SACRAMENTO, California — June 23, 2026
Executive Summary
Inszone Insurance Services has announced the acquisition of BenefitRiver, LLC, strengthening its presence in Bozeman, Montana, and Golden, Colorado, while expanding its specialized employee benefits expertise. The acquisition brings BenefitRiver’s long-standing employee benefits capabilities into Inszone’s growing national platform and supports continued service for existing clients. With Jen Bernier joining Inszone as part of the transaction, the acquisition is designed to ensure continuity, preserve client relationships, and provide access to Inszone’s broader resources, carrier relationships, and operational support.
Announcement Overview
Inszone Insurance Services has acquired BenefitRiver, LLC, a specialized employee benefits agency founded by Craig Gilbert. The acquisition expands Inszone’s capabilities in the employee benefits sector while enhancing its regional presence in Montana and Colorado. BenefitRiver’s clients will continue receiving personalized service while gaining access to Inszone’s national carrier network and expanded support infrastructure. The transaction also includes the transition of Jen Bernier to Inszone, supporting continuity for clients and maintaining established relationships. According to the companies, the acquisition aligns with Inszone’s broader growth strategy of expanding specialized expertise while strengthening service capabilities across key markets.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Acquisition
- Acquiring Company: Inszone Insurance Services
- Acquired Company: BenefitRiver, LLC
- Announcement Date: Jun 23, 2026
- Headquarters of Acquiring Company: Sacramento, California
- Founded (Inszone): 2002
- Founded (BenefitRiver): 2008
- Founder of BenefitRiver: Craig Gilbert
- Industry: Insurance Brokerage and Employee Benefits
- Primary Transaction Objective: Expansion of employee benefits expertise and regional presence
- Geographic Markets Strengthened: Bozeman, Montana and Golden, Colorado
- Specialization Added: Employee benefits solutions
- Client Continuity Strategy: Transition of key team member Jen Bernier to Inszone
- Key Personnel Joining Inszone: Jen Bernier
- Client Benefits: Continued personalized service, expanded carrier access, and enhanced operational support
- Additional Resources Available to Clients: National carrier network and comprehensive back-office support
- Strategic Benefit for Inszone: Increased employee benefits capabilities
- Growth Strategy Alignment: Supports organic growth and acquisition-driven expansion initiatives
- Operational Impact: Strengthens local expertise while leveraging national resources
- Service Continuity Focus: Preservation of existing client relationships and service standards
- Insurance Segments Supported: Commercial insurance, personal insurance, and employee benefits
- Expansion Model: Strategic acquisition
- Transaction Significance: Expands specialized expertise and strengthens market presence in Montana and Colorado
- National Footprint: Clients served through offices across multiple U.S. states
- Long-Term Objective: Continued growth, expanded expertise, and enhanced client service capabilities
Acquisition of BenefitRiver, LLC
Inszone Insurance Services announced the acquisition of BenefitRiver, LLC, further expanding the organization’s employee benefits capabilities and regional presence.
According to the announcement, the transaction strengthens Inszone’s operations in:
- Bozeman, Montana
- Golden, Colorado
The acquisition also adds specialized employee benefits expertise to Inszone’s growing national platform.
Key elements of the transaction include:
- Acquisition of BenefitRiver, LLC
- Expansion of employee benefits capabilities
- Enhanced presence in Montana and Colorado
- Client continuity and service preservation
- Transition of key team member Jen Bernier to Inszone
- Access to expanded carrier and support resources
The acquisition forms part of Inszone’s ongoing strategy of expanding both geographically and through specialized insurance expertise.
BenefitRiver’s Employee Benefits Expertise
BenefitRiver, LLC was founded in 2008 by Craig Gilbert and has focused on delivering employee benefits solutions to clients for nearly two decades.
According to the announcement, the agency built its reputation through:
- Dedicated employee benefits consulting
- Long-term client relationships
- Specialized benefits expertise
- High-quality client service
- Focused benefits solutions
The acquisition brings that expertise into Inszone’s broader insurance platform while maintaining continuity for existing clients.
As part of the transition process, Inszone stated that existing clients will continue receiving the service standards and relationship-driven support they have historically experienced.
