Hey, growth gurus! Let’s talk about something sexier than a tax return but less fun than a barrel of whiskey: commercial insurance. I know, I know—your eyes are glazing over faster than a donut at Krispy Kreme. But hear me out. Whether you’re scaling a $5 million widget empire or a $50 million family legacy, stuff happens—and I’ve got the scars (and stories) to prove it. From my real estate days to building Owen Capital, I’ve learned insurance isn’t just a boring checkbox—it’s your business’s safety net. At Icon Business Advisors, we’re all about keeping you covered, so let’s break down why it matters, with a grin and a nod.
Sh*t Happens (Sorry, Mom)
Running a business is like herding cats while riding a unicycle—amazing until you hit a pothole. A client slips on your floor. A hacker snags your data. Your delivery van decides it’s a modern art installation after a fender-bender. I once had a lawn care gig under Owen Capital where a rogue mower took out a client’s prized rose bush—guess who got the bill? Without insurance, those curveballs can sink you faster than a lead balloon. It’s not if something goes wrong—it’s when.
Growth Means More Targets on Your Back
Here’s the kicker: the bigger you get, the more you’ve got to lose. When I hit $125 million in real estate sales, I wasn’t just dodging leaky roofs—I was dodging lawsuits, cyber risks, and that one guy who swore my signage gave him a headache (true story). Scaling from scrappy startup to lower middle market champ—$5 million to $50 million—paints a bullseye on you. More employees, more customers, more gear—all mean more chances for mayhem. Insurance turns “oh crap” into “we’ve got this.”
It’s Cheaper Than the Alternative
Think insurance is pricey? Try paying out of pocket for a $100,000 liability claim—or a million if someone’s feeling litigious. I’ve seen owners skip coverage to save a buck, only to lose their shirt when the inevitable hits. It’s like refusing an umbrella in a Tennessee thunderstorm because “it’s just a drizzle”—until you’re soaked. At Icon, we snag you competitive rates (11% of premium, 6% on renewals—boom!) so you’re protected without selling your firstborn or my dog Delilah.
Real Risks, Real Laughs
Let’s talk examples—because I’ve got ‘em. Remember Linda from our website? She runs a mobile petting zoo—goats, llamas, the works. One day, an alpaca spits in a kid’s face (hilarious until the parents sue). Without insurance, Linda’s toast. We hooked her up with a policy covering everything from peacock tantrums to llama lawsuits—now she’s laughing all the way to the barnyard. Or take Joe’s Introvert Gym—equipment breaks, someone trips, and boom, legal headache. Insurance saved his bacon. Risk isn’t sexy, but dodging it is.
How Icon Makes It Painless
Insurance shopping’s usually about as fun as a root canal, but we’re the laughing gas. At Icon, we’re not just M&A wizards—we’ve got commercial insurance in our toolbox. We assess your risks (that 1995 coffee maker’s a fire hazard, FYI), snag tailored coverage, and handle claims so you don’t have to decipher fine print. Cyber attacks? Property damage? Angry alpacas? We’ve got policies for that. Our tech even spots gaps you didn’t know you had—because who’s got time to play risk detective?
Why It’s a Growth Game-Changer
Here’s the deal: insurance isn’t just protection—it’s peace of mind. When you’re growing, you don’t need the stress of “what if” keeping you up at night—I’ve lost enough sleep over deals already. It lets you take bold swings—launch that new product, hire that extra team—without sweating the small stuff. For lower middle market heroes like you, it’s the difference between thriving and just surviving. Plus, buyers love a covered business—it’s like putting a shiny bow on your exit package.
So, don’t sleep on this. Your business is killing it—let’s keep it that way. Drop me a line at Icon—let’s chat risks over a virtual coffee (or whiskey, I’m flexible). We’ll craft a shield tougher than a linebacker, so you can grow without the “oh shit” moments. Because at Icon, we’re not just about deals—we’re about keeping your dream alive, one policy at a time.
Daniel Askew is the CEO of Icon Business Advisors, a Nashville posse helping lower middle market stars shine. When he’s not dodging risks, he’s dodging his kids’ Nerf darts or plotting a forest hike with Rachel.