New Mexico-based Strategic Insurance Group joins Equal Parts - expanding its AI-driven platform for independent agencies

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- I’m thrilled to announce our acquisition of Strategic Insurance in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  

| Unlocking Great Leaders: Our Acquisition of Strategic Insurance

Since 2022, Strategic has been serving families and small businesses across Albuquerque with exceptional care and entrepreneurial grit. What Benito Ortiz and his team have built in just a few years is nothing short of remarkable — a thriving, fast-growing agency with deep community trust. It represents exactly what we’re looking for as we build the future of insurance.

| People Over Policies

People often ask me, “What are you looking for in a book of business?” - The truth is, I’m not looking for a book of business. I’m looking for people.

At Equal Parts, we’re building a platform that is redefining how independent insurance agencies operate. To do that, we need more than policies — we need great people. Leaders. Builders. Entrepreneurs.

Across the U.S., there are 70,000 independent insurance agencies. But here’s the challenge: half of those agency owners are expected to retire in the next decade. This creates both a massive opportunity and a potential crisis. Most agencies will either sell to a large corporate acquirer or fade away entirely, leaving their teams and clients without a clear path forward.

We believe there’s a better way — one where already-successful agencies don’t get absorbed or stalled out, but instead get the chance to scale even faster with the right tools, technology, and support.

| The Story of Benito Ortiz and Strategic Insurance

When we first met Benito, it was clear he was one of those rare leaders.

He started Strategic Insurance from absolutely nothing — no big corporate backing, no inherited book of business. Just vision, hustle, and determination.  

In 4 short years, he built:

• A team that truly cares about their clients
• A brand that Albuquerque families and businesses trust
• A business that now serves thousands of clients
  

Strategic was already thriving. But like many strong founders, Benito eventually faced a critical question: “Where do I go from here?”

For most agency owners, the options are frustratingly limited:

• Sell to a big corporate buyer and watch your creation get absorbed into a massive machine.
• Keep grinding alone, carrying the full burden of growth without access to better tools, talent, or capital.
  

Neither path felt right for Benito. With a young family and a deep love for his community, he wanted to keep growing, keep building, and be part of something bigger.

| A Better Path Forward

When Benito and I first connected, we were still early in the Equal Parts journey. But from the very first conversation, something clicked.

Benito told me:

“Mike — I’m staring at three private equity offers. They’re straightforward, financially sound… and completely uninspiring. The more we talk, the more I see that Equal Parts isn’t just another buyer. Your vision is different. You actually want to build something new — and I want to be a part of it.”

That’s what excites me most: Equal Parts isn’t here to “fix” great agencies — we partner with them, and together we accelerate what’s already working.

| Why Speed Matters

Insurance has historically been slow to evolve. Systems are outdated, processes are manual, and decisions move at a glacial pace. But speed is a competitive advantage.

Strategic proved they could move fast. With Equal Parts, that momentum gets multiplied. 

Together, we can move even faster, break down barriers, and deliver better outcomes for clients.

| Looking Ahead

With Strategic Insurance joining the Equal Parts family, we’re not rewriting their story — we’re adding the next chapter. Benito and his team will keep serving Albuquerque families and businesses with the same passion and personal touch that built their reputation, now powered by the resources of a platform built for scale.

This is more than an acquisition. It’s proof of what’s possible when great agencies link arms with a platform designed to unlock their next stage of growth.

To Benito, his team, and the Albuquerque community: welcome to Equal Parts. We can’t wait to build the future together.