John Joe Insurance Agency - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

John Joe Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency with a three-generation legacy, based in St. Joseph, Missouri. Operating since 1985, the agency positions itself as "The Hometown Source for Health Insurance," dedicated to serving the Northwest Missouri community. The company's mission is centered on a customer-first approach, aiming to make insurance understandable and accessible while protecting the well-being of individuals and employers. Built on a foundation of family values, the agency has established itself as a specialized and trusted advisor in the complex and evolving health insurance market.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

• Customer-First Service: The agency's primary objective is to prioritize client needs, providing personalized service and clear guidance through the insurance landscape.

• Health Insurance Specialization: To be the leading expert and resource for health insurance and employee benefits in Northwest Missouri.

• Employer Support: A key long-term goal is to help employers design and manage benefits packages that attract and retain top talent while ensuring compliance with complex regulations like the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Specialization Areas

• Group Health Insurance and Employee Benefits: The agency is a leader in this area, offering plans from major carriers and providing unique compliance resources such as an HR Hotline and 1095 reporting assistance.

• Individual Health Insurance: Providing solutions for individuals without employer-sponsored coverage, including ACA Marketplace plans and short-term security plans.

• Senior Market (Medicare): Assisting retirees with navigating Medicare options, including Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D).

• Ancillary Products: Offering a comprehensive suite of supplementary insurance products, including dental, vision, life, disability, and long-term care insurance.

Target Markets

• Primary Market Segments: The agency targets employers (particularly small to medium-sized businesses), individuals, and seniors.

• Market Positioning Strategy: John Joe Insurance Agency positions itself as a local, deeply experienced specialist in health insurance for the Northwest Missouri region, with a physical office in St. Joseph.

2. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

• Product Name: Group Health and Employee Benefits

• Description: Comprehensive health insurance and benefits packages for employers. This includes access to plans from major carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shields of KC, Aetna, and United Healthcare. The service is augmented with ACA compliance support.

• Development Stage: Fully operational and a core part of the business.

• Target Market/Condition: Employers in Northwest Missouri seeking to offer competitive benefits packages and navigate regulatory compliance.

• Key Features and Benefits: Access to multiple carriers, expert guidance on plan design, and exclusive compliance tools like an HR Hotline and 1095 reporting support.

• Product Name: Individual Health Insurance

• Description: Health insurance policies for individuals and families not covered by an employer. This includes ACA Marketplace plans and short-term plans for those in transition.

• Development Stage: Fully operational.

• Target Market/Condition: Individuals needing personal health insurance coverage.

• Key Features and Benefits: Personalized assistance in selecting the right plan based on individual needs and budget.

• Product Name: Senior Market (Medicare) Products

• Description: A range of insurance products designed for individuals transitioning to retirement. Offerings include Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D).

• Development Stage: Fully operational.

• Target Market/Condition: Seniors and individuals eligible for Medicare.

• Key Features and Benefits: Expert guidance to help seniors understand their options and select the most appropriate coverage for their healthcare needs.

• Product Name: Ancillary Products

• Description: A suite of supplementary insurance products that can be offered standalone or as part of a benefits package.

• Development stage: Fully operational.

• Target market/condition: Individuals and employer groups seeking to enhance their core health coverage.

• Key features and benefits: Includes dental, vision, life, disability, and long-term care insurance, providing comprehensive protection.

3. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

• Proprietary Developments: The agency provides clients with exclusive access to an HR Hotline for navigating complex human resources issues and offers direct support with 1095 reporting, a critical component of ACA compliance.

• Technical Capabilities: John Joe Insurance Agency has integrated a partnership with the wellness app GO365. This mobile app incentivizes healthy behaviors by offering cash prizes and can be used by individuals or integrated into company-wide wellness challenges, providing a value-added service to employer clients.

4. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

• Todd M. Joe, President & Broker

• Professional Background: Over 18 years in the health insurance industry and a graduate of Missouri Western State University (MWSU) with a B.S. in Marketing and a Minor in Management.

• Key Contributions: As president for the last five years, he focuses on helping employers create attractive benefit packages and stays current on industry trends through continuous education.

• Sara Sunderman, Office Manager & Broker

• Professional Background: A Northwest Missouri native with 20 years of experience in employee benefits, both as a human resources professional and an insurance broker. She has been with the agency for nine years.

• Key Contributions: Manages a wide range of responsibilities from data entry to policy sales, ensuring the smooth operation of the office and providing exceptional client support.

• Amy Waller, Office Assistant & Broker

• Professional Background: A graduate of MWSU with 15 years of experience in office management and customer service.

• Key Contributions: Works closely with insurance carriers, processes policies, and supports the brokerage team by organizing data and plan designs for client presentations.

• Jenni Jimenez, Broker

• Professional Background: A licensed insurance professional with nearly 20 years of experience specializing in employee benefits brokerage.

• Key Contributions: Assists organizations in developing customized benefit plans by leveraging her deep knowledge of available programs, vendors, and pricing structures.

• Katie M. Joe, Broker

• Professional Background: Represents the third generation of the family in the business. Graduated from MWSU in December 2022 with a B.S.B.A. in Business Management and Marketing.

