At SBS Advisors, we help business leaders who are…

• FRUSTRATED with managing costs and administration of benefit plans
• DISAPPOINTED with employee comprehension and appreciation of benefits
• WORRIED about ever changing Compliance and regulation changes

With our customized, proven and proprietary solutions, our clients MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE to providing premium, cost-effective benefits.

This creates better health care consumers, leading to smarter decisions, lower stress, and better productivity.

Our Team Members

Our team provides a combined experience of over 100 years, joining forces with experts in other fields of insurance and utilizing their existing relationships. The result has been an alliance with over 40 successful independent insurance agents. Strategic Business Services sells and services all products an employer needs for their employees’ benefit plan.

Richard Valentino

OHIO MARKET LEADER

Recently appointed as Ohio Market Leader, Richard has been in the group health benefits arena for over 30 years. Since 1998, he has worked with various independent agencies advising employer clients on ways to save money and spend less time administering their group health plans. He has a reputation of dependability, trust, and responsiveness with existing and new clients. In 2019, Richard combined his practice with SBS Advisors, ensuring his clients were provided the best-in-class services and resources of a leading employee benefits agency.Richard and his wife Jennie, have four children and two grandchildren. Richard graduated from Franklin University holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Tom Paplaczyk

GROUP BENEFIT CONSULTANT

Tom has been in the insurance business since 1983 and specialized in employee benefits since 1992. He was a co-founder of Strategic Business Services Agency in 2006, served for years as a Ohio Market Leader. Now back in production (the work he loves!), Tom is a member of CAHU, OAHU and NAHU, our industry trade groups.Tom is a long time resident of Central Ohio, graduated from Franklin University in Business Management/Finance. He and his wife Dee have two adult children and four granddaughters. He enjoys travelling, golf and fishing when he is not saving clients money on their benefits.

Rick Amato

senior benefit consultant

Starting out in in the insurance industry (in 2001) on the carrier side with MetLife and UnitedHealthcare, Rick brought his experience and knowledge to SBS Advisors in 2009. His expertise includes strategy & planning for renewals, benefits marketing, employee education, wellness initiatives and the open enrollment process. He is dedicated to ensuring client satisfaction and remains involved with his group client throughout the year. Rick lives in Sunbury, Ohio with his wife Tarah, and their three children Brenden, Joseph and Michael.

Stephanie Balogh

client account manager

Stephanie has been with Strategic Business Services since 2012. She has worn many hats while here, including Payroll Processor, Commissions Administrator and is currently an Account Manager. She develops and maintains client and carrier relationships, provides service regarding billing and claims and manages the renewal process for her assigned clients. She is also our EASE subject matter expert.Stephanie is a graduate of The Ohio State University. In her spare time she enjoys reading, visiting the family lake house and spending time with her husband and two adult children.

Chris Cline

SENIOR BENEFIT CONSULTANT

Chris’ service in the Marines during the first Gulf war, adds to his diverse background which includes customer service, quality assurance and project management. At SBS Advisors, he handles account management, enrollments, online quotes, claim issues, changes and terminations, and communication. He specializes in his ability to design a plan that not only saves an employer money and time, but in doing so also building a benefits package that employees can appreciate. Further, these enhanced insurance solutions are available at lower rates than a regular agent can provide, with concierge status for underwriting, claims and service.

Chris and his wife Joellen have one daughter, Ivy, and two granddaughters, Ava and Kinsley. 

Gail Lensmire

client account manager

Gail Lensmire has been in the insurance industry for 30+ years. She has worked at Cigna, Medical Mutual and BenefitMall in various positions. In Gail’s most recent position, she was an Associate Director for a Trust that administered benefit plans for social service organizations throughout Ohio.

John Paplaczyk

medicare specialist

John has been in the insurance business since 1993 and specializes in the “Senior Market,” Medicare, Long Term Care insurance, Annuities and Life insurance.

John is a long-time resident of Central Ohio. He retired the OHARNG in 1996. He and his wife Cathy have three adult children and four grandchildren. He looks forward to seeing his children and grandchildren as they all live out of state. He enjoys camping, and playing golf with his brothers. He also enjoys travelling.

Cindy Talton

client account manager

Cindy Talton has 22+ years of experience as a Human Resource Professional supporting various industries in the areas of benefits, payroll, employee relations, recruitment and HRIS management and has a great passion for serving others. Ms. Talton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.