Our company
Our History
Founded in 1972 by Pat McGohan, McGohan Brabender has become a well-established independent benefits broker, serving clients throughout the Midwest. Its rich history in Dayton has provided the foundation to grow over the last 50 years.
1966
Where it all started
After graduating from Bowling Green University, Pat McGohan begins selling life insurance out of his bedroom.
1972
The Beginning
As a young father of three, Pat launches his company with just a phone book, a desk, and a dream.
1979
then there were two
Pat hires Jean Warner as his Executive Assistant, making her MB’s second employee.
1985
the partnership
Tim Brabender, a 1981 University of Dayton graduate, joins Pat McGohan after presenting a six-page typewritten proposal outlining what he would bring to the company.
1986
becoming mcgohan brabender
A year after Tim partners with Pat, McGohan and Associates becomes McGohan Brabender.
1993
making moves
McGohan Brabender creates the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA) to level the playing field for small businesses, giving small employers and sole proprietors the buying power of larger businesses.
2003
new location
MB moves into its new corporate headquarters in Dayton, Ohio, due to explosive growth.
2004
mb continues growing
Sales teams stop working independently, and the company adds the marketing and communication, financial analytical services, compliance, and advocacy departments.
2006
moving into new markets
MB opens the Cincinnati office, naming Erick Schmidt as the Managing Director.
2008
mb continues expanding into new markets
MB opens the Columbus office.
2010
leadership transition
Scott McGohan and Mike Suttman succeed Pat and Tim as CEO and President. Pat and Tim become Co-Chairmen.
2010
big changes in legislation
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act goes into effect.
2010
MB reacts to ACA
MB assembles a team to tackle the complexities of the new legislation and constructs an Immersion Center in their corporate headquarters, going through four remodels.
2010
MB Receives recognition
MB is named the top agency in the country by Business Insurance’s National Best Places to Work.
2011
c2 is created
MB, along with five other independent benefits consulting firms around the US, formalize C2: Collaborative Centric Solutions, with the original companies being: Kistler Tiffany, MHBT, The Partners Group, William Gallagher Associates, and McGohan Brabender.
2011
MB starts focusing on healthy living
The company transitions from a transactional broker to a strategic broker, adding the Empowering Healthier Living (EHL) team. The EHL team is created as a customizable wellness program aimed to help employers incentivize changes in their workforce through small, manageable steps.
2012
segments created
MB forms its segments to help manage different group sizes; 2-50, 51-99, 100+
2016
side affects is born
MB creates its podcast, Side Affects, inviting industry experts to help provoke people to think differently about their benefits, receiving the “New and Noteworthy” recognition from iTunes three times.
2016
new plan options for small employers
MB works to establish Anthem’s Multiple Employment Welfare Association (MEWA) to offer employers alternatives to their health plans through an association plan for small employers of similar sizes.
2019
change in leadership
Kevin Grabeman is named Columbus Market Leader.
2019
expanding out of state
MB takes its first out-of-state foray and opens an office in Indianapolis.
2019
change in leadership
Matt Heiny is named Indianapolis Market Leader.
2021
Becoming an ESOP
2021: In June, McGohan Brabender became an employee-owned company with an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
2022
Time to celebrate!
MB celebrates 50 years!
2022
Big News!
Beth Ferrin is named President and CFO and Erick Schmidt is named CEO.
2022
new leadership
Tony Malagari is named Cincinnati & Ft. Mitchell Market Leader.
2022
Another new location
MB opens the Fort Mitchell office.
2023
new leadership and growth
Anne Marie Singleton is named Chief Growth Officer, and Dave Homan is named Chief Marketing Officer.
2023
new leadership
Kevin Hopf is named Dayton Market Leader.
2023
expanding again
MB announces plans to add a location in Cleveland!