New Alliance Unites Insurance Agencies Across the Southeast.

ATM, LLC, announces Fortified, a collaboration of independent insurance agencies, coming January 2023. The move unites 54 independent agencies throughout the Southeast US, including the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Earlier this month, Fortified named Joe Craven chief executive officer of the alliance. Craven has a long tenure in the insurance industry having worked with companies such as Travelers and most recently Grange Insurance.

In his previous positions, Craven worked closely with independent agencies to provide coverage for their clients. It was his familiarity with independent agencies and their struggles that drew the attention of the Fortified board.

"Independent agencies are the foundation of our industry. They're small businesses that work hard to provide the best coverage possible for their clients, but unfortunately being a 'small' business can make it harder to develop partnerships with carriers," said Craven.

Based on 2021 market share data, independent agencies remain a key player in the...