Building Trust, One Benefit at a Time: How Anthony Libecci Is Redefining Employee Insurance Solutions
In a recent episode of Grit Won’t Quit, host Tom Mirabella sits down with Anthony Libecci, founder of Benemont, to talk about grit, growth, and giving small businesses the tools to thrive. From surviving the 2008 mortgage crisis to leading one of Aflac’s top-selling offices and eventually launching his own boutique brokerage, Anthony’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.
From the NYPD to Aflac: A Nonlinear Path to Success
Anthony Libecci didn’t start his career in insurance. Originally from Staten Island, Anthony joined the NYPD to help pay for college, using the police academy to complete his degree in criminal justice. After a short stint in law enforcement, he found success in the mortgage industry—until the 2008 crash changed everything.
With the housing market in free fall, Anthony made a bold pivot into insurance, earning his license and joining Aflac. What started as a chance encounter turned into a standout career. Under Anthony’s leadership, the Staten Island Aflac office became the top-selling office in the country five years in a row, with over 30 agents at its peak.
Why He Launched Benemont
Despite Aflac’s success, Anthony saw the limitations of selling through a single carrier. He realized that businesses need flexibility and choice—especially smaller ones looking for more tailored solutions. That’s why he founded Benemont, a full-service boutique brokerage offering customized employee benefits and insurance strategies.
Benemont now serves as a trusted HR partner for small businesses, offering everything from voluntary benefits to full-service solutions through Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs).
What’s a PEO, and Why Should Business Owners Care?
A major part of the conversation centers on PEOs—Professional Employer Organizations—which help small and mid-sized businesses access Fortune 500-level employee benefits.
“When you’re a 20-person company, you’re usually stuck with expensive or limited insurance plans,” Anthony explains. “PEOs pool smaller businesses together to give them access to large-group rates, better healthcare options, and full HR support.”
A PEO handles:
Payroll
Health insurance
Workers’ compensation
HR compliance and support
Onboarding and offboarding
Employee handbooks and workplace policy
For business owners, this setup means fewer headaches and more time to focus on growing their company.
Why Trust Still Matters in Business
Throughout the episode, trust emerges as a major theme. Anthony credits much of his success to maintaining a high standard when giving referrals and building partnerships.
“When you refer someone, your reputation’s on the line,” Tom notes. Anthony agrees, emphasizing how being surrounded by like-minded professionals helps everyone grow.
This principle also applies to how Benemont operates. They work with over 20 leading PEOs across the country, vetting each one based on industry fit and performance. Every client is matched with the right provider, with a line-by-line breakdown of services, pricing, and support options.
Small Business Challenges and the HR Burden
Many entrepreneurs underestimate how complex hiring, firing, and HR compliance can be. A PEO takes over much of this administrative load, offering expertise in state-specific labor laws, employee relations, and even unemployment disputes.
“Most business owners didn’t start their company thinking they’d be handling HR complaints or court hearings,” Tom says. Anthony nods in agreement. “That’s where we come in,” he adds.
The Grit of Going Out on Your Own
Launching Benemont in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t easy. Anthony had to rethink how his team engaged clients, shifting from in-person meetings to Zoom consultations and virtual enrollments. Today, 80% of Benemont’s work is done remotely, saving time and expanding their reach.
Anthony also shared how his current challenge is attracting and mentoring quality talent. Unlike large firms, he offers direct access to his expertise—giving new agents personalized training, scripts, tools, and one-on-one mentorship.
“If someone’s willing to work hard, I’ll pour into them every day,” he says. “The only thing that can stop them is themselves.”
Key Takeaways for Business Owners
Whether you’re managing five employees or 50, the episode offers several practical insights:
Be open to change: Staying with the same broker or plan just because “it’s always been that way” could be costing your business time, money, and talent.
Explore PEOs: They provide small businesses with access to better insurance, HR resources, and legal protection.
Surround yourself with trusted professionals: Your network is only as strong as the referrals you can confidently give.
Don’t underestimate the power of mentorship: If you’re growing a team, create systems that set people up for success.
Learn More About Benemont
If you’re a business owner who’s ready to level up your benefits and simplify your operations, Anthony and the Benemont team are ready to help. They serve businesses across the tri-state area and beyond, specializing in tailored benefit solutions and PEO matchmaking.
Visit benemont.com
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
