Since 1998, The Benchmark Group has operated as an independent, privately-owned financial services business. Independence means we do not take orders from anyone, so we are free to focus on the individuals who matter most: our clients. We aim to build long-term results and enduring relationships one client at a time, and we’re committed to the preservation and protection of your family and business.

The Benchmark Difference
Four qualities set us apart from our competition. These qualities make a tremendous difference in the types of solutions we recommend and the way in which they are delivered:

Integrity:
Our clients can rely on us to respect the confidentiality of their financial and personal information. We have substantial experience with third-party alliances. Maintaining the quality of those relationships is a primary consideration.

Objectivity:
As independent advisors, we built our firm with multiple disciplines. This foundation enables us to present clients with a comprehensive analysis of their unique financial status and offer them an array of effective solutions tailored to their needs. Because we offer a full range of products and represent many companies, we are positioned to offer the best financial tools and investment and life insurance products available.

Leadership:
There is no "B" team at The Benchmark Group. Clients receive a high level of service and commitment from senior, experienced professionals. Our professionals have more than 80 years of combined financial, tax, legal and insurance experience.

Service:
" Service First, Last and Always." This is the precise definition of the way we do business. No matter what the circumstances, no matter what the challenge, we will do whatever it takes to help our clients put their financial affairs in the best possible order.

Meet The Benchmark Group Team

Dean M. Spear, President
Dean Spear formed The Benchmark Group, Inc. in 1998 as a specialized firm to offer business succession, investment banking, and financial advisory planning services for the owners of closely held businesses and individuals with high personal net worth. Read more.
 

Stephen Millner Esq, LLM- In-House Legal Counsel
Steve Millner heads up the legal department for the Benchmark Group. Among Steve’s responsibilities are: reviewing client documents, providing sample documents to client’s attorneys, keeping track of estate tax law changes and other legislative developments, drafting proposals, and generating estate tax and other financial projections. In addition to providing analytical and strategic design services to our clients, Steve’s ability to interface with our clients’ legal counsel and other professional advisors makes the planning process more efficient for everyone. Read more.
 

Stephen R. Raymond- Managing Director, Investment Banking
Steve Raymond provides investment banking services, focusing merger and acquisition advisory, for middle-market private companies in the Mid-Atlantic region. Prior to joining Benchmark, Steve was with Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. where he was responsible for transaction origination and execution for private and closely held companies. Steve was also a Vice President with Wachovia Securities, the investment banking arm of Wachovia Bank. Prior to Wachovia, Steve was with The Mid-Atlantic Companies, Ltd., a financial services firm focused on privately held companies, and with CIGNA Corporation in the international corporate finance arena. Read more.
 

Jacob Riloff, ChFC- Sr. Vice President
Jacob Riloff specializes in business development issues for closely held businesses and their owners. His expertise centers around business succession planning, exit strategies and advanced insurance planning techniques. Read more.
 

Ellen Kerr-Underwriting
Ellen is involved with life insurance underwriting and processing. She diligently tracks down medical records, communicates with clients, staff, brokerage companies and insurers to make sure that clients policies are issued properly and timely. Ellen is a licens ed LPN.
 

Ron F. Federico- Office Manager/Administrator
Ron has been working in the financial planning industry since 2000. His responsibilities include new business proposals with competitive analysis, in-force policy analysis, life insurance servicing / administration and case management. In addition, Ron is responsible for the office administration.