bike. Jeff is also a board member of the YMCA of West Central Florida and is an assistant coach for All Saints Academies girls Lacrosse and Volleyball programs.
Jeff is a graduate of the University of Delaware where he played Lacrosse and later coached his high school varsity team to several conference championships and 2 State Semi-Finals. He lives in Lakeland with his wife Danielle (CEO at Lakeland Regional Health System) and their daughter’s Addison and Paige.
Justin Nikolich
Justin Nikolich | Bio
Justin serves as Katz Capital’s Chief Financial Officer and fractional CFO for PINEWOODS BENEFITS agency. Justin works to help PWB maintain healthy financial performance and to provide strategic capital injection to fuel growth through acquisitions and organic growth. Justin has significant experience providing financial analysis and modeling in the real estate and financial services sector. He received his Bachelors and Masters of Accounting from the University of South Florida and is a registered Certified Public Accountant with the State of Florida. Justin also serves on the executive board for onbikes as Treasurer which is where the idea to start PINEYWOODS BENEFITS agency was formed.
Elizabeth Martin
Elizabeth Martin | Bio
Elizabeth brings over 18 years of design, communication, and benefit program management experience to the team. She is dedicated to enhancing the value of employee benefits through effective communication. In addition to focusing on enhancing communication, she is well versed in many human resource management programs including ADP, Ease, Paycom, Paycor, and Paylocity and enjoys working within these platforms to enhance the employee experience. Each vendor has many value adds, and Elizabeth focuses on our clients making the most of each of these programs.
A believer in the importance of serving her community, Elizabeth currently volunteers for a non-profit youth soccer club. When she isn’t talking about employee benefits, Elizabeth spends her time on the sidelines of the soccer field where her son plays and her husband coaches and sharing the wine she makes.
Elise Klepatz
Elise Klepatz | Bio
Elise holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and Management. She brings four years of benefits advocacy experience as well as 10 years of healthcare related accounting experience to the team. She shines in attention to detail and excellent client support. Elise is an expert in all aspects of the Ease online enrollment platform and a majority of carrier systems. She enjoys helping HR teams and employees make the most of their benefit plans and elections.
Elise is very active in her community, having held several boards of directors’ positions with local organizations. She enjoys hiking and boating with her family.
Any Questions?
At PWB, you get everything. Consulting, Compliance, Technology, Communication and the best customer service and member experience anywhere.
PWB works with small to midsize companies typically with 20 or more employees, and has the ability to scale and work with 100+ employers.
Yes, PWB has experience with managing and currently has several Self-Funded clients. We are also experienced with level funding, captives, reference based pricing programs and direct payor contracts.
PWB is licensed and appointed to represent every major medical carrier in Florida and all of the national carriers. We have clients headquartered here in Florida and throughout the United States.
PWB works with small to midsize companies and our compensation for small group (under 50 emps) is often determined by the carrier. With larger groups we negotiate reasonable fees at market or just below that are either based upon a percentage of revenue or a per employee rate. We are transparent with all of our compensation and we disclose our fees up front.
PWB has invested in several technology and compliance platforms including EASE enterprise enrollment system and Mineral HR. Every client regardless of size has access to these systems and our PWB staff will train you to use them effectively.