Media & Insights

Learn how data, business intelligence, and insurance agency technology help independent agencies improve efficiency, retention, and growth.

Discover how peer intelligence helps independent insurance agencies grow faster, improve profitability, and make better decisions through ISU Steadfast.

Understand the differences between insurance networks, aggregators, and clusters. Compare structure, market access, and economics to find the right model for your agency.

Thinking about selling your insurance agency? Learn why many owners are choosing to scale before exiting, and how it can change the outcome.

Learn how profit sharing works for independent insurance agencies, including thresholds, structures, and how network participation can impact eligibility and outcomes.

Independent agencies are struggling to grow amid tighter carrier appetites and rising production commitments. Here's how ISU Steadfast delivers scale, access, and support that empower agencies to strengthen their market position without giving up independence.

Independent agencies face growing pressure from production requirements, shrinking commissions, and limited carrier access. Doug Penley, President, ISU Steadfast outlines how ISU Steadfast delivers the scale, markets, and support agencies need to grow while staying fully independent.

Growth for independent agencies in 2026 requires more than referrals. Discover how stronger carrier access, smarter lead fit, and improved efficiency create profitable, sustainable growth.

Smith Davis Insurance boosted profitability and market access by joining ISU Steadfast, gaining stronger carrier relationships, operational efficiency, and peer support while staying fully independent.

Learn what an insurance agency network is, how it works in the U.S. market, and how independent agencies use networks to improve access, efficiency, and long-term growth.

Explore the 2026 insurance market outlook, from pricing shifts to AI underwriting and new regulations. Learn how ISU Steadfast helps agencies stay competitive.

Agency principals face shrinking margins and rising client expectations. Dan McCarthy, CEO of ISU Steadfast, explains why agencies need a partner that helps them become a better version of themselves, not one that changes who they are.

Explore the six key factors to evaluate when choosing an insurance network and how ISU Steadfast empowers agencies with full independence, direct carrier access, financial incentives, and personalized support.

Explore how Olson Duncan scaled nationally while staying independent, thanks to ISU Steadfast’s market access, peer collaboration, and full commission structure. See why agency owners choose our network.

Discover how artificial intelligence is helping independent insurance agencies streamline quoting, automate service, and scale operations, without losing the personal touch clients value most.

ISU Steadfast was named a top agency partnership in 2025—learn why leading independent agencies join our network for market access, growth support, and long-term success.

Independent insurance agencies are facing premium hikes and stricter underwriting in the hardest market in decades, while most clients remain unaware of the reasons behind these changes.

Independent insurance agencies are joining the ISU Steadfast network to stay competitive, protect profit sharing, and gain carrier leverage. Learn how strategic scale helps agencies grow while staying independent.

Independent insurance agencies are facing mounting pressure from technology-related challenges that impact efficiency, profitability, and growth. By addressing five key tech hurdles, ISU Steadfast empowers agencies to turn obstacles into opportunities and thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Armac Insurance Agency, a third-generation family business, credits its 21-year partnership with ISU Steadfast for helping it grow and remain competitive in California’s challenging insurance market. 

ISU Steadfast has been honored as a 2025 IBA 5-Star Network & Alliance by Insurance Business America. This recognition underscores the trust and success shared between ISU Steadfast and its agency partners across the nation.

Independent insurance agencies often struggle with time-consuming quoting processes across multiple carriers, leading to silent client churn despite strong service. Find out how ISU Steadfast addresses this challenge with tools design for a better agent and client experience.

ISU Steadfast is proud to announce, and congratulate 18 network members featured in the 2025 Best Practices Study, conducted by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) and Reagan Consulting.

As growth becomes more complex for independent insurance agencies, many leaders are exploring whether joining a network can provide the scale and support they need without sacrificing autonomy. This guide outlines the key benefits, trade-offs, and questions to ask when evaluating potential network partnerships.

ISU Steadfast reports record premium growth nationwide, fueled by strong carrier partnerships and high-performing agencies.

Independent insurance brokers are boosting retention by using tech, client-first strategies, and smart risk placement in today’s shifting market.

ISU Steadfast is pleased to announce a leadership transition that reflects the organization’s continued commitment to growth, innovation, and the strength of its partnerships.

In today’s competitive insurance landscape, independent agencies face mounting pressure to retain top talent without sacrificing their autonomy. Explore how agencies can stay competitive by leveraging modern tools, strategic partnerships, and a strong internal culture—without merging or selling. 

For independent insurance agents, specializing in a niche market can lead to higher profitability, stronger client relationships, and reduced competition. 

Hanson & Ryan has weathered the Great Depression, multiple wars, economic downturns, and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the agency continues as a multi-generational family business with the support of ISU Steadfast.

Not all insurance agency networks are created equal, and one of the most critical yet often overlooked differences is who owns the network. Find out more about why this matters.

Strong carrier relationships can help independent insurance agencies stay competitive by improving market access, underwriting speed, and profitability—without sacrificing independence. Find out how ISU Steadfast can provide the structure and credibility to make that possible.

The 2025 ISU Steadfast National Conference marked a historic milestone for the independent insurance agency network, drawing record attendance and spotlighting new initiatives to support agency growth.

Cybersecurity is a non-negotiable part of doing business in insurance. Here we highlight the top cybersecurity practices independent insurance agents must implement to protect themselves and their clients.

Find out how a strong, modern website forms the foundation of a digital strategy that generates leads and supports long-term growth for independent insurance agents. 

For Weedin Agency, a third-generation insurance agency, one guiding principle throughout the agency’s history has remained constant: independence. Yet, as the industry evolved, staying independent while growing and remaining competitive became increasingly challenging. Until they joined ISU Steadfast.

Independent agencies face mounting challenges — from increasing competition and regulatory shifts to changing client expectations and emerging risks. To stay ahead, independent agents need more than just experience.

Larger agencies have immense buying and pricing power with carriers and resources for cutting-edge technologies. Small-medium sized agencies are at a competitive disadvantage if they seek to maintain their independence. However, there is a way forward.

To stay competitive, independent insurance agencies must do more than sell policies. By offering value-added services, agencies can strengthen client relationships, boost retention, and unlock new revenue streams.

The insurance industry is transforming. Navigating an evolving landscape involves understanding how emerging trends, products, and changes impact an agency’s operations.

Mt Pleasant, North Carolina, September 24, 2024— ISU Steadfast is delighted to announce its inclusion in the prestigious 2024 IBA 5-Star Networks and Alliances, a comprehensive roundup that highlights the best in the industry.

ISU Steadfast, a leading network for independent insurance agencies, is proud to be ranked a Top 3 Agency Partner by Insurance Journal.

ISU Steadfast Insurance Agency Network, one of the largest independent agency networks in the US, is pleased to announce its rebrand, ISU Steadfast.

ISU Group (ISU), one of the largest independent agency networks in the US, has today announced that Dan McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer, will become the next Chief Executive Officer, assuming the responsibilities held by T.J. Ryan III over the past 35 years. 

ISU Group (ISU), one of the largest independent agency networks in the US, has announced the establishment of a new Advisory Board. 

Steadfast Group has completed an agreement to acquire 100% of ISU Group (ISU). ISU is one of the largest privately owned independent insurance agency networks in the United States of America.