Curtis Barton has spent more than 20 years in the insurance business, and through his experience, he’s seen a common problem: companies growing without proper systems, data, or clear plans. This lack of integration often leads to trouble down the road. That’s why he built ALKEME Insurance differently—with a focus on clear structure and smart growth.
Barton explains that many insurance agencies grow by simply combining businesses without aligning their operations. This approach creates scattered systems and mixed-up data, making it hard to understand how the combined companies really perform. On top of that, owners often see their agencies as lifestyle businesses. They focus on short-term gains instead of reinvesting for the future.
At ALKEME, Barton wanted to fix this. Instead of just buying agency after agency hoping for revenue growth, he focused on bringing them together under one system. This created a single, unified source of data, helping them see exactly where growth comes from and where to invest. It also supports organic growth, which Barton believes is essential for long-term success. “If you’re not growing organically at a higher clip, you can’t continue to buy businesses at the multiples people want,” he says.
ALKEME also works to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive while making operations more efficient. Local leaders and producers are encouraged to run their parts like owners, managing their own profit and loss. At the same time, shared services like HR, IT, and accounting handle routine tasks. This frees up agency leaders to focus on clients and growing the business.
Another key part of Barton’s strategy is the company’s ownership setup. ALKEME uses a single class of equity, meaning everyone’s success is connected. When one part of the business grows, the whole organization benefits. This shared incentive helps teams work together and match opportunities to the right people, instead of sticking to old boundaries.
Barton is also cautious about how technology is used in insurance. He says the industry talks a lot about tools but often lacks the right structure to make them work well. Since ALKEME set up its systems early, they can focus on using technology to improve work, not fix problems. The company has developed tools that rank accounts, find chances to sell more, and automate simple tasks. This way, people can spend their time on more important and complex work without cutting jobs.
Finally, Barton is selective about acquisitions. ALKEME has completed over 75 deals but doesn’t aim to grow just by volume. They look for agencies with steady commercial revenue, a strong reputation, and owners eager to stay involved. Companies that join usually adopt the ALKEME name, showing they’re willing to fully integrate and work together.
In an industry where adding many agencies can cause confusion and disjointed identities, ALKEME’s disciplined approach focuses on clarity and solid foundations. Barton’s vision is clear: grow smart, keep teams connected, and invest for the future.