For more than 30 years, the Big “I” has partnered with Reagan Consulting to spotlight the nation’s top-performing independent agencies and provide benchmarks that elevate performance across the industry through the Best Practices program. 2025 was the latest year in updated rankings and industry benchmarks.
Some of the key industry benchmarks to come from this year’s Best Practices Study include the following:
- Organic growth rates were 9.8% in 2025 but slipped in almost every agency revenue category. Small agencies (those with <$1.25M in revenue) experienced the greatest increase in organic growth with a 3.6% increase to 9%.
- Retained Revenue – Best Practices agencies averaged a 96 .5% retained revenue rate. Small agencies again led the pack with a 97.7% retained revenue rate. The lowest ranking category was mega agencies at over $100M in revenue with a 92.9% retained revenue rate.
- EBITDA Profitability Margins averaged 26.5% for Best Practices Agencies. In this category, small to mid-size agencies (revenue between $1.25 to $2.5M) took the crown with a 29.7% profitability margin.
- Investments in unvalidated producers averaged around 2% of annual expenditures for Best Practices agencies.
Agencies can be nominated by carriers, state associations, or through self-nomination with references. Those who choose to participate submit detailed financial, operational, and management data, which is scored and ranked objectively. Agencies that meet the deadline and rank among the top in their revenue category are recognized as “Best Practices Agencies” by Reagan Consulting.
The list of winners is announced each August with results published annually. The current cycle runs from 2025–2027, after which nominations will reopen for the 2028 cycle. To maintain their status, agencies simply submit updated year-end results. All participating agencies receive a complimentary Agency Performance Analysis from Reagan Consulting, while Best Practices Agencies gain exclusive networking and education opportunities, national recognition in trade publications, and marketing tools to promote their status.
This year, Ohio has a lot to celebrate. Out of 47 states and the District of Columbia, Ohio ranked #2 nationwide with 21 agencies recognized—trailing only Texas (30) and ahead of Florida (16). A true testament to the strength, reputation, and legacy of Ohio’s independent agency community.
The team at OIA extends heartfelt congratulations to the Ohio agencies recognized as 2025 Big ‘I’ Best Practices Agencies. It’s an incredible achievement that reflects national recognition at the highest level.
- Brunswick Companies (First-time recipient)
- Carroll Insurance & Risk Management Group
- Consolidated Insurance Group
- Frost Insurance Agency (First-time recipient)
- Hamler-Gingrich Insurance Agency
- Huntington Insurance
- Hylant Group
- Jacobs Vanaman Agency, Inc.
- James B. Oswald Company
- Leugers Insurance Agency
- McGohan Brabender
- Novarica
- Novak Insurance Agency
- O’Neill Insurance
- Phelan Insurance Agency
- Ratermann Insurance Agency
- Ray Insurance Agency, Inc.
- Stockton-Hill Insurance
- The Uhl Agency
- Van Nostran Young & Associates, Inc.
- Wilks Insurance Agency
Curious about this initiative? Visit independentagent.com/best-practices/ to learn more about the Best Practices program. Members can purchase the 2025 Best Practices study which includes a detailed analysis with over 3000 data points categorized by agency revenue.
About the Author:
Alex Bowie is a marketing professional currently serving as the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications at the Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc. (OIA). In this role, he leads the association’s marketing and communication strategies, elevating OIA’s brand presence and member engagement. His prior experience in the insurance sector—particularly at the insurtech company, Branch—has been instrumental in enhancing OIA’s outreach and engagement efforts.
