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30 Jun, 2026
Member Case Study: How CIA Remains Independent, Competitive, and Connected
A $350M independent agency scaled nationally without giving up control by leveraging ISU Steadfast’s carrier access, contracts, and network support. -
10 Jun, 2026
Why Peer Intelligence Is a Competitive Advantage for Independent Insurance Agencies
Discover how peer intelligence helps independent insurance agencies grow faster, improve profitability, and make better decisions through ISU Steadfast.
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20 May, 2026
The 4 Leadership Shifts Agency Owners Must Make to Scale
Independent agency owners often become the bottleneck to growth without realizing it. This article explores the leadership shifts required to scale, moving from producer to strategic leader in a complex, fast-changing market. -
06 May, 2026
ISU Steadfast’s 2026 National Conference brought together industry leaders to focus on growth, market access, and agency profitability, highlighting platform expansion, new programs, and increased opportunities for independent agencies. -
27 Apr, 2026
Beyond the Tech Stack: AI Insurance Agency Tools and the Three Pillars of Future‑Ready Agencies
Independent insurance agencies are moving beyond tools toward intentional technology infrastructure. This article outlines how AI, workflow integration, and data governance form the foundation for sustainable growth and carrier confidence. -
13 Apr, 2026
Sell or Scale? Rethinking Your Independent Agency’s Next Move
Thinking about selling your insurance agency? Learn why many owners are choosing to scale before exiting, and how it can change the outcome.
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25 Mar, 2026
The 2026 Agency Playbook (Part 2): How High‑Performing Agencies Execute Growth
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. -
05 Mar, 2026
Carrier Reach Without the Headaches: Solving the Market Access Problem for Growing Agencies
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.
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26 Feb, 2026
The 2026 Agency Playbook: What High‑Performing Agencies Are Doing Differently
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.
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16 Feb, 2026
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.
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22 Jan, 2026
Insurance Market Outlook for 2026: What Independent Agents Need To Know
Explore the 2026 insurance market outlook, from pricing shifts to AI underwriting and new regulations. Learn how ISU Steadfast helps agencies stay competitive.
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08 Jan, 2026
The ROI Agencies Deserve But Rarely Get From Their Network
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.
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16 Dec, 2025
Top Factors To Look For in an Insurance Agency Network
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.
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26 Nov, 2025
Member Case Study: 25 Years of Growth for Olson Duncan With ISU Steadfast
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.
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12 Nov, 2025
How AI Is Shaping the Future of the Independent Insurance Agency
Discover how artificial intelligence is helping independent insurance agencies streamline quoting, automate service, and scale operations, without losing the personal touch clients value most.
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04 Nov, 2025
Why Top Agencies Choose ISU Steadfast: A Recognized Leader in Insurance Networks
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.
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30 Oct, 2025
Hard-to-Place Insurance Risks: How Independent Agencies Gain Market Access and Win More Business
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.
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14 Oct, 2025
Stay Independent, Not Isolated: Taking a Proactive Approach to Industry Shifts
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.
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29 Sep, 2025
Top 5 Technology Challenges for Independent Insurance Agents & How To Face Them
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.
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18 Sep, 2025
Member Case Study: Armac’s Ryan McEachron on 21 Years as Part of ISU Steadfast
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.
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15 Sep, 2025
ISU Steadfast Acclaimed in the 2025 IBA 5-Star Networks and Alliances
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.
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29 Aug, 2025
Avoiding Silent Churn: Digital Tools for a Better Client Experience
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.
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22 Aug, 2025
ISU Steadfast Member Agencies Shine in 2025 Best Practices Study
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.
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19 Aug, 2025
Is an Independent Insurance Agency Network Right for You? A Decision Guide for Growing Agencies
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.
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04 Aug, 2025
ISU Steadfast Reports Record Premium Output Across Member Agencies
ISU Steadfast reports record premium growth nationwide, fueled by strong carrier partnerships and high-performing agencies.
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29 Jul, 2025
Retention Strategies That Work: How Insurance Agents Can Thrive in a Changing Market
Independent insurance brokers are boosting retention by using tech, client-first strategies, and smart risk placement in today’s shifting market.
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28 Jul, 2025
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.
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10 Jul, 2025
How To Attract and Retain Top Insurance Talent Without Losing Your Independence
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.
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30 Jun, 2025
The Importance of Specialization: Growing Your Niche with an Insurance Network’s Support
For independent insurance agents, specializing in a niche market can lead to higher profitability, stronger client relationships, and reduced competition.
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16 Jun, 2025
Member Case Study: Hanson & Ryan Continues a 150-Year Legacy With the Support of ISU Steadfast
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.
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28 May, 2025
Why Ownership Structure Matters in Insurance Networks
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.
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16 May, 2025
Carrier Clout: Why Strong Network Relationships Open the Door to Growth for Independent Agencies
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.
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14 May, 2025
ISU Steadfast Conference Celebrates Record-Breaking Year
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.
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27 Apr, 2025
Cybersecurity Essentials for Independent Agents: Safeguarding Your Client Data
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.
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14 Apr, 2025
Want More Insurance Leads? Start With Your Website
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.
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24 Mar, 2025
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.
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10 Mar, 2025
Insurance Agency Networks: How Ongoing Education and Networking Support Independent Agents
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.
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25 Feb, 2025
The Network Advantage: How Insurance Networks Help Independent Agents Compete With Big Agencies
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.
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18 Feb, 2025
Insurance Agency Profitability: Value-Added Services to Increase Revenue and Client Retention
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.
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30 Jan, 2025
Lead Generation for Independent Insurance Agents: Strategies to Grow Your Agency and Boost Revenue
Lead generation for independent insurance agents is one of the biggest drivers of sustainable agency growth. -
13 Jan, 2025
ISU Steadfast Success Stories: PFS Insurance Group
The PFS Insurance Group's partnership with ISU Steadfast has been pivotal to their success, since joining in 2021. Find out what benefits have been crucial to the agency's growth and future prospects.
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25 Sep, 2024
ISU Steadfast Earns Prestigious Recognition in the 2024 IBA 5-Star Networks and Alliances
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.
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23 Sep, 2024
ISU Steadfast Recognized as a Top 3 Agency Partnership by Insurance Journal
ISU Steadfast, a leading network for independent insurance agencies, is proud to be ranked a Top 3 Agency Partner by Insurance Journal.
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04 Sep, 2024
The strength of two organizations - introducing ISU Steadfast
ISU Steadfast Insurance Agency Network, one of the largest independent agency networks in the US, is pleased to announce its rebrand, ISU Steadfast.
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14 Jun, 2024
ISU Group announces new Chief Executive Officer
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.
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14 Jun, 2024
ISU Group announces establishment of new Advisory Board
ISU Group (ISU), one of the largest independent agency networks in the US, has announced the establishment of a new Advisory Board.
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14 Jun, 2024
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.