Business Moves

June 2, 2025

National

Starwind Launches Four Programs

Starwind Specialty Insurance Services, a CRC Group company, has launched four insurance programs: Starwind Environmental; Starwind PVT (Political Violence & Terrorism); Starwind Equipment; and Starwind Cannabis.

East

Trucordia, Huffman Insurance

Utah-based insurance brokerage Trucordia has acquired Huffman Insurance, a personal and commercial lines insurance agency with offices across Virginia, including locations in Lexington, Staunton, and Covington. Founded by Bolivar and Hazel Huffman in 1968, Huffman Insurance is now run by their son, Ward Huffman, and his wife, Whitney.

Trucordia, based in Lindon, Utah, formerly PCF Insurance Services, has over 5,000 employees nationwide. Trucordia is 13th on Insurance Journal’s 2024 Top 100 Property/Casualty Agencies list.

World Insurance Associates, Christopher Williams Agency, Barrett Millard

Insurance broker World Insurance Associates LLC has acquired the business of Christopher Williams Agency and Barrett Millard LLC of Pittsford, New York.

The Christopher Williams Agency began in 1961, and it purchased Barrett Millard in 2023. The agencies sell personal and business insurance in the Rochester, New York, area.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

World Insurance Associates has more than 300 offices across the U.S. and U.K.

Hub International, Allegiant Global Partners

Global insurance broker Hub International Limited reported it has acquired the assets of Allegiant Global Partners Inc. (AGP) of Boston.

AGP is a health, welfare, and risk consulting firm serving global employers. AGP serves the needs of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), higher education institutions, and domestic nonprofits.

Hub said AGP’s expertise in the nonprofit and education industries complements its existing specialty and global benefits capabilities.

AGP founder and CEO Jay Bride, President Denis Guay, and the AGP team will join Hub National Employee Benefits and Hub New England. AGP will be referred to as AGP, a Hub International company.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Chicago, Hub has over 19,000 employees in offices throughout North America.

Hub International, Guru of Insurance

Global insurance broker Hub International Limited announced it has acquired the assets of EB Specialists Inc. dba Guru of Insurance.

Guru of Insurance is an employee benefits firm in King George, Virginia, that provides employee benefit planning and group employee benefits.

President David Rao and the Guru of Insurance team will join Hub Mid-Atlantic. Guru of Insurance will be referred to as Guru of Insurance, a Hub International company.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

EmPRO Expansion

Medical malpractice insurer EmPRO Insurance Co., headquartered in Roslyn, New York, opened its first office in Massachusetts. The new Boston office marks EmPRO’s further expansion into the New England market, following prior entries into New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

To support its expansion, the company brought on three new leadership team members. Michael Miller, vice president of underwriting, will lead the Boston office and be joined by Michael Kubik, vice president of business development, and Brian Kriger, vice president of underwriting.

A subsidiary of Physicians’ Reciprocal Insurers, EmPRO is managed by PRIMMA LLC, PRI’s wholly owned attorney-in-fact.

South Central

Benefit Advisors Network, Carroll Insurance

Houston, Texas-based Carroll Insurance has been accepted for membership into the Benefit Advisors Network (BAN), an international network of progressive and visionary employee benefit brokers and consulting firms across the United States and Canada.

Carroll Insurance serves clientele across manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, technology, professional services, restaurants, and retail. The agency provides protection through policies like general liability, cyber liability, workers’ compensation, and directors and officers liability.

They also offer employee benefits packages encompassing group medical, dental, vision, disability, and retirement plans. In addition, individuals can access personal insurance options such as auto, homeowners, life, and umbrella coverage.

Founded in 2002, BAN is an international network of independent, employee benefit brokerage and consulting companies.

Patriot Growth Insurance Services, Ladd Gardner Aviation Insurance

Patriot Growth Insurance Services partnered with Ladd Gardner Aviation Insurance (LGA), an aviation insurance agency based in Addison, Texas. Founded in 2007 by Ladd Gardner, the agency brings deep expertise, a client-centric approach, and a rich legacy of aviation knowledge to Patriot.

LGA specializes exclusively in aviation-related coverage, offering tailored solutions for aircraft owners, operators, and businesses.

The agency provides many services, including coverage for small to large aircraft, mixed fleets, airport liability, and hangar insurance. Its unique ability to place coverage for complex fleets, ranging from private jets to warbirds and helicopters, sets the agency apart as a true expert in this specialized field.

With an experienced team, the agency continues to grow under the leadership of Angie Harris. Harris brings two decades of aviation insurance experience and a strong technical background from her time at Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Southeast

TWFG, Denise Davis Insurance, Paul Mears Insurance Group

TWFG Inc., a high-growth insurance distribution company, announced the acquisition of two agencies, one in Texas and one in North Carolina.

Denise Davis Insurance, located in Tomball, Texas, converted to a TWFG Corporate Branch on April 1, 2025, after nearly 22 years as an independent TWFG Branch.

Paul Mears Insurance Group Inc. joined TWFG on May 1, 2025. The agency has 16 employees in three locations in Valdese, North Wilkesboro, and Morgantown, North Carolina, expanding the number of TWFG Insurance locations in the state to nine. The agency has been serving customers since 1989. Paul Mears, Kelly Bowers-Messenheimer, and Adam Mears will continue to lead the agency.

Hub International, Demarie Insurance

Hub International Limited announced that it has acquired the assets of FGLP Equity Partners, LLC dba Demarie Insurance Agency (Demarie Insurance).

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Demarie Insurance is a full-service insurance agency providing commercial and personal insurance. The Demarie Insurance team will join Hub Gulf South.

Principal Aric Pohorelsky and the Demarie Insurance team will join Hub Gulf South.

Demarie Insurance will be referred to as Demarie Insurance, a Hub International company.

West

Alkeme, Becker Benefit Group

California-based insurance brokerage ALKEME acquired Becker Benefit Group, an employee benefits agency based in Towson, Maryland. The acquisition is ALKEME’s first in the state.

Becker Benefit Group offers benefits, healthcare plans, and risk management consulting services for businesses and individuals. It was founded by Gary Becker more than 30 years ago.

ALKEME is a full-service insurance agency that provides commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement, and wealth management services. Since its founding in 2020 by six agency owners who decided to merge, ALKEME has completed over 50 acquisitions. It now has 60 locations in 24 states. ALKEME ranked as No. 34 on Insurance Journal’s list of Top 100 Agencies in 2024. ALKEME is backed by GCP Capital.

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