Billings, Montana – Inszone Insurance Services has acquired Streeter Brothers Insurance, a move driven in part by the retirement plans of long-time owner Linda Schmaing. The acquisition expands Inszone’s presence in Montana while ensuring continuity for clients and staff of the century-old Billings agency. This deal highlights a growing trend of insurance agencies being acquired as owners look towards retirement and seek to secure the future of their businesses.
Streeter Brothers Insurance, founded in 1922 by Delton and Delbert Streeter, has been a fixture in the Billings community for over a century. The agency has built a strong reputation for providing trusted guidance and personalized service to individuals and businesses throughout the region. Schmaing, who began her career with Streeter Brothers in 1986 and purchased the agency in 2016, initiated the sale to facilitate a smooth transition as she plans for retirement.
A Century of Service Continues
The acquisition ensures that Streeter Brothers Insurance will continue operating from its current Billings location, with the existing team remaining in place. This was a key priority for Schmaing, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the relationships her agency has cultivated over generations. “After careful consideration, Inszone felt like the best fit for me, my team, and our clients,” Schmaing stated. “Continuity was incredibly important to me – keeping our staff in place, staying in our location, and ensuring our clients continue to receive the service they expect. Inszone aligns with those priorities and supports a thoughtful transition as I begin planning for retirement.”
Inszone Insurance Services, headquartered in Sacramento, California, is a rapidly growing national provider of commercial, personal, and benefits insurance. The company has been expanding through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, now operating across multiple states including California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and Montana, according to a press release.
Benefits of the Acquisition
The acquisition provides Streeter Brothers Insurance with access to Inszone’s broader carrier network, technology platforms, and operational resources. This will allow the agency to enhance its service offerings and provide even more comprehensive solutions to its clients. Inszone, in turn, gains a well-established agency with deep roots in the Billings community and a loyal customer base.
Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are honored to welcome Streeter Brothers Insurance to Inszone.”
The deal also reflects a broader trend in the insurance industry, with many independent agencies being acquired by larger firms. What we have is often driven by factors such as the increasing complexity of the insurance market, the demand for greater investment in technology, and the desire of agency owners to plan for their retirement. According to Insurance Business America, retirement planning was a key driver in the Inszone deal for Streeter Brothers.
As part of the acquisition, Streeter Brothers Insurance will continue to offer personal, commercial, and life insurance solutions. The agency will maintain its full-service, generalist approach, serving individuals and businesses throughout the region.
Looking ahead, the integration of Streeter Brothers Insurance into Inszone is expected to be seamless, with minimal disruption to clients and staff. The focus will be on leveraging Inszone’s resources to enhance the agency’s capabilities and continue providing exceptional service to the Billings community.
What are your thoughts on this acquisition? Share your comments below, and let us know how you think this will impact the insurance landscape in Montana.
