Is the M&A Environment Good or Bad for Your Agency?
The IA system has been in a period of prolonged consolidation for the past 30 years without any signs of a real slowdown. According to the Agency Universe Study, the number of independent insurance agencies has declined by 12% since 1996, and barring a 10% increase in 2022 (a temporary COVID bump), the IA system […]
Passing the Torch: A Conversation on the Future of Insurance Agency Perpetuation
In a candid and wide-ranging conversation in front of agents across the country, Jeff Smith and Jarod Steed of IA Valuations unpacked the challenges, missteps, and opportunities surrounding perpetuation planning for independent insurance agencies.
Is Investing Into AI Worth It?
AI is not here to replace independent agents, but it is here to amplify them. Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of generative AI. 7:45 a.m., not too far in the future. An agency owner sits at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee, scrolling headlines before the day gets away from […]
To C-Corp or Not to C-Corp
Taxation Implications of Different Corporate Structures As another tax season approaches, now is an ideal time for independent insurance agency owners to reassess their corporate structure and evaluate whether they are positioned to minimize their annual tax burden – while also preparing for the long-term tax implications of a future sale. A thoughtful tax review […]
Valuation Views: 2025 Q4 Marketplace Report
Choose Your Carrier Partners Wisely Carrier Relationships Significantly Impact Agency Value The carriers you choose to partner with in your agency are arguably the most important decision you will make in building your business. The impact on agency value is hard to precisely quantify, but it is safe to say it has a profound impact […]
A Boutique Brokerage Built to Endure: The BlueStone Advisors Growth Story
Husband and wife duo, Andrew Royce and Tracie Rasmussen, started BlueStone Advisors over a decade ago, and in that time, they’ve built a firm rooted in purpose, innovation, and lasting impact.
Four Insurance Agency Valuations Trends to Watch in 2026
As we step into 2026, independent insurance agencies face a valuation landscape shaped by a softening insurance market, prolonged economic uncertainty, continuing agency consolidation, shifting ownership dynamics, and rapidly evolving technology. For agency owners contemplating perpetuation, a sale, or simply benchmarking their business value, understanding the following trends is critical for 2026 business planning. 1. […]
Catching Lightning in a Bottle in Small Town Ohio
Phelan Insurance Agency in Versailles, Ohio is a tale of success for attracting and developing young talent in a small, rural town. In a small town like Versailles, sourcing and retaining young talent at a local business is a challenge, but Phelan Insurance has figured out its own secret formula. About ten years ago, the […]
Valuation Views: 2025 Q3 Marketplace Report
The New Competitive Edge: Attracting and Developing the Next Generation In today’s competitive insurance landscape, staffing transcends routine hiring; it’s a strategic imperative. IA Valuations’ 2025 Q3 data shows that agencies with a higher proportion of younger producers significantly outperform their peers. Agencies with 41% of producers under age 35 (among those over $5M in […]
Is Now the Right Time to Transition Your Agency? 10 Critical Factors to Consider
Transitioning ownership of your insurance agency isn’t a decision you make lightly. It’s the culmination of decades of work, relationships, and strategic planning. Yet many agency owners struggle with the fundamental question: When is the right time?