About
Our Mission
Creative Benefit Concepts is a full-service independent agency, specializing in employee benefit services. Established in 1979, we are an integral part of the delivery and service of employee benefit plans in several states. We are committed to the highest standards of integrity, service, and courtesy in working with our employer groups and their employees.
Our mission is to market and service employee benefit plans for our clients, while constantly looking for the best value at the most competitive price, utilizing competent and quality insurers, and striving to stay abreast of the constant change within the industry.
As specialists in employee benefits, our team of professionals has the ability to review, identify, and select the line of insurance that is consistent with our client’s needs and expectations. With a dedicated sales and customer service department, we strive to produce timely and effective results.
As a client of Creative Benefit Concepts, you can be assured that we will annually review your account for the best value! We are here to help with enrollment meetings, client claim problems, plan questions and whatever services your firm requires in administering your associates’ employee benefit plans. We specialize in group health insurance, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and qualified retirement plans. We represent the quality health insurance providers in the Southwest. Thus, you can rest assured that information you receive from our agency will be accurate, comprehensive, and competitive.
As group health insurance has become a costly employer expense, we understand your need for creative ideas in holding costs down, while providing your associates with good coverage. The cost for our service is included in your monthly premium. Employer satisfaction is our #1 goal. We look forward to working with you! Thank you.
Shawn Byrne, CLU
Shawn currently serves as president of Creative Benefit Concepts at Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale Rd. Having spent his entire 31 year career in the insurance business, he has seen drastic changes in the health insurance industry over the last three decades. His expertise encompasses employee benefit consulting to closely held corporations. He also specializes in personal and business life insurance consulting. Understanding that your health is one of your most important assets inspires him to professionally and passionately provide sound advice to his clients.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Shawn graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Insurance and Finance. He began selling life insurance at age 22 for Fidelity Union Life in Tempe, AZ. He owned a State Farm Agency in the early 80′s and entered the employee benefits industry in 1983. In 1986, he founded Creative Benefit Concepts. Shawn is a Chartered Life Underwriter, receiving his CLU degree from the American College in 2003.
Shawn is an Eagle Scout and still lives by the high ideas about God and country this fine organization taught him early in life. He enjoys hiking, biking, golf, tennis, reading books and walking with his two Labrador retrievers, Duke and Rowdy. He lives and works with Susan, his wife of 24 years, in Cave Creek, AZ. They are very proud of their son David, a student at Arizona State University.
Jim Canavan, M.D.
Jim, as a physician has brought a unique talent to Creative Benefit Concepts. After practicing several years as a physician, he now offers this knowledge to assist our clients. He is a very trusted representative for our clients and is there to assist them with the often challenging medical issues that may present themselves during the application process or while insured.
Prior to joining our firm, Jim maintained a clinical and administrative anesthesia practice in metropolitan Phoenix and was a member of multiple executive committees. During his medical career, Jim was involved in extensive contracting and negotiating with multiple insurance carriers.
Jim moved to Arizona in 1988 after obtaining his Chemical Engineering and Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma. He has many hobbies including traveling, golf, exercising, and being involved with sports. He really loves watching his son, Brian play football and basketball.
Heather Henesey
Account Manager
heather@creative-benefits.com
Heather, our group benefits account manager, works closely with our clients human resource departments. She is a great resource for determining our clients group benefit needs and then fitting them with the proper plan design and rate solution.
As a liaison between our clients and the insurance carriers, her knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes with the insurers provides invaluable insight when assisting our clients with their insurance questions and problems.
With a strong sales and servicing background and extensive product knowledge in the insurance industry, she has proven her ability to manage the small details and assist our clients in managing their benefit programs. Always with a smile in her voice, her friendly and supportive attitude is an asset to our agency.
Born and raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, Heather received her B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from New Mexico Highlands University. Heather was the captain of her college soccer team and is a real leader. She enjoys racing cars wth her family and friends on the weekends!
Susan Byrne
Account Manager
individualsales@creative-benefits.com
Susan is responsible for servicing new and existing individual clients in the life, health and disability markets. She brings with her many years of marketing, sales and finance experience. As well as the insurance industry, she has worked in the residential and commercial real estate and mortgage software industries. She was an Executive V.P. of Marketing for a commercial real estate financial consulting company, where she also worked as a financial analyst and mortgage broker.
A 1981 Business Administration graduate of ASU, Susan majored in marketing and was a member of several national honor societies. She was co-president of the Ski Club at ASU and still enjoys skiing. She also has held an Arizona Real Estate license since 1987.
Susan was born and raised in eastern Oregon and lived on a cattle ranch for about half of her childhood. She has been married to her husband Shawn for 24 years and they have a wonderful son, David. Since he was born in 1991, she has had her own business selling Discovery Toys, taught preschool, and been Treasurer of both his elementary and middle school PTO’s.