Texas Agent Group Acquires LevelFirst, Forms IIAT Services MGA

The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) announced it is continuing its tradition of providing insurance markets for small independent agencies with the acquisition of Dallas-based managing general agency LevelFirst LLC.

Operating as IIAT Services MGA, the new company will expand the ability of IIAT to offer member agencies access to commercial lines markets traditionally unavailable to smaller agencies.

“IIAT has been providing insurance markets to small agents for more than 20 years. Dozens of independent agencies that were unable to obtain direct carrier appointments have grown their businesses through the IIAT Advantage program to gain those appointments. This acquisition will help IIAT Services Co. attract carriers to this program that we could not attract as a trade association,” IIAT Chair Pat Arthur said in the group’s announcement.

The new company will retain its Dallas presence and existing staff, including founder Robin Stough. IIAT Services Co. President Jerry Mackey will take over daily operations.

“We will continue service to existing customers and agents of LevelFirst, while expanding programs to meet the goals of IIAT,” Mackey said.

IIAT Services MGA Chair and IIAT past President Patrick Watkins thinks this oversight by agents will be important. “Helping members succeed has been the mission of IIAT from the beginning. This new facility will fit right in with that mission statement,” Watkins said.

IIAT’s training programs will help small agents grow their business by providing instruction targeted to key insurance products. “IIAT will integrate training programs with the marketing of insurance programs to assist members with business growth. Using training as a production tool will help members grow new lines of business and enable them to work outside their normal comfort zones,” said IIAT President David VanDelinder.