BS Marketing '88
Kurt Gehring serves as the National Practice Leader for Public Entities at Risk-Strategies which is an insurance consulting and brokerage firm. He is also the founder of BenTek, a cloud-based SaaS platform that specializes in benefits enrollment and administration for state and local governments, as well as educational institutions. Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, BenTek offers customized solutions that simplify and enhance benefits management across the public sector.
With over 30 years of experience in working with the Public Entities industry, Kurt is a seasoned entrepreneur and respected industry leader. He successfully built a progressive insurance organization and software company from the ground up and has led it for more than two decades. Known for challenging traditional industry norms, Kurt has consistently driven innovation and set new standards in service and strategy. His leadership is defined by a can-do attitude, a commitment to transparency, strong ethical values, and a passion for solving client challenges through practical, forward-thinking solutions.
Kurt’s philanthropic spirit is reflected in his ongoing support from numerous organizations across Florida. His community involvement includes serving as Chair of the ARC and contributing to organizations such as The Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, The Lord’s Place, Faith Farm Ministries, Family Central, The Women’s Chamber Foundation Scholarship Program, and Habitat for Humanity. Through these efforts, he demonstrates a deep commitment to uplifting individuals and strengthening communities throughout the state.
A proud alumnus of Florida State University, Kurt earned his degree in Marketing and fully embraces the Seminole spirit. Inspired by his professors and campus experiences, he adopted two guiding principles that continue to shape his leadership: “Go the Extra Mile” and “Be relentless about your job and your skills and strive for betterment” — both of which are now core values within his company.
Kurt Gehring is a licensed pilot with over 25 years of experience and more than 3,200 flight hours. He resides in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with his wife of 30 years, Linda Shaw Gehring, a fellow Florida State University alum. Together, they have four children: Kyle (33), Jessica (30), Kory (23), and Kody (20). Jessica, also an FSU graduate and member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, earned her degree in Interior Architecture and Design. Kory is pursuing his master’s at FSU, while Kody is completing his undergraduate degree there.
A devoted Seminole, Kurt is a corporate booster of Florida State Athletics and a frequent visitor to Tallahassee.
