American Growth Insurance Enters M&A Market with Acquisition of Heller-Kowitz Insurance Advisors
By Lauren Towner · 6 August 2026
In brief: American Growth Insurance (AGI) has acquired Baltimore-based Heller-Kowitz Insurance Advisors, marking its first step in building a national AI-native brokerage network to automate and scale traditional agencies.
| Acquisition Target | Heller-Kowitz Insurance Advisors |
|---|---|
| Primary Region | Mid-Atlantic, United States |
| Backing Firms | Rockbridge Growth Equity and Atomic |

Quick Summary
American Growth Insurance (AGI) has acquired Baltimore-based Heller-Kowitz Insurance Advisors to launch its AI-native brokerage network. By integrating proprietary AI technology with established agency operations, AGI aims to scale traditional insurance models while maintaining local client relationships through enhanced operational efficiency and automation.
How Does American Growth Insurance Scale Traditional Brokerages?
American Growth Insurance solves the problem of stagnant growth in traditional brokerages by rebuilding them as AI-native operations. Rather than simply applying surface-level software, AGI integrates a proprietary technology stack designed by engineers from Shopify and Flexport. This approach allows experienced brokerage operators to automate routine administrative tasks, freeing up time for high-value client advisory roles.
- Automated workflows for personal and commercial lines.
- Actionable data insights to improve service delivery.
- Access to a broader carrier network for better client pricing.
"We believe the future of insurance will be built by combining great operators with great technology," said Brian Morgan, CEO of AGI. "Heller-Kowitz is exactly the kind of agency we want in our network: strong client relationships, deep expertise, and a reputation for service."
What Value Does Heller-Kowitz Bring to the AGI Network?
Heller-Kowitz Insurance Advisors serves as the foundational acquisition for AGI's expansion into the Mid-Atlantic region. As a Reagan Consulting Best Practices agency, the firm brings a high standard of operational excellence and a diverse portfolio spanning employee benefits and life insurance. The acquisition allows the Baltimore agency to transition from legacy systems to a state-of-the-art platform.
- 12 years of industry expertise since its 2014 founding.
- Capabilities across personal and commercial lines.
- Proven track record in relationship-driven insurance models.
"As AGI expands its platform and capabilities, we are committed to adopting technology that drives scalability and operational excellence without compromising the culture that defines who we are," said Steve Heller, Principal of Heller-Kowitz Insurance Advisors.
Why is the AI-Native Approach Critical for Modern Insurtech?
The AI-native insurance model differentiates AGI from traditional consolidators who often focus solely on financial arbitrage. By focusing on agency productivity and profitability, AGI ensures that local "Main Street" agencies can compete with digital-first disruptors. The strategy prioritizes purposeful leadership and long-term client well-being through AI-driven innovation that enhances, rather than replaces, the human element of insurance.
"AGI's approach stood apart. We recognized a unique opportunity to combine operational excellence with purposeful leadership; creating a long-term strategy that prioritizes our clients' well-being while leveraging state-of-the-art technology and AI-driven innovation," said Brian Kowitz, Principal of Heller-Kowitz Insurance Advisors.
FF NEWS TAKE:
AGI is tackling the fragmented brokerage market with a sophisticated tech-first playbook. By moving beyond "point solutions" to a fully AI-native infrastructure, they are addressing the core inefficiency of the agency model: administrative bloat. This acquisition signals a shift where operational technology becomes the primary driver of M&A value in the insurance sector, potentially forcing traditional consolidators to accelerate their own digital transformations to remain competitive.
Frequently asked questions
What is an AI-native insurance brokerage?
An AI-native insurance brokerage, like American Growth Insurance (AGI), integrates a proprietary technology stack directly into the core operations of acquired agencies. Unlike firms using standalone AI tools, AGI rebuilds the agency workflow around automation and data insights to increase productivity and profitability while maintaining local client relationships.
Why did AGI acquire Heller-Kowitz Insurance Advisors?
AGI acquired Heller-Kowitz Insurance Advisors because of its status as a Reagan Consulting Best Practices agency with deep expertise in personal and commercial lines. Based in Baltimore, it serves as the foundational partner for AGI's expansion into the Mid-Atlantic market, combining strong client relationships with AGI's AI-driven platform.
Who is leading American Growth Insurance?
American Growth Insurance is led by CEO Brian Morgan and a team of insurance-distribution veterans. The company's technology is developed by engineers with experience building major platforms like Shopify, Flexport, and Opendoor, and it is backed by venture studio Atomic and Rockbridge Growth Equity.
About the companies
Heller Kowitz Insurance Advisors
American Growth Insurance
2 stories and 1 video interview on FF News since 2026
Previously on FF News:
Companies in this story: Atomic, American Growth Insurance, Rockbridge Growth Equity, Reagan Consulting, Heller Kowitz Insurance Advisors
People in this story: Steve Heller, Brian Kowitz, Brian Morgan