In 2019, I was only 70 and I had plans of continuing my work in my agency for years to come when suddenly I became my wife’s main caregiver. I knew that I had to be prepared to leave the agency if things became worse, so I considered several ways of developing an exit strategy that would allow me to continue working and also have a way out at the proper time. I thought about a buy-sell agreement with another independent agent. I thought about having one or two of my staff purchase interest in the agency. I thought about selling outright. Nothing seemed to fit well. For 3 years, I investigated several companies that were active in purchasing insurance agencies. None of the companies I found were actual insurance agencies, but rather holding companies, and I almost sold to one of those holding companies until I met Norm with Inszone Insurance. I discovered that this large independent agency was actually purchasing other like-minded agencies. They were not just a holding company! Additionally, they wanted me to continue working in the agency, yet if I had to remove myself to help care for my wife, I could do that. And I had no worries about how the agency would be run. I had no worries about my clients being taken care of with the same care I had done for 30 years.
We merged in 2022, and things are good; really good.
I received a flyer from Inszone, did not think much of it at the time, and put it to the side. When the holidays approached, I decided to start looking into the value of my agency. I called and spoke with Chris Walters and could tell that he was a dynamic, genuine leader. Our conversation was straightforward and to the point —— he listened to me before speaking and took the time to figure out and fulfill what I wanted from the sale. After just two conversations we ironed out most of the details.
To sell the agency I spent so many years building and hand it over to someone else was an extremely tough decision. The process is stressful and challenging, but my experience with Inszone has been awesome so far. I am very satisfied with the outcome, and I am certain this is the right choice for me and my agency in the long run.