Navigating M&A, Lending, and Growth Strategies in the Insurance Industry with Kelly Drouillard

In this episode of Insurance VC, PE, and M&A, Jeff Shi sits down with industry icon Kelly Drouillard to unpack the complexities of insurance M&A, lending strategies, and agency growth. With over 30 years of experience spanning carrier, reinsurance, and capital markets, Kelly brings a deep well of insight into insurance transactions. She breaks down the agency ownership lifecycle—from growth and optimization to perpetuation—while offering tactical advice on when and how to sell.

Kelly also explains the nuances between SBA 7A loans and traditional bank lending, the risks and rewards of equity partners, how to build creditworthiness, and creative capital structuring. This is a must-listen for insurance agency owners looking to scale, exit, or navigate complex financial decisions with clarity.

Whether you're planning an acquisition, evaluating your agency’s valuation, or preparing for perpetuation, Kelly’s perspective offers critical guidance grounded in decades of real-world experience.

Keywords: insurance M&A, agency lending, SBA 7A, insurance capital, insurtech, agency growth, exit strategy, equity financing, commercial insurance, agency valuation, private equity in insurance

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Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Kelly Drouillard :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-drouillard-ins/

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