Rising Stars: Meet Brandon Erhart of Byron Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Erhart.

Hi Brandon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story in life and behind my career philosophy begins early on in life. When I was 6 months old I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a life threatening disease that affects the lungs and digestive system making it difficult to breathe and digest critical nutrients essential to healthy life. Historically, CF primarily affected children due to the fact that many CF patients simply do not make it to adult hood. As a result, I grew up living with mortality in mind. It was a gift as it allowed me to feel and experience gratitude in all things and live out my story as one that was there to love and serve others well. My Christian worldview reinforces this vocation as a mission to serve those who are most vulnerable, while sharing a sense of compassion and grace with everyone.

As a kid I was active in all things, finding joy and success in sports like baseball and golf. Entering college, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare somehow given my knowledge and understanding of the American Healthcare system, but i also knew anything clinical was not going to be my path. I found health communication as a degree pathway at Grand Valley State University, which combined all of my favorite parts about healthcare with my passion for business and the rest was history. Prior to completing my undergraduate degree at GVSU i began working as an intern for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in commercial markets. Our team services the employer benefits marketing working with employers of all sizes who offer health insurance benefits to their employees. For me, it meant the ability to provide guidance and counsel to those with less experience navigating complex healthcare situations and the ability to provide employers with accessible and affordable healthcare. BCBSM is a nonprofit health insurer in Michigan, so the DNA of our organization aligns with a greater social mission to provide the various communities of Michigan with the tools and resources necessary to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Throughout my career, BCBSM has spent countless resources investing in me and providing a platform to grow in leadership and community stewardship. I’ve completed several Chamber-based community leadership programs, refined who i am as a person and a leader, and even gone back to complete and MBA. Community stewardship, for me, means serving on numerous non-profit boards, volunteering on local development campaigns, and acting as a connector to resources. One of the things im most proud of has been my ability to connect people to people. I always say, “I just want my friends to be friends”. These connections have led to career opportunities, business relationships, and all around more friendship

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?
There are always challenges, and there is beauty in the brokenness. For me, miraculously, I have been blessed with tremendous health given my diagnoses. There are bumps for sure, but I mostly live my day-to-day without concern for my health future. I enjoy working out, golfing, walking my dog Winson and being with those I love – all of these things create meaning and something to get out of bed for.

Family dynamic, relationships, and things outside of my control are always knocking at the door, but i believe that trial is a natural catalyst for growth.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my daily life i work as the Regional Sales Manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan – the team i first started for when i began as an intern. It has been a full circle experience for me. I think what im known for is that “I am everywhere”. Community and stakeholder engagement is a natural gift of mine. I love a good story, so when i encounter others in the midst of their own story its something that sticks. As a result, my mind is always cross referencing different stories and looking for overlap which is how i beleive im able to act as a convener of people so effectively.

Im passionate about healthcare and have had a front row seat to the dysfunctional nature of certain aspects of it throughout my 12 year career. I believe i have a platform now and the knowledge to help move the needle in some capacity, as well as simply act as an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Causes im passionate about include the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the YMCA of Grand Rapids, YoungLife, Gildas Club, and anything else healthcare. Lets connect or just be friends

Contact Info:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-erhart/