Monique Zinn, President & CEO, Zinn Insurance

In an interview with Invest:, Monique Zinn, president and CEO of Zinn Insurance, said that customization, education, and culture-first thinking differentiate her firm in a competitive and evolving insurance landscape. “What sets us apart is that we’re a small business with a big-picture mindset. We’re always thinking outside the box.”

What distinguishes your firm from other providers in the region?

Employee benefits aren’t something you cut and paste from a template — they’re a strategic lever. We take a structured, data-informed approach to align benefits with a company’s mission, reduce costs, and drive better outcomes. Whether it’s boosting retention, improving access to care, or educating teams on how to use their benefits, everything we do is intentional.

Zinn Insurance is often called in when others can’t solve the problem — we thrive in complexity. We use our ZinnMAP™ (Mission-Aligned Planning) framework to ensure every benefits strategy mirrors the company’s growth goals and cultural DNA.

We’re a small business with a bold, big-picture mindset — built to deliver powerful, culture-aligned solutions that grow with our clients. While many offer off-the-shelf programs, we craft benefits that directly reflect each company’s values and ambitions.
We’re deeply committed to long-term strategy and agile execution. As business needs evolve, so do we. From rethinking employee benefits to integrating fractional HR support, we tailor every engagement to fuel retention, productivity, and business growth. When employees feel seen, supported, and protected, they bring their best — and that transforms the entire company.

Are there particular sectors where you’re seeing more demand or growth?

We’ve contributed insight on regional market trends to several business roundtables and leadership councils, helping employers understand how to compete for talent in this evolving landscape.

San Antonio is experiencing dynamic growth across multiple industries. What makes this city truly unique is its blend of metropolitan scale with hometown heart. It’s one of the largest cities in the country, yet still feels personal — that’s a powerful combination for business.
We’re seeing a wave of forward-thinking companies and ambitious talent choosing San Antonio for its innovation, affordability, and quality of life. Whether it’s tech, healthcare, or advanced manufacturing, this city is showing it’s not just a great place to start — it’s where people come to stay and scale.

Are there any regulatory, market-driven, or internal changes over the past few years that have impacted your operations in San Antonio?

We’ve published widely on the Medicare broker compensation crisis and are frequently consulted by peer firms navigating similar transitions. Our leadership team also participates in state-level advisory boards tracking healthcare reform.

Medicare is a prime example. Carriers have slashed broker compensation, despite brokers doing the hard work, from educating clients to providing post-enrollment support. We’re responding by launching a robust fee-for-service model that safeguards our ability to provide high-touch guidance and advocacy.
We’re also proactively preparing for generational shifts. With Gen X approaching retirement, we’re evolving our strategy to support this next wave with confidence. At the same time, we’ve fortified our infrastructure, diversifying investments and reinforcing our financial positioning to navigate whatever the economy brings.

Are there any areas that have seen particularly rapid growth recently?

Too many companies treat benefits like a commodity — we treat them like a growth engine. Our approach isn’t just to offer more options; it’s to deliver smarter ones that drive real impact. That means better healthcare access, lower long-term costs, and higher employee engagement through ongoing education.

Employee benefits and Medicare are leading the charge. On the group side, we’re helping companies reimagine total compensation — beyond health plans — into tools that support recruitment, retention, and real-life needs.
On the Medicare side, demand is surging. We’re helping Baby Boomers — and increasingly, Gen X — navigate complex transitions with confidence. Whether it’s tuition assistance for younger teams or caregiving support for the sandwich generation, we don’t sell policies. We solve problems.

With recent changes like Texas Senate Bill 1332 affecting group health plan compliance, how is your firm helping employers adapt?

We’ve even built an internal compliance intelligence hub — ZinnCompass™ — that turns legislative updates into employer-specific action plans within 48 hours.

We turn complexity into clarity. When new legislation hits, employers are often left scrambling. We immediately dissect the impact, simplify the messaging, and deploy compliance strategies that are actionable and digestible.
Our guiding principle? Communicate like no one speaks the language. Then support them like we’re on their team — because we are. Compliance doesn’t have to be painful; it can be empowering when it’s presented with confidence and care.

What has been your experience in finding and retaining top talent in San Antonio’s insurance industry?

Our approach has been featured in talent strategy webinars, and we’re currently building a leadership accelerator within Zinn to grow from within.

Recruiting is constant. We’re always looking for people who are values-driven, curious, and coachable. Cultural alignment is everything. We don’t just look at résumés — we look for heart, hunger, and humility.
Once they’re in, we invest deeply in training, leadership, and culture. We’ve built an environment where people want to stay, grow, and contribute. That’s how we build loyalty — by making sure our team knows they matter, and that there’s room to rise.

Technology is changing everything. How are you leveraging it to improve operations and increase efficiency?

We’re not just users — we’re testers and builders. Our input has helped shape the AI integrations used by regional carriers and insurtech partners.

Technology is a force multiplier. From AI-driven workflows to smart automation, we’ve redefined how our team communicates, tracks KPIs, and delivers service.
Our use of tools like ChatGPT has cut admin time by 30%, allowing us to invest that time in client experience and strategic growth. But we’re crystal clear: technology is here to assist, not replace. In our world, human connection still matters most.

How are you and your team giving back to the community?

Our team also mentors local students through entrepreneurship programs and serves on nonprofit boards to bring our business skills into mission-driven spaces.

Community is core to who we are. Through the Downtown Rotary Club of San Antonio, we’ve helped build playgrounds, launch literacy programs, feed families, and sponsor scholarships — both locally and globally.
Giving back isn’t a box we check — it’s a value we live. It bonds our team, builds our character, and reminds us what matters.

What are your top goals for the next two to three years, and how are you feeling about the future?

We’re proud to be seen as thought leaders in culture-based benefits design, and our expansion will bring that philosophy to employers across Texas and beyond.

We’re energized and ready. In the next few years, we’re doubling our client base and team while expanding into two to three new Texas metros. Growth isn’t just a number for us; it’s a commitment to impact.
We’re on a mission to protect people, educate employers, and align benefits with the culture companies are building. That’s how we help them attract, engage, and empower great people.