Experience That Works for You

Decades of benefit consulting knowledge, applied to help businesses of every size.

Our Story

Cardwell Associates was built on a simple idea: employers deserve benefit strategies that actually work for their people and their bottom line. We’ve advised organizations for decades, partnering with clinicians, carriers, and innovators to bring practical, high‑impact solutions to teams of every size.

Today, we help employers cut waste, manage risk, and elevate the employee experience — with clear strategy, proactive renewal planning, and the day‑to‑day service your team can rely on.

What We Value

Transparency

Clear fees, clear data, and clear decisions. No black boxes.

Ownership

We help you control the levers that drive cost and experience.

Service

Fast answers, real people, and support that doesn’t stop at renewal.

Results

Practical strategies that reduce waste and improve member outcomes.

We Believe…

Who’s Behind Cardwell Associates

David Cardwell Sr.

Partner

David is a nationally recognized industry leader and Subject Matter Expert. Since 1980 he has spent his career being a pioneer bringing new strategies to the marketplace. His experience across fully insured and self funded markets; deep data analytics and underwriting acumen; supported 10,000+ corporate clients through 1000 brokers.

Michael Cardwell

Partner

Began in 1997 during Cardwell Associates’ merger with AXA Financial and later Group Benefit Services. Michael’s experience with large group gives him the ability to bring those strategies to small and medium sized businesses in the Baltimore/Washington area. Primary focus: employee first plan design that maximizes value and minimizes cost.

What People Say About Us