Storm Bain
Chicago,USA
Summary
Experienced Benefit Retirement Counselor with a strong background in retirement planning, government retirement benefits, member services, and customer counseling. Skilled in explaining complex benefit information in clear, easy-to-understand terms, conducting individual counseling sessions, workshops and seminars, researching benefit issues, and resolving customer concerns. Known for professionalism, confidentiality, strong communication, and helping individuals make informed retirement decisions.
Overview
1
1
Certification
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
BENEFITS COUNSELOR I
[Current Employer]
10.2023 - Current
- Counseled employees on retirement plans, benefits, eligibility, and available options to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Explain complex retirement and benefit information in clear, easy-to-understand terms to support informed decision-making.
- Addressed retirement planning questions and benefit inquiries while ensuring confidentiality and professionalism to support employee confidence.
- Research benefit-related issues and provide accurate information and appropriate resolutions.
- Presented workshops and educational sessions to enhance employee understanding of retirement benefits and planning.
BAKER/ENTREPRENEUR I
Rum Colada, LLC
Chicago, USA
11.2019 - Current
- Bake gourmet flavored rum cakes for individual and catering sales.
- Customize cakes for seasonal promotions, special events and personal requests.
GYM OWNER/PERSONAL TRAINER I
Body4Ever Fit Gym
Freeport, Bahamas
09.2007 - 10.2019
- Owned local gym and facilitated personal training, group training and supplied supplemental nutrition information to encourage a healthy & fit lifestyle.
- Assessed client's individual strengths and delivered training techniques to improve fitness levels and weight loss goals.
BENEFITS COUNSELOR I
State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio
Columbus, USA
04.2000 - 08.2007
- Counseled customers throughout the State of Ohio through individual conferences about retirement planning and benefit options.
- Researched and analyzed complex situations to identify causes and determine resolutions regarding service and disability retirements, projected benefits, health insurance, refunds, death benefits, purchase of special service, post-district reporting requirements and other issues via telephone or in-person.
- Aided in developing presentations and conducted workshops and seminars for group members and school district officials, including question-and-answer sessions.
SENIOR MEMBER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE I
State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio
Columbus, USA
08.1996 - 04.2000
- Addressed customer concerns and provided benefit and service information via phone, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated activities for Quarterly Incentive Performance Recognition Awards program and managed training schedule for member service center, improving team engagement.
- Assisted members with retirement inquiries and benefit calculations.
- Educated members on retirement options and eligibility requirements.
- Processed applications for retirement benefits and service credit.
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE I
Nationwide Insurance
Columbus, USA
10.1993 - 02.1996
- Provided customers with current account information on mutual funds, addressed concerns and processed exchanges and allocations.
- Prepared and sent a monthly administrative report and distributed a quarterly newsletter supplying recommendations and offering feedback about customer satisfaction.
Education
MBA - Executive Business Management
Ashland University
Ashland, OHBachelor of Science - Psychology, Sociology
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OHSkills
- Retirement Planning & Benefits Counseling
- Government Retirement Benefits
- Confidential Information Handling
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Seminars & Presentations
- Customer Service
- Research & Problem Resolution
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Excel / Excel Mergers
Certification
- Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC)
- Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated
- National Association of Security Dealers (NASD) Series 7 license for investment professionals
Timeline
BENEFITS COUNSELOR I
[Current Employer]
10.2023 - Current
BAKER/ENTREPRENEUR I
Rum Colada, LLC
11.2019 - Current
GYM OWNER/PERSONAL TRAINER I
Body4Ever Fit Gym
09.2007 - 10.2019
BENEFITS COUNSELOR I
State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio
04.2000 - 08.2007
SENIOR MEMBER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE I
State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio
08.1996 - 04.2000
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE I
Nationwide Insurance
10.1993 - 02.1996
MBA - Executive Business Management
Ashland University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Sociology
The Ohio State University