In small towns across America, insurance agencies face a unique mix of opportunities and limitations. For one agency owner in rural Texas, a bold transition from oil and gas into insurance offered the stability he needed but scaling the agency presented a new kind of challenge. That’s where Equity Expansion came in.
This story highlights how a former oil executive turned insurance agency owner discovered the value of strategic partnership and why he chose to explore his options with Equity Expansion.
After 20 years in the oil and gas industry building and selling companies with up to 90 employees this Texas entrepreneur was no stranger to risk or reward. But when the volatility of the oil sector took its toll, he decided it was time for a more stable path.
In 2023, he acquired a small property and casualty insurance agency in a town of just 6,000 people. Though relatively new to the insurance world, he quickly recognized the long-term potential of his new business.
“The highs and lows in oil were just too much. Insurance is more even-keeled. If you lose a customer, it doesn’t break your year.”
The agency had two team members one agent and one administrative staff and was managing approximately $1.5 million in premium volume, generating about $200,000 in annual revenue.
In the first few months after taking over the agency, the owner saw a small dip in performance common in any ownership transition. But by the end of the first year, revenue growth was back on track.
Still, like many owner-operators, he wore every hat in the business:
And he was only paying himself a nominal salary to keep expenses lean. While the lean approach helped maintain profitability, he knew he’d hit a ceiling without operational support.
Although the agency was doing well, the owner recognized that long-term growth would require more than hustle. He began exploring ways to scale without sacrificing his lifestyle or overextending his team.
Key reasons he pursued a conversation with Equity Expansion included:
“I’m fairly new to insurance. I think I might be a year or two away from making a big move, but I wanted to learn about my options now.”
During the discovery conversation, Equity Expansion outlined a typical three-pillar approach to partnership:
1. Operational Support to Unlock Growth
Equity Expansion helps agencies offload administrative burdens such as:
By removing back-office tasks, agency owners can focus on what they do best: serving clients and driving new business.
2. Cultural Alignment for Long-Term Fit
Equity Expansion only partners with owners who align on core values honesty, service, and independence.
“We’re not here to manage you. If you’re golfing on a Tuesday, that’s your choice. This is about being better together, not adding layers of management.”
3. Flexible Financial Structuring
Equity Expansion shared a hypothetical example to show how deals are typically structured:
The real wealth-building opportunity lies in the equity rollover, which allows owners to participate in long-term growth alongside the larger platform.
The agency owner expressed interest in moving forward with an introductory call to evaluate cultural fit and partnership vision. He acknowledged that his agency might be one to two years away from being fully ready but appreciated the chance to explore the landscape early.
Equity Expansion recommended:
The Outcome: A Path Toward Scalable, Sustainable Growth
While no deal was finalized during the initial call, the conversation laid the groundwork for a potential future partnership. The agency owner left with:
Most importantly, he realized he didn’t have to grow alone or wait until burnout set in.
Ready to Explore Your Growth or Exit Strategy?
Whether you’re one year away or already looking for the right fit, Equity Expansion can help you:
Schedule a confidential consultation today. Let’s explore if a strategic partnership is the right next step for your agency.