Case Study: How the Oliver L.E. Soden Agency retained its largest client and elevated service with Authentic’s captive insurance platform
Modernizing Fitness Franchise Insurance (Part 1 of 2)
🧭Overview
Since 2010, the Oliver L.E. Soden Agency, a Keystone Network Agency in New Jersey, has built a niche specialization in insuring Planet Fitness franchises. With over a decade of experience in this space, the agency has developed a thorough understanding of the specific risks and operational needs within the fitness industry. This expertise has allowed the team to form strong, long-standing partnerships with franchise owners and deliver insurance solutions tailored to support their businesses.
🚧Challenge
The market for fitness businesses presents a unique set of challenges:
Few traditional carriers actively write business for fitness accounts
Existing markets often rely on archaic systems that slow down quoting, underwriting, and service
Response times are often delayed, creating friction for agents and clients
Most markets lack the digital tools needed to efficiently support agents and franchise owners
⚡Result
To better serve their fitness clients, the Oliver L.E. Soden Agency partnered with Authentic, a platform that helps organizations create and manage their own captive insurance programs. Rather than acting as a traditional carrier, Authentic provides the infrastructure, technology, and support services needed to run customized insurance solutions.
This partnership offered a faster, more modern alternative to outdated markets. The agency’s largest Planet Fitness client made the switch to a program managed through Authentic, drawn by the improved service experience, quicker response times, and digital-first approach that better fit their operational needs.
“Authentic provides competitive packages with a much better experience for the agent and account manager.”- Hal Soden, Jr. Principal + Advisor | Oliver L.E. Soden Agency
📚Conclusion
The move to Authentic’s platform allowed the Oliver L.E. Soden Agency to retain its largest client and improve the way it serves fitness franchise accounts. The process, ease of doing business, and enhanced technology have made a noticeable difference — positioning the agency for future growth in a market where better options have long been overdue.