OUR STORY
We built something we couldn’t find anywhere else.
A benefits firm that actually stays in your corner — not just at renewal, but every time you need us.
HOW WE GOT HERE
Born out of frustration with the way things were.
The employee benefits industry has a reputation problem, and it’s earned. Brokers who disappear after renewal. Rate increases with no real explanation. Employees left to navigate claims on their own. HR teams spending hours on problems that should have been handled weeks ago.
Core Group Consulting was built as a direct response to that experience. We saw how businesses were being underserved — not because good benefits were unavailable, but because the guidance, advocacy, and follow-through simply weren’t there.
We set out to build a firm that operates differently. One where clients have direct access to a team that knows their business. Where employees can get a real answer when they call. Where renewal isn’t a yearly scramble, it’s a well-planned process with a clear strategy behind it.
That’s what Core Group Consulting is. A boutique practice built on the belief that businesses of all sizes deserve benefits guidance that actually works, and a partner who shows up all year long, not just once.
We’re based in Manhattan and serve businesses across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Every client we work with gets the same thing: real people, real access, and a team that takes their benefits as seriously as they do
FOUNDER SPOTLIGHT
You’ll always know who you’re talking to.
Christian Hale
Founder & Principal Benefits Consultant
Christian founded Core Group Consulting (CGC) after 21 years in the employee benefits industry — long enough to see firsthand how much the standard broker model was letting businesses down. He started CGC to do things differently: to build genuine, long-term client relationships and to be the kind of advisor he felt was consistently missing in the market.
Based in New York, Christian works directly with every client, bringing a hands-on approach that larger firms simply can’t offer. When you work with CGC, you’re working with him — and the team he’s built around that same standard of service.
What drives us
Our values aren’t a wall poster. They’re how we work every day.
Accessibility
You should never have to chase down your broker. We make ourselves easy to reach, quick to respond, and genuinely present — not just at renewal, but every time something comes up.
Clarity
Benefits are complicated enough without confusing language and vague answers. We cut through the jargon and give you straight, honest information so you can make decisions with confidence.
Advocacy
We work for you, not the carriers. Whether it’s a claims issue, a billing dispute, or a renewal negotiation, we’re in your corner and we stay there until the problem is solved.
Continuity
The team that onboards you is the team that supports you a year later. We build long-term relationships because that’s where we do our best work.
By The Numbers
21 years of industry experience
Enough to have seen your situation before — and know exactly how to handle it.
3 years as Core Group Consulting
Built from day one on two decades of relationships, carrier access, and hard-won know-how.
100+ businesses served across NY, NJ & CT
Our process is proven. You're not a test case.
50+ carrier relationships
Real options and real leverage at your renewal — not a short list and a take-it-or-leave-it rate.
1 team you'll always know by name
No hold queues, no handoffs, no explaining your situation from scratch.
What Our Clients Say
Working with Core Group Consulting has made managing employee benefits at Maloney straightforward and worry-free. As Controller, I need confidence that everything is accurate and compliant, and CGC consistently delivers.
Christian is responsive, clear in his communication, and handles issues promptly — whether it’s employee questions, renewals, or plan changes. Knowing that he’s managing our benefits allows me to focus on other priorities while being confident our team is taken care of. I would recommend Core Group Consulting to any business looking for a knowledgeable and dependable benefits consultant.
Alessio Colacino
Controller
Working with Core Group Consulting has made a significant difference in how we manage our employee benefits at Leros Transportation Group. As an HR Manager, I regularly deal with employee questions, enrollments, and claims issues, and having a broker who is responsive and knowledgeable is critical.
Christian is extremely accessible and quick to step in whenever an issue arises. He communicates clearly, helps resolve problems efficiently, and provides practical guidance during renewals and plan decisions.
Core Group Consulting acts as a true partner rather than just a vendor. Knowing I have a firm I can rely on for both day-to-day support and strategic recommendations makes my job easier and helps ensure our employees are taken care of.
Hilary Levy
Human Resource Manager
Christian Hale has been our broker for employee health and dental coverage for over 20 years.
Christian and his firm Core Group Consulting have guided us through all of the health insurance options and changes over these years to ensure that our staff is provided with the best in health insurance coverage. He annually provides us with several options for renewal or change of insurer that allow us to provide the best coverage that is also cost effective. In addition to that Core Group Consulting assists with complex claims and appeals working directly with individual employees as needed. I would recommend Core Group Consulting without hesitation. His support and assistance are invaluable.
Lawrence Cook
Director of Finance and Administration
WORK WITH US
Ready to work with a team that actually shows up?
Whether you’re evaluating your current broker, coming up on renewal, or starting a benefits program from scratch — we’d love to have an honest conversation.
Or call us directly at 212.253.5458
COMMON QUESTIONS
A few things people usually ask.
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Core Group Consulting has been operating for 3 years, though the firm was built on something much deeper than that. Our founder brings 21 years of experience in the employee benefits industry — which means from day one, our clients have had access to the kind of institutional knowledge and carrier relationships that most firms take decades to develop.
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Day-to-day, you’ll work directly with our team, the same people who onboard you are the ones you’ll call when something comes up. There’s no handoff to a junior account manager or a call center.
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Yes. Many of our clients come to us from another broker relationship that isn’t working. Switching is simpler than most people expect — we handle the transition and make sure there’s no gap in coverage or service.