Related: Read the article “The Telephone, Untethered From the Office, Drives Modern Productivity” by Frank Senter.

Marek started selling insurance for Texas-based United Benefit Life, marketing medical plans to individuals and families. He quickly transitioned from individual to group medical writing. Then in 1999 he began selling P&C insurance and founded Premier Insurance. Seven years later Premier acquired Stratton and assumed the name—hoping to capitalize on the company's now 98-year history.

Along the way, the firm hired Ryan Headley (a former aviation flight school director) and Matt Peterson (a lifelong insurance man). The three now co-own Stratton—Marek handles the books, Headley manages IT and systems administration, and Peterson heads agency operations.

In this small firm staffed with only seven employees—three producers, three customer service representatives and one front office person—efficiency is key. Stratton went paperless 8 years ago in an effort to streamline service. Today, policyholders have access to certificates of insurance minutes after purchasing, real-time Skype conferences and efficient home inventory software.

“The great thing about having a smaller office is that it allows us to…implement new ideas quickly,” Headley said. “I like to think of us as a speedboat able to make turns quickly compared to the ocean liner—like larger agencies.”

This efficient mindset has earned the agency a Reagan Best Practices designation for the last 2 years, Marek said.

Quick stats

Stratton's book of business is 50 percent commercial, 40 percent benefits and 10 percent personal lines. It represents companies including Hartford, Travelers, Chubb, Allied, CNA, Safeco, Fireman's Fund, CIG, Oregon Mutual and Golden Eagle, and targets technology companies and high value homeowners.

Revenue per employee is about $260,000—more than double the numbers recommended by Best Practices. And despite the soft market, the company maintains continuous growth. In the last 5 years, the Stratton has nearly tripled in value—from $600,000 annual revenue in 2007.

Communication and collaboration

Stratton realized how the market slump would affect the agency early on, and accurately prepared for the company's middle market account premiums to decline. But execs were able to keep Stratton afloat by bringing in enough new business to outrun the poor economy.

Related: Read the article “Agency Technology Today and Tomorrow” by Julie Knudson.

Peterson said Stratton sees the soft market as an opportunity for growth, because thrifty business owners are more willing to change insurance brokers now than ever before. And Stratton's paperless environment and full technology suite saves new clients time and money.

The company acquired three agencies in the past 2 years—Joe Totah Insurance of Burlingame, Calif., ProWest Insurance Services of Grass Valley, Calif., and Procorp Insurance Solutions in Sacramento. Stratton is continually looking to grow organically, by client referrals and through agency acquisition.

“The insurance industry is aging,” Marek said, “and we see a huge opportunity to increase our revenue through agency acquisition as the baby boomers head into retirement.”

Despite recent acquisitions, the majority of Stratton's new business comes from referrals. To date, the company hasn't spent a single dollar on advertising. Client referrals, free social marketing tactics and good customer service has been enough so far.

But company execs admit technology is the backbone of Stratton's success, because, Headley said, in Silicon Valley technology is king. The easier it is for a company to communicate electronically, the happier customers are and the more they return business.

To facilitate smooth communications, Stratton equips every employee with the latest in office technology, including webcams for real-time Skype meetings, ShoreTel VoIP phone systems and wireless headsets, WebEx for online web and videoconferencing, and DocuSign.

Related: Read the article “Sterling Stars” about another agency's success written by Emma Lehmann.

The company took its relationship with technology further 2 years ago when it developed ReadyLife—a web-based software aimed at helping clients track home improvements and inventory, and store insurance records and financial records.

“I think when you add up all the various ways we have implemented the use of technology really puts us at an advantage compared to our peers,” Headley said.

Built for change

Stratton requires a staff that is young (Marek is the oldest at age 41), fast-paced and efficiency-driven. The company looks for employees with exceptional computer skills, a quality it finds more prevalent in younger generations.

“If they are fast on a computer, we can teach them insurance,” Marek said.

Stratton focuses on obtaining a stable clientele through the high-end homeowner and middle commercial markets. It's an ever-changing company looking for long-term relationships. Execs describe it as a company built for change.

“By using video conferencing and collaboration tools we are able to make operational decisions quickly and efficiently,” Peterson said. This efficiency then saves customers time and money.

When Marek failed in the juice industry nearly two decades ago, he ended up washing carpets. But, according to him, it was the best thing ever to happen to him. “The learning experience gave me the tools to understand how a good business should run and the type of sacrifice that is necessary to achieve your goals.”