Bontell & Associates

Need a digital growth strategy? Want customers calling you? Looking for new sales?

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Bontell & Associates

About Us
Bontell & Associates is a specialized consulting firm dedicated to helping insurance carriers, agencies, brokerages, FMO'/IMOs and digital marketers achieve sustainable growth.

Our Services

Strategic Growth Planning: Tailored roadmaps to expand market share and revenue
Sales & Distribution Optimization: Streamlining sales processes and improving producer performance
Talent Development: Training programs to strengthen leadership, sales, and client service teams
Digital Marketing Expertise: Helping insurance entities build, scale and optimize their lead generation, customer acquisition, and revenue growth

Why Choose Us

Over 150 years of combined experience across all Associates
Proven track record of success in the over 65 "Senior Market" insurance sector
Customized, actionable growth and retention strategies—not one-size-fits-all solutions
Deep understanding of regulatory and market dynamics
Commitment to measurable results and long-term partnerships

Our Mission
To accelerate growth for insurance organizations by combining strategic insight, operational excellence, and innovation.

Contact
Email: sbontell@yahoo.com

Phone: 423.742.0609.
Website: bontellandassociates.com

Honor. Discipline. Courage.

1988

Bontell graduates from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, as a distinguished academic and military cadet. Member of the Honor Committee; Summerall Guard elite drill squad: 61 Minuteman

1988-1996

Begins career in the solid waste and recycling collection industry that includes two entrepreneurial ventures, a Fortune 500 start up, and two regional and national sales leadership roles in collection, routing and software technology.

1996

Starts insurance career with MetLife as a retail life agent. Joined wife in creating the Bontell Agency, an award winning Allstate Insurance Agency.

1998

Designs Progressive Insurance’s first independent agent sales training curriculum, Agency Development Series to help increase sales growth from Progressive's 30,000 independent agents. Assisted then CEO, Peter Lewis, with call center sales strategies that propelled Progressive's multi-tiered distribution model.

History of Innovation and Growth

2000

Creates the first long term assistance plan in the US adopted by more than 10 life and health insurance companies and over 400 groups and associations

2004

Created the first integrated senior market concept agency that incorporated life, health, and retirement focused insurance agents, estate planning attorneys, funeral planning and online senior support store, senior transportation, and home care services personnel working to provide a one stop solution for seniors, caregivers, and families

2005

Creates the first online funeral planning and savings plan in the US. Assisted in development of the first Medicare Advantage and Part D programs in the US

2007

2005

Creates the first final expense, simplified whole life insurance plan (Forethought Life) to include financial solutions to insurance clients and family members before, during, and after death

2011

2007

2011

Creates Life & Annuity Retirement Solutions division for Top 10 P&C brokerage in US (IOA).

2013

2007

2011

Creates new end of life assistance insurance plan, Covered! that elevated Settlers Life and its parent company, NGL, to market leadership in the end of life space

2018-2023

Serves on executive leadership teams for (3) national insurance distribution firms (FMOs): TAG (The Assurance Group); IFG (Innovative Financial Group); and, Medicare Gurus/Insurasales

Executive team member of Senior Life, a national final expense life insurance company.

Get customers calling you.

Our team utilizes a data first, results oriented approach where we continuously test, optimize, and scale campaigns across platforms such as Google, Meta, TikTok, and other digital channels.

Delivering sustainable digital solutions that turn clicks and interest into customer initiated inbound calls and winning growth strategies. Areas of expertise:

Auto Insurance

Home Insurance

Term Life Insurance

Final Expense Life Insurance

Funeral Planning/End of Life

Medicare Advantage

ACA and Other Health Insurance

Annuities

Consumer Products

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Associates of "Bontell & Associates?"

The Associates of Bontell & Associates are seasoned professionals with over 150 years of combined experience in the insurance industry and digital marketing verticals. They are experts in various aspects of the insurance business, including starting and managing sales agencies, working with distribution companies and staff, leading corporate home office departments and initiatives, and assisting in call centers and remote sales operations throughout the U.S. Every company needs growth. We provide the ideas, solutions, and professionals.

How did Bontell & Associates get started driving growth strategies?

Since 1996, Steve Bontell has been one of the leading growth focused executives in the retail insurance business He is known for building and turning around six (6) companies and for pioneering long term care, end of life assistance, Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Programs while serving as the chief sales and marketing officer of three (3) insurance carriers and a third party administrator (TPA). Steve is an insurance executive that has served as an agent, agency owner, FMO/IMO, growth consultant, and a field and home office sales leader for insurance carriers and marketing organizations focused on both the life & health and property & casualty sides of the retail insurance industry. When companies want to grow, Steve Bontell needs to be involved.

Why should insurance carriers, fraternal organizations and national insurance distribution companies partner with Bontell & Associates?

Our clients demand expertise and professionalism at all times. Steve Bontell is a respected and proven growth consultant, and for nearly 30 years, he has revolutionized the way insurance is created, packaged, serviced, and sold in the United States. Steve and his team assist with all phases of the insurance growth process including assisting with the following:

· Sales and Marketing

· Lead Management

· Policyholder Services

· Claims

· Underwriting

· Compliance

· Actuarial and Pricing

· Investments

· Finance

· TPA

· IT Systems Conversion

Frequently Asked Questions Continued

Is it time to improve your low-closing rates by obtaining proven sales training and support?

With our Sales Training Associates having personally closed 5,000 accounts over the phone and assisted in closing another 2,500 accounts, achieving a 90% client persistency rate, Bontell & Associates provides the proven sales training and support you need to significantly improve your closing rates.

How can insurance companies begin a digital sales acquisition program whether they have district office agents or independent brokers working remotely?

Bontell & Associates' patent-pending call transfer program allows insurance companies and sales organizations to receive real-time incoming calls from high intent prospects across all locations, with the added benefit of managing lead spend, auditing calls, and improving closing rates, all within a 24-48 hour implementation window. Every situation is different but getting started to receive inbound customer initiated incoming calls can be achieved in some cases, same day.

Why is having a well-designed recruiting platform crucial for profitable sales growth?

Bontell & Associates' recruiting platform, backed by over 100 years of collective recruiting experience and accurate data analytics, ensures the recruitment of top sales agents and performers, creating a strong foundation for sustained business success.