Burnham Benefits Recognized on Exclusive Inc. Magazine List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - Sep 30, 2013) - Burnham Benefits Insurance Services, one of the largest employee benefits brokerage and consulting firms in California, has been recognized as no. 3,966 on Inc. magazine's seventh-annual Inc. 500|5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy -- America's independent entrepreneurs.

In a stagnant economic environment, Burnham has achieved an impressive growth rate of 69 percent since 2009. Recognized on this year's Inc. 500|5000 report for creating 20 new jobs in the past three years and earning more than $11 million in revenue in 2012, the brokerage was also named no. 32 on Inc.'s Top 100 Insurance Companies list.

Burnham CEO and owner Kristen Allison has carefully grown the company at a steady rate of 20 percent each year for the past decade, focusing on quality growth over rapid growth. The firm has differentiated itself by bringing crucial employee benefits resources and tools in-house for its clients, and has also attracted top talent to join the firm and provide unparalleled service for more than 300 corporate clients.

"We are honored to be ranked among such innovative American companies for the second-consecutive year," says Allison. "Recognitions like this showcase the hard work of our team and overall success of our firm -- further establishing Burnham Benefits as a staple in the employee benefits industry and solidifying its place as one of the nation's top private insurance companies."

California employers look to Burnham to develop customized programs that improve the health of their employees and prove cost-effective against rising healthcare costs. This year, the firm opened a new office in San Rafael, Calif., to provide its unique hybrid brokerage-consulting firm business model to Northern California clients, and balance their service across the state.

The 2013 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2009 to 2012. To qualify, companies must be U.S.-based, have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2009, be privately held, for profit and independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2012. The minimum revenue required for 2009 is $100,000; the minimum for 2012 is $2 million.

ABOUT BURNHAM BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES: Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Burnham Benefits Insurance Services Inc. is a leading employee benefits consulting and brokerage firm in California. Kristen Allison, CEO of Burnham Benefits and a 30-year industry veteran, acquired the firm in 1995 from John Burnham Insurance Services, and has maintained 20 percent annual growth and 98 percent client retention for the past 10 years. California employers trust Burnham to provide the counsel and cutting-edge resources to meet changing market needs. Boasting in-depth industry knowledge and Fortune 500 resources, the firm prides itself on flexibility, creativity and consultative service to manage more than $1 billion in premiums for its growing list of 300 corporate clients. Working with its colleagues at Burnham Gibson Financial Group, and having the added expertise of in-house underwriters, compliance officers and communications specialists, Burnham Benefits provides an integrated approach to managing a client's full spectrum of employee benefits. Named Best Place to Work by the Orange County Business Journal in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the company has four offices in California: Irvine, San Rafael, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, as well as offices in Oregon and the Washington D.C. metro area. For more information, visit www.BurnhamBenefits.com.