About Us

    Alera Group, formerly Barnes Insurance & Financial Services is a performance based, proactive, benefit firm committed to our client's success. Founded January 1, 2005 as a LLC, BIAFS has offices located at 1582 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504. In August of 2018 we joined Alera Group giving us a vast amount of resources to better serve our clients.

    Our principal lines of business are Health, Dental, Life, Disability, Supplemental Policies, and Financial Services. United HealthCare, MetLife, UNUM, Guardian and ING are just a few of the carriers with whom we write business. BIAFS is a Blue Diamond agency with Florida Blue (highest agency status with Florida Blue). One of the most respected insurance agencies in the panhandle, Barnes Insurance & Financial Services has grown rapidly into a top ten agency with Florida Blue with over 15,000 lives insured.

    As a Florida Blue contracted general agency, we have the ability in certain circumstances to help employees transition their dependents to individual health policies. We are also available to counsel with employees and dependents that no longer meet eligibility requirements to review their specific options and possibly limit their cost and the employer’s COBRA exposure.

    With a combined working experience of over 100 years, BIAFS has 8 accomplished employees with a diverse insurance background that complements our clientele.

    Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. CST and all federally recognized holidays are observed.

    Meet Our Team

    David Nicolette

    Sales Executive
    David Nicolette

    (404) 345-3124

    Graduating from the University of Mississippi with degrees in Risk Management, Insurance, and Managerial Finance, David was inspired to pursue a profession in insurance because he believes this industry is a true difference-maker across all sectors. He appreciates having the ability to play a role in so many different clients’ success, not only in the present but also in the future.

    David is a hard-working, detail-oriented individual and brings a high level of energy to everything he does. Being a younger producer in the insurance industry, David has the luxury of being able to grow alongside clients for many years to come.

    David enjoys spending time with family and friends. He believes relationships are essential, and he takes full advantage of any opportunity he gets to be with those closest to him. David is also interested in health and spending time in the gym, playing tennis and golf.

    Lisa Knichel

    Small Group Service Assistant/ Administrator
    Lisa Knichel

    EXPERT EDUCATION

    Events and Webinars

    Employee Benefits

    Supporting Women’s Health Month: Trending Employee Benefits

    In this session, we’ll talk about how employers are helping female employees and dependents be their best through every phase of life: From fertility, maternal care and parenting to peri/menopause, caregiving and mental health. 

    May 16, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Sign Up
    Webinar graphic - Alera Engage

    Employee Benefits

    Q2 Compliance Update

    Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.

    June 4, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Sign Up
    Webinar graphic - Alera Engage

    Employee Benefits

    Optimize Your Benefits: A Three-Pronged Approach

    Want to lower healthcare costs and enrich your benefits program at the same time? If so, this webinar is for you.

    June 20, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Sign Up
    Webinar graphic - Alera Engage

    THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

    Insights

    Employee Benefits

    This Mental Health Awareness Month, ‘Run Your Own Race’

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are tips and resources to help you get started on the route to a happier, healthier you.

    April 25, 2024

    Find out more

    Wealth Services

    Weekly Market Update

    Stocks fell for a third straight week, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell's mixed but upbeat message could not offset the anxiety caused by the Middle East conflict.

    April 22, 2024

    Find out more

    Wealth Services

    Weekly Market Update

    Stocks fell last week as investors sorted through conflicting inflation reports and assessed geopolitical tensions.

    April 15, 2024

    Find out more

    Wealth Services

    Monthly Market and Economic Update | March 2024

    Read about the latest insights on the market and economy from our Director of Investments, Bob Janson.

    April 11, 2024

    Find out more