Hometown Values, National Reach: The Pride of Place Behind One Firm’s Success

Tony DaRe founded BSI Corporate Benefits at a kitchen table, shaped by stories from his parents about steady work and community loyalty, and by the hands‑on example of his great‑grandfather, Americo “the Bull” DaRe. Americo emigrated from Italy in 1911 at just 16 years old and, alongside his son, dedicated more than 80 combined years to the Lehigh Valley steel industry. Those early lessons forged a business ethos: listen first, simplify complex problems, and reinvest success back into the community. Tony’s declared mission—being an advocate on a human and financial level—has guided every decision since.

What started as a local effort to provide competitive benefits for small employers became a model of measured growth. BSI’s first clients were family shops, neighborhood nonprofits, and chamber partners who became advocates and referrals. Those relationships, combined with a disciplined focus on measurable improvement, propelled the firm beyond its region. Today, BSI serves clients of every size in nearly every state in the nation while maintaining the consultative, relationship‑driven spirit of its kitchen‑table origins. That commitment was nationally recognized in 2023, when BSI was named the number one employee-benefits-only consulting firm in the country.

The firm’s current success rests in the capable hands of the 57 dedicated professionals who deliver a mix of benefits design, employee education, and client advocacy. Their day‑to‑day work turns Tony’s mission into practice: advising with empathy, modeling financial prudence, and translating policy into clear action for employers and employees alike.

Tony’s fierce commitment to independence is central to BSI’s identity. By avoiding outside investors and the pressures they can bring, the firm protects its ability to serve clients without decisions driven solely by margin targets. That independence lets BSI put client outcomes and long‑term relationships first, honoring the values Tony learned from his family and the labor that grounded his lineage.

BSI’s civic investments are tangible. The team has donated millions of dollars and thousands of hours to strengthening local nonprofits and small businesses. As Fig celebrates “Humble Beginnings,” BSI’s journey reminds readers that legacy businesses are built from generational values, a devoted team, and the courage to grow without losing sight of the community that made them possible.

Want to discover more local? Follow Fig on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for inspiration.