The Quiet Power Behind JBI Fund 1’s Rise in the Insurance World

The Boring Business Model Quietly Outperforming the Market

NATIONWIDE - AUGUST 2025 - (USAnews.com) — Joe Bertolino walked into a small, family-run insurance agency in the Western United States. The principal was preparing for retirement. The office was modest, the staff local, and the client relationships decades deep. To many, it was just another “main street” agency—reliable but unremarkable.

But Bertolino saw something different. He saw long-standing client loyalty, recession-resistant revenue, and a rare chance to acquire stable businesses at favorable terms. That quiet moment became the foundation for JBI Fund 1, an acquisition-focused firm targeting under-the-radar insurance agencies and integrating them into a larger, more efficient platform.

“It’s not flashy,” says Bertolino. “But it’s proven, resilient, and consistent.”

A Strategy Focused on Undervalued Agencies

JBI Fund 1 is built around a clear thesis: many small, independent insurance agencies are owned by retiring founders. These firms often generate under $500,000 in annual revenue and are typically overlooked by large brokerages and private equity firms.

Bertolino’s strategy is to acquire these businesses, retain their employees and clients, and centralize operations for long-term scalability. This approach not only preserves the integrity of local firms but also creates compounding value through consolidation.

“We’re not just acquiring revenue—we’re acquiring relationships,” he explains. “That’s where the real value lives.”

Less Competition, More Control

The firm’s niche focus allows it to operate in a less crowded market segment. Most large players are focused on larger transactions that promise quick scale. JBI Fund 1, on the other hand, is comfortable working in the margins—targeting agencies others tend to pass over.

This gives the firm two key advantages: less buyer competition and more favorable acquisition terms. Once acquired, each agency is integrated into a centralized platform, enabling stronger compliance, consistent branding, and operational efficiency.

The strategy allows JBI Fund 1 to increase enterprise value across its portfolio over time, while maintaining the local touch that clients rely on.

Why Insurance? Why Now?

Insurance remains a recession-resilient sector due to its essential nature. Auto, home, and commercial policies are often required by law or contract. This makes the industry relatively stable even during periods of economic volatility.

Moreover, the industry has high barriers to entry. Licensing requirements, regulatory oversight, and the need for trust-based client relationships create a moat around well-established agencies.

“Our focus is on long-term fundamentals,” Bertolino notes. “Insurance isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity.”

Building a Portfolio with Purpose

Each acquisition serves a dual function: generating consistent revenue and reinforcing the strength of the overall enterprise. As the portfolio grows, JBI Fund 1 becomes more attractive to institutional buyers seeking scale.

This long-game mindset allows the firm to remain disciplined in its acquisition process, choosing only those agencies that align with its operational and cultural goals. Sellers appreciate the continuity JBI offers, and investors recognize the clarity of its model.

“There’s value in stability,” says Bertolino. “We’re building something durable, not disposable.”

An Emphasis on Continuity and Care

JBI Fund 1 positions itself as a long-term steward of the businesses it acquires. Sellers are typically founders nearing retirement, many of whom care deeply about the future of their employees and clients.

Bertolino’s team emphasizes smooth transitions, retaining existing staff, and honoring client relationships. This focus on continuity has proven to be a competitive advantage, helping the firm earn trust in an industry where relationships matter most.

“Respecting the legacy of each agency is part of our process,” Bertolino says. “We want owners to feel confident about what comes next.”

Steady Growth, Measured Success

Unlike high-growth startups chasing rapid expansion, JBI Fund 1’s model relies on consistency, diligence, and operational improvement. The firm aims for long-term value creation rather than short-term performance spikes.

This approach is especially appealing to investors who prioritize durability and cash flow. By consolidating smaller agencies into a larger, more efficient operation, the firm creates opportunities for strategic exits at more favorable valuations.

Each step—each acquisition—builds on the last, forming a cohesive business that is stronger than the sum of its parts.

Final Note: The Value of Under-the-Radar Opportunity

For those seeking exposure to a high-barrier, recession-resistant sector, JBI Fund 1 offers a distinct model grounded in measurable value and long-term opportunity.

By focusing on small agencies with loyal client bases and strong community ties, the firm is quietly assembling a portfolio with scalable potential and clear institutional interest.

Bertolino and his team are not chasing trends. They’re building something stable—one agency at a time.

Learn more about JBI Fund 1 at www.jbifunds.com.
Connect with Joe Bertolino on LinkedIn.