A senior level consultant to owners of independent agencies and brokerages, Mr. Germundson began his career with Hales & Associates, a Chicago-based insurance financial consulting and investment banking firm. During his tenure he specialized in valuations, agency operations, and Errors & Omissions loss control. He also was responsible for writing The Hales Report, a monthly newsletter containing coverage and analysis of the insurance industry with a focus on the distribution sector.
In 1994, Mr. Germundson co-founded NSIA, Inc., a Minneapolis-based insurance agency specializing in small-to-middle market accounts. As a principal, his responsibilities included M&A activity and financial controls and reporting. After the sale of the agency and looking to return to consulting services, Mr. Germundson co-founded OPTIS Partners, LLC, in 2002.
Mr. Germundson pursued a unique ground-floor opportunity in 2014 by joining start-up insurance broker, Prime Risk Partners, as the first employee and with responsibilities for corporate development. Mr. Germundson was an integral member of the M&A team that led to Prime Risk Partners exceeding $100 million in revenue faster than any firm up to that time. The company was sold to EPIC Insurance Brokers in 2019.
Upon the sale of Prime Risk Partners, he returned to OPTIS Partners. With a diverse background as an owner/partner in consulting practices, a privately-held insurance agency, and a private equity-backed national insurance broker, Mr. Germundson brings considerable experience and expertise in his focused efforts to develop ownership strategies for his clients whether they are committed to long-term internal succession plans, considering making agency and book purchases, or are ready to consider a sale of the firm.
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