In this episode, Ben Hayes, Nick Baxter, and Austin Bockwinkel share how Freestone Insurance Group is building a nationally recognized insurance platform rooted in relationships and entrepreneurial drive. Ben reflects on his journey from professional golf to founding a full-service brokerage, and how an unplanned conversation with Shore Capital opened his eyes to what Freestone could become. The team discusses why they chose partnership over exit, how investing in talent and technology transformed their business, and what they look for in agency owners ready to join the platform. They talk about preserving the brands and cultures entrepreneurs have built, why the most exciting time to join is at the beginning, and how insurance remains a people-first industry where Freestone's future will be defined by the partners who choose to be part of the story.

Key Takeaways:

Entrepreneurial drive and trusted relationships form the foundation of durable growth in a people-first insurance industry.
Investing early in specialized expertise and operational infrastructure frees leaders to move from working in the business to building the business.
Choosing partnership over exit unlocks talent, technology, and strategic resources that accelerate scale without sacrificing culture or control.
The most compelling platforms preserve brand, legacy, and entrepreneurial identity while aligning incentives to create long-term shared value.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
03:49 - A People-First Business
06:10 - Investing in Talent and Infrastructure
09:46 - Partnership Over Exit
18:28 - Preserving Legacy and Driving Growth

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.