Robert L. Hughes

REBC, RHU, LUTCF, AIF®

President & Founder

Robert Hughes, a graduate of Michigan State University, has over 35 years as an Employee Benefits Consultant. In 1997 he founded Advantage Benefits Group (ABG). ABG is Michigan’s largest independent employee benefits firm. They assist in the design and implementation of health care and retirement plans. ABG provides expertise in the field through pioneering data analytics, transparency, and initiatives to provide clients with lower cost, higher quality solutions. Robert is a frequent speaker on employee benefit issues, having spoken both nationally and internationally.

Robert currently serves on the board of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Previously he served as Chairmen of the Grand Rapids Chamber Healthcare and HR committee and continues to be an active member of that committee. ABG as an organization is very active in the Junior Achievement programs, with many employees participating as instructors. Robert himself has been a long term fourth grade economics instructor. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Thanksgiving and recently completed a 9-year term as a governor appointed commissioner on the Michigan Certificate of Need, or CON. The CON sets the standards of cost, quality, and access for healthcare in the State of Michigan. Roberts is a past president of The Grand Rapids Association of Life Underwriters and a member of The International Top of the Table.

Robert is an active community member, outdoor enthusiast, and sailboat racer. A passionate cyclist, he co-founded the Bissell/ABG cycling team. In 2013 he founded the MSU Grand Fondo which has resulted in raising over $1.6 million for cancer research by encouraging over 2,100 riders to gather in Michigan annually. Robert is currently on the Iron Belle Trail Fund Board of Directors which is working to connect trails throughout the state of Michigan.