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The Founder

As a husband and father, I’ve learned — and am still learning — the value of patience, compassion, clear communication, and gratitude.

Be quick to listen, and slow to speak. Words matter.

I apply these principles in everything I do — personally and professionally.

My Background

I spent the early part of my career in financial services, managing retirement plans and employee benefits. Then 2020 changed my perspective completely.

Right as the pandemic hit and we were all locked in our homes, my younger brother — who had Level 3 autism — began losing his sight to complications from diabetes.

Trying to navigate an already complex healthcare system for him during one of the most isolating periods in modern history changed me.

I threw myself into research and writing, digging into health insurance, chronic disease, diabetes medications, provider networks, and the widening gap between what people actually need and what our healthcare system often delivers.

The more I learned, the harder it became to look away.

That’s when I realized I wanted to help people navigate one of the most confusing and important decisions they’ll make.

Purpose Driven

Ultimately, I lost both my father and my younger brother to Type 2 diabetes.

Watching the people I loved navigate chronic illness—and experiencing firsthand how hard it was to find the right doctors and real help when we needed it—changed everything. It reshaped how I view healthcare, advocacy, and the vital importance of having someone in your corner.

No family should have to navigate that alone.

We are committed to supporting the diabetes community — through education, advocacy, and giving back.

This fight is personal on every level. Over 100 million Americans currently live with prediabetes. At one point, I was one of them.

But by working closely with my doctors and making significant lifestyle changes, I was able to reverse it.

“The most affordable plan isn’t always the right plan — especially when you’re managing diabetes.

Insurance isn’t just another bill you pay every month. It is your family’s financial protection.

But to find what’s actually covered in the policy—and what’s not—you might have to search through hundreds of pages of fine print.

For years, I kept thinking, “There has to be a better way.”

So I built it.

The Mindset

BenZen wasn’t born because I have all the answers—it exists because I’m a naturally curious person.

I ask questions. I keep learning. When I discover something that can help someone, I share it.

Health insurance changes. Laws evolve, and people’s lives change. My goal isn’t to know everything—it’s to never stop learning, and to make what I learn useful for other people.

Quality Time

For serenity, my life revolves around family, sports, music, cooking, and writing.

There’s usually a football, basketball, or baseball game on somewhere in the background, along with soccer or swim practice for my son.

Music is my therapy — jazz, 90’s, classic rock, R&B, and a little country. I also play piano and drums — when no one is home.

When there’s no time for golf, fishing, or camping, I’m in the kitchen planning our next meal and testing new recipes.

I’m at my best when I pray, spend time with family & friends, help others, and count my blessings.

Best of health.

Ted McNeil
Founder & Principal Broker
BenZen Insurance®