Schulman Team
With unparalleled service, customized plans and client connections, Schulman Insurance Brokerage has achieved an enviable reputation and a high retention rate. We provide expert advice, flexible insurance services and continual support. We nurture our relationships, thereby giving our clients the information and confidence to make informed decisions for their businesses and for their lives.
Every member of the Schulman Insurance team possesses marketplace acumen and agility through thorough comprehension of products and policies and the expertise to match client needs with solutions that provide for their needs today and tomorrow.
Jonathan Schulman
Founder
Jonathan Schulman, the founder of Schulman Insurance, was the visionary who grew the company into the successful and thriving firm it is today. He began the company over 10 years ago, by making 400 cold calls a day from a closet-sized office. What started as groups of 1 and 2 grew into clients with hundreds of employees. The size of the group never mattered to Jonathan, though. He strove to go above and beyond for every client. The careful attention he gave and creative solutions he devised for his clients led to rapid growth, while his empathetic, lightning-fast responses allowed him to retain existing clients.
Jonathan had a love of sales and business operations and spent much of his free time further educating himself in these areas. He was often struck by inspiration, constantly thinking of innovative solutions for his clients. Schulman Insurance wasn’t just his livelihood, but a true passion and dream.
Jonathan’s vision lives on in the rest of the Schulman Insurance team and in the clients who remain with us year after year. His kindness, easy sense of humor, and passion for exceptional service will forever be an inspiration to those who knew him.
Jamie Schulman-Romano
President
Jamie has been the logistical backbone of Schulman Insurance since the beginning. Her pragmatic and practical advice provided the groundwork to allow Jonathan’s vision to soar. Today, as president of the company, Jamie’s insight and business acumen allow the company to thrive.
Jamie holds an undergraduate degree and an MBA from Hofstra University. Her business knowledge, when combined with her creative mindset and Jonathan’s vision, allows her a unique approach to the leadership of Schulman Insurance.
In her free time, Jamie enjoys crafting, organizing, and spending time with her family & dogs.
Phillip Byer
CEO
Phillip has overseen the growth of Schulman Insurance as a personal business advisor to Jonathan over the past 10+ years. In 2019, he took over as CEO to ensure a seamless transition and allow customer service to remain the focus of our business.
Phillip received his bachelor's degree from Hofstra University. Prior to working with Schulman Insurance full time, he most recently served as Executive Administrator of Procurement and Operations at St. George’s University where customer experience was also the most important aspect of his role.
In his spare time, Phillip enjoys reading, all things baseball, and spending time with his family.
Joyce DeFilippo
COO
Joyce has been an integral part of Schulman Insurance for over 10 years. Under Jonathan’s mentorship, her role at the company expanded as she worked alongside him to grow the business. As an expert insurance advisor, she is constantly seeking to grow her knowledge base and always working to devise innovative solutions. She prides herself on the thoughtful and personalized attention she gives to every client, often advocating on their behalf to obtain necessary healthcare services. Day to day, she manages a team of brokers who provide the very best in client service.
Joyce holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Adelphi University. Her background in education informs her ability to give presentations on employee benefits and to simplify complex issues for clients. In her free time, she enjoys reading, creative writing, and music.
Julianna Cohen
Senior Benefits Broker
Julianna has worked with employee benefits firms, financial advisors, life insurance brokers, and general agencies since 2010. Julianna works closely and patiently with clients, walking them step-by-step through complex processes with clear and simple communication. An underwriting and employee benefits expert, she continuously provides the most thorough blueprint of available policy options and plan structures. She focuses on the importance of learning the specific needs of each client in every interaction she has.
Julianna graduated magna cum laude from Fordham University. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing on the beach, going to the gym, and traveling.
Annie Fitzgerald
Client Service Specialist
Annie joined the Schulman team in 2020. Her 5+ years of customer service experience, as well as her calm demeanor and sense of understanding, allow her to provide pleasant and efficient client interactions. Annie graduated magna cum laude from Rider University.
In her spare time, she enjoys theatre, recreational sports, and spending time with friends.
Hartley Parish Tolentino
Benefits Broker
Hartley has gained years of experience in Human Resources and benefits management while working in NYC’s hospitality industry. Her understanding of employee needs and challenges allows her to guide clients through the complex world of employee benefits.
Hartley graduated summa cum laude from Skidmore College. In her free time, she enjoys ballet, reading sci-fi novels, and spending time with her family.
Marissa Healey
Operations Support Specialist
Marissa Healey joins the Schulman team with more than 15 years of stellar customer service experience in the healthcare industry. Nothing is more paramount to her than ensuring the satisfaction of her clients. Since pivoting into the world of insurance, she has maintained a proven track record of surpassing her clients’ needs and going above and beyond for them at every opportunity.
Marissa holds a BA in English from SUNY Stony Brook and enjoys reading, watching K-dramas, and rooting on the Mets with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.
Felicia Rambarran
Client Service Associate
Felicia Rambarran is the newest member of the Schulman team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management from Berkeley College. With a solid background in both higher education and healthcare, Felicia brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the importance of exceptional customer service to the organization.
Outside of her professional achievements, Felicia is a devoted mom to three wonderful children. Her spare time is spent cooking, baking, and engaging in various sports activities with her family, embodying the balance between professional dedication and personal passion.