Welcome to Shipley BenefitS, Where Care Meets Coverage.
After more than 20 years in employee benefits consulting, Kate saw a GAP in the employee benefits and insurance market.
Small businesses and families were missing personalized care and connection with big box companies.
With Shipley Benefits, Kate is able to bring clarity to the complex, calm to the overwhelming, and a human touch to the often impersonal world of insurance.
we believe small businesses and individuals deserve the same thoughtful support as large corporations.
We simplify the complexities of insurance to provide personalized, trustworthy guidance—so you can focus on what matters most: your business, your people, and your future.
GET TO KNOW KATE
Kate Baum brings over two decades of experience in employee benefits consulting, but it’s her personal touch, heart for people, and unwavering integrity that set her apart.
After graduating from Rollins College in 2004, Kate stepped directly into the world of employee benefits and never looked back.
She spent 20 years working with employers ranging from just 2 employees to over 1,000 across nearly every industry, across the footprint of the country. Known for her strategic mindset and people-first approach, Kate maintained a 97% client retention rate over the course of her corporate career.
She specialized in building multi-year benefit strategies, managing renewals and negotiations, guiding open enrollments, and, her favorite part, working one-on-one with employees to help them make confident, informed decisions for their unique needs.
A Commitment To People
In 2023, Kate followed her heart and founded Shipley Benefits. Her mission is simple: to provide small businesses, families, and self-employed individuals with the same level of care and service typically reserved for large corporations— only with more heart, more clarity, and a deeply personal touch.
Originally from Florida (with a fun detour living in Australia!), Kate now lives with her husband, teenage daughter, two dogs, and a cat— all rescues from different organizations close to her heart. She’s happiest near the water, reading a good thriller, cooking something new, or simply spending time with the people she loves most.
A Name With Legacy
Shipley Benefits’ name is an ongoing reminder of strength, grace, and perseverance.
Shipley Benefits is named in loving memory of Kate’s mother, who’s maiden name was Shipley. She lived for 14 years with brain cancer, facing every day with strength, grace, and perseverance. Her example is the reason Kate had the courage to take the leap to start something of her own and create Shipley Benefits.
This business is more than a career move. It’s a tribute to Kate’s mom’s legacy and a foundation she hopes to pass down to her daughter one day.