America's Benefit Specialist July 2023

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

Integrity has partnered with Christian Brindle Insurance Services, an independent marketing organization based in Sandy, Utah, and led by Christian Brindle, president. CBIS serves seniors across the nation, specializing in Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. The agency has cultivated a strong online presence to provide mentorship to agents and to educate seniors through podcasts, e-books and social media, including the creation of the Seven Figure Medicare Agent Facebook Group, a community of nearly 6,000 agents. Additionally, Integrity has partnered with Patriot Family Financial, an independent marketing organization based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and led by Sean Schickel, president. Prior to founding Patriot Family Financial in 2018, Schickel served in the United States Marine Corps for 24 years. His service included leading hundreds of Marines in combat and serving as the Marine Corps lead planner for the 2013 Pres idential Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Schickel brings his military management and leadership principles to the robust agent training program developed at Patriot Family Financial. The agency is renowned for growing agents into top producers by inspiring client trust and focusing on finding solutions to client needs. Patriot Family Financial is a rapidly growing distributor of solutions for the senior market. Since 2018, the Fredericks burg, Virginia-based agency has helped thousands of Ameri cans prepare for the future and get health and drug cover age that fits their needs. With agents located across the U.S. and a local virtual enrollment center, Patriot Family Financial reaches people nationwide. Patriot Family Financial is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran company and is known for its robust agent training and use of modern technology and enrollment platforms. Finally, Integrity has acquired The Insurance Superstore, an independent marketing organization based in Colora do Springs, Colorado, and led by Brad Keating, president.

GALLAGHER ACQUIRES BERNARD BENEFITS In late May, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisi tion of Nashville, Tennessee-based Bernard Benefits and Ber nard Healthcare Financial Planning, subsidiaries of Bernard Health. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Bernard Benefits is a health and employee benefits brokerage firm with a focus on small-group businesses in Tennessee, Indiana and Texas. Bernard Healthcare Financial Planning advises individuals and families on health insur ance coverage. Brian Tolbert, Matt Kleymeyer and their team will remain in their current location under the direction of Robby White, head of Gallagher’s South Central region em ployee benefits consulting and brokerage operations. “Bernard complements our existing employee benefits of ferings and represents an excellent cultural fit,” said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., chairman, president and CEO. “I am very pleased to welcome Brian, Matt and their associates to Gallagher.” THE BLAIR AGENCY JOINS LTC GLOBAL LTC Global Inc. has acquired The Blair Agency Inc., a Capitas Financial Inc. member headquartered in St. Louis. Michael Blair will continue to manage The Blair Agency, which oper ates across the central United States. The Blair Agency, founded in 1972, joins other LTC Glob al group and Capitas Financial member agencies: Pacific Southwest Financial and Insurance Services Inc., The Smith Companies, NorthCoast Brokerage Agency Inc. and Pitts burgh Brokerage Services Inc. The Blair Agency operates a life and health insurance agency serving brokers and clients throughout Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Southern Illinois. INTEGRITY CONTINUES TO GROW Integrity Marketing Group LLC has announced several recent acquisitions:

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