GANS & SMITH

What GANS & SMITH does

Gans & Smith Insurance Agency, Inc. is an independent insurance agency headquartered in Longview, Texas, founded in 1889 as Clemmons & Smith and renamed to Gans & Smith in 1912. The firm is privately held and owned by four corporate principals, with a workforce of 11-50 employees. It distributes insurance products on behalf of 58+ carriers, operating as a multi-line independent agency rather than a captive or direct writer.

The agency's business model is commission-based: revenue is generated from insurance carriers on personal, commercial, life, health, group benefits, and Medicare/Medigap policies placed and serviced. Distribution is sales-led through licensed producers and traditional agent engagement, with supplementary digital channels including a blog, social media presence, and online quoting. Product breadth spans personal lines (home, auto, umbrella), commercial lines across multiple industries (contractors, oilfield service, restaurants, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, trucking, professionals), specialty commercial coverages (cyber liability, vineyard, wedding), life and health insurance, employer group benefits, and Medicare supplements.

Gans & Smith is licensed in Texas and 12 additional states (AL, AZ, AR, CO, KS, LA, MN, MS, NM, NC, ND, OK), giving it a regional footprint across the South, Southwest, and Midwest anchored by its East Texas home base. Carrier partners include Nationwide, Liberty Mutual, Chubb, CNA, Travelers, Berkshire Hathaway Guard, Markel, Hanover, BCBS Texas, and UnitedHealthcare. The input discloses no proprietary technology, AI/ML capability, funded growth, M&A activity, or leadership transitions; the agency's strategic posture is one of incremental organic expansion through additional states, products, and digital channels.

Name

GANS & SMITH

Legal name

Gans & Smith Insurance Agency, Inc.

Website

https://gans-smith.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1889

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gans & Smith is an independent insurance agency in Longview, Texas, founded 1889, distributing personal, commercial, life, health, group benefits, and Medicare products on behalf of 58+ carriers across 13 U.S. states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Insurance Agency Services

NAICS

Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities (5242), Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (524210), Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (52421), Other Insurance Related Activities (52429)

SIC

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)

akta.pro primary industry

Off-Exchange Individual & Family Plans (HLAEABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Individual Disability Income Insurance (Non-Group) (FSAIAIAA), Whole Life / UL Policy Riders & Add-ons (e.g., Waiver of Premium, Accidental Death, Child Term, LTC/Chronic Illness) (FSAIABAK), Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability (FSAJADAF), Nonprofit / Social Services BOP (FSAJAFAM), Individual & Family Vision Plans (Exchange/Off-Exchange) (HLAEABAF), Vision Insurance (FSAIAHAB)

Keywords

• Independent insurance agency
• Personal insurance coverage
• Commercial insurance lines
• Group employee benefits
• Medicare supplement insurance

Headquarters

HQ city

Longview

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Insurance Commission Revenue: The agency earns commissions from insurance carriers for policies placed and renewed. As an independent agency representing multiple insurance companies, commissions vary by carrier, policy type, and volume. The agency also earns contingency bonuses based on performance metrics set by carrier partners.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gans & Smith Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency that sells and services personal, commercial, life, health, group benefits, and Medicare insurance products on behalf of 58+ insurance carriers. As an independent agency, it earns commissions by matching customers with carrier policies suited to their needs rather than underwriting insurance itself. The agency serves individuals, families, and businesses primarily in Texas with multi-state licensing across 13 states.