• Key Contributions: As the newest broker, she is actively learning the family business and brings a fresh perspective to drive future growth.

5. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

• Company Growth Trajectory Indicators: The agency demonstrates stability and a forward-looking approach through its multi-generational leadership structure. The recent addition of Katie M. Joe ensures a succession plan and the continuation of the family legacy.

• Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights: The company's foundation on family values and its long-standing presence in the community suggest a stable and client-focused work environment. The leadership team comprises experienced professionals with deep roots in the region, indicating strong employee retention and a commitment to local service.

6. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

• McKay Insurance Services, LLC

• Company Overview: A family-owned, independent agency in St. Joseph.

• Focus Areas: Offers health, Medicare, employee benefits, and long-term planning.

• Competitive Positioning: Emphasizes personalized guidance and community commitment.

• Randy Wagers Insurance Agency

• Company Overview: An independent agency located in St. Joseph.

• Focus Areas: Provides a wide array of personal, commercial, and health insurance products.

• Competitive Positioning: Highlights local expertise and the ability to offer personalized coverage from various carriers.

• Saint Joseph Insurance (formerly DeVoy-Baker Insurance)

• Company Overview: An independent agency with over 30 years of experience serving Missouri and Kansas.

• Focus Areas: Offers a comprehensive suite of commercial, personal, life, and health insurance, including group health.

• Competitive Positioning: Leverages its long history and broad product portfolio.

• NW Insurance

• Company Overview: A family-owned independent agency in Savannah, MO, serving the region since 1958.

• Focus Areas: Provides a full line of insurance products, including health, farm, and commercial insurance.

• Competitive Positioning: Strong reputation built over decades of service in Northwest Missouri.

• Colman Insurance Services

• Company Overview: A locally owned agency in St. Joseph serving Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas for over a decade.

• Focus Areas: Provides comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions, including employee benefits.

• Competitive Positioning: Focuses on providing holistic risk management solutions for clients.

7. Market Analysis

Market Overview

• Total Addressable Market Size: The health and medical insurance industry in Missouri has a market size of $33.2 billion in 2025.

• Growth Potential: The industry has experienced an average annual growth rate of 3.8% from 2020 to 2025. Between 2023 and 2025, Missouri saw a 62% increase in ACA marketplace enrollment, a rate higher than the national average.

• Key Market Trends: A significant trend is the rising cost of insurance for small businesses. Benefit costs for large firms are expected to increase by an average of 6.5% in 2026, with potentially steeper increases for small groups. For instance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has requested an average increase of 19% for its small-group plans in Missouri.

• Market Challenges and Opportunities: The increasing complexity and cost of health insurance create a significant challenge for businesses and individuals. This presents an opportunity for expert brokers like John Joe Insurance Agency to provide essential guidance and demonstrate value.

8. Strategic Partnerships

• Partner Organization: Major Insurance Carriers

• Nature of Partnership: Brokerage agreements.

• Strategic Benefits: As an independent agency, partnering with carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shields of KC, Aetna, United Healthcare, CIGNA, and Humana allows them to offer a diverse selection of plans, ensuring they can find the best fit for each client's specific needs.

• Partner Organization: Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce

• Nature of Partnership: Benefits provider.

• Strategic Benefits: This collaboration makes health benefits packages more convenient and accessible for small business members of the chamber, expanding the agency's reach and solidifying its role as a community partner.

• Partner Organization: GO365 (Wellness App)

• Nature of Partnership: Value-added service integration.

• Strategic Benefits: Provides a tangible wellness tool to employer clients, promoting employee health, engagement, and potentially reducing long-term insurance premiums. This partnership serves as a technological differentiator.

9. Operational Insights

• Current Market Position: John Joe Insurance Agency holds a strong competitive position as a specialized leader in health insurance within the Northwest Missouri market.

• Competitive Advantages:

• Deep Specialization: Unlike generalist competitors, their focused expertise in the complex field of health insurance allows for a higher level of service and knowledge.

• ACA Compliance Support: The provision of an HR Hotline and 1095 reporting assistance is a key differentiator that positions them as a strategic partner to businesses.

• Community Trust: Their multi-generational history and local roots have fostered significant trust and a deep understanding of the local market's needs.

• Operational Strengths: A stable, experienced leadership team combined with strategic partnerships with major carriers provides a strong operational foundation.

• Areas for Improvement: Continued adoption of technology beyond wellness apps could further streamline processes and enhance client service.

10. Future Outlook

Strategic Roadmap

• Planned Initiatives: Continue to deepen specialization in health insurance and employee benefits, expanding compliance and HR support services for employers.

• Growth Strategies:

> Capitalize on market trends of rising costs and complexity by positioning the agency as an indispensable resource for businesses and individuals seeking expert guidance.

• Expansion Opportunities: While currently focused on Northwest Missouri, the agency's expertise is transferable, presenting a potential opportunity for strategic expansion into neighboring markets in the future.

• Future Challenges and Mitigation Strategies: The primary challenge is the continuously evolving and complex regulatory landscape of health insurance. The agency's strategy to mitigate this is to focus on continuous education and to leverage its expertise as its core value proposition for clients. The transition to third-generation leadership with Katie M. Joe is a key strategy for ensuring long-term continuity and innovation.