Meeting Information

Craig is IA Valuations' seasoned Director of Business Planning and Valuation. With more than a decade of financial and operational consulting experience with independent agents and brokers, he has spent the majority of his time specializing in agency valuations and perpetuation planning. Craig started his career as an agency Valuation Analyst with Marshberry & Co., one of the leading valuations firms in the country. Craig joined IA Valuations in 2017 and has performed more than 150 valuations since joining. In his career, Craig has conducted 300 valuations and perpetuation planning engagements. Craig's agency valuation experience spans several unique periods including the 2008-2009 great recession, escalation of Private Equity buyers in the IA marketplace, and most recently the COVID pandemic. Craig holds a BA in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University, an MBA in Finance from the University of Iowa, and earned the prestigious Certified Valuation Analyst designation (CVA). The Certified Valuation Analyst designation is "the most comprehensive and complete foundational training, teaching the international body of knowledge on how to value private business enterprises." Craig's experience, expertise, and specialization in independent insurance agencies and brokers make him an invaluable asset for agency owners across the country.

Jeffrey S. Smith, JD, CIC, CAE serves as Chief Executive Officer for Ohio Insurance Agents Association (OIA) and IA Valuations. He is responsible for leading the organization’s strategic initiatives and day to day operations. As CEO of IA Valuations, Smith has consulted and reviewed over 200 agency valuations for independent agents across the US. IA Valuations serves independent agencies as a trusted advisor and strategic business partner as they implement strategies to increase their agency value, grow their businesses and transition their agencies. Smith provides insights into the agency’s operations, risk factors and legal guidance on how to perpetuate and maximize value in a sale. Smith graduated with honors from Kent State University and Capital University Law School with a concentration in government relations. He is a licensed P&C insurance agent, Certified Insurance Counselor Designee, Attorney and Certified Association Executive. Smith is an active member of the Ohio State Bar Association Insurance Committee, Ohio Society of Association Executives and Ohio Lobbying Association. He also served on the Village of Marble Cliff Council and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Sequent Midwest Business Health Fund. On a personal note, Smith is an avid runner and endurance athlete. He has completed a marathon in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and an Ironman triathlon. He lives in Powell with his wife and two children. He enjoys coaching youth sports and outdoor adventures.

Jarod Steed is the Business Planning & Valuation Analyst for the IA Valuations team. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Jarod Steed holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a specialization in finance and a minor in economics. Jarod’s professional background includes accounting and operations analysis in the Insurtech industry. He has a passion for delivering insightful numbers and thoughtful analysis. The newest member of the IA Valuations team, Jarod looks forward to working closely with independent insurance agents in the valuation, consulting, and M&A space.