Erik Hinz, CEBS

Erik Hinz is a Sales Executive for Horton’s Employee Benefit Solutions. In this role, Erik is responsible for providing industry benefits expertise and consultative guidance to aid clients in navigating the ever-changing benefits marketplace. He is part of a team of employee-benefits focused specialists dedicated to delivering innovative healthcare solutions to employers. 

With 21 years of experience in the insurance industry, Erik brings a wide variety of knowledge to Horton’s Benefits Division. Before joining Horton, Erik worked as a Senior Benefits Consultant at Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting, where he was involved in the production side of the business with employee benefits, property & casualty, and 401(k). 

Erik brings Horton to a completely new market in Minnesota. His philosophy on the insurance market, specifically to Minnesota, is that “health benefits are ripe for an advisor to come in and do something bold and innovative.” With this in mind, Erik’s personal goal for his position at Horton is to help grow the Minneapolis office both organically and by assisting with acquisitions.

When working with clients, Erik understands the importance of developing strong relationships. From years of experience, he has derived that “buyers will first work with people that they like and that treat them with respect, but also appreciate people that can add humor and have fun while doing it.” 

Another critical aspect of customer service that Erik emphasizes is getting back to clients quickly, even when an answer is not certain to a particular question.

“If you make a mistake, admit it and fix it promptly. Sometimes, some of the best work you can do is in a crisis,” he stated. 

Erik graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Minor in Computer Science from Bemiidji State University. He grew up on a farm in Foley, Minnesota and recently moved to downtown Minneapolis after spending 15 years in a western suburb of the city. He has been married to his wife Nicole for almost 23 years and has two children, two dogs, and two cats. Over the past few years, Erik has taken up powerlifting in his free time and enjoys working out with a personal trainer.