Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Notte.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My career has been anything but traditional. Before entering the insurance industry, I spent 16 years as a heavy metal singer and guitarist, touring, performing, and learning valuable lessons about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and connecting with people. While music was a huge part of my life, I eventually realized I wanted to build something that would allow me to make a lasting impact on families and business owners.
That led me into the employee benefits industry, where I’ve now spent more than 17 years helping companies create smarter, more affordable benefits strategies. Over the years, I’ve worked with businesses of all sizes and discovered that many employers were paying too much for benefits while their employees still struggled to access quality healthcare. I became passionate about finding better solutions that improve both employee well-being and the financial health of the business.
Today, I’m the President of MJN Insurance Services, where we specialize in designing customized employee benefits programs that help businesses attract and retain great employees while controlling costs. Our mission is simple: make healthcare and benefits easier to understand, more affordable, and more valuable for both employers and their teams.
Looking back, my path from the stage to the boardroom may seem unconventional, but both careers have been centered around people. Whether I was performing in front of an audience or helping a business owner solve a complex benefits challenge, my goal has always been the same—to create meaningful connections and leave people better off than when I met them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most entrepreneurs, my journey definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a business takes persistence, patience, and a willingness to adapt. One of the biggest challenges has been earning trust in an industry that many people find confusing or overwhelming. Employee benefits and health insurance can be incredibly complex, so helping clients understand their options while navigating constant regulatory changes has required continuous learning and a commitment to education.
Another challenge has been growing the business while maintaining the level of personal service that our clients expect. As we’ve expanded, I’ve worked hard to build systems and a team that share the same values of integrity, responsiveness, and putting the client’s needs first.
Like many business owners, I’ve also experienced economic uncertainty, changing markets, and the ups and downs that come with entrepreneurship. Those experiences have taught me resilience, flexibility, and the importance of focusing on long-term relationships rather than short-term wins.
Looking back, every challenge has helped shape the way I lead today. They’ve reinforced my belief that success isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about learning from them, staying consistent, and continuing to serve others with honesty and purpose.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At MJN Insurance Services, we help businesses build employee benefits strategies that are both cost-effective and meaningful. Our focus is on creating customized solutions that allow employers to attract and retain top talent while giving employees access to quality healthcare and valuable benefits. We work with businesses of all sizes, taking the time to understand their goals before recommending a solution—because no two companies are exactly alike.
What sets us apart is our consultative approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all plans or simply renewing benefits year after year. Instead, we educate our clients, explore innovative funding strategies, and design programs that align with both their budget and their long-term business objectives. We want our clients to feel confident that they understand their options and are making informed decisions.
We’re especially known for helping employers think differently about healthcare costs through creative benefit strategies, including self-funded and level-funded plans, concierge medical solutions, and comprehensive employee benefits packages. Our goal is to help businesses control costs without sacrificing the quality of care available to their employees.
What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built with our clients. Many of the businesses we serve have been with us for years because they know we’re committed to doing what’s in their best interest—not what’s easiest or most profitable for us. We measure success by the long-term relationships we build and the positive impact we have on the companies, employees, and families we serve.
At the end of the day, our mission is simple: make employee benefits easier to understand, more affordable, and more valuable. When our clients succeed, their employees benefit, and stronger businesses create stronger communities. That’s what motivates us every day.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was naturally curious, independent, and always drawn to challenges. I loved learning how things worked and enjoyed finding creative ways to solve problems. At the same time, music became a huge part of my life. I spent countless hours practicing guitar, writing music, and eventually performing as a heavy metal singer and guitarist for more than 16 years.
Being a musician taught me much more than how to perform. It taught me discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the importance of preparation. It also pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me confidence communicating with people from all walks of life. Those experiences shaped my work ethic and the way I approach business today.
I’ve always enjoyed building relationships and helping people. Looking back, that’s been a consistent theme throughout my life, whether I was connecting with an audience on stage or working with business owners to solve complex challenges. I genuinely enjoy listening, learning, and finding ways to make a positive impact.
I think those early experiences helped shape the leader I’ve become—someone who values authenticity, hard work, continuous learning, and treating people with respect. Those principles continue to guide both my personal life and my business every day.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies based on each client’s unique needs. We offer complimentary consultations to evaluate a company’s current benefits strategy and recommend the best options.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mjninsuranceservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbizbenefitspro
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjninsuranceservices
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mjn-insurance-services
