Inszone Acquires 50-Year-Old Specialty Agency Shahinian Insurance

SACRAMENTO, CA – December 29, 2025 – Inszone Insurance Services, a national brokerage firm known for its aggressive expansion, has announced its acquisition of Shahinian Insurance Services, Inc. The deal brings a California-based agency with a 50-year history and a highly specialized, nationwide book of business under the Inszone umbrella.

This strategic acquisition marks another step in Inszone's rapid growth, integrating a firm celebrated for its deep expertise in niche markets that are often challenging to insure. Shahinian Insurance, while based in California, has built a national reputation for providing coverage across all 50 states, making it a significant addition to Inszone’s growing portfolio.

A Half-Century Legacy in Niche Markets

Founded in 1974 by Edward Shahinian, Shahinian Insurance Services began as a local agency with a commitment to client service. The firm underwent a pivotal transformation in the early 1990s when Edward’s daughter, Liz Shahinian, joined the family business. Infusing the company with new energy and a vision for expansion, she modernized its operational capabilities and set the stage for significant growth.

Following her father's passing in 2005, Liz Shahinian assumed full ownership and continued to steer the agency toward national prominence. Under her leadership, the firm carved out a distinct identity by mastering complex and specialized insurance programs. It became the go-to provider for a diverse range of clients often overlooked by larger, more generalized carriers. The agency's portfolio includes comprehensive coverage for kiosk operators in malls, vendors at vibrant street festivals, and exhibitors at major trade shows. Beyond these, Shahinian cultivated a unique expertise in insuring community events, exotic animal handlers, educational presenters, and other specialty entertainment providers whose risk profiles require deep underwriting knowledge.

This focus on specialization was not just a market strategy but a core part of the agency's identity, allowing it to thrive in a competitive industry by offering solutions where others could not. The ability to insure a traveling magician with exotic animals or a multi-state series of artisan festivals demonstrates a level of proficiency that is rare and highly valuable.

The Strategic Value of a Specialized Approach

One of the key assets that made Shahinian Insurance an attractive acquisition target is its innovative operational structure. More than 25 years ago, Liz Shahinian established a risk purchasing group (RPG) to serve her clients. This forward-thinking move allowed the agency to purchase liability insurance on a group basis for members with similar or related risk profiles. For clients, the RPG streamlined the compliance process and ensured consistency in coverage and pricing, regardless of their location.

For insurance carriers, the RPG created a more efficient, predictable, and scalable block of business. This structure has been a hallmark of the agency’s success, enabling it to operate with the efficiency and reach of a much larger organization while maintaining the focused expertise of a boutique firm. It is this combination of niche market dominance and operational excellence that caught the attention of Inszone.

In a statement regarding the transition, Liz Shahinian emphasized the importance of finding the right partner. “When we began considering a transition, we wanted a partner who understood our programs and could offer an even broader platform for our clients and employees,” she said. “Chris and the Inszone team made the process straightforward, and their resources and carrier access open new opportunities for everyone involved.”

Fueling Inszone's National Expansion

Founded in 2002 and also headquartered in Sacramento, Inszone Insurance Services has built its reputation on a dual strategy of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The firm has expanded from a regional player into a full-service national brokerage with offices stretching from California to the Midwest and beyond, including states like Texas, Illinois, Michigan, and Florida.

The acquisition of Shahinian Insurance fits perfectly into this established playbook. Inszone seeks to acquire successful, well-run agencies that bring specialized expertise, a loyal client base, and a strong cultural fit. By integrating these firms, Inszone not only grows its revenue and geographic footprint but also deepens its collective knowledge base and market access.

Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services, commented on the strategic alignment. “Liz and her team have created something truly exceptional,” Walters stated. “Their specialty programs, national reach, and decades of experience make them an excellent fit for Inszone. We’re excited to support their continued growth and welcome them to Inszone.”

An Enhanced Future for Clients and Staff

Under the new ownership, Shahinian Insurance Services will continue to operate with its established team, ensuring continuity of service for its nationwide clientele. The primary change will be the powerful backing of Inszone’s national platform. This support system will provide Shahinian’s team and clients with significant advantages that were previously out of reach for a smaller, independent agency.

These enhancements include access to a vastly larger network of insurance carriers, which can lead to more competitive pricing and broader coverage options. Furthermore, Inszone’s substantial investments in technology, marketing, and back-office operational support will free up the Shahinian team to focus on what they do best: serving their clients and deepening their specialized expertise. For employees, the acquisition opens up new career pathways and professional development opportunities within a larger, rapidly growing national organization.

The integration promises a synergistic future where Shahinian’s specialized knowledge can be leveraged across Inszone’s entire platform, while Inszone’s scale and resources will amplify the reach and capabilities of the Shahinian team, creating a stronger entity poised for continued success in the national insurance marketplace.