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At ClaimsBridge, “simplifying the complex” requires more than just advanced software—it requires a deep, clinical understanding of the healthcare landscape. Today, we are honored to introduce you to our Contract Analyst, Laurie Matthews, a professional whose career is defined by a lifelong commitment to the medical field.

A Bridge Between Medicine and Business

Laurie joined the ClaimsBridge team just over six months ago, bringing with her a powerhouse of experience. As a Registered Nurse (RN) for 42 years, Laurie has a vast understanding of medical terminology and systems that few can match. This clinical foundation, paired with 26 years in contract negotiation and implementation, allows her to analyze contracts with a level of precision that ensures accuracy for every stakeholder involved.

Innovation Driven by Respect

When asked what makes ClaimsBridge stand out, Laurie points to the intersection of culture and technology. “The people and the atmosphere make it a great place to work,” she says, “but it’s the way all providers, TPAs, and business leaders are treated as clients with respect that truly defines us”. She sees our daily commitment to improving technology as the key to simplifying the complexities of the industry.

Life Beyond the Analysis

Outside of the office, Laurie channels her focus and creativity into Diamond Painting and spending time with her unique cat (who she’s convinced thinks he’s a dog). A dedicated member of her community, she also spends her time volunteering for her church and local charities to help those in need.

At ClaimsBridge, we are continuously “Simplifying the Complex” for our clients and partners. To maintain that standard, we rely on leaders who understand the intricate workflows of the healthcare industry from every angle. Today, we are proud to introduce you to Matt Richards, our Manager of Account Management.

With only nine months at ClaimsBridge, Matt has already made a significant impact by leveraging his previous experience on the TPA (Third-Party Administrator) side of the business. This unique perspective allows him to truly “walk in our clients’ shoes,” ensuring our account strategies are built on real-world reliability and deep logistical knowledge.

Reliability as a Core Skill

When asked what approach makes him most effective in his new role, Matt’s answer is clear: Attention to detail and follow-through. “It’s about ensuring that clients and partners know they can rely on us to perform,” he explains. This dedication perfectly mirrors his view of how ClaimsBridge simplifies the complex. “Our approach is always to make life easier for our clients and partners. We do the background work to make the end-user more successful”.

A Culture of Mutual Success

For Matt, the ClaimsBridge “Team Concept” is what truly makes the company special. He values the environment where everyone pitches in and where leadership proactively provides the “tools to succeed” for both individual and corporate growth.

Life Beyond the Office

When he is not focused on client performance, Matt is equally dedicated to his community and the outdoors. He spends his after-work pursuits at church, fishing, surfing, or relaxing with his family—a grounded lifestyle that fuels his meticulous approach to account management.

We are pleased to celebrate Ricardo Vinci, our Senior Software Engineer celebrating one year at ClaimsBridge.

About his role at ClaimsBridge:
I’m focused on maintaining and enhancing the current ClaimsBridge platform. I’m working on implementing new features designed to boost our claims processing capabilities while minimizing resource usage. My goal is to drive growth for ClaimsBridge, ensuring we can scale our operations efficiently to better serve our existing clients and expand our reach to new ones.

Before ClaimsBridge:
Prior to joining ClaimsBridge, I worked at Novant Health as a Senior Software Engineer, where I focused on modernizing their tech stack using Java, Spring Boot, Spring Reactive, Gradle, and Azure. Before that, I served as an IT Manager at TD Bank, where I led efforts to migrate legacy on-premises applications to Azure while enhancing technologies and standards. With a background in health tech since 2016, my expertise lies in microservice-oriented architecture, cloud applications—especially in Azure—and Java, which I’ve been working with since 2008. Additionally, I have extensive experience with tools like Spring Boot, Kubernetes, Redis, and Maven.

What’s next:
I’m really excited about the opportunity to see ClaimsBridge scale and be part of the improvements that drive value for both the company and our customers. I’m passionate about modernizing our application, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance the platform further. Additionally, I’m eager to deepen my knowledge of healthcare, especially in cost management, and contribute to solutions like ClaimsBridge that play a key role in making healthcare more efficient and sustainable.

