Our Team at The Benefits Trust

Robert J. Crowder CLU, GBA

President

Robert Crowder, founder and President of The Benefits Trust, has over thirty years of experience building pension and employee benefits solutions for clients.

In 1994, he founded The Benefits Trust, a leading Canadian Third-Party Administrator, serving small- and mid-sized businesses across the country.

Thriving under Rob’s dedication and leadership, The Benefits Trust continues to grow as a reputable benefits provider. Rob continues to give back to the benefits industry regularly sharing his expertise as a speaker and educator for aspiring, ambitious, and experienced benefits advisors across Canada.

Lindsay Gibson, GBA

Director, Sales and Business Development

Lindsay has over 17 years of experience in group benefits and third-party administration, and is a valued member of The Benefits Trust.

Extremely passionate and driven, she is always eager to help and develop group benefit plans that provide creativity, flexibility, and sustainability. She loves to build long-lasting relationships as they are the true foundation for any successful partnership.

Lindsay is a co-founder of the NGBM (National Group Benefits Meeting), one of the hosts/chairs of the monthly Advisor Breakfast Club virtual meetings (for Group Benefits Advisors), and is a proud member of the CGIB (Canadian Group Insurance Brokers).

Robert W. Crowder

Business Development Executive

Robert W. Crowder joined The Benefits Trust in 2017. After working in multiple roles spanning claims adjudication, account management, and underwriting, Rob joined the sales team in 2021. Since then, Rob has been helping advisors and their clients design and implement creative and sustainable employee benefit plans.

Rob collaborates with professional insurance advisors to develop creative solutions for their clients, staying at the forefront of industry trends and regulations. His dedication to excellence and client satisfaction make him a valuable asset in the insurance industry.

Mike Ignatz, B.A.

Business Development Executive

For almost twenty years, Mike Ignatz has served clients at The Benefits Trust in a number of areas, including client administration and claims adjudication, now working directly with advisors to create value-driven solutions for their clients.

Francis Ignatz, CMA, CPA

Vice President Finance & Administration

Boasting over two decades of experience in employee benefits underwriting and analysis, Francis infuses The Benefits Trust with valuable financial leadership and acumen. Before joining The Benefits Trust, he served as Vice President at AFM Hospitality Corporation and took on the role of Regional Management at The Brick Warehouse, overseeing finance and administration.

A proud graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Francis has earned both the Certified Management Accountant and Chartered Professional Accountant designations.

Passionate about entrepreneurship, he offers insightful consultancy to budding businesses.

Clare Winstanley, B.A., CEBS

Underwriter/Special Authorization Coordinator

Following five years of collaborating with paramedical professionals and earning a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sociology from the University of Toronto, Clare became a valued member of The Benefits Trust in 2001.

Over the years, Clare has honed her skills in group underwriting and plan evaluations while establishing robust connections with brokers and insurance providers. Working closely with Francis Ignatz, Clare plays a pivotal role in new business underwriting, determining plan costs, and managing group renewals.

Kerri Layne

Group Benefits Coordinator

With over twenty years of experience in group benefits, third-party administration, and the intricate processes of researching, designing, and developing both standard and non-standard benefits, Kerri is a cornerstone of expertise here at The Benefits Trust.

Joining our team in 2016, she has been instrumental in elevating our offerings through her extensive technical knowledge in group life, health, and disability benefits. Kerri’s dedication and understanding continue to be invaluable assets to The Benefits Trust team.