Bill Warren: Bold Business Balance

This August we spotlight Benefits Design Resources (“BDR”), a Black-owned independent insurance agency. Bill Warren, founder and owner, formed the agency to provide peace of mind and financial security in South Florida. Bill, who is originally from Virginia, has resided in South Florida for over 35 years after serving in numerous executive roles throughout his career.

Bill is a graduate of Virginia State University – Bachelor of Art (BA) and the University of Miami – Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), and is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). With an impressive education and corporate career with several notable insurance companies including, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and Humana, it was a role with Travelers that brought Bill to Miami and eventually Miami Beach.

Bill boldly opened BDR, located at 407 Lincoln Road, in 2005. His vision was to create a Miami Beach-based insurance company specializing in the sales and management of health care, life and disability insurance products for businesses and individuals.

After 17 years in Miami Beach, BDR continues to focus on employee benefits and cater to small and medium-size businesses. The firm assists businesses with the marketing, operations, and management of employee benefits (such as health, dental, vison, life insurance and supplemental plans) and finds the best solution to meet business needs. Bill’s philosophy is to maintain quality employees, especially in a post-pandemic environment where employers have to adjust their benefits priorities to retain and attract top-tier talent.  “My niche is to find the best employee benefits insurance solution for my clients by identifying the right balance from a cost/benefit perspective, “states Bill.

The global pandemic challenged and tested all small businesses, including BDR. Though Bill is thankful BDR survived and continues to provide employee benefits to assist clients struggling to motivate remote employees…it was not easy. Attracting new clients was BDR’s biggest hurdle, but fortunately Bill’s years of actively participating in the Miami Beach residential, social and business networks served to sustain the Black-owned small business.

An active member of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Bill is confident that his community engagement and local clients are a major element to BDR’s success. He is grateful that he can return to face-to-face meetings and in-person networking events, and continue to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the South Florida business community.

A consummate volunteer, Bill supports numerous local not-for-profit organizations, is active with the Unity on the Bay nondenominational church and is a Miami Beach Democratic Club board member. Bill enjoys Miami Beach’s vibrant culture and energetic and diverse lifestyle that continues to welcome and challenge him to embrace change and innovation. A passionate supporter of sustainability and the environment, Bill barely uses his 3-year-old car and has only driven 6,000 miles with it. Bill prefers the ease of the Miami Beach trolley and using Citi Bike to explore the city including Flamingo Park,  where he enjoys all the facilities and activities to round out his work life.

Bill’s message to other Black-owned businesses, this National Black Business Month, is to (1) embrace the unknown, (2) seek out a community where you are a part of a positive movement, and (3) make connections, a difference, and have fun. Success will follow.