Resource Benefits, Inc. (RBI) was formed in 2003 with the merger of Jim Hea Insurance Services and Group Benefit Solutions, two independently successful employee benefits providers. The focus of the Company is to provide employee benefits to small and middle-market businesses.

With an extraordinary amount of experience in the field of employee benefits and related matters, RBI manages the benefits offerings for a large and diverse base of clients.

Jim Hea, a founder, principal, and President of RBI, has worked in the insurance and financial services field since 1985, having spent the previous seventeen years working in the reinforced plastics industry. He is a native of St. Louis and a graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jim also holds the CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation from The American College. He is married to Karen and has three grown children - two sons and a daughter (all married), three granddaughters and a grandson. Jim and Karen have resided in Plantation since 1977 when they relocated to South Florida from Kansas City.

Mel DiPietro, also a founder and principal of RBI, had over 25 years experience in the financial services field prior to the formation of RBI. Mel has held various community volunteer leadership positions over the years and remains active today within the local community. Mel was born in Columbus, Ohio and holds a Bachelors degree in Accounting from Ohio State University and an MBA in Finance from Xavier University. He and his wife Marjorie live in Ft. Lauderdale and they have two children - a daughter in college and a son currently in high school.

John Perdew graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BSBA degree majoring in Marketing and Management with a Personnel Option. After spending several years in the human resources field, John attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary earning a Master of Divinity degree. He, his wife Patty have lived in South Florida since 1990 and they have two daughters - one married and the other in college. John has worked in this industry since originally joining Jim Hea Insurance Services in 2001. One reason John came to work with this agency is that "integrity and honesty are very important to me. I want to work with people who are interested in doing the right thing for the client and not simply trying to maximize commissions."

Jason Swartzwelder joined RBI in 2007. Jason graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a BA Degree majoring in Liberal Studies. Prior to joining RBI, he worked in sales for six years and he holds a Real Estate License in addition to his Insurance License. Just before joining RBI, Jason sold undeveloped residential lots to developers and contractors throughout the State of Florida. Jason, a true native of Florida, resides in Plantation with his wife Trish and their two sons.

Mechelle McGowan also joined RBI in 2007. Mechelle is currently attending Broward College on a part-time basis working toward a BA Degree majoring in Social Work. Prior to joining RBI, she spent five years working as an Office Manager for a Propane Company. Mechelle has lived in Florida all her life and currently resides in Pembroke Pines with her boyfriend John. She shows real compassion for others, is a quick learner, and has a good understanding of employee benefits.