About us
With a team of seasoned professionals with a collective of 50 years of experience in their respective areas of expertise, you can be assured you and your agency are in the best care possible!
Director of Business Planning & Valuation
Meet our valuation expert
Expertise backed by experience
Craig’s Background
Craig is IA Valuations’ seasoned Director of Business Planning and Valuation. With more than a decade of financial and operational consulting experience with independent agents and brokers, he has spent the majority of his time specializing in agency valuations and perpetuation planning. Craig started his career as an agency Valuation Analyst with Marshberry & Co., one of the leading valuation firms in the country.
Craig joined IA Valuations in 2017 and has performed more than 150 valuations since joining. In his career, Craig has conducted 300 valuations and perpetuation planning engagements. Craig’s agency valuation experience spans several unique periods including the 2008-2009 great recession, escalation of Private Equity buyers in the IA marketplace, and most recently the COVID pandemic.
Craig holds a BA in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University, an MBA in Finance from the University of Iowa, and earned the prestigious Certified Valuation Analyst designation (CVA). The Certified Valuation Analyst designation is “the most comprehensive and complete foundational training, teaching the international body of knowledge on how to value private business enterprises.”
Craig’s experience, expertise, and specialization in independent insurance agencies and brokers make him an invaluable asset for agency owners across the country.
Meet our amazing team.
We’re a talented group of individuals passionate about the independent channel and your personal agency. Get to know us and what we can do for you!
Jeff Smith, JD, CIC, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey S. Smith, JD, CIC, CAE serves as Chief Executive Officer for IA Valuations and is responsible for leading the organization’s strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.
As CEO of IA Valuations, Smith has consulted and reviewed over 200 agency valuations for independent agents across the US. IA Valuations serves independent agencies as a trusted advisor and strategic business partner as they implement strategies to increase their agency value, grow their businesses, and transition their agencies. Smith provides insights into the agency’s operations, risk factors and legal guidance on how to perpetuate and maximize value in a sale.
Smith graduated with honors from Kent State University and Capital University Law School with a concentration in government relations. He is a licensed P&C insurance agent, Certified Insurance Counselor Designee, Attorney, and Certified Association Executive. Smith is an active member of the Ohio State Bar Association Insurance Committee, Ohio Society of Association Executives, and Ohio Lobbying Association. He also served on the Village of Marble Cliff Council and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Sequent Midwest Business Health Fund.
On a personal note, Smith is an avid runner and endurance athlete. He has completed a marathon in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and an Ironman triathlon. He lives in Powell with his wife and two children. He enjoys coaching youth sports and outdoor adventures.
Jodie Shaw, CLCS, CPIA, TRA
Director of Business Development
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Luke Hippler, MBA
Valuation Analyst
Luke Hippler is the newest member of the team joining us on the heels of his graduation from John Carroll University (Cleveland, Ohio) with a BA in Finance and Masters in Business Administration. Luke will be working alongside our expert, Craig Niess, and is planning to earn his Certified Valuations Analyst designation. He is eager to immerse himself in the industry and begin meeting our members. Luke was a member of the basketball team during his time at JCU and loves playing and watching sports, being outside, and traveling!
Contact us today and let’s start planning for your agency’s future.
Contact our valuation team to learn more and get started today. Send us an email.
Luke Hippler, MBA
Valuation Analyst
Luke Hippler is the newest member of the team joining us on the heels of his graduation from John Carroll University (Cleveland, Ohio) with a BA in Finance and Masters in Business Administration. Luke will be working alongside our expert, Craig Niess, and is planning to earn his Certified Valuations Analyst designation. He is eager to immerse himself in the industry and begin meeting our members. Luke was a member of the basketball team during his time at JCU and loves playing and watching sports, being outside, and traveling!