AGENCY NETWORKS / CLUSTERS / FRANCHISES
Independence comes in different forms.
Find out what each relationship actually provides—and what it asks of your agency in return.
| Model | What to explore | Questions that matter |
|---|---|---|
| Network / cluster | Shared relationships, resources, and support. | Who holds the code? What is included? What can I take with me? |
| Aggregator / access program | A route to markets and placement support. | Who quotes, binds, and services? How is compensation calculated? |
| Franchise | A branded operating model and defined support. | Which brand and system requirements apply? What fees and exit terms apply? |
| Direct independent model | Your own operating systems and carrier relationships. | Can I obtain the markets and support needed to serve my target clients? |
These are comparison prompts, not universal definitions. Labels overlap; the written agreement determines the actual relationship.
BEFORE YOU JOIN
Read the relationship, not just the pitch.
Organization guide
How to choose the right network, aggregator, or cluster
Start with the agency you want to build. Then look for a group whose markets, support, and agreement fit that plan.
Read guide Organization guideIndependent, but supported: why agencies join larger groups
A larger group can give a local agency access to people and resources it would struggle to build alone. The value depends on what the agency actually uses.
Read guide Organization guideBefore you join: costs, ownership, and the exit conversation
A promising relationship deserves a careful review of how it works on day one, during growth, and when circumstances change.
Read guide