Hope this newsletter finds everyone well and off to a great start in 2025! It’s hard to believe how quickly the year is already flying by. We’re thrilled to share that it’s shaping up to be another exciting chapter of growth for both TrueNorth and First MainStreet Insurance (FMSI). Nearly every segment of our firm is experiencing strong momentum—especially through organic growth and some key strategic partnerships on the FMSI platform. 2025 is already proving to be a year of exceptional progress, and we remain optimistic and energized by the many opportunities ahead.

First MainStreet adds two more partner firms!

As many of you know, FMSI entered the Minnesota market in the fall of 2023 with the acquisition of United Prairie Insurance Agency, based in Mankato, MN. Since then, we've continued to build on that momentum by welcoming two high-caliber firms—Kozlowski Insurance in fall 2024 and Borchardt Insurance as of January 1, 2025.

We’re now excited to announce yet another strong addition to our Minnesota presence. Effective May 1, Rentz Agency and Midwest Health Benefits, based in Morris, Minnesota, have officially partnered with FMSI. Led for years by Doug Wartner, this agency has been a trusted name in the Morris community, providing top-tier risk management and insurance solutions across both property & casualty and health insurance.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Doug’s son, Jesse Wartner, as our newest partner within this growing division. Jesse will carry forward the legacy his father built and will undoubtedly be a key part of our continued expansion in Minnesota, a state that has already been incredibly supportive and promising for our firm.

“Our agency is built on three core values: small-town community, our employees, and local ownership. “Small-town community” is at the heart of what we do, because when we insure someone, we’re insuring a neighbor, and that means being there when they need us most. Partnering with First MainStreet allows us to stay true to those values by expanding our market options and making sure we can continue serving our community with strength and stability. Being employee-focused and locally owned gives us a strong foundation, and this partnership enhances that by opening the door to new opportunities—like broader market access and cutting-edge technology—that will help us grow while keeping our roots firmly in place.”
Jesse Wartner
Principal, Risk Advisor | Rentz Agency & Midwest health Benefits

Also effective May 1, we’re excited to announce the merger of FMSI with Ryan Ruffcorn’s group of agencies in southeastern Iowa. Ruffcorn Insurance (Keokuk), Capps Insurance (West Burlington), and Muntz Insurance (Farmington) have officially joined the FMSI platform. Ryan, who has been in the industry since 2003, has built an impressive presence in the region and this partnership will only amplify that success. With access to expanded services and the added support of the FMSI team, Ryan is well-positioned to continue his outstanding growth trajectory.

We’re proud to call Ryan a partner and look forward to what’s ahead with such a strong and respected leader. With nearly 20 locations now across southeastern Iowa, the FMSI platform is thriving and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

The Road Ahead...

With the addition of the two partner agencies mentioned above, these mark our 5th and 6th announced transactions of 2025. And while we’re not even halfway through the year, our pipeline is full of exciting, high-potential partnerships. With two more agreements already in place and expected to close in the coming months, we’re feeling energized about where things stand as we move through May.

When you read today’s headlines about M&A activity in the insurance space, they’re often dominated by stories of private equity or publicly traded firms acquiring others. That’s why it’s especially energizing to know there are still many independent agency leaders who see real value in joining a tightly held, privately owned, and truly independent platform. TrueNorth remains committed to our founding partners’ vision of building a Legacy Company, one with the structure and intention to remain perpetually independent. I’m deeply grateful for the foresight they had back in 2001, and proud to play even a small role in carrying that vision forward.

Agency Spotlight | Campbell Insurance

Campbell Insurance officially joined the First MainStreet platform on January 1, 2024. Based in Parkersburg, Iowa, the agency is proudly led by second-generation owner Chad Campbell. Originally founded as Campbell-Mellema Insurance and Real Estate, the firm brings with it a five-decade legacy, one we are honored to help preserve and build upon.

Merging with a dual-industry entity is not unfamiliar territory for our team. We’ve successfully navigated several acquisitions involving real estate or banking components, and we understand the importance of approaching these partnerships with intentionality and care—for both the client and the community.

Today, Campbell Insurance remains strong. Chad continues to lead as Principal and Risk Advisor, and the agency has retained its original insurance staff. With access to expanded markets, enhanced resources, and a broader network of colleagues, the team is better equipped than ever to serve their clients. Revenue retention has remained high, and the agency is thriving within the First MainStreet ecosystem.

Giving back is a core part of our shared mission. Between 2024 and 2025, Campbell Insurance is on track to donate $6,000 back into the Parkersburg community through First MainStreet’s outreach initiative, Local Love.

It’s been a true pleasure collaborating with Chad and his team, learning from one another and continuing to champion the value of the local agency model. We asked Chad to share his reflections on his experience since joining the First MainStreet family. Read on for his thoughts and insights.

"Having access to FMSI’s wide range of internal resources—whether it’s legal support, HR assistance, licensing guidance, or technology support—has been incredibly valuable for our agency. These tools allow us to focus more of our time and energy on what truly matters: taking care of our clients.
One of the greatest benefits of joining the FMSI team has been the expanded market access. We can now offer more options and solutions to our clients than ever before. Even when we don’t have a specific market ourselves, another agency within the FMSI network often does—ensuring our clients receive the best possible coverage and service.
Looking ahead, the future is exciting! The FMSI team continues to strengthen carrier partnerships and work behind the scenes to improve profitability and expand market access. This ongoing support positions our agency—and all FMSI partners—to grow, thrive, and lead in the communities we serve."
Chad Campbell
Principal, Risk Advisor | Campbell Insurance

We’re looking forward to sharing more updates as we continue building this ever-growing platform. If you’re curious to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out, a quick call or meeting never hurts. I’d be happy to walk you through some high-level insights about our firm, dive into the specifics of our FMSI division, and give you a look at how we structure our partnerships. Please don’t hesitate to connect, I’d love to start the conversation.

Dan Driscoll
Vice President of Strategic Expansion and M&A

DDriscoll@truenorthcompanies.com
319-775-2142