About BrokersBloc
At BrokersBloc, we believe independent brokers deserve more than legacy plans and slow-moving systems. They deserve powerful tools, better options, and a partner who’s fully invested in their success.
Founded in 2024, BrokersBloc is dedicated to helping independent group benefits brokers — especially in Kansas City and St. Louis — stand out in a competitive market by delivering cost-effective, high-quality healthcare plans through non-BUCA carriers.
Our Mission Empowering Brokers to Deliver Exceptional Value
At BrokersBloc, our mission is simple: to help independent insurance brokers thrive in a competitive market.
By leveraging non-BUCA carriers, A-rated reinsurers, and innovative solutions, we empower brokers to deliver unmatched value to their clients while growing their businesses.
What We Stand For
We’re not just a general agency — we’re a brokerage accelerator. Our entire model is designed to give brokers:
Faster access to competitive, flexible plans
Creative plan design support
A-rated carrier partnerships
Seamless technology integration
A strategic edge in today’s market
With our help, brokers move from being “just another option” to becoming the go-to advisor their clients can’t live without.
Industry Affiliations
BrokersBloc is proudly connected to leading organizations that support the insurance and business communities:
These partnerships reflect our ongoing commitment to professional excellence and community impact.
Leadership Team
Stephen Combs – Founder & Chairman
Stephen Combs has been in the benefits industry since 2017, but his connection to the field runs much deeper. His father was a broker for more than 30 years, specializing in large group self-funded plans and running a successful brokerage firm. Stephen initially joined the business to support his father’s agency, but quickly discovered a passion for helping brokers and clients navigate the complex world of employee benefits.
As the founder of The Brokers Bloc, Stephen helps health insurance brokers cut through the noise and confidently identify high-performing, trustworthy vendors. In an industry where brokers are constantly bombarded with emails and vendor pitches—and where one bad recommendation can put a client and a broker’s E&O coverage at risk—Stephen brings clarity and assurance. He’s known for his deep research and due diligence, uncovering carriers that deliver strong service, real savings, and long-term value. His mission is to empower brokers to move beyond the default “BUCAs” and offer clients better, safer, and smarter benefit solutions.
Ryan Ross – Head of Marketing
Ryan Ross has worked at the intersection of marketing and financial services since 2011, and helps BrokersBloc create an effective presence in the marketplace.
Prior to working with BrokersBloc, Ryan found Independent Financial Advisor Marketing in 2021. Before this, Ryan spent 10 years in sales at Dow Jones and at The Financial Times and at BrightTALK, the world’s leading B2B webinar platform helping clients create, promote, and produce content. He has produced or hosted over 1000 webinars and 250 podcast episodes.
When he’s not helping professionals build their digital presence, Ryan is an avid triathlete. He is the author of Benefits With Friends, and The Book On Digital Marketing For Independent Financial Advisors, and an award-winning podcast host.
Marc Wiersma - VP of Sales, Midwest
Marc Wiersma is the VP of Sales, Midwest at BrokersBloc. A true insurance junkie, Marc has 34 years in the Group Benefits business, including stops at Cigna, UHC, and MetLife.
Based in Kansas City, Marc has worked both local and national relationships, bringing a consultative aspect to each role, and now dedicated full-time to being the broker's broker.
Married to Kellie for 33 years, and with three adult children, Marc is active in faith-based ministries and teaching.
John Rebol – VP of Sales, Southeast
John Rebol is a seasoned financial services professional with over 25 years of industry experience, holding licenses as an Investment Advisor Representative (Series 65), Registered Representative (Series 7), Life and Health Insurance Agent, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist. His dedication to client well-being—financial and physical—has shaped a unique career path that blends advisory expertise with a passion for health and community.
John is also a lifelong athlete, originally certified to teach tennis by the USPTA in 1993 after competing as a Division I player and team captain at Western Kentucky University. In 2020, he discovered the full potential of Pickleball and quickly became a certified instructor through the Professional Pickleball Registry. The sport's accessibility, energy, and social nature inspired him to bring it to others through wellness-focused events and experiences.tAt the core of everything John does is family. Married for over 30 years with three wonderful children, he believes true success is about the relationships we build and the lives we impact—both on and off the court.
David Combs - VP Finance
David Combs is a seasoned financial services professional and President of Great South Benefits Group. With over 30 years of experience in the insurance and benefits industry, he serves as a Registered Representative at Packerland Brokerage Services, Inc., helping clients navigate complex employee benefits, retirement planning, and risk management solutions.
David holds a degree in Math and Computer Science from Mid America Nazarene University. Known for his unwavering integrity and client-first approach, he combines analytical expertise with a practical mindset to deliver tailored strategies that protect businesses and support long-term financial security.
