At Agency Collective, we reinforce the autonomy of independent agencies and foster growth for the good of the whole. We develop partnerships based on shared goals, reciprocity and mutual interests.
I am excited to take this opportunity to introduce you to our organization. My name is Kenny Urbania; I am an agency owner with multiple locations throughout Northeast Ohio. My 25 years as an agent provided me with a unique opportunity to work on many projects, lead peer training classes and earn many trips with Nationwide Agents from all over the country. Although I had built a successful business, the transition to independence was both exciting and scary at the same time. To learn about the needed steps to transition my agency to independence, I started asking questions. The questions were mounting daily just how these changes will work for my agency and my fellow agents. Being proactive in my communications with Nationwide and other Agents the answer became clear: build an agency cluster for Nationwide Agents with the tools they need to succeed during the transition period and beyond.
The Agency Cluster was initially built for the Nationwide Agent transition. It became clear that The AC was a network that all Independent Agencies could benefit from–The Agency Collective. Our ideology and thinking became the disrupter in the Insurance Network marketplace. We became the disruptor as we do not want to lock you down with restrictive clauses, huge fees or closed-door deals. As my team and I built The AC, we continued to ask one question. “How would I feel if this was being sold to my agency?” This allowed us to create The AC formula with all the right components for your agency and our members.
Choosing an aggregator/network partner is a very personal choice. After all, this is a partnership for your company’s future development. Our values are evident in our daily business practices. Our relationships are built out of trust and a desire to do business. We do not want relationships of necessity. My team and I are proud to introduce to you The AC Companies. Please feel free to call or email if you would like to learn more. Whether you choose to do business with us or another group, we truly wish you the best.
Kenny has been in the insurance industry for 25 years. Starting as a scratch agent, Kenny learned early on that customer satisfaction and working with the right carrier can make for a fantastic Insurance agency. After 10 years in the business, Kenny found himself with Nationwide, and has not regretted a moment of that decision. As a Nationwide Agent, Kenny has been a leader among his peer group; teaching classes, heading community marketing initiatives, recruiting, and winning multiple awards for excellent performance. Founding the cluster was a natural progression, with many agents turning to Kenny for direction as the move to independence grew closer.
Kenny learned early on the importance of detail and the ability to follow directions. As a weapons instructor for 16 years in the United States Coast Guard, Kenny learned how to lead and drive results. Kenny is a leader focused on creating a positive culture for our organization, while helping agency partners maximize their business potential and growth.
Gary’s business leadership has been a blend of small business entrepreneurship along with Fortune 100 corporate leadership. Over the past several years, the insurance industry vertical has become a leading space for Gary’s expertise. Working with leaders in the insurance industry gave Gary a unique perspective for ways insurance agents could collaborate and become better together. Gary earned his undergraduate degree from Kent State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Lake Erie College.
Today, Gary is a strategic visionary with corporate research and development expertise who stands at the forefront of business innovation.
Larry brings 30-plus years of experience from both the agency and corporate sides of the insurance industry. Beginning as a scratch agent, his leadership skills were recognized early on as he was selected to develop agencies throughout Northeast Ohio. Larry was recruited to Nationwide sales management in 2004 and brought his friend and AC President Ken Urbania to NW shortly thereafter.
Larry and Kenny had a highly successful 10-year run together as they developed a strong player/coach model for others to emulate. Among his many accomplishments, Larry was named to Nationwide’s inaugural National Sales Leadership Council in 2009, twice nominated for the CEO Award and was known for his ability to form excellent partnerships with Product, Underwriting, and Claims. He is someone who helps elevate the performance of all those around him and provides valuable experience to The AC Leadership Team.
Holly has a multifaceted background in insurance and business. With over ten years with a top five carrier and five years working with a niche carrier, Holly has seen insurance from various angles. With her strong background in accounting and finance, coupled with her MBA from Lake Erie College, Holly will be an intricate leader in her new insurance chapter with The AC.
Holly is an accomplished business professional with expertise in finance, accounting, human resources, customer service and business organizational structure.
Kari has been a life-long entrepreneur, with business-ownership experience across several industries. She began her insurance career, as a scratch agency owner, when she was just 20 years old. After eight years of building a successful business, she was given the opportunity to purchase the local Nationwide agency. As a Nationwide agent, Kari achieved Champions and Farm Fast Track multiple times as well as being appointed to the Regional and National Advisory Councils.
Kari is known for her strong tactical ability to communicate and assist agency owners in their EC to IA transition. As such, she is a perfect fit to lead Client Relations with our AC member agencies. Kari holds a degree in Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.