Brown & Brown, a major insurance brokerage based in Florida, has filed a federal lawsuit against Westyn Swenson, a former vice president, for allegedly starting a competing business and stealing clients. The lawsuit was filed in the Middle District of Florida this week.
According to the complaint, Swenson, who is based in Texas, worked with Nathan Gilbert Insurance Agency and Legacy Insurance Group to lure away at least 37 clients from Brown & Brown. This action allegedly violated his non-compete agreements from his time at Hillco West Texas, where he agreed not to solicit clients after leaving.
The legal troubles began in 2021 when Swenson was employed at Hillco. While working there, he reportedly created a company called Swenson Capital with the intent to compete with Hillco. Brown & Brown acquired Hillco in 2024, and Swenson then joined Brown & Brown as a vice president for sales, signing a new employment agreement.
After a few months, Swenson left Brown & Brown and began working with Legacy Insurance Group, which operates in both Florida and Texas. The lawsuit claims that Swenson used confidential information from Brown & Brown to secure business for Legacy Insurance. It alleges that he solicited work for at least 37 insurance policies he had previously managed while at Brown & Brown.
The lawsuit also suggests that Swenson Capital was merely a cover for his dealings with Legacy Insurance. Interestingly, the address listed for Swenson Capital appears to be a vacant lot in Nocona, Texas, raising questions about the legitimacy of the business.
Brown & Brown claims that Swenson’s actions have caused them significant financial harm and have compromised their trade secrets. They are seeking at least $50,000 in damages and a court order to enforce Swenson’s compliance with his employment agreements.
As of now, Swenson and the other defendants have not responded to the lawsuit. This case adds to a growing trend of poaching lawsuits in the insurance industry, where such legal battles have become more common in recent years.