Coterie Insurance is moving its headquarters from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Appleton, Wisconsin, citing the region’s workforce as a key factor in its decision.
The managing general agent (MGA), which focuses on digital insurance products for small businesses, said the relocation supports operational goals tied to both cost management and talent acquisition.
In an AM Best report, the company described Appleton as a location that offers access to industry-relevant skills and modern infrastructure necessary for its next phase of operations.
Coterie said Wisconsin’s business environment and labor market align with its ongoing digital and distribution strategies.
David McFarland, CEO of Coterie, said the move will position the company “in the heart of the Midwest and central to our clients across the US.” He added that operating in Wisconsin provides an environment that meets the company’s operational needs while offering greater proximity to the people it serves.
Coterie operates as a digital-first MGA that specializes in property and casualty insurance for small businesses. It offers a technology platform that, according to the company, allows users to quote and bind coverage in under one minute.
In late 2024, Coterie announced a partnership with Simply Business LLC, a digital insurance marketplace. The agreement enables the company to issue business owners’ policies (BOPs) entirely online. Through the platform, small businesses—from medical clinics and independent contractors to restaurants and retailers—can access BOP coverage packaged in a single transaction.
AM Best reported that the company did not confirm whether the headquarters move will lead to expanded hiring in Wisconsin or changes to its current workforce structure. However, the shift indicates a change in how Coterie is organizing its business around workforce availability and digital operations.
Founded to simplify insurance access for small enterprises, Coterie operates in a sector that continues to shift toward online platforms and streamlined policy administration.
Will relocating to a regional market like Appleton help Coterie Insurance attract the talent it needs to grow? Share your thoughts in the comments.
