By Brian Klemstein, Group Senior Vice President, Wintrust Agent Finance

As we near the close of 2023, we want to note how grateful we were to attend AC2023 and see so many of our customers. It allowed us to reconnect with you and led to a lot of new business for us. Every person we met was excited to learn and recognized the benefit of meeting in person.

A word about sales multiples

We are constantly asked, “Where are sales multiples at?” Our answer is that your agency is more than a multiple. No single one-dimensional factor quantifies your business. We will never publish figures since it slows us from underwriting new deals and marketing to agents. The real factors are cash flow, location, and condition of your business. 

Cash flow is critical. Are you attaining maximum compensation? The company wants to pay you, so why not try and extract as much as possible? Beyond auto and homeowners, are you unlocking advantages and financial sales opportunities? New buyers like to see additional cash flow streams. It helps retain customers as well.

The location of your agency relies less on physical presence than in the past. We get that. Local, state, and regional factors impact the ability to write business and grow. 

The condition of your business is critical to your long-term success. Having trained staff that grow and learn with you is a major benefit. Establishing consistent marketing helps as well. It’s a critical factor for all phases of your agency, no matter where you stand on the overall agency scorecard.

A partner agents can depend on

Our team has been lending to Allstate agents since 2006. We have seen many changes over the past 17 years and have been a consistent partner for purchases, refinances, and working capital. We adjust our lending to changing conditions. 

If you ever need to talk about lending, banking, or business conditions, or have any questions, call or text me at 847-715-8045. My entire team is available at 1-855-552-5626. Follow us at agentfinance.com or on LinkedIn.