NASHVILLE, TN – SEPT. 17, 2025 – Insurance Business America (IBA) has published its annual list of top-performing insurance networks and alliances in the US for 2025 and Fortified has been named for the third consecutive year.
Fortified was first recognized as an IBA 5-Star Network in 2023 during its rookie year as an organization. Since then, the alliance has continued to grow and prosper. Fortified has member agencies in 14 states and counting and continues to add new members and carrier partnerships regularly.
‘I’m so excited to announce that we did it again!’ stated Joe Craven, CEO of Fortified, in an internal member email announcing the recognition.
While the criteria have remained consistent throughout the years, according to a release from the IBA this ‘announcement comes at a time when insurance agents are navigating rapid changes in distribution, increased digitalization, and the growing influence of data and artificial intelligence across the industry’.
In addition to the 5-Star Networks and Alliances award, Fortified was also regarded as a 2025 All-Star, one of just three named this year. This is the second year the organization has been named an All-Star, which highlights the best of the best in the industry.
“Being recognized as a 5-Star Network and Alliance for the third year in a row as well as an All-Star network for the second year in a row is incredible,” said Craven. “This recognition is due to all the quality agencies that make up Fortified, and I want to thank each of them for making this happen.”
ABOUT THE IBA 5-STAR NETWORKS AND ALLIANCES
To identify winners, IBA surveys agents nationwide requesting feedback on a range of performance metrics. Networks and alliances were rated on a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) across ten categories:
- Availability of insurance companies and products
- Commission structures and profit sharing
- Access to specialized and non-traditional markets
- Marketing and branding support
- Training and professional development
- Administrative assistance
- Technology access
- Business consulting services
- Succession and perpetuation planning
- Discounts from vendors
Networks that score an average of 8 or higher in at least one category were recognized with a 5-star rating. Networks that met that threshold across all categories received the All-Star designation.
The full release from IBA and complete list of 5-Star Networks and Alliances may be found on the IBA’s website.
ABOUT FORTIFIED
Fortified aligns independent agencies to reinforce and enhance their role in the industry. The alliance is committed to uniting its member agencies to bring the best insurance and risk management solutions to clients. Combined Fortified agencies write over just over $4 billion in insurance premiums for more than 400,000 clients throughout the United States. Learn more at fortifiedagencies.com.