Meet The First Benefits Group Team
Terry O’Brien
Managing Agent
Terry O’Brien has been in the financial services industry since 1995, the year he founded First Benefits Group. As managing agent for the firm, he believes in educating clients on financial matters so they may make informed decisions.
A financial professional who can offer insurance products and services, Terry is also a financial author, educator, speaker and consultant. He provides complimentary educational seminars for retiring individuals on topics such as Social Security and Medicare, and his seminars are accredited by the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) for continuing education credit. Terry also served as a national trainer for the “Circle of Wealth” system and as a member of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA).
In 2007, Terry consulted with Sarasota Memorial Hospital on developing the Charter Health Plan. The plan was underwritten and endorsed by the hospital for small businesses in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. First Benefits Group was awarded the Managing General Agency contract for the Charter Health Plan.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Terry has called Sarasota, Florida, home for 50-plus years, residing there with his wife, Barbara Jo, and their dog, Cappy. Away from the office, Terry enjoys both reading and writing.
Frances Lane
Licensed Agent
Frances Lane has been a dedicated professional in the insurance business for over 20 years. She joined the First Benefits Group team in 2010, and as an independent agent, she works for her clients, not for an insurance company or call center. Her professional commitment is to find the best solutions tailored to each client’s unique situation.
A graduate of the Ohio State University College of Dental Hygiene, Frances’ background in health science enables her to better understand her clients’ needs. Her business philosophy is to treat each client as if they were a family member while providing them with the utmost professional service. She strives to present information quickly, accurately and in a way that makes clients feel at ease. Frances has written more than 1,000 Medicare policies, and in 2022, her dedication in that area was recognized by the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace with the “Marketplace Circle of Champions" award.
Frances is a past president of the Gulf Coast Health Underwriters (GCHU) and a current member of various service organizations that address the needs of seniors in the community. She recently became a member of the Sarasota-Manatee Human Resources Association (SHRA). Frances’ hobbies include walking, swimming and paper crafting, and she’s always eager to spend quality time with her friends.
Thomas Niemczak
Office Manager & Licensed Agent
Thomas Niemczak thrives on solving complex problems and delivering tailored solutions. His journey into the financial advisory world began in 2019 when he faced his own health insurance dilemma after an unexpected job loss. This firsthand experience ignited his passion for helping others navigate similar challenges, assisting them in finding the right coverage even in times of uncertainty.
A financial professional who can offer insurance products and services, Thomas is dedicated to guiding clients with empathy. He specializes in presenting information in a way anyone can understand it. Thomas holds a bachelor's in business science from the University of Phoenix. Prior to joining First Benefits Group, he enjoyed a 21-year career in the manufacturing industry, helping provide fire trucks, ambulances and support vehicles for various civil, government and military applications.
In his free time, Thomas enjoys weightlifting, watching movies and barbecuing in his slow cooker.
Cappy
Chief Pawperating Officer
Meet Cappy, our ever-loyal Chief “Pawperating” Officer! A pointer and English setter mix, Cappy took a path to First Benefits Group that’s as unique as she is — she’s a rescue dog from Greece, brought to the U.S. by Terry O’Brien’s wife, Barbara Jo.
Though she’s technically Barbara Jo’s shadow, following her to the kitchen, bathroom and everywhere in between, Cappy graces the office with her presence often. Clients can’t help but smile when they see her happy face, and despite sometimes being a bit skittish, her easy disposition makes everyone feel right at home. Cappy’s unwavering loyalty and friendly nature even inspired the First Benefits Group logo, reflecting the core values of trust and commitment that the firm prides itself on.
Whether you need a little nudge from a wet nose to feel at ease or just want to see a friendly face, Cappy is always ready with a wagging tail and a warm welcome.