Our History
At Commercial Benefits Services, Inc., we have combined experience of over 100 years in insurance advising and service. We started our independent insurance brokerage house in 1988 to provide business owners with candid, expert assistance with insurance issues. Since our founding, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses provide impactful employee benefit packages to thousands of our client’s valued employees.
Our Staff
Oscar Gutierrez
President
Oscar came to the United States in 1961 as a Cuban political refugee. Upon graduating from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, he became a stockbroker in New York and gained strong insight into the financial needs of his clients. He returned to Beaumont for a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas in 1973. In 1988, he created Commercial Benefit Services, Inc. and continues to provide solid advice to clients of all sizes.
Erik Gutierrez
Vice President
Erik grew up in the family business. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in human resource development and business administration in 2012, he joined the Commercial Benefit Services, Inc. team full time. As one of the elite group of NAHU PPACA-certified agents, Erik keeps current on insurance trends within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) legislation and the impact on employers by maintaining an extensive grasp of the entire human resource space.
Craig Murphy
Managing Partner
Craig joined Commercial Benefits in 2019 with more than 25 years of sales and account management experience working with both domestic and international benefits. A native of Houston, Craig is a US Army veteran, a graduate of Texas State University with degrees in Political Science and International Relations, and is fluent in Spanish. Craig's role is to collaborate with our clients to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive benefits package that helps to attract and retain the best employees.
Renee Spivey
Account/Office Manager
Renee, a native of Huntsville, holds an Associate of Arts degree in Information Technology and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sam Houston State University. She has served Commercial Benefits Services, Inc., in an administrative capacity since 1997, developing strong relationships with the dozens of insurance companies we represent.
Apryl Freeney
Administrative Assistant
Apryl holds a Bachelor of Administration degree in Business Management from Lamar University. Through her work with the public school system, she was deeply involved with bilingual families. Bringing her knowledge to the insurance industry, Apryl has extensive experience in customer service management. She is bilingual and able to effectively assist our Spanish speaking clients.