Steve Trott, Founder & CEO

Steven G. Trott has worked within all facets of the insurance industry throughout his 25 year career. Whether it was underwriting self insured plans for large companies to training brokers how to explain the products or providing paid consulting services to a variety of employer entities, Steve has always had his thumb on the pulse of the industry.

As an underwriter Steve brings a unique perspective to his clients. He is able to analyze a benefits package by utilizing the skills learned as an underwriter and then develop a course of action that includes developing rates, identifying trends that may be occurring and providing solutions to problems before they become unmanageable. His unparalleled ability to correct and identify runaway expenses in a plan before they occur helps the client avoid potential exposures.

Steve's specialty is taking the most complex details of a fully or partially self-insured plan and communicating those details so that his clients understand every aspect of their benefit package.

With over 20 years of experience specializing in employee benefits, he rarely comes across situations that he hasn't encountered. This unique approach has made Steve one of the most respected benefits consultants in California. Steve and his firm have been retained by hospitals, school districts, municipalities, casinos, Native American governments and private sector employers on many occasions to assist in fixing a program designed by other brokers or consulting companies that have either become ineffective, imploded or become insolvent.

As the lead Consultant, Steve brings a broad base of knowledge and sensitivity to each client. His breadth of experience includes underwriting, working with actuaries in proper plan design, implementation, pricing and management of self-funded and fully insured plans. He has extensive experience working with third party administrators (TPA), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO & PBM), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Utilization Review (UR) as well as Large Claim Management (LCM)

Steve's background provides valuable insight into the inner workings of the marketplace, insurance companies and provider networks. His clients are kept abreast of the constant changes in employee benefits. By recommending cost containment options as appropriate, his clients are assured of receiving controlled renewal increases as warranted by actual claims experience; not what the carrier thinks they can pass off to you. Collective bargaining is often a sensitive area that requires experience and objectivity.

Steve has considerable experience providing objective information to clients and their employees to ensure that all parties' needs are met.

Steve was raised in Butte County, Ca. and after working within the “corporate insurance home office world” he began to recognize an overwhelming need for competent and informed benefits consultants. In 1989 Steve founded Almond Valley Insurance Services, Inc.

Steven G. Trott and his consulting firm, AVI Services, Inc have been awarded some of the industries highest awards. Among those awards is the highest award given by the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), The Golden Eagle award of the Leading Producers Round Table. Steve has been recognized by the "Who's Who" in the insurance industry on multiple occasions and participated with the Senate Advisory Committee on Health Care for the state of California. He has written multiple papers on the industry, self insurance, medical trends and underwriting insurance risks. Steve also participates regularly on numerous advisory councils for Health Insurance companies and providers.

He is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, Self-Insurance Institute of America, and International Foundation for Employee Benefits Plans and is very active community and local charities.