At Keats Insurance Agencies, we’ve always believed that the way we run our business is just as important as the insurance policies we provide. This week, that belief was validated on a national stage. We are incredibly honored to announce that we were officially recognized for the Agency Best Practices Designation at the Big I Conference in Syracuse.
Our very own John Keats accepted the award on behalf of the agency, marking a significant achievement in our company’s history. But what exactly does “Best Practices” mean, and why does it matter to you?
What is the Best Practices Designation?
Since 1993, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big I) and Reagan Consulting have conducted a rigorous annual study of the country’s leading independent agencies. The goal is simple but demanding: to identify the “best of the best” based on operational excellence and financial stability.
This isn’t a popularity contest or a simple “years-in-business” award. To be considered, an agency must first be nominated by an insurance carrier or a state association. Out of nearly 40,000 independent agencies nationwide, only a small fraction is invited to participate, and even fewer qualify for the final designation.
Why Was Keats Agency Selected?
The Big I looks at a variety of “hard” metrics to determine who makes the cut. For 2026, the focus was on several key pillars of a healthy agency:
- Operational Efficiency: How well we utilize technology and streamlined processes to serve our clients without delays.
- Financial Stability: Maintaining a strong, healthy business that our clients and carrier partners can rely on for the long haul.
- Growth & Innovation: Our ability to adapt to a changing market—including our focus on SEO and “Answer Engine Optimization” (AEO)—to stay ahead of industry trends.
- Client Retention: The most important metric of all. Our designation is a direct reflection of the trust our clients place in us year after year.
What This Means for Our Clients
You might wonder why a “business award” matters to someone looking for home, auto, or commercial insurance. The answer is simple: A well-run agency provides better protection.
When an agency operates at a “Best Practices” level, it means we have the resources to invest in staff education, the technology to find coverage gaps faster, and the stability to be there when you need to file a claim. It means we aren’t just selling policies; we are managing a professional organization dedicated to your security.
A Team Effort
This award belongs to our entire team. Their commitment to excellence is what caught the eye of the Big I and what continues to drive Keats Agency forward.
We are proud to bring this honor back to our offices and use it as motivation to keep raising the bar. Thank you to Big I for the recognition and thank you to our clients for making this achievement possible.
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