At ClaimsBridge, “simplifying the complex” isn’t just a software goal—it’s a daily operational standard upheld by our incredible team. Today, we are proud to introduce you to a vital part of our engine: Michelle Sears.

Coming to us with over 20 years of experience as a Print Shop Manager, Michelle joined the ClaimsBridge mailroom nearly a year ago. She brings a deep-rooted understanding of high-volume logistics and a commitment to efficiency that keeps our workflows moving seamlessly.

The Power of Teamwork

When asked how she sees ClaimsBridge living out its mission, Michelle points directly to the people. “We are always working as a team to get the job done fast and efficiently,” she says. For Michelle, the beauty of the company lies in the steady work, the benefits, and the feeling of being truly appreciated by the business.

Life Beyond the Office

While she spends her days ensuring our physical communications are handled with care, Michelle’s after-work life is defined by the open water. As a Captain of a charter fishing boat, she trades the mailroom for the helm, spending her time boating, shucking oysters, and enjoying quality time with her family.

Whether she’s navigating a busy print queue or a charter route, Michelle’s “steady-at-the-wheel” approach is exactly what makes our team strong.

“We support our clients, we support our founders and investors, and we support each other. That’s the culture I want to protect.”

At ClaimsBridge, our culture of collaboration and client focus starts at the top. Today, we’re spotlighting our CEO, Kevin Gibson, whose leadership has transformed the company while preserving its close-knit, supportive environment.

Kevin first joined ClaimsBridge as a consultant, bringing his experience with start-ups and his passion for solving problems. In just five years, he’s guided the company through significant growth, expanding from a “sleepy” 20-client business to serving more than 80 clients, and increasing revenue from under $3 million to over $13 million. Along the way, he’s built operational foundations, expanded the leadership team, and championed a culture where employees are supported as whole people.

What initially attracted you to join ClaimsBridge, and what’s made you stay?

I first came here as a consultant. The prior CEO was looking for help in growing the company more aggressively, and I saw problems I knew how to solve from my prior experience. I’ve always loved solving problems. It doesn’t matter what they are, I just enjoy finding solutions. Over the past five years, the transformation we’ve achieved together proved that approach works.

It’s also the people. The prior CEO built a close, supportive environment where everyone has each other’s back. I’ve always held to three values: we support our clients, we support our founders and investors, and we support each other. That’s the culture I want to protect.

How would you describe work-life balance at ClaimsBridge? What support or resources have you personally experienced to help with that?

We value work-life balance tremendously. We’ve grown quickly and workloads have increased, but we never want to slip into a culture where people don’t take PTO or feel they can’t step away. Life happens; kids get sick, appointments come up, things need to get fixed at home, and we support each other through it.

I’m a father of three with a wife who works, so I know firsthand the importance of flexibility. We don’t expect people to work every weekend. We promote a strong team spirit, and we help each other make space for life outside of work.

I also know what burnout feels like. Before ClaimsBridge, I retired early for a time because of the travel demands of my job. I don’t want anyone here to feel forced out of a career they love because they can’t sustain the pace.

What’s your most significant achievement at ClaimsBridge, and how has it impacted the organization?
The biggest achievement is our growth, from under $3 million in revenue to over $13 million. That didn’t happen by accident. Early on, I knew we needed to get our great software solution out of a closet, into a hosting center, and backed by SOC 2 Level II certification. Those foundational steps gave us credibility and positioned us for growth.

We’ve also brought on exceptional people to help make it happen. Growth is always a team effort.

How has your role evolved since joining?
When I first started, I was very hands-on, setting up our first Salesforce system, managing operations, and wearing multiple hats. Now, my focus is on enabling others to succeed. We’ve added leadership roles, and my job is to make sure they have what they need.

I introduced monthly management meetings so all leaders can align on priorities and goals, and weekly project prioritization meetings to ensure we’re focusing on the right things. These are now just part of our day-to-day operations.

