Meet the Team
CHRIS W. DURKIN, RHU – REBC – FOUNDER
After entering the insurance business in 1978, Chris founded The Fringe Benefit Company in February of 1983. FBC has enjoyed a sustained period of significant growth from its beginning to one of the largest insurance and benefit consulting firms in the state of Arizona.
Chris received his designation as Registered Health Underwriter in 1994 and in 1995 earned his Registered Employee Benefits Consultant designation from the American College. Chris also has his PPACA certification from the America College, a division of the Wharton Business School. He also has his Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation from Wharton.
Chris is a national speaker on the Affordable Care Act and its impact on business owners and their employees. He has spoken to various industry groups and employer associations on Healthcare in America and its continued evolution. He was appointed to the Governor’s work group to create the Exchange in Arizona. He has authored a series of articles on the evolution of healthcare and the subsequent change in business practices. He has recently authored a white paper on the evolution in American healthcare infrastructure which has been presented to President Obama and all 100 Senators in the U.S.
Chris has twice been president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Broker advisory council and remains involved in helping vendors recognize the needs of employers both large and small. He confessed to being somewhat of an insurance geek.
Chris graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English Literature. He loves reading, golfing, bird hunting and fly fishing. Chris and his wife, Shawn, have been married for over 43 years. They have been actively involved in the Young Life ministry for over 30 years and founders of African Start. Chris and his family attend Illuminate Church in Scottsdale. Both he and Shawn are very proud of their four sons, Ryan, Aaron, Garrett and Brett. They are blessed with 7 grandchildren.
GARRETT DURKIN, RHU, REBC, CEBS, PRESIDENT & CEO
Garrett joined FBC Services in 2006 as a Marketing Assistant while completing his college degree. In May 2009, Garrett received two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Arizona State University in Political Science and History. After briefly considering the field of politics, Garrett began working with clients to develop their insurance and benefit plans as a consultant and has received his designation as a Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) and his designation as a Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) in 2012 from The American College, a division of the Wharton Business School.
In August of 2013, Garrett was promoted to Vice-President of FBC Services. In addition to the design and development of his client’s employee benefit plans, Garrett has been instrumental in developing FBC’s implementation and marketing for the Affordable Care Act. Garrett has developed multi-media enrollment technology to make it easier for employees to gain tax subsidy for health insurance, and he consults with clients on compliance obligations and how best to take advantage of the ACA for both large and small employers.
After leading FBC to record levels of new client adoption in 2014 and 2015, Garrett was promoted to Senior Vice President of FBC.
In 2018 Garrett received his designation as a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) from The International Foundation, a division of the Wharton Business School. In addition, Garrett was Self-Funding Certified by The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU).
Born and raised in Cave Creek, Arizona, Garrett has been in the Valley his whole life. Garrett currently resides in North Phoenix with his wife Ashlyn and three children Landon, Gavin and Ainsley. He attends Highlands Church and he enjoys spending time with his family, music, world affairs and golfing.
BRETT DURKIN, SMALL GROUP SPECIALIST
Brett joined FBC Insurance, Benefits & Consulting in 2014 after a 2 year career in the logistics industry with Trax Technologies. Prior to that, Brett attended Arizona State University and in May 2012, Brett received his Bachelor of Arts degree from ASU in History. In early 2014 he received his insurance license and began work at FBC Insurance, Benefits & Consulting.
Brett works with Employers helping them understand their insurance needs and how to correctly implement a strategy that not only works for them but also their employees. Brett began with FBC in the individual market and became fully versed in the Exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act, however after the individual market collapsed in 2017 he transitioned into the small group market serving employer groups with 2-50 employees. As businesses recognize the value in small group products over the individual market with its inherent tax limitations. Brett continues to educate himself in this ever-changing industry.
Brett was born and raised in Cave Creek, Arizona and has been in the Valley his whole life. Brett currently resides in Cave Creek with his wife Brittney and son Kevin. He attends Highlands Church and enjoys spending time with his family, music, hunting and golfing.
BRANNAN “BUCK” SKOWRONEK, BENEFIT CONSULTANT
Buck and Garrett Durkin have been close friends since fourth grade, and Garrett was honored to have Buck be the best man at his wedding. Following high school, Buck managed a Scottsdale-based western entertainment business featuring horse-drawn wagons. In 2006, Buck joined the United States Marine Corps and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008. After the Marine Corps, he went to work full-time for the Babacomari Ranch in Southeastern Arizona. In 2009, he left the Ranch to attend Northern Arizona University and graduated in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry. Immediately following graduation, he began working for Cargill, managing the Southwest territory until signing on with FBC.
