About Us
SMART Benefits (formerly Select Networks) was founded in 1993 in Des Moines, Iowa with its original charter focusing on providing outstanding vision benefits for employer groups. For over 20 years we have continued to offer the largest vision provider network in Iowa, constantly evolving new technology in online vision frame shopping and some of the most robust vision benefit plans in the Midwest.
However, with a constantly changing competitive market. employers continue to face challenges with recruiting and retaining employees and are always looking for innovative benefit solutions to assist with this problem. Here at SMART Benefits, we excel in providing cutting-edge ancillary solutions to assist employer groups with this growing challenge. Our innovative solutions empower your employer groups to maximize their ancillary benefit packages, resulting in higher recruitment and retention of employees. We offer unique stand-alone and bundled approaches that allow employers the ability to offer a diverse product portfolio to their employees consisting of vision, dental, basic life insurance, voluntary term life, AD&D, short-term disability, and critical illness.
CLAYTON
COPPLE
President
Clayton Copple founded Select Networks in 1993 in Des Moines, IA with its original charter focusing on providing outstanding vision benefits for employer groups. For over 20 years the company has continued to offer the largest vision provider network in Iowa and some of the most robust vision benefit plans in the Midwest. In 2023, with the constantly changing competitive market and the need for more innovative benefit solutions, SMART Benefits, ‘An Ancillary Solutions Co.’ was formed. The company offers unique stand-alone and bundled approaches that allow employers the ability to offer a diverse product portfolio to their employees consisting of vision, dental, life insurance, AD&D, and short-term disability.
MICHELE
PRUISNER
Vice President
Direct Phone: 515-422-4743
Michele joined the company in 2017 and was promoted to Vice President in 2022. She is an accomplished senior-level healthcare insurance and marketing professional with over 20 years of expertise in leading high-performing teams with extensive knowledge of health, medical, dental, flex, life, vision products, and employee benefit plans. A highly energetic and passionate leader with a proven track record in retaining and promoting highly engaged individuals. Accomplished track record in leadership and development of strong partnerships with stakeholders and internal and external partners.
STEVE
ELLINGBOE
Director of Sales & Marketing
Steve joined the company in 1999 as a Sales & Marketing Director. Steve really enjoys the relationships he has built with brokers and the ability to help their employer groups find the best benefit solutions for their members.
TERESA
SMITH
Business Relationship Mgr.
Teresa joined the company in May 2012 as a Business Relationship Manager. Teresa’s role is to work with brokers providing customized enrollment materials; submission and set-up of new groups; plus provide outstanding customer service to our clients. Her insurance career started in 1989 working for a local insurance company, transitioning over to the broker side of the business in 1993 and back to the carrier side in 2012. She enjoys building relationships with the broker community in both Iowa and South Dakota and traveling to meet and assist them with their needs.
DEREK
HANNAH
Business Relationship Mgr. II
Derek joined the team in March of 2021, after three years in insurance communications with a sister company. As Relationship Manager, Derek assists our groups of 2-100 with renewals and other service needs. He looks forward to building on the relationships he’s established these last two years, saying, “It’s a joy to work with brokers when I know we’re truly helping their groups with these great benefits!”
