Our Team

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Don McLemore, the visionary owner of BenCap America, brings over 30 years of financial expertise to the table. With a strong background in accounting, he's renowned for identifying and nurturing investment opportunities, crafting innovative financial structures, and ensuring optimal outcomes for stakeholders. His strategic insight and deep understanding of legal and tax matters have made him a sought-after figure in both the private and public sectors. 

Before founding Claritas Capital, Don served as a Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Massey Burch Capital Corp.  Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University, Don's commitment to continuous learning underscores his legacy of leadership in finance and investment.

Brian Hicks boasts over three decades of expertise in the employee benefits industry, marked by an enthusiasm for innovation and service. With 20 years at Aflac, Brian led the #1 state sales operation before "retiring" at 40.

As Principal Consultant at BenCap America, Brian drives transformative initiatives, enhancing access to coverage and boosting sales. He's a prolific author, speaker, and former columnist for Benefits Selling Magazine.

With a track record of pioneering solutions, including innovative payment methods at Piedmont Payment Services, Brian is a dynamic force shaping the future of employee benefits.

Mark McDonald, a prominent figure in commercial real estate with over 30 years of experience, serves as a partner for BenCap America. As a founding member of Oldacre McDonald and M Cubed Developments, he has a proven track record in developing innovative real estate projects across the United States. In addition, Mark is a serial entrepreneur with investments across multiple industries, including insurance. 

Holding a degree from Vanderbilt University, his expertise in strategic development and project management enhances BenCap America’s capabilities. Mark's visionary approach and extensive network support BenCap in identifying and capitalizing on business opportunities, particularly in Nashville and the Southeastern U.S.

Andy Rhea is not just a leader in risk management; he's a recognized thought leader in the industry. With a JD from the University of Mississippi School of Law and an MBA from Mississippi State University, Andy brings unparalleled expertise to BenCap America. As a licensed attorney in Mississippi and Tennessee, his comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks and industry regulations positions him as a trusted advisor. 

Andy's visionary approach and commitment to excellence have earned him opportunities to speak at conferences, where he shares his insights and contributes to advancing the field. Andy's recent recognition as a 2024 Power Broker finalist reflects his exceptional dedication and contributions to the captive sector. With Andy at the helm, BenCap America is poised to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the insurance sector.

Matthew Farrar is Vice President, Broker Distribution at BenCap America. As a visionary leader in voluntary benefits, he brings unparalleled expertise and deep market knowledge to the captive insurance sector. With a distinguished career at Voya Financial, where he served as Regional Director of Voluntary Benefits and previously as AVP, Strategic Solutions, Farrar has established himself as a recognized authority in the field. His prior experience at Holmes Murphy, one of the largest privately held insurance brokerages in the U.S., further solidifies his comprehensive understanding of broker operations and market dynamics.

Farrar's strategic vision for distribution and unwavering commitment to advancing the captive model have positioned him as a thought leader shaping the future of voluntary benefits. His expertise spans go-to-market strategy, national broker relationships, and employer partnerships across the country. With Farrar leading distribution efforts, BenCap America is poised to drive innovation and growth within the competitive voluntary benefits landscape.

Rachel Hislop is Chief Marketing Officer of BenCap America. She has spent 15 years making brands impossible to ignore and brought that same standard to the only group captive voluntary benefits program backed by Voya.

A Nashville Business Journal "40 Under 40" honoree and ONCon Top 100 Marketer, Rachel has driven award-winning marketing strategy across industries. She knows what separates programs that get considered from programs that get chosen, and she knows how to move buyers from one column to the other. Before BenCap, she led cross-functional teams across multiple sectors, building the kind of market credibility that holds up when prospects start asking hard questions. At BenCap, she is putting that experience to work in a market that has been undersold for too long.