While Buck was born and raised in Cave Creek, Arizona, he has lived in many other parts of the state, including Sonoita, Flagstaff, and Eagar. Buck married his wife, Jordan, in June 2014, and after discovering they were expecting boy/girl twins, they moved back to the valley and settled down in a place with lots of friends and family. Now they are a family of six after adding two more little girls to the mix. They attended Illuminate Church, and Buck enjoys spending time with his family, team-roping, and hunting. Buck is honored to be part of an industry leader in FBC insurance, benefits, and consulting.
Tommy Buck, Employee Benefit Consultant
Tommy began working for FBC Insurance, Benefits & Consulting in August of 2021. Previously, Tommy worked for Wilshire, a nonprofit Home Health Care and Community service agency in San Luis Obispo. Prior to his working with seniors, Tommy was a Sommelier working at Wildfish in the Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Tommy has been best friends with many on the FBC team, Garrett, Buck and Paul since moving to Arizona in 7th grade. Following high school Tommy pursued baseball and went to college at Phoenix College and continued on to play baseball in Missouri for an NAIA school. Tommy continue to pursue baseball in the independent minor leagues.
After baseball, Tommy went on to study Hospitality Management and began his career working in restaurants and following his passion of wine. He worked for Daou Vineyards as Manager of Hospitality. His love of wine and food brought him to the Central Coast to where he was involved in the wine industry. Tommy went on to join Wilshire home health care agency and grew to become the Director of business development and sales prior to joining FBC.
Tommy was born in Seattle and raised in Cave Creek Arizona. Tommy met his wife Jessica working at Wildfish in Scottsdale and they married in May of 2017. Tommy and Jessica relocated back home to Arizona with a daughter Magnolia, and are soon expecting their son, Knox. Arizona is home to both Tommy and Jessica and filled with friends and family. Tommy enjoys spending time with his family, outdoors, and camping with his family and dogs. Tommy is extremely excited and honored to be joining an industry leader in FBC Insurance, Benefits & Consulting.
PAUL TRITTLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Paul joined the FBC team in 2015 as a Marketing assistant and has since transitioned into a client management role. Paul worked in the Golf and Service industry at The Desert Mountain Club for 12 years prior to joining FBC. Paul received his insurance license in 2015 and began work at FBC Insurance, Benefits & Consulting.
Paul works with clients on a day to day basis educating them and servicing all aspects of their accounts. Paul’s techniques and skills in managing his accounts have allowed him to elevate the level of service we provide at FBC. Paul’s ability to build long term client relationships is also a major strength. He is practiced in the group insurance world and continues to educate himself and clients on the ever evolving Healthcare industry.
Paul was born in Naples, Florida and has lived in Arizona since 1998. He resides in North Phoenix with his wife Jessica and his two children, Westyn and Kinzly. Paul loves hiking, golfing, camping and being outdoors. We would also consider him a “Foodie” as he always enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. He attends Pure Heart church and enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
CAROLINE ATLEE, VICE PRESIDENT OF CLIENT SERVICES
Caroline joined FBC Insurance, Benefits & Consulting, in 2004 as an account manager after a 6 year career in the hospitality industry. Caroline began as Executive Assistant to Chris Durkin and was responsible for the overall client service and marketing processes for Chris’s clients. Over the years she developed a deep understanding of both the administrative details and health care nuances involved in benefit strategy and design.
Caroline is now the Vice President of Client Services and oversees the management of FBC’s client services and marketing team. She continues to oversee the management of Chris’ clients, Buck Skowronek’s clients, and Tommy Buck’s client’s.
Caroline is fully versed in both self-funded and fully insured benefit plans and has worked with clients of all sizes. She has designed and implemented wellness programs as well as laddered and scalable tiered benefit options. She has a particular expertise with benefit technology and continues to lead our practice in the adoption, implementation and evolution of benefit technology.
Caroline holds a Life and Health Insurance license and is working on her CEBS continuing education designations. Caroline has lived in Arizona her entire life. She lives in Scottsdale with her two kids. She attends Scottsdale Bible Church and enjoys Reading, movies and time with family & friends.
CHRISTY LINDVIG, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Christy Lindvig joined FBC Insurance, Benefits & Consulting and received her State of Arizona insurance license in 1989. She began her career in administration and moved into customer service. She was promoted to underwriter and assisted clients in the implementation of coverage. Ultimately her years of experience in working with both the technicalities of health insurance and the complexity of evolving health care practices required she focus on complex customer claim resolution.