Product overview

Gans & Smith Insurance Agency, Inc. is an independent insurance agency offering a broad portfolio of insurance products and services. The company provides personal insurance (auto, homeowners, motorcycle, renters, and specialty coverage), business insurance (commercial property, general liability, workers' compensation, and industry-specific policies), life insurance (term, whole, universal, and annuities), health insurance (individual, family, disability, and long-term care), group benefits (dental, disability, health, life, vision for employers), and Medicare/Medigap products. As an independent agency representing multiple insurance carriers, they serve individuals, families, and businesses across Texas and multiple other states, offering personalized insurance solutions by matching client needs with appropriate carrier policies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Personal Insurance Comprehensive personal insurance coverage including auto, home, motorcycle, homeowners, renters, and specialty insurance for individuals and families.
• Auto Insurance Coverage for personal vehicles including families and corporate fleets, protecting against accidents, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured drivers.
• Homeowners Insurance Protection for homes, structures, possessions, and liability coverage for injuries occurring on the property.
• Motorcycle Insurance Coverage for motorcycles including property damage, collision, comprehensive, medical bills, bodily injury, and custom parts protection.
• Life Insurance Term and whole/permanent life insurance policies including final expense and mortgage protection for financial security of families.
• Individual Life Insurance Term and permanent life insurance for individuals providing death benefits for beneficiaries, with tax-deferred savings and estate planning benefits.
• Fixed Annuities CD-type investment issued by insurance companies providing guaranteed future payments, tax-deferred growth, and death benefits for retirement planning.
• Health Insurance HMO, PPO, EPO, and POS health insurance plans for individuals and families with various coverage levels and provider networks.
• Individual & Family Health Insurance Health coverage for individuals and families with options for copays, deductibles, and coinsurance customization.
• Individual Disability Insurance Income protection insurance providing monthly benefits if the policyholder becomes incapacitated and unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Individual Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance Coverage for long-term care services including in-home care, nursing homes, assisted living, and adult daycare centers.
• Business Insurance Comprehensive business coverage including commercial property, general liability, workers' compensation, and industry-specific policies.
• Commercial Property Insurance Coverage for business facilities, equipment, inventory, fixtures, signage, and fencing against storms, fires, natural disasters, theft, and vandalism.
• General Liability Insurance Protection against claims from bodily injury, property damage, damage to rented premises, medical payments, advertising errors, and harm to reputation.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance State-mandated coverage providing medical treatment and partial wage reimbursement for workers injured on the job, with benefits including medical expenses, disability payments, and death benefits.
• Cyber Liability Insurance Business insurance coverage for data breaches, cyberattacks, and digital asset protection for small businesses.
• Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance Coverage protecting businesses from negligence claims related to professional services, advice, or designs.
• Surety Bonds Business bonds providing financial guarantees for contract fulfillment and professional obligations.
• Vineyard & Winery Insurance Specialized coverage for vineyards and wineries including crop insurance, equipment, and hospitality liability.
• Special Event Insurance Short-term coverage for events including liability protection and cancellation coverage.
• DMV & Vehicle Registration Services Assistance with vehicle registration and DMV-related documentation for clients.
• Pet Insurance Coverage for veterinary expenses and pet health care costs.
• Wedding Insurance Coverage for wedding events including cancellation, liability, and vendor-related issues.
• Group Benefits Employer-sponsored benefit programs including dental, disability, health, life, vision, and long-term care insurance, plus HSAs and FSAs.
• Group Dental Insurance Employer-provided dental coverage including checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and root canals with customizable plan options.
• Group Disability Insurance Short-term and long-term disability coverage replacing a portion of employee income during disability, with STD covering 9-52 weeks and LTD covering extended periods.
• Group Health Insurance Employer-sponsored health coverage with group rates based on company size, location, and employee demographics.
• Medicare Coverage Medicare Part A (inpatient), Part B (outpatient), Part C (Medicare Advantage), Part D (prescription drugs), and Medigap supplement coverage guidance for individuals aged 65 and older.
• Medigap Medicare Supplement Insurance helping pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, regional and community.

• AmwinscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance wholesaler and distributor providing access to specialty insurance products and markets. Amwins offers professional level of service and competitive insurance options for Gans & Smith clients.
• Breckenridge Insurance ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance services provider offering access to specialized coverage options and competitive pricing for Gans & Smith clients.
• Burns & WilcoxcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance wholesaler providing access to specialty insurance products and markets for Gans & Smith clients.
• CRC GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance wholesale broker providing access to multiple insurance markets and specialized coverage options.
• Nationwide InsurancemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational insurance carrier offering personal and commercial insurance products through independent agents.
• Liberty Mutual InsurancemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational insurance carrier providing personal and business insurance products through independent agents.
• Chubb GroupmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal insurance provider offering personal and commercial insurance products with high-net-worth coverage options.
• CNAmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial insurance carrier offering business insurance products including liability, property, and specialty coverage.
• The Travelers Indemnity CompanymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational insurance carrier offering comprehensive personal and business insurance products.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of TexasmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealth insurance carrier providing individual, family, and group health insurance plans for Texas residents.
• UnitedHealthcaremajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational health insurance carrier offering comprehensive health coverage options including Medicare plans.
• New York LifemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLife insurance carrier offering individual life insurance, annuities, and wealth management products.
• PrudentialmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFinancial services company offering life insurance and retirement products.
• Mutual of OmahamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance and financial services company offering life insurance, health insurance, and Medicare supplement products.
• Texas MutualregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTexas-based workers compensation insurance carrier serving Texas businesses.
• Germania InsuranceregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTexas-based insurance carrier offering personal and business insurance products.
• Progressive InsurancemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational auto and commercial insurance carrier known for competitive auto insurance rates.
• GEICOmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational insurance carrier offering auto, home, and other insurance products.
• Unum GroupmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBenefits insurance carrier offering disability, life, and accident insurance products.
• The StandardmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance carrier offering disability, life, and retirement products for individuals and employers.
• AFLACmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplemental insurance carrier offering accident, critical illness, and cancer insurance products.
• Longview Chamber of CommercecommunityStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business organization supporting East Texas business community. Gans & Smith is an active member.
• Rotary Club of LongviewcommunityStrategic or Co-development PartnerService organization where Gans & Smith team members volunteer and serve the community.
• Boys and Girls ClubcommunityStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth development organization supported by Gans & Smith through community involvement.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Higginbotham: Large Texas-based independent insurance agency offering commercial, personal, and employee benefits products across multiple states with a similar multi-carrier agency model. Highly comparable as a homegrown Texas independent agency that has scaled through acquisitions.
• OneGroup: Independent insurance and financial services agency serving individuals, families, and businesses. Operates similar multi-line agency model with carrier partnerships and offers personal, commercial, life, and group benefits coverage.
• Insurica Insurance Group: Oklahoma-based independent insurance agency with multi-state presence offering personal, commercial, and benefits products. Comparable multi-line independent agency model serving a regional Southern US customer base.
• Starkweather & Shepley: Northeast-based independent insurance brokerage with a long operating history (since 1879), offering personal, business, and benefits coverage. Comparable as a long-tenured independent brokerage with a multi-carrier model.
• Haas & Wilkerson Insurance: Independent insurance agency founded in 1948 serving individuals and businesses across personal, commercial, and life lines. Comparable mid-sized regional independent agency with multi-carrier distribution.
• Kaplan & Brennan Financial Services: Independent insurance and financial services agency offering personal, commercial, life, and group benefits. Comparable mid-sized multi-line independent agency model.

Broad incumbents

• Frankenmuth Insurance: Mutual insurance company that distributes through independent agents across the Midwest and South, including Texas. Comparable end-product of the independent agency distribution channel Gans & Smith also serves.
• Brown & Riding Insurance Services: Specialty insurance wholesale broker and MGA providing access to specialty markets for retail agents. Comparable as an insurance intermediary in Gans & Smith's ecosystem (Gans & Smith works with wholesale partners like Amwins and Burns & Wilcox).
• USI Insurance Services: Large national insurance brokerage serving mid-market and large clients. Comparable as a brokerage channel, but much larger scale; represents the type of larger acquirer or competitive benchmark for Gans & Smith.
• Country Financial: Multi-line financial services provider offering auto, home, life, and commercial insurance distributed through captive agents. Comparable as a multi-line distributor competing in similar personal and commercial lines, though with a different distribution model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/GansandSmithInsAgency
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gans-smith
• Instagraminstagram.com/gansandsmith_insurance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GANS & SMITH