Curtis Barton has spent over 20 years in the insurance world, watching the same problem repeat itself: growth that looks good on paper but falls apart in reality. He knows many agencies merge without truly understanding how they work together after the deal. Often, they keep separate systems and data, making it hard to see the full picture.
Barton sees many agencies as lifestyle businesses. Owners focus on short-term gains instead of investing in the future. That’s why he started ALKEME Insurance with a different approach. After running and growing a family agency to about $10 million in revenue, he realized just buying agencies wasn’t enough. There needed to be a structure to help agencies work better as one.
ALKEME makes sure all acquired agencies use the same operating system. This single platform gives clear data on performance and growth sources. With this info, leaders can make better decisions and invest smartly. Barton says organic growth drives everything at ALKEME. Without it, buying more agencies doesn’t make sense.
ALKEME also tackles a common challenge: keeping the energy and independence of local agency leaders while creating efficiency. Producers and leaders act like owners of their own units but don’t have to handle back-office work. Tasks like HR and IT are centralized, freeing up leaders to focus on clients. The company’s single-class equity means everyone benefits when any part of the business grows. "If I grow, you grow," Barton explains.
Technology is another key. While many insurance firms are still fixing broken systems, ALKEME finished that step early. Now they use data to identify sales chances, rank accounts, and automate simple jobs. This lets staff focus on more important client needs, not just cutting headcount but using time better.
Barton is careful about how ALKEME grows through acquisitions. The company has made more than 75 deals but doesn’t rush into buying. They look for agencies with solid recurring revenue, clear strengths, and owners who want to stick around and build. Most agencies also choose to adopt the ALKEME name, showing their commitment to fully join the system.
In an industry where growth can blur identities and create confusion, ALKEME’s approach is clear-cut and selective. The company grows only when it adds real value and clarity. For Barton and his team, it’s as much about what they don’t buy as what they do.