155 Pinelawn Rd, Suite 210N, Melville, NY 11747

Meet the Team

Ed Probst

President

Growing up in the blue collar neighborhood of Ozone Park, Queens, I quickly learned the value of hard work and family. I had a great childhood with loving parents and two sisters who shaped me into the person I am today. I spent much of my time on the Baseball field where I developed some of the greatest relationships of my life, and learned many life lessons.

Baseball was and still is one of my greatest passions. Learning how to work towards a common goal as a team is something that has helped me tremendously in all my business and personal endeavors. I carried that with me into my educational experience and was a student athlete at St, Francis Prep, Queensborough CC, and finally NY Tech where I received a Baseball Scholarship.

If you have ever met me, you know that I bleed Orange and Blue. I’ve had a 53 year love affair with the NY Mets, started by my Dad when I was born in 1969 and witnessed my first World Championship. Although I’ve had many ups and downs with the team they have created incredible bonds in my family and now with my own children which I will always cherish. 

In 1999 I co-founded Vanguard Benefits with my lifelong friend and teammate Vinny Blasi. Together we have built a family like business that has evolved over 23 years to be a reputable Employee Benefits Firm that cares a lot about their clients. I believe that benefits are personal and that every client, and employee is important. I’ve dedicated myself to ensure my business acumen conveys this message to our clients, partners, and staff. It has always been important to me to continually expand my knowledge base, in order to deliver an expertise that my clients can rely on. I have studied through the American College and National Association Of Health Underwriters to receive the designations of Registered Health underwriter (RHU) and the prestigious Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC), as well as a certification in Affordable Care Act Studies. 

I’ve always felt that giving feels far greater than receiving. This is a value my wife and I are determined to instill in our children. I’ve enjoyed all of my volunteer experience including time serving on the Board Of Directors at Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County, as President of the Bayside Business Association, and as a youth Baseball and Softball Coach. I’ve been a coach for over 25 years and now get to experience coaching my own kids which has fulfilled a dream that I’ve always had. 

When not working or volunteering you will find me spending time with my wife Justine and our children Edward and Sophia, at our home in Albertson, NY. We love to attend Mets games together, and you will often find us at one of Edward’s baseball games or at Sophia’s theater productions. Personally I enjoy playing Basketball, Golf, and watching the Mets. I do it as much as I can.

Vincent Blasi

Vice President

With over 20 years of industry experience and knowledge, Vinny’s focus on organizational skills and operational management for the firm has proven to be a significant asset to the high level of client retention and satisfaction.  Vinny maintains consistent relationships with carriers, clients, and his team to ensure that all clients and their employees have an informed and cone. 

Always a team player, Vinny maintains strong relationships with both his team of account managers as well as Vanguard’s sales team.

Vinny’s conscientious and calm nature that have proven to be a major benefit during what at times can be challenging and sensitive conversations as employees need access to specific care.

In his time away from the office, Vinny is inspired by his wife and 4 children and their passion for sports & the outdoors. After many years of playing & now coaching, time on any field is a second home.

Tommy DiMisa

Director of Strategic Alliances

He brings over 17 years of expertise in strategic alliances with business owners and trusted advisers and is known as a selfless connector who consistently adds value to his networking partners, clients, and community.

Tommy’s work at ADP, TriNet and CoAdvantage honed his expertise in PEO and HR outsourcing. During his time at Safeguard Global, Tommy helped businesses tackle the global need for easy and agile global employment outsourcing solutions. Through this variety of experience

Tommy has become keenly aware of the options available in the HR & Benefits market positioning him as a consultant with Vanguard Insurance Agency.

Tommy’s passion for the nonprofit sector has made him a beloved philanthropic activist. Tommy created Philanthropy in Phocus, a project that provides support to nonprofits through networking opportunities, thought leadership, and a soon to be launched podcast series. Tommy sits on the boards of The Bayside Business Association, TSI CARES, The Health & Business Alliance, and TNG-THE Networking Group as “Chief Culture Officer” and The Lindy Loo Foundation.

Ann Marie Haflich

Account Manager

Ann Marie is a seasoned professional with eight years of experience as a licensed Health Insurance agent at Vanguard Benefits. Renowned for her exceptional interpersonal skills and client-centric approach, Ann Marie specializes in account management, providing unparalleled support to HR teams and their employees. 

In her role at Vanguard Benefits,  Ann Marie serves as a dedicated account manager, working closely with HR professionals to oversee the administration of their health insurance plans. Her expertise lies in guiding clients through the complexities of their benefit offerings, ensuring that they maximize the value of their plans while minimizing administrative burdens. As an account manager, Ann Marie is responsible for a wide range of activities, including but not limited to Client Relationship Management, Plan Administration, Emloyee Education and Communication, and Issue Resolution.

As a trusted advisor, Ann Marie is adept at resolving complex issues and addressing client concerns promptly and effectively. Whether it’s resolving billing discrepancies, coordinating with insurance carriers, or advocating on behalf of clients, she is committed to delivering exceptional service and support.

Throughout her tenure at Vanguard Benefits, Ann Marie has demonstrated a relentless commitment to client satisfaction and excellence in account management. Her ability to navigate the intricacies of the healthcare landscape, coupled with her genuine passion for helping others, has earned her the respect and trust of clients and colleagues alike.

David Kaye

Senior Account Manager

David is a seasoned professional with 25 years of dedicated service at Vanguard Benefits, where he holds the position of Senior Account Manager. With expertise in fostering strong client relationships, David serves as a crucial liaison between Vanguard’s clients and insurance carriers.

His specialization extends to Medicare, where he provides invaluable assistance to eligible business owners and employees, ensuring they navigate the complexities of Medicare with confidence. David’s commitment to excellence and his deep understanding of the industry have made him an indispensable asset to Vanguard Benefits and its clients alike.

Vanguard Vision

Vanguard Benefits is continually striving to differentiate itself from the competition with innovation, strategic planning, and by providing the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to offer the most robust employee benefits package to our clients.