Her considerable expertise and years of experience allow her to be a client advocate and problem solver as health care models continue to evolve. She presently serves as a final advocate for over 300 corporate clients.
In 2015 Christy was promoted to VP of Operations and currently oversees purchasing, accounting and other Human Resource functions for our firm.
Christy is an Arizona native and lives in central Phoenix with her husband, Phil, and three children: Brianne, Katelynn and Andrew. She enjoys attending church services at Bethany Bible Church as well as music, scrapbooking and spending time with her family.
ANNE HENDERSON, Administrative Account Executive, CEBS
Anne joined FBC Insurance, Benefits & Consulting in 2012. In May of 1999 Anne received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Music. Anne served in the United States Army as a Military Intelligence Officer from 2001 to 2005, then attended seminary. In May of 2008 she received her Master of Arts degree from Multnomah Biblical Seminary. After seminary Anne traveled the country as an event planner for the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association, then settled in Phoenix, Arizona, joining the FBC team in 2012 and received her State of Arizona insurance license for Life and Health.
Anne works with our clients, helping employees understand their benefits, navigate their insurance plan, and resolve claims when the need arises. Anne also works to develop benefit options, analysis tools and communication programs for clients. Anne is the FBC practice lead in organization of databases and agency management systems.
Anne was born and raised in Anaheim, California and has been in the Valley permanently since 2012. Anne currently resides in North Phoenix with her children and rescue pets of all sorts. She attends Illuminate Community Church and enjoys being a foster/adoptive parent, volunteering, and taking her dogs on long walks.
KAILEY BURG, ADMINISTRATIVE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Kailey joined the FBC team in 2021 as a Front Office Manager. Kailey has extensive experience in the service industry, excelling in customer relations. She has a reputation for exceeding expectations and going above and beyond for her clients. She has made lasting relationships by being personable and knowledgeable. Kailey received her State of Arizona Insurance License for Life and Health in 2023 and continues to grow within the FBC team.
Kailey now oversees the implementation process and plan maintenance for employers.
Kailey was born and raised in Cave Creek, Arizona, and has known the FBC family since grade school. She currently lives in Peoria with her husband Blair and two young girls, Rylan (9) and Remi (5). Kailey enjoys being a mom and raising girls- Mom is her favorite title! In her free time, she enjoys hiking, vacationing with her family, and spending time with her friends. Kailey attends Dream City Church at the Glendale location.
RICKY SILLMAN, EMPLOYEE ADVOCATE
Ricky joined FBC Insurance, Benefits & Consulting in June of 2020, after working at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Previously Ricky lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he moved to Arizona in early 2019, receiving his insurance licenses the same year.
Ricky began working with FBC as an assistant account manager, learning the details of Fully-Insured, Level-Funded and Self-Funded group insurance plans. Today, he provides consultation to businesses and not for profits, helping create comprehensive benefit offerings for their valued employees. He holds Insurance Licenses in Accident and Health, Life, Variable Life and Variable Annuity. He is continuing to expand his insurance knowledge working on GBA, RPA and CEBS continuing education designations. He hopes to provide expert industry knowledge to help shape the way insurance is legislated and administered in Arizona.
Ricky was born and raised in Ashland, Nebraska but has developed a love for the sunshine state, currently calling Phoenix home. During his time out of the office he enjoys hiking with his significant other & dogs, renovating homes and working with the local community. Ricky is Co-Chair of the Public Image Committee for the Rotary Club of Scottsdale North and a member of the Young Professionals Council at UMOM New Days Centers.
BRITTNEY DURKIN, ADMINISTRATIVE LEAD
Brittney joined the FBC Insurance, Benefits, & Consulting in April 2020 as the front office manager. Prior to joining our team, Britney owned and managed two successful small businesses. After receiving her insurance license in 2021, Brittney was promoted to administrative lead.
Brittney works with our clients, verifying eligibility, processing enrollment requests, renewing memberships, updating records, managing files, and assisting with the application process. Additionally, Brittney oversees employee deductible reimbursements, assisting them in obtaining their explanation of benefits and processing their reimbursements.
Brittney was born in Florida, raised in Pennsylvania, and has been a resident of the Valley since 2011. Brittney resides in Cave Creek with her husband Brett, son Kevin, and ten, yes TEN, bird dogs. Brittney enjoys being outdoors, hiking, hunting, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
