Empowering Excellence: IMA Financial Group's Strategic Partnership in Florida's Insurance Market

IMA Financial Group's Strategic Partnership in Florida's Insurance Market

Introduction

IMA Financial Group, a leading insurance brokerage firm renowned for its nationwide presence and client-centric approach, has recently entered the vibrant commercial insurance market of Florida. This strategic move comes through a partnership with Wallace Welch & Willingham, the largest privately owned retail insurance broker in the state. This collaboration not only marks a significant expansion for IMA but also promises to enhance their ability to cater to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals across Florida.

About IMA Financial Group

Founded on the principles of integrity, innovation, and service excellence, IMA Financial Group has established itself as a prominent player in the insurance industry. With a history dating back several decades, IMA has grown from its regional roots to become a national force, known for its comprehensive insurance solutions and commitment to empowering its clients through risk management expertise.

About Wallace Welch & Willingham

Established in 1925 and headquartered in St. Petersburg and Sarasota, Wallace Welch & Willingham has deep roots in Florida's insurance landscape. Boasting a team of 155 professionals and achieving nearly $30 million in annual revenue, the firm specializes in a wide array of insurance services, including commercial and personal property & casualty insurance, and employee benefits. Over the decades, Wallace Welch & Willingham has earned a stellar reputation for its unwavering dedication to client satisfaction and community engagement.

Shared Values and Strategic Alignment

The decision to partner with Wallace Welch & Willingham was driven by more than just strategic considerations for IMA. Robert Cohen, CEO of IMA, underscored the shared values and cultural alignment between the two organizations. He emphasized Wallace Welch & Willingham's century-long legacy of excellence, characterized by values such as integrity, accountability, and a passion for serving their clients and communities—a philosophy that resonates deeply with IMA's own mission and values.

Cohen further highlighted the human-centric approach of Wallace Welch & Willingham, noting their commitment not only to clients but also to their employees and the communities they serve. This alignment with IMA's ethos of making a meaningful impact beyond business transactions solidified the partnership as a natural fit.

Insights from Wallace Welch & Willingham

Jon Hammond, President of Wallace Welch & Willingham, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, describing it as a strategic step forward in their growth trajectory. He pointed to IMA's extensive resources, specialized expertise, and a culture that places a premium on client and employee satisfaction—a cultural synergy that promises to elevate their service delivery and market presence in Florida.

Hammond emphasized the strategic advantages of partnering with IMA, particularly in enhancing Wallace Welch & Willingham's capabilities to meet the evolving needs of clients in Florida's dynamic insurance market. The partnership allows them to leverage IMA's national footprint while maintaining their deep-rooted local expertise and client relationships.

Operational Integration and Future Prospects

Under the IMA umbrella, Wallace Welch & Willingham will continue to operate independently as Wallace Welch & Willingham, an IMA company. This operational structure ensures continuity in service excellence while enabling synergies that enhance the breadth and depth of insurance solutions offered to clients across Florida.

The integration also positions the combined entity to capitalize on Florida's emergence as the fourth-largest economy in the United States, characterized by unique commercial insurance challenges. With a robust framework in place, IMA is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and sustain its growth trajectory as one of the largest independent, majority employee-owned insurance brokerages in the U.S.

Looking ahead

As they embark on this new chapter together, both IMA Financial Group and Wallace Welch & Willingham are committed to advancing their shared mission of delivering exceptional value and service to clients. They envision leveraging their combined strengths to innovate and adapt to the evolving insurance landscape, ensuring that businesses and individuals in Florida receive the highest standard of protection and support.

The partnership represents more than a strategic business move; it signifies a shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and community impact. Together, IMA and Wallace Welch & Willingham aim to shape the future of the insurance industry in Florida and beyond, driven by a collective passion for creating good impact on communities lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the partnership between IMA Financial Group and Wallace Welch & Willingham represents a transformative union poised to redefine the insurance landscape in Florida. By combining IMA's national scale and resources with Wallace Welch & Willingham's local expertise and client-focused approach, the partnership creates a compelling proposition for businesses seeking comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to their unique needs.

As they embark on this journey together, both organizations remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering unparalleled service, fostering innovation, and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. With a shared vision and a deep-rooted dedication to excellence, IMA and Wallace Welch & Willingham are well-positioned to achieve mutual success and contribute positively to the continued growth and resilience of Florida's economy.