Meet Our Team
Mark Ziemba II
Founder/CEO
Location: Downtown Buffalo
716-508-0110
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Mark R. Ziemba II, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ founded this company to help his wealth management clients navigate the ever-changing Medicare Insurance landscape. The firm is founded on the principle that no single insurance company can provide the right answer for every person, therefore we represent almost all of them.
As a proud veteran of the US Army serving as a Sergeant and Unit Leader in Iraq, Mark developed key skills including leadership, staying calm under pressure, prioritizing goals and an appreciation for cherishing what is truly important in life. Coming from modest means and time spent with his great-grandparents helped develop who Mark is today. His success, personally and professionally, has come from hard work, dedication, and a simple moral code.
Mark earned his Bachelor of Science in Management from SUNY Buffalo and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. His credentials closely align with his belief that effective relationships between insurance clients and their advisors are built on trust and in acting in the client’s best interests.
His areas of focus include Medicare insurance guidance, investment management, trust management, estate planning, retirement savings and income strategies, along with budgeting and debt reduction strategies. he is also a 3(38) – Full Discretion, 401 (K) advisor through Private Advisor Group and is experienced in plan design, administration, participant education, and due diligence.
As a native of Western New York, Mark is also a proud supporter of his hometown. He frequently hosts financial literacy forums, is an active speaker and writer on financial topics and has dedicated a portion of profits from Thoughtful Plan for investment in local community organizations that serve WNY.
Vicki Pollock
Medicare Insurance Consulant
Location: Southern Tier (Cattauragus)
716-376-0129
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Vicki Pollock is well-versed as a Medicare Benefit Consultant, now with over 13 years of experience in this field. “Since I love what I do, it never feels as though I am ‘working’.” …and that has been her consistent mantra. For most people approaching age 65, preparing for retirement and anticipating the need to understand Medicare is intimidating. What to do, whom to call, where to go? Those are the very questions Vicki embraces as she assists people, sifting through the complexities, listening to their needs, and ultimately guiding them to the right carrier and the best plan. It is said that even Annual Open Enrollment’s barrage of mail can leave a person feeling overwhelmed and confused. The ability to provide these people peace of mind …its’s priceless.
Cheryl Smith
Medicare Insurance Consulant
Location: Southern Tier (Cattauragus)
716-379-3174
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Cheryl believes that personal service should be tailored to meet a person’s circumstances. Her empathetic listening, together with her knowledge and expertise, assists in navigating the confusing Medicare world and ensuring that each person’s needs are best met.
Cheryl has been continuously working in the health insurance field since 1994. She served as Risk & Benefits Manager for both Cattaraugus County and Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES, where she managed the health insurance needs of 23 school districts. Following her retirement from BOCES in 2011, Cheryl became a licensed health agent through New York State and was certified as a Medicare Specialist with Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY. In 2019, Cheryl joined with Thoughtful Plan to continue to assist Allegany and Cattaraugus County residents in understanding their Medicare choices by comparing and offering options from various health insurance companies.
For the past 30 years, Cheryl and her husband Joe have resided in the Olean area, where she finds great joy in her family, quilting, and gardening.
John Koller
Medicare Insurance Consulant
Location: Grand Island
716-431-5292
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John considers himself a “people person” and loves to work with and talk to people from all walks of life. After spending almost thirty years with a large cargo airline, John retired “young” from his supervisory position in 2015 and started his new career in Medicare Insurance Sales soon thereafter. While vastly different from his previous career, John loves his new profession and the importance of the work he does. While helping people to understand Medicare and finding them the plan that best fits their needs, John has built a reputation of being honest and ethical with his clientele. John has served the youth in his community for many years until his recent retirement from hockey coaching and refereeing. A father of three adult children, he has been a resident of Grand Island for the past 32 years and currently resides there with his wife Kathy and their dog Bailey.
Christian Hy
Medicare Insurance Consulant
Location: Southern Tier (Cattauragus)
716-289-8878
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With over a decade of experience as an educator—four years in Special Education and six in Career and Technical Education—Christian HY has built a career around helping others understand complex information in a clear, relatable way. Since 2017, Christian has brought that same passion and clarity to the Medicare industry as a trusted Medicare Broker.
Driven by personal experience, Christian entered the Medicare field after witnessing the confusion and misinformation his own family faced while navigating Medicare. Today, he’s dedicated to ensuring that individuals and families in his community are equipped with the knowledge they need to make confident, informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
Christian believes that no one should feel overwhelmed by the Medicare process. His teaching background allows him to simplify the complexities of coverage options so clients can feel supported and understood every step of the way.
Outside of work, Christian is an avid outdoorsman and motorsport enthusiast. Whether he’s hiking, hunting, fishing, exploring off-the-beaten-path places, or attending a truck or tractor pull, he’s always chasing the next adventure. And as a proud Buffalo Bills fan, you'll often find him cheering on his team with unwavering loyalty.
Mark Ziemba Sr.
Medicare Insurance Consulant
Location: Lockport (Niagara County)
716-497-1006
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Mark specializes in helping clients navigate the complexities of Medicare. His mission is to empower seniors and their families by providing personalized solutions that meet their unique healthcare needs.
Mark understands that choosing the right Medicare plan can be overwhelming, which is why he takes the time to listen and assess each client's individual situation. Whether you’re new to Medicare or looking to switch plans, Mark is available to simplify the process and ensure you understand all your options.
Mark prides himself on being an advocate for my clients, guiding them through every step, from enrollment to ongoing support. His goal is to help you make informed decisions that enhance your healthcare experience while maximizing your benefits. Reach out today to schedule a consultation!