FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Braxton Mullet, Marketing Manager
braxton@ohioinsuranceagents.com | (614) 552-3045
COLUMBUS, OH (May 17, 2022) – IA ValuationsSM, operating under the OIA brand, has been in operation for over 4 years serving Ohio Independent Agents, has recently experienced increased demand and realized a need to expand it’s team. IA ValuationsSM provides a non-biased valuation that can be used for perpetuation and planning purposes for independent insurance agencies. “During the tenure of this business line and watching independent agents that use this service year over year, we see tremendous growth in these agencies because they understand their agency and know what actions to take to increase the value of their agency”, states Jeff Smith, CEO of OIA and IA ValuationsSM.
IA ValuationsSM currently has a three-person team, led by Craig Niess, MBA, CVA, director of valuation and business consulting, who has conducted over 200 valuations during his tenure and obtained his CVA designation, the most prestigious designation for valuation services. Prior to joining IA ValuationsSM, Niess served a similar role at renowned MarshBerry.
“Knowing the importance of this business line, and the expansion efforts across state lines, we knew we had to expand the team to meet demand,” noted Smith, “which is why we are thrilled to announce the recent hire of a new Valuation Analyst, Luke Hippler”. Hippler is currently a Graduate Assistant for the John Carroll University Men’s Basketball team and will be joining IA ValuationsSM following his graduation with an MBA on May 23, 2022. Impressively, he was able to complete his master’s program in only one year, while working as a Graduate Assistant managing budgets, spending, and assisting in recruiting from 30+ high schools. Luke was a 4-year letterman during his time in undergrad from 2017 to 2021. During his time as a Graduate Assistant, Luke utilized statistical software to track and analyze various teams and players to coach and provide specific advice to team members on how to play and guard against each player.
Hippler will train under Niess to handle data collection, analysis, and reporting functions. IA ValuationsSM is incredibly excited to bring on Hippler to our Valuation team and look forward to continuing to expand the program and meet the growing needs of Ohio agents. This is an exciting time of growth for IA ValuationsSM and Hippler will provide added support to an already thriving business line.
OIA is committed to further enhancing the IA ValuationsSM brand and services and are confident Hippler will provide an immediate and meaningful impact to help boost the program to the next level.
-END-
Ohio Insurance Agents Association
Ohio Insurance Agents Association (OIA) is the collective voice of 1,200 independent agencies that employ nearly 10,000 Ohioans. We promote, progress and protect the professional advice and guidance only independent insurance agents provide. OIA members write 85 percent of the commercial insurance policies and 44 percent of personal insurance policies in Ohio. Our purpose is to help our member agencies protect consumers and employers by offering them access to the best resources, tools and professional development programs available. OIA serves our members in four key areas: advocacy, professional development, business solutions and industry thought leadership.
