SELLERS
Thank you for the excellent assistance you gave us in selling our firm. We were looking for good value and the right cultural fit, and you delivered beyond what you promised. Chris, you took the time to get to know our business so that when you represented us in front of buyers, you knew our business well, and had already vetted any issues a buyer may want to explore. Your fact-based approach and deliberate analysis during the sometimes stressful negotiations helped carry the day. We wholeheartedly would recommend your services to anyone contemplating engaging you. Please do not hesitate to use us as a reference.
John P. Bolan
Cincinnati Intermediaries
Cincinnati, OH
When I first started shopping for an M&A Advisor, I was inundated with offers from companies that could "sell my business in two weeks for the best price", even offering me valuations over the phone after only 15 minutes.
When I met Chris, it became very apparent he was a different breed of advisor. Once into the sales phase, it became obvious I had the right guy on my side. Chris’ ability to bring high quality offers to the table, quickly and in high quantity, was beyond impressive. In the final phase of the purchase, he was the go-to guy, available 7 days a week and always there to make sure my questions were answered, and I knew the next steps.
In the end, we found a great buyer and I received a great price for my business. I could not have done this on my own. I am quite thankful Chris was available and would recommend his services, without hesitation, to anyone considering selling their insurance agency.
Chris Matthews
Skyles Insurance
Sacramento, CA
As you know I spoke with 4 other M&A firms before we talked and started working together. Your skills are numerous but allow me to list a few. You have an invaluable and in-depth knowledge of the insurance and financing worlds. You truly understand the sales process, their minute details and helped to massage and keep it moving along. Additionally, you’re a likeable guy with the communication skills and diplomacy to work with all parties concerned, seller, buyer, bank, CPA and attorneys. I learned a lot and would recommend you anyone who is considering an exit strategy. I’m pretty sure this doesn’t adequately convey how impressed and satisfied we are with the work you did but I’m more than happy to try and relay that to any potential client.
Mark Glandon
Glandon Insurance Agency
Virginia Beach, VA
As you know, we previously marketed the company for sale with a different firm, and the process was both grueling and unsuccessful. As a direct result of your hard work, the transaction was a huge success. Throughout the process, Chris was accessible, incredibly hard working, and a calm voice of reason.
This was an incredibly important transaction for my family, my customers and my employees. We spent 13 years building the company from the ground up. We wanted a fair price, and we wanted buyers that would treat our employees and customers the way we had. Chris found several buyers that were a great fit, and the transaction and transition were incredibly smooth. We are very grateful for your hard work and guidance.
Chris Bennett, CPCU
National Insurance Solutions
Los Angeles, CA
We are delighted to write this letter regarding the fabulous work you did for our family business of 40+ years. Initially, we started with INS Capital to assist our business with a valuation. Chris, your knowledge in guiding us through the steps and finalizing the impressive valuation report of our business was very professional. After the valuation was completed, it was interesting and exciting when you explained all of the possibilities available to our insurance agency. We ultimately decided to explore our options in the market once we realized what was going to be available to us.
You were dependable, responsible, honest, personable, plus you’ve got awesome negotiation and strategy skills. When our agency made the decision to move forward with the merger/sale, you helped every step of the way to ensure a smooth transition and were essential in all parts of the transaction; the valuation, marketing the business, negotiating the purchase price and structure, navigating the buyer’s due diligence process and working through the purchase agreement. You made the process effortless.
Not only were you of great importance in the successful sale of our business, a true friendship for life has also developed. If there is any additional information we can provide to you, do not hesitate to contact us. Anyone who chooses to work with you in the future will be in great hands!
The Fortman Family
Jonathan, Zack, John and Catherine Fortman
Fortman Insurance Services LLC
Ottawa, OH
CAPITAL ADVISORY & CONSULTING
I have known Chris a long time and have done several deals with him over the years. Chris recently helped me secure funding to buyout my retiring partners and at the same time improve my rate, costs, cash flow and borrowing capacity compared to the previous lender I had worked with. The reduced rate and fees he negotiated more than offset his cost and I had an experienced advisor help navigate me through the bank’s underwriting and valuation process.
Cody Smith, CEO
Alliance Insurance Group
Kansas and Oklahoma
Hi Chris, I just wanted to inform you the great news that the deal closed. And of course, we included you in the release, Evergreen acquires MSN. I want to thank you once again for your invaluable insights on this deal. And look forward to doing more deals together.
Izzy Green - CEO
Evergreen Insurance & Risk Managment
New York, Florida, Illinois
Chris was extremely helpful with my transaction by simplifying the complex pieces of my internal buyout. He was there in the beginning in working with my CPAs and lawyer, through the bank reporting/requirements and finally to the purchase agreement. Through this process Chris was always there to take a call to talk through the stressful parts of negotiations and the banking process. In addition, he was very generous in working with me on his fee and importantly has become a friend. I would not hesitate in using Chris again and am looking forward to working with him on the next opportunity.
Mike Hall, CIC
W.R. Hall Insurance Group
Warsaw, IN
Chris is one of the most knowledgeable and creative advisors in the industry. I had the pleasure of working with him for several years and have the utmost faith in his ability to get deals closed and conduct himself with integrity. I enjoy working on transactions with him because I know they’ll get done the right way.
Kelly Drouillard, GM Insurance Lending
Live Oak Bank
I've worked with Chris on numerous insurance agency financing transactions over the last 10 years. He's one of the best professionals in this space and his experience level is top notch. We're able to expedite deals for his clients because he's done the necessary legwork up front to make sure the deal goes smoothly once we begin our process.
Michael Paciorek, VP of Insurance Lending
CrestMark Bank
INS Capital Group has been a highly valued and trusted partner for many years. They are true professionals, operate with integrity and have a great pulse on the insurance M&A marketplace. They understand what’s involved in the financial transaction, which is a tremendous help to us and increases the likelihood of deals getting over the finish line.
Brad Kronland, Director – Insurance Lending
Oak Street Funding