Navigating Agency Acquisitions and Building Culture While Merging Teams With Beth DeLaForest

Beth DeLaForest is an independent insurance owner at Aspire Insurance Group in Wisconsin, is part of the women of IAOA, and a member of the Insurance Producers Network. Her agency just acquired the Aspire insurance agency and is currently adjusting positively to the new changes. In this episode of the Power Women in Insurance Podcast, Teresa speaks with Beth on how the idea of acquiring an agency came from and how that has worked out for her. She explains how they handled the data migration process and team adjusting after the acquisition. Listen in to learn the importance of research and ensuring that you find a fitting company when looking into mergers and acquisitions.  “Don’t force something or push for something that isn’t fitting because the fit is so important.”- Beth [26:55] Top Takeaways: The process of data migration after acquiring a company and how a strong team handles it. How not to allow gender to make a difference when it comes to business leadership. The importance of acquiring a fitting company that makes you happy not miserable. What you will learn: [2:40] Beth explains how her insurance agency came to acquire the Aspire insurance agency. [5:21] Why the previous Aspire insurance agency owner is still working with them in the background.  [7:25] Why they retained the previous staff of Aspire insurance agency and how they’re complimenting her agency. [10:09] How they have managed their data migration process and handled the challenges that came with it. [14:58] How the team from Aspire insurance agency has been adjusting with a positive mindset. [20:34] Why Beth doesn’t see a difference between her women-run agency and others run by men. [26:27] Why you need to go for what is fitting in merger and acquisition.  Relevant Links: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Aspire Insurance Group LinkedIn: BethDeLaForest Connect With Teresa! Sterling Insurance Group's Website: https://www.sterlinginsnow.com Teresa's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresa.comerkitchens Sterling Insurance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sterlinginsurancegrouptx/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlinginsurancegroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sterlinginsurancetx