Locally Owned The Baldwin Group Provides Insurance, Risk Services Nationwide

August 27, 2025 • News

The Baldwin Group, a national company with a location on Bartow Road in Lakeland and headquarters in Tampa, is an entrepreneur-led advisory firm that provides a wide range of insurance and risk management services.

Officially known as The Baldwin Insurance Group, it does everything from:

Insurance advisory services
Risk mitigation
Employee benefits
Wealth management solutions

“We serve both businesses and individuals, focusing on customized solutions to help clients manage complex concerns and face the future with confidence.” said Partner Kathryn Koch.

Previously known as BKS Partners, The Baldwin Group was founded by Lowry Baldwin, Elizabeth Krystyn and Laura Sherman – the BKS taken from the first letters of their last names. Each had technical expertise in commercial insurance, risk management, employee benefits and private risk.

From 2012 to 2019, the firm partnered with 17 agencies, including Lykes Insurance of Tampa, and Babcock Ranch. Since 2020, it has partnered with others, including LanierUpshaw of Lakeland. Eight of its partners are considered the industry’s Top 100 firms, according to its website.

In June 2025, Baldwin acquired Hippo Holdings’ homebuilder distribution network, which added eight homebuilders to their client role, Koch said. “Through their subsidiary, Westwood Insurance Agency, Baldwin now provides embedded insurance solutions to 20 of the top 25 homebuilders in the U.S., representing over 35% of all new single-family homes built annually.”

The company is ranked eighth among the Top 100 Property/Casualty Insurance Agencies in the United States, based on total revenue,” she said. “In a broader ranking of the 100 largest insurance brokers of U.S. business, Baldwin is ranked 15th, with over $1.2 billion in brokerage revenue generated from U.S.-based clients.”

It specializes in everything from automotive, marine, construction & real estate, energy, non-profits and financial institutions to healthcare, manufacturing & Distribution, Aviation & Aerospace, Life Sciences and Hospitality & Entertainment.

Offering Insight

Koch said The Baldwin Group offers “strategic insight and tailored risk management solutions” in commercial risk that help businesses:

Protect their assets. “We help companies identify assess, and mitigate risks that could impact their operations, finances or reputation.”
Navigate complexity. “From regulatory compliance to industry-specific exposures, you bring clarity and confidence to complex risk landscapes.”
Optimize insurance programs. “We design insurance strategies that are cost-effective, comprehensive and aligned with each business’ unique goals.”
Build resilience. “Our guidance helps businesses prepare for the unexpected — whether it is cyber threats, supply chain disruptions or natural disasters.”
Leverage Relationships. “Our role within a respected advisory firm like The Baldwin Group means clients benefit from deep industry connections and cutting-edge resources.”

The Company Motto

The company lives and works by three principles, Koch said. Those are:

Powered by people – highlighting their entrepreneur-led, collaborative culture.
Fueled by purpose – driven by values and a commitment to innovation and client success.
Protecting the possible – this phrase encapsulates the firm’s mission to help clients – whether individuals, families or businesses to safeguard their ambition and achievements at every stage of life or growth.”

Operating Nationwide, Working in Florida

The company operates nationwide, but its offices are in Florida. In addition to offices in Tampa and Lakeland, where it employs 25 people, it has offices in The Villages, Boca Raton, Deland, Orlando and Trinity.

“These offices offer a range of services, including business insurance, employee benefits, private risk management, Medicare and personal insurance.” Koch said.

Koch said the goals for the Lakeland office are:

Client-Centered Risk Solutions. The team focuses on “delivering customized commercial risk strategies that align with local business needs —especially in industries prominent in Central Florida like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and agriculture.”
Empowering Clients to “Protect the Possible.” “This motto drives the office’s mission to help clients — both businesses and individuals — face the future with confidence by translating complex concerns into straightforward, actionable solutions.”
Entrepreneurial Excellence. As part of the rebranded Baldwin Group Southeast, the Lakeland office continues the legacy of Baldwin Krystyn Sherman Partners, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and innovative insurance advisory.”
Integrated Services. “The office contributes to Baldwin’s full-service model, offering commercial risk management, private insurance solutions, employee benefits administration and asset and income protection.
Community Engagement. Being part of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, the office is committed to local partnerships, economic development and supporting community initiatives

Building On a Positive 2024

The company grew 15% to $380 million in 2024, with 16% organic growth, Koch said. “EPITDA increased 29% year-over-year to $101.7 million with margin expansion to 27%,” she said. EPITDA — Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization — is a financial metric that measures a company’s operational profitability.

So far this year, The Baldwin Group has grown 9% year-over-year to $413.4 million in total revenue, Koch said. “Organic Revenue Growth, we achieved 10%, reflecting strong client acquisition and retention.”

Adjusted EBITDA has risen 12% to $113.8 million, she said, with a margin of 27.5% (up 80 basis points from 2024).

The Future

“Right now, The Baldwin Group is in a three-year transition plan to unite all our 40 regional brand names, reducing to five the number of core brands under the Baldwin Group name,” Koch said. Since its founding, The Baldwin Group has acquired 53 companies.

“The Lakeland office was one of the first agencies to come on board,” she said. “The board of directors decided to merge to give more service, markets and opportunities for employees.”

Their brand names include Millennial Specialty Insurance (home insurance) and Juniper Re LLC (reinsurance carrier).

Giving Back

The Baldwin Group’s philosophy is to give back, Koch said, and it gives employees time off to volunteer. “This was a core value of Lanier Upshaw, and this is what made merging with BKS Partners attractive.”

The company supports “all the organizations we insure, and we support those our employees care about,” she said. Those include Bonnet Springs Park, GiveWell Community Foundation, YMCA, ROAR Florida, Academy Prep, Alzheimer Walk, Kiwanis, Rotary, Polk Education foundation, The Lakeland Chamber/Alumni Association, Meals on Wheels and more.