Alliant Bolsters Western Benefits Team with Veteran Consultant Mike Lundquist

IRVINE, CA – June 24, 2026 – Alliant Insurance Services has announced the appointment of Mike Lundquist as Vice President within its Employee Benefits Group, a strategic move that enhances its consulting capabilities in the Western United States. Operating from Utah, Lundquist will leverage his extensive background to help employers design and manage sophisticated benefits solutions aimed at achieving critical business and workforce objectives.

The addition is a key component of Alliant's focused expansion in the region. “Mike’s service-first approach and deep understanding of employee benefits strategy make him a valuable addition to our growing team in the Western region,” said Kevin Overbey, President, Alliant Employee Benefits. “His ability to help organizations balance cost management with employee experience will deliver meaningful value to a diverse client base.”

A Strategic Expansion in the West

Lundquist's appointment is not an isolated event but part of a deliberate strategy by Alliant to deepen its market penetration and service capabilities across the West. The firm has been actively strengthening its regional teams to address the unique market dynamics and client needs that vary significantly across the country. By embedding expert consultants like Lundquist in key growth areas like Utah, the company enhances its ability to provide localized, high-touch service backed by national resources.

This regional focus allows the benefits group to be more agile and responsive. The recent addition of other key talent in Utah underscores a commitment to building a robust local presence capable of navigating the specific economic and demographic trends influencing employers in the Mountain West. This includes serving a diverse range of industries, from technology and life sciences to the outdoor and recreation sector, an area where Lundquist brings particular experience.

In his new role, Lundquist will partner with organizations to craft benefits programs that are not only cost-effective but also powerful tools for employee engagement and talent retention. His work will focus on aligning benefits strategy with long-term corporate goals, ensuring that these programs support both the workforce and the bottom line.

Navigating an Unprecedented Benefits Labyrinth

The timing of Alliant's strategic hires is critical, as employers nationwide grapple with one of the most challenging benefits landscapes in recent memory. The primary obstacle remains the relentless rise in healthcare costs. Recent industry analysis from firms like Mercer indicates that employers are bracing for health benefit cost increases of over 5.8% for 2025, marking the third consecutive year of significant hikes. The average per-employee cost for employer-sponsored health insurance has already surpassed $16,500 annually, forcing organizations to seek innovative cost-containment strategies.

This financial pressure is compounded by an intensifying war for talent. According to a 2024 SHRM survey, benefits are a decisive factor for employees. Nearly 70% of North American workers now cite an employer's benefits package as an essential reason for joining a company, and over half stay with their current employer because of it. This dynamic creates a difficult balancing act: how to control escalating costs while offering a rich benefits package that attracts and retains top performers.

Furthermore, the definition of a "competitive" package has evolved dramatically. Employees now expect more personalization, flexibility, and support for their overall well-being. Mental health support has transitioned from a niche perk to a core expectation, with data showing that one in three employees globally has struggled with anxiety or depression. Employers are also expanding offerings to include family-building assistance, childcare support, and more inclusive health options to cater to a diverse, multi-generational workforce.

It is within this complex environment that consultants like Lundquist provide essential guidance. His expertise in helping organizations manage healthcare expenditures, enhance their offerings, and develop strategies that foster a positive employee experience is precisely what the market demands. By leveraging data analytics and a deep understanding of market trends, including the impact of high-cost specialty drugs, Alliant's team helps clients move beyond reactive cost-cutting to build sustainable, high-value benefits programs.

The Alliant Advantage: An Employee-Owned, Entrepreneurial Powerhouse

Alliant's ability to attract and retain top-tier talent like Mike Lundquist is deeply rooted in its unique corporate structure and culture. As a majority employee-owned organization, the firm stands apart from traditionally structured brokerage houses. This model provides its professionals with a significant degree of autonomy, access to vast resources, and a direct stake in the company's success through equity ownership opportunities.

This entrepreneurial environment is a powerful magnet for experienced, self-motivated consultants who want to build their practice without the constraints of rigid corporate hierarchies. The results speak for themselves: the company boasts an impressive producer retention rate of 99%, a figure that reflects a culture of empowerment and shared success. This stability and continuity provide a significant advantage for clients, who benefit from long-term, consistent relationships with their consulting teams.

External recognition validates the success of this approach. Forbes has repeatedly named Alliant one of "America's Best Large Employers" and one of "America's Best Employers for Diversity," acknowledgments based on independent surveys of employee satisfaction and public perception. This culture of excellence and inclusivity fosters an environment where innovation can flourish.

By freeing its experts to focus on client outcomes, the firm cultivates a service-first mentality that permeates every client interaction. The company’s philosophy is to combine deep expertise with the flexibility to innovate, enabling clients to navigate complexity and respond effectively to emerging risks. This commitment to investing in its people and empowering them to deliver smarter, more effective solutions is the foundation of Alliant's market leadership and its continued growth.