The addition of BenefitRiver further enhances Inszone’s capabilities within the employee benefits segment, an area that continues to be an important component of comprehensive insurance and risk management strategies for businesses.
Leadership Transition and Client Continuity
As Craig Gilbert prepared for a transition from the industry, he sought a long-term solution designed to support clients beyond the acquisition process.
According to the announcement, maintaining service continuity was a significant consideration throughout the transition.
To support that objective:
- Jen Bernier transitioned to Inszone
- Existing client relationships remain supported
- Operational continuity is maintained
- Service expectations remain consistent
- Clients gain access to broader resources
The transition of Jen Bernier provides continuity for clients familiar with BenefitRiver’s service model and helps preserve institutional knowledge developed through years of client engagement.
Inszone stated that the combination of local relationship continuity and national-level resources creates an expanded support framework for BenefitRiver’s client base.
Founder Commentary
Craig Gilbert
Founder, BenefitRiver, LLC
“After 18 years in the business, I was ready to start a new chapter and do something different. What drew me to Inszone was their specialization in purchasing ‘mom and pop’ agencies. I felt my clients would find a good home here. I really like Chris Walters, and there was excellent word of mouth from other clients and agencies who had sold to Inszone.”
Gilbert stated that Inszone’s experience working with independent agencies and its reputation among agency owners contributed to his decision to pursue the transaction.
According to the announcement, securing a stable long-term home for clients remained an important priority throughout the transition process.
Benefits for BenefitRiver Clients
Following the acquisition, BenefitRiver clients will continue receiving personalized service while gaining access to additional resources available through Inszone’s national platform.
According to the announcement, clients will benefit from:
- Continued relationship-driven service
- Expanded national carrier access
- Enhanced support infrastructure
- Comprehensive back-office resources
- Broader insurance capabilities
- National operational support
The acquisition is intended to preserve the personalized approach clients value while expanding the resources available to support evolving insurance and employee benefits needs.
Inszone noted that combining local expertise with broader organizational capabilities creates additional opportunities to support clients through a wider range of insurance and employee benefits solutions.
Strategic Importance of the Acquisition
The acquisition strengthens Inszone’s position in the employee benefits market while supporting its broader growth objectives.
According to the announcement, the transaction contributes to:
- Expanded employee benefits expertise
- Enhanced regional market presence
- Additional industry specialization
- Broader client service capabilities
- Continued acquisition-driven growth
- Strengthened operational scale
The addition of BenefitRiver complements Inszone’s existing insurance brokerage operations and further diversifies the expertise available across its organization.
The transaction also reflects the company’s continued focus on strategic acquisitions that align with existing service capabilities and long-term growth priorities.
CEO Commentary
Chris Walters
Chief Executive Officer, Inszone Insurance Services
“Craig has built a fantastic agency with a strong, specialized focus on employee benefits. We are thrilled to welcome Jen Bernier to our team and to continue delivering the high standard of care that BenefitRiver’s clients rely on. This acquisition perfectly complements our national strategy, and we are excited to provide these clients with the expanded resources they need to thrive.”
According to Walters, the acquisition aligns closely with Inszone’s national growth strategy while reinforcing the company’s commitment to client service and specialized expertise.
The transaction also supports the company’s objective of expanding capabilities through organizations with established reputations and strong client relationships.
About BenefitRiver, LLC
BenefitRiver, LLC is an employee benefits-focused agency founded in 2008 by Craig Gilbert.
The agency has spent nearly two decades providing employee benefits services and solutions to clients through a specialized and relationship-focused approach.
According to the announcement, BenefitRiver developed expertise in:
- Employee benefits consulting
- Benefits-focused client support
- Long-term client service
- Specialized insurance solutions
The agency built its reputation on delivering dedicated employee benefits services while maintaining close client relationships and personalized support.
About Inszone Insurance Services
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone Insurance Services is a full-service insurance brokerage firm providing property and casualty insurance as well as employee benefits solutions.
The company offers:
- Commercial insurance
- Personal insurance
- Employee benefits solutions
- Property insurance
- Casualty insurance services
According to the company, Inszone continues to expand through both organic growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions.
The company currently serves clients through offices located in:
- California
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
Inszone stated that additional nationwide expansion remains part of its long-term growth plans.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit inszoneinsurance.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement
