Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Independent Insurance Agency Success in Ohio
Since 1897, Ohio Insurance Agents Association (OIA) has stood as Ohio's premier trade association for independent insurance agents. Our history is rooted in advocacy, professional development, and business solutions tailored specifically for insurance professionals. Through decades of experience, we have cultivated expertise in legislative advocacy, agency consulting, risk management, and human resources support for insurance agencies.As a respected authority in the insurance industry, we maintain strong relationships with policymakers, carriers, and industry stakeholders to protect and advance the independent agency system. Our commitment to trustworthiness is demonstrated through our transparent operations, ethical standards, and member-centric approach that prioritizes the success of independent insurance agencies across Ohio.
Services
Advocacy
Professional Development
Business Consulting
HR Solutions
Insurance Services
Valuation Services
Market Access
Agency Link
Workers Compensation
Technology Tools
Highlights and features
- Established in 1897, we offer over a century of experience in supporting insurance agencies
- Our dedicated advocacy team protects independent agents' interests at state and national levels
- We provide specialized HR solutions developed through 20+ years of insurance industry expertise
- Our business consulting services include agency valuation with certified valuation analysts
- We maintain strategic partnerships with top insurance carriers to benefit member agencies
What people say
Fantastic resource
Exceptional to work with
Quick responses
Very helpful
Great company to work with
Services
Advocacy
OIA actively advocates for independent insurance agents at state and national levels. Our dedicated government affairs team works with legislators and regulators to shape policies beneficial to insurance professionals. We maintain strong industry relationships to ensure the independent agency system remains protected and competitive in Ohio's insurance marketplace.
HR Solutions
Our HR Advisory Services assist agencies with policy development, employee relations, and hiring strategies. With 20+ years of insurance industry experience, our HR director provides guidance on best practices, compliance, and effective workforce management tailored specifically for insurance agencies across Ohio.
Valuation Services
OIA offers professional agency valuation services to help independent agents understand their business worth. Our certified valuation analysts provide unbiased assessments to support informed decision-making about agency succession planning and future business strategies for Ohio insurance professionals.
Insurance Services
We provide specialized insurance coverage options including Errors & Omissions, Data Breach, and Group Health plans. Our team works with premier carriers to offer customized protection solutions that help Ohio insurance agencies mitigate business risks and operate with confidence.
Professional Development
Our comprehensive educational programs support ongoing professional growth for independent insurance agents. From pre-licensing courses to advanced designations, we offer learning opportunities that enhance expertise and ensure Ohio agents remain competitive in the evolving insurance marketplace.
People
Jeff Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Smith, JD, CIC, CAE, brings 30 years of insurance industry leadership experience to OIA. He focuses on strategic advocacy, member service excellence, and advancing the independent agency system across Ohio.
Brian Lawrence
Director of HR Solutions
Brian Lawrence has 20+ years of HR expertise supporting insurance agencies. He develops HR strategies, provides policy guidance, and implements solutions that help Ohio insurance agencies effectively manage their workforce and compliance requirements.
Craig Niess
Director of Business Planning & Valuation
Craig Niess, a certified valuation analyst, specializes in agency valuation and succession planning. He helps Ohio insurance professionals understand their business value and prepare for long-term strategic transitions.
Dustin Mahrt
Company Partners Manager
Dustin Mahrt manages relationships with insurance carriers and strategic partners. He facilitates communication between agents and carriers to strengthen business relationships and improve market access for Ohio insurance professionals.
Jodie Shaw
Director of Business Development
Jodie Shaw leads business development initiatives for OIA. With her CLCS and CPIA designations, she connects agencies with resources, programs, and opportunities to grow and succeed in Ohio's competitive insurance market.
Questions
What benefits do OIA members receive?
Members receive advocacy representation, professional development opportunities, agency consulting services, HR solutions, specialized insurance programs, and industry research to support their success.
How does OIA support insurance agency succession planning?
We provide valuation services, perpetuation guidance, and business planning tools to help agencies assess their value and develop successful succession strategies.
What HR services are available to member agencies?
Our HR Solutions team offers policy development, employee relations guidance, hiring strategies, and compliance support tailored specifically for insurance agencies across Ohio.
How does OIA advocate for independent insurance agents?
We work with legislators and regulators to shape policies that protect and advance the independent agency system through our dedicated advocacy team and PAC.
What insurance products does OIA offer?
We provide Errors & Omissions coverage, Data Breach protection, Group Health plans, and other specialized insurance solutions designed for independent insurance agencies.
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Reviews (7)
Erin Webber
Oct 31, 2021
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As an independent insurance agent, offering our clients asset protection and outstanding customer service is out top priority. It is a pleasure to work with OIA in this capacity. Their resources and support are top notch!
Diane Hipp
Jun 01, 2021
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The team at OIA is 100% dedicated to the independent insurance agents they serve. Whether it's continuing education, advocacy, analytics, or Best Practices, OIA is a must-have resource for my agency. Hats off for a great job!
Sam Nudelman
Jun 01, 2021
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OIA is a fantastic partner. They continually provide us access to great conferences and webinars, as well as great resources in their E&O team. Their social media team never hesitates to highlight our agency and their team is a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Susan Portik
May 28, 2021
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I really appreciate the helpful insights the OIA provides on current issues agents run in to on a daily basis. I've been an agent for thirty years and I don't think I am alone at saying the past year has been one of the most challenging. There have been mandated changes in the way we run our business which had a direct effect on how we protect our customers, employees, as well as ourselves as agents.
The OIA has taken a proactive role at helping agents gain a foothold on new issues by providing easily accessible webinars with solutions on how to better protect ourselves as well as ways to provide
The OIA has taken a proactive role at helping agents gain a foothold on new issues by providing easily accessible webinars with solutions on how to better protect ourselves as well as ways to provide
Allison Hammons
May 22, 2021
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I have been involved with the Ohio Insurance Agents Association since the start of my career in 2006. I took my P&C class and exam in Columbus and it was a wonderful experience. The people they employ and the classes they offer are fabulous and they are always there if you need anything. If you aren't a member of this association, I highly recommend getting in.
Bill Brooker
May 19, 2021
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OIA has been a fantastic partner for my agency. They have provided resources that have been invaluable to our growth and future plans. Ashley Fitzsimmons has been a critical partner through tough decisions and major successes. I completely trust the leadership of this organization with the future of the industry and have been blessed to have worked with them.
Jonathon Saul
May 16, 2021
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Highly recommend. Great team, leadership, and staff! As an Independent Agent, the OIA is my first stop for all things current events, trainings, insight, and consultation. We recently did an Agency valuation with the OIA and I cannot recommend enough. I look forward to leveraging them for years to come!
