Joe Guzman
Founding Partner
jguzman@ascendusa.net

Joe co-founded AscendUSA with partner Steven D. Goodin in 2010, merging their two companies into a single firm with a common goal - to work as an extension of a client’s team by seeking out the best business programs, while providing professional advice and proven service to support a client’s business potential.

Prior to AscendUSA’s formation, Joe worked in the employee benefits industry as founder, principal and CEO of Benefits Strategies. He led the company for more than 15 years, working with mid-to-large size business leaders to strategically design health insurance plans to optimize employee benefits, minimize owners’ risk, educate employees and provide overall peace of mind. He and his team have a solid reputation among clients for offering superior service, performance and an unwavering commitment to  advancing the best interests of each and every AscendUSA client. Joe’s background also includes tenure at Prudential Insurance, where he learned the insurance industry from the ground up and inside out.

Joe is a member of the Indiana Chamber Health Policy Committee and has participated as an expert panel member or speaker for events such as the Indiana Prescription Drug Summit, and Indiana Chamber’s Business Day at the Statehouse. On multiple occasions, Joe has also presented his health insurance perspectives at the annual conference of a national association of colleges and universities.