How do ClaimsBridge’s culture and values influence your work and decisions?
My career has always been rooted in client service, so I’m heavily focused on making sure we take care of our clients and our employees.

Happy staff work better than unhappy staff. We address challenges, whether mental or physical health, with the same empathy and support. We also make it a priority to recognize and reward people for their contributions through pay increases and bonuses when we can.

It’s about doing the right thing for both clients and employees.

Anything else you’d like to share?
We have a mission to make healthcare less expensive for employers, and that mission matters. The industry is complex and confusing, even for people who work in it. By helping employers manage and reduce costs, we give them the ability to put more back into their employees’ benefits.

It’s a mission everyone here can get behind, because how could you not?

“We’re not just thinking about the business. We’re thinking about the people doing the work.”

At ClaimsBridge, we’re known for innovation—but it’s our people who drive that progress forward. Today, we’re spotlighting Mike Tosti, who joined ClaimsBridge to build something new and has been instrumental in evolving not just our product suite, but our culture. With a background in consulting and sales leadership, Mike stepped into a role that spans product development, vendor strategy, and guiding a growing business development team. His strategic mindset and people-first perspective have helped shape the way ClaimsBridge serves clients—and supports its employees.

What initially attracted you to join ClaimsBridge, and what has made you stay?

I was drawn to the opportunity to build something unique and meaningful: something that didn’t yet exist in the market in any scalable way. What’s kept me here is that ongoing journey of building and growing. Seeing that vision start to take shape and create opportunities, for colleagues, for clients, and for myself, has been incredibly rewarding.

How would you describe the work-life balance at ClaimsBridge?

We’re very focused on making sure people live their lives first. Personally, my work and life are deeply integrated. The company culture supports people in putting in their best effort during working hours and then truly being able to step away and enjoy their personal lives. It’s also a place where people feel comfortable being open and caring about each other.

Can you share a project or achievement you’re especially proud of?

Rather than one specific close or product, I’d point to a broader strategic shift we’ve made as a company. When I joined, most of our energy was focused on being the rails; connecting claims and building access points. That’s still foundational, but we’ve expanded to offer our own products and services on those rails. That transition took time and a lot of learning, but we’re seeing the payoff now. We’re getting recognized in the market for capabilities that didn’t exist for us just a few years ago. That shift in perception has been a major win.

How has your role evolved since you joined?

I started as Head of Sales and Marketing, but with no team, product development was job one. Now, my focus includes P&L responsibility for the sales team, vendor and product management, and strategic growth. I’ve gone from building the function to mentoring others and accelerating the growth of our business development team. That shift has been exciting, especially as we continue to refine what we offer and who we serve.

What steps have you taken to adapt as your role changed?

A big part of it has been pushing down responsibilities I used to own and focusing on how to develop others. It’s been nearly a decade since I last focused on growing a team rather than just my own book of business. The kinds of clients we’re engaging now are also different; larger, more complex, and more focused on transparency and reducing vendor bloat. That’s changed the way we approach everything from sales strategy to onboarding.

How does ClaimsBridge’s culture influence the way the team works together?

What stands out most is how deeply the team cares. We’re still small enough that we all work closely, and even our leadership is incredibly accessible. In internal meetings, like implementation calls or dev sprints, we’re not just talking about tasks or timelines. We’re thinking about the impact on each other as people. We ask, “Can you really take this on next week?” or “Will this push someone too far?” That human-centered approach helps us manage the pace of growth without burning people out.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I joined post-COVID, so I’ve only known ClaimsBridge during this intense phase of growth. But even with remote work, we’re very intentional about staying connected, whether that’s hopping on a Teams call to just catch up, or coming together in person for an All Hands meeting or a baseball game. We’re growing fast, but we haven’t lost sight of the importance of taking care of each other.

As part of our commitment to cultivating a strong, connected culture, the ClaimsBridge team enjoyed an outing to a Baltimore Orioles baseball game. The event brought together colleagues from all departments for an afternoon of fun, bonding, and Orioles pride.

