First MainStreet Insurance (FMSI) announced Tuesday the finalization of a merger with Keokuk-based Ruffcorn Insurance, marking its growing presence in southeastern Iowa.
Onboarding alongside Ruffcorn Insurance are Burlington-based Capps Insurance and Muntz Insurance of Farmington, which operate under the parent company of Ryan M. Ruffcorn Insurance, Inc. Mr. Ruffcorn is an industry veteran since 2003, and his group “brings a strong client base and regional expertise,” a release stated.
“These partnerships represent our fifth and sixth announced transactions of 2025,” said Dan Driscoll, vice president of M&A and Strategic Expansion. “We are energized by the continued interest from independent agencies who recognize the value of our privately held, perpetually independent platform.”
The merger was finalized May 1, the same date FMSI partnered with Rentz Agency and Midwest Health Benefits, based in Morris, Minnesota.
The agency, led by Doug Wartner, specializes in property, casualty and health insurance. Joining as a partner and helping lead FMSI’s expansion in the area is Jesse Wartner, Doug Wartner’s son.
“Our agency is built on three core values: small-town community, our employees, and local ownership,” Jesse Wartner said, in a release. “Partnering with FMSI allows us to stay true to those values while gaining broader market access and cutting-edge technology to support our growth.”
FMSI is also celebrating the success of Campbell Insurance, which joined the agency in January 2024 and has experienced strong revenue retention and community impact since then. Led by Chad Campbell, the Parkersburg-based agency has $6,000 in projected donations to local causes through FMSI’s “Local Love” initiative.
“With nearly 80 locations across four states and over 294 colleagues, First MainStreet Insurance is on a steady growth trajectory in 2025, guided by a long-term vision of independence and community-focused service,” the release stated.
First MainStreet Insurance, L.C., headquartered in Cedar Rapids, is an affiliate of TrueNorth Companies, L.C.
