About Innovative Benefits Group — Portland's Trusted Employee Benefits Broker
We're Jen & Lyndsey — co-owners, native Oregonians, and employee benefits specialists who've dedicated our careers to helping local businesses take care of their most important asset: their people.
Our Story
26 Years of Employee Benefits Expertise in Oregon
Innovative Benefits Group was founded in 1999 with a simple belief: employee benefits shouldn't be complicated, and brokers should actually be there when you need them.
Over the past two and a half decades, we've watched the industry change dramatically. Carriers have merged.
Brokers have been acquired. Technology has transformed how we work. But one thing hasn't changed: our commitment to building genuine relationships with every Oregon business we serve.
We've stayed intentionally small because that's how we serve you best. When you call IBG, you talk to someone who knows your business, remembers your employees' names, and can pull up your plan details without putting you on hold.
In 2001, we were honored to be named Oregon Broker of the Year — a recognition that reflected what our clients already knew: we show up, we follow through, and we genuinely care about getting it right.
Our Approach
How We Work With Portland-Area Businesses
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Before recommending any group health insurance or benefits package, we take time to understand your business—your budget, your workforce, your goals for growth.
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Insurance terminology can feel like a foreign language. We break things down into manageable pieces, explaining your options clearly so you can make confident decisions.
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You won't hear from us only at renewal time. We're available year-round for questions, claims issues, compliance updates, and anything else that comes up.
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As your company grows, your benefits needs change. We help you anticipate those shifts and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Our Values
Our Values as Your Benefits Partner
Stability: 26+ years in business because we're built to last
Accessibility: Real people, real answers, no runaround
Intention: Every recommendation is purposeful and tailored
Partnership: Your success is our success
Meet the IBG Team
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Jennifer Wakayama
CO-OWNER/PARTNER, BROKER
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Lyndsey Donnerberg
CO-OWNER/PARTNER, BROKER
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Dot Brunken
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
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Jessica LeBeau
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY & ACCOUNT MANAGER
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Marissa Jones
ACCOUNT MANAGER
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Kara Van Horn
BENEFITS ANALYST
Contact IBG Portland
Employee Benefits Consultation Oregon
No pressure, no jargon—just a straightforward discussion about your employee benefits needs and how we might help your Oregon business.
Get in Touch
Phone: 503.972.4285
Fax: 503.972.4284
Email: info@ibgportland.com
Visit Our Clackamas Office:
10151 SE Sunnyside Road, Suite 410
Clackamas, OR 97015
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST
Frequently Asked Questions About Employee Benefits Brokers
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An employee benefits broker helps businesses evaluate, select, and manage employee benefits programs—including group health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, and more. Brokers analyze the market, negotiate with carriers, handle enrollment, and provide ongoing support throughout the year.
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In most cases, working with an employee benefits broker like IBG doesn't cost you anything directly. Brokers are
typically compensated by the insurance carrier through commissions, which are built into the premium rates. This means you pay the same rate whether you use a broker or go directly to the carrier—but you get expert guidance and ongoing support.
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In Oregon, you can offer group health insurance with as few as one employee (plus the business owner in some cases). However, carrier requirements and plan options vary. IBG works with businesses of all sizes, with particular expertise serving companies with 11-50 employees.
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While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, brokers typically represent multiple insurance carriers and
work on behalf of the employer to find the best options. Agents may represent a single carrier or limited selection. IBG is an independent broker, meaning we can shop the entire Oregon market to find the right fit for your business.
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Yes. You can change your broker of record at any time without affecting your existing coverage or rates. Your employees won't experience any disruption. If you're unhappy with your current broker's service, switching to IBG is a straightforward process.
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Association health plans allow small businesses to band together through industry or professional associations to access group health coverage. These plans may offer different options than traditional small group plans. We can help you evaluate whether an association plan makes sense for your business.
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We're happy to talk anytime—whether you're looking to offer benefits for the first time, planning ahead, dealing with an urgent situation, or just exploring your options. If you have current coverage, starting the process 120 days before your renewal date to allow time for a thoughtful market and compliance analysis is ideal.
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IBG serves businesses throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Portland metro (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas counties), Vancouver WA, and Central Oregon (Bend, Redmond, Sisters). Our office is located in Clackamas, OR.
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We work with small to mid-size businesses. Our sweet spot is companies with 11-50 employees who want personalized service and a true partnership with their benefits broker.