The highlight of the day? A memorable photo opportunity featuring EVP Kevin and CEO Mike with the Orioles’ beloved mascot — a lighthearted moment that captured the spirit of the day.

At ClaimsBridge, we believe that shared experiences outside of work strengthen the connections we bring into the work we do — ultimately helping us better serve our clients and partners.

At ClaimsBridge, we’re committed to fostering a supportive, family-oriented environment, empowering our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Today, we’re excited to highlight Jessica Picarde, our Director of Finance, whose journey reflects the very heart of our company’s values. Jessica joined ClaimsBridge from a demanding career in investment banking, seeking balance and flexibility for her growing family. Over her tenure, she’s worn many hats—streamlining processes, implementing operational foundations, and significantly enhancing our financial efficiency. Jessica’s dedication to realizing the original vision of ClaimsBridge has been instrumental in our growth, and her leadership continues to make a meaningful impact for both clients and colleagues alike.

“What kept me was the drive to see my dad’s vision come to life. Today, we’re larger, stronger, and closer to that goal than ever.”

What initially attracted you to join ClaimsBridge, and what’s made you stay?

My background was in investment banking, working intense 80-hour weeks at Wells Fargo. My dad, Bob Schmidt, approached me just after I got engaged and said, “I need a finance person. I can’t pay you much, but you’ll have flexible hours for family life.” Honestly, that was it—I wanted balance for my future family, so I took the leap. 

That sounds like a very intentional decision.

Absolutely. Maybe not glamorous, but that’s why I did it.

And what’s kept you at ClaimsBridge?

When I started, it was just Bob, Jack, and me in a tiny office, all pitching in wherever needed—finance, mailroom, client care, everything. What kept me was the drive to see my dad’s vision come to life. Over time, we grew, brought on Jason and others, and it’s been fulfilling seeing the company finally match that original vision. Today, we’re larger, stronger, and closer to that goal than ever.

That’s a wonderful story. How would you describe work-life balance at ClaimsBridge?

Coming from investment banking, where constant long hours were standard, ClaimsBridge has been amazing. The company offers flexibility tailored to each employee’s unique needs. There’s genuine attention to ensuring people don’t feel overwhelmed or undervalued. It’s very individualized—balanced, supportive, and respectful of everyone’s life outside of work.

Are there specific supports or resources you’ve received to maintain your personal work-life balance?

My husband travels frequently, so during the week, I effectively manage as a single mom. ClaimsBridge provides me tremendous flexibility. I often leave work early to handle family responsibilities and then return in the evening to finish my tasks. That adaptability is invaluable to me.

Can you share your most significant achievement at ClaimsBridge and its impact?

Early on, I implemented foundational operational processes. But more recently, my biggest accomplishment has been streamlining and enhancing our financial operations. We’ve significantly improved efficiency—billing, AR/AP, real-time financial reporting—and we’ve managed this growth effectively without expanding our department beyond myself and one other person. It’s rewarding to support the company’s growth this way.

How has your role evolved over the years, and how have you adapted?

I’ve done almost every role here, from mailroom duties and client implementation to HR management. As the company grew and we brought on new team members, I transitioned those responsibilities to others—many who remain with us today. Now, I focus solely on finance, which was always my passion. That evolution let me dive deeper into what I genuinely love, while still understanding every facet of the business.

How do ClaimsBridge’s culture and values influence your work and decisions?

Kevin’s leadership has greatly shaped our culture. Before him, we didn’t even have an employee handbook! He fosters open communication, transparency, and genuine care for each employee’s unique situation. Even though we’ve grown, ClaimsBridge still feels like a family-run, mom-and-pop business. Decisions are made thoughtfully, always keeping employees’ wellbeing at the forefront. Kevin truly makes sure everyone feels valued, creating a supportive environment where people are comfortable approaching management with any concerns or ideas.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We’ve expanded quickly, yet we’ve preserved our core culture—one where leadership genuinely cares about each person here. Despite growth, ClaimsBridge remains committed to the supportive, family-oriented environment that has defined us from the start.