Our People & Leadership

Mike is the CEO and a founding partner of Agency Brokerage Consultants. He is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and a certified Merger and Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI). He studied chemical engineering in college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Tech and a Master of Science degree from Virginia Tech, continuing through becoming a Ph.D. candidate. He holds a real estate broker license and property & casualty and life & health agent licenses in Florida.

In 2012, he helped Oak Street Funding launch a highly successful webinar series on various educational topics for insurance agency principals and remains their top presenter with topics drawing nearly 400 registered participants at one time. He also contributed numerous articles to Oak Street’s “Bridge” publication since 2008 and regularly publishes articles on ABC’s blog. Mike has been a guest on a variety of industry podcasts including the “Connected Insurance” podcast with host Michael Jans, “Spot on Insurance” podcast with hosts Ted and Arlene Tavares, “Fix My Agency” podcast with Dr. Billy Williams, and “Agents Growth Academy” podcast with host Jim Schubert. He was also a featured panelist on an “Acquisition Bootcamp” series created by Live Oak Bank.

Mike has been involved in more 500 M&A transaction and more than 2,500 valuations for insurance agencies and brokerages around the country, making him one of the most experienced dealmakers in the insurance industry. For more than a decade, he has won numerous awards within the industry including the “Chairman’s Circle Award”, “Deal Maker Award” and “CBI of the Year” awards from the International Business Brokers’ Association (IBBA). In 2017, he was named to the prestigious National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts “40 Under Forty” list of brightest emerging leaders in the business valuation profession. In 2020, he led the ABC team to winning M&A Source’s “Top Firm” award and to ranking in the top 3 sellside advisors in the insurance industry according to S&P Global.

Michael lives in Melbourne, FL with his wife, Erica, and their three young children.

John is the Chairman and Founder of The Merrymeeting Group (“MMG”), a Cleveland based family office, and is a partner of Agency Brokerage Consultants. He has more than 35 years of insurance industry experience and before he founded MMG, John was the President of several insurance companies and a private equity group.

During the past 20 years, John has been the CEO of MMG and MMG has owned multiple insurance agencies, several large insurance claims administrators, multiple franchisors, a broker dealer and an insurance software company. MMG currently owns a dozen companies including Sunbelt Business Brokers, the largest business broker in the US, and Ally, the association management company that manages the International Business Brokers Association.

John’s professional credentials include being a CPA (inactive), CPCU, CLU and ChFC.  He lives with his wife, Allyn, in Cleveland, OH.

Liz brings more than 10 years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, and business development to the ABC team. As VP of Marketing & Engagement, she is focused on improving the firm’s educational content and increasing communication with the industry. Mrs. Parsons graduated with Highest Distinction from The University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies.

She resides in Merritt Island, FL with her husband, daughter, and 3 playful pups.

As VP of Valuation and Consulting at Agency Brokerage, Colby helps agency owners chart a course to achieve their growth and exit goals.  He brings over 12 years of experience working on both the agency and carrier sides of the industry.

Before joining Agency Brokerage, Colby worked in finance, operations, and project management for a national agency, as well as independent consulting for agencies as a Fractional CFO. He has extensive experience in meaningful data analysis, financial operations, agency valuations, and strategic planning, helping agency owners and managers set a course for achievable growth. He is a published industry expert and public speaker.

Colby earned his Bachelor’s degree in Insurance, Risk Management, and Finance, as well as an MBA in Finance, from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He also holds a Property & Casualty producer license as well as numerous industry designations.

Caleb Lyons is a dedicated Relationship Manager with a strong background in communications and networking. Before joining Agency Brokerage, Caleb served as a Strategic Partnership Manager at Synergy Settlement Services, where he demonstrated his expertise in building and nurturing professional relationships. Throughout his career, Caleb has showcased a keen understanding of the industry landscape and a talent for identifying and capitalizing on strategic opportunities.

As a Relationship Manager at Agency Brokerage, Caleb leverages his extensive experience to cultivate and maintain meaningful connections with clients and stakeholders. His proactive and client-centric approach has earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional service and tailored solutions to meet clients’ unique needs.

With a passion for driving results and fostering collaboration, Caleb is committed to exceeding expectations and creating long-term value for both his organization and the clients he serves. His drive, expertise, and dedication make him a valuable asset.

Brenda Sali is an M&A Advisor with Agency Brokerage Consultants. She brings over 30 years of business experience to the firm but spent the last few years advising clients on buying and selling businesses. She previously bought, built, and eventually sold a business for a substantial profit, which provides her with a unique insight and knowledge for serving clients today.

Brenda is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) through the International Business Brokers’ Association (IBBA).  She also holds a real estate sales associate license in Florida and is working towards the Merger and Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) designation and Business Certified Appraiser (BCA) designation.  She is active in numerous associations and organizations, including being an active Rotarian. In 2018, she won the IBBA’s “Chairman’s Circle” award for sales. Brenda holds a bachelor’s degree in Business with a major in Finance and Marketing.

Brenda lives in Melbourne, FL with her husband.

Sean Brelsford is an M&A advisor with our firm. He completed the majority of his undergraduate studies at Kent State University in Ohio and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Sean started an IT business while still in college and worked in banking and real estate before joining the firm. Sean gained significant experience in agency valuations and transaction management over the last five years in the company’s fast-paced environment.

Sean is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) through the International Business Brokers’ Association (IBBA).  He also holds a real estate sales associate license in Florida and is working towards earning the Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) designation from M&A Source.  In 2016, Sean won the Outstanding Producer Award from the IBBA. In 2017, Sean closed 12 transactions and earned both the Dealmaker and Chairman’s Circle awards from the IBBA. Over the last few years, Sean has become one of the top producing, younger members of the IBBA.  Sean is an active member of the IBBA, Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA), and Latin American Association of Insurance Agents (LAAIA).

Sean lives in Indian Harbour Beach, FL.

Erica Lewandowski is an M&A advisor and Relationship Manager with Agency Brokerage Consultants. Erica graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida State University with a BS in Psychology. Before joining the firm, Erica lived abroad with her family in France for five years.  She spent the 12 years prior to that in banking and financial services working for three of the top institutions in the world as both an analyst and relationship developer.

Erica is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) through the International Business Brokers’ Association (IBBA). She is an active member of the IBBA, Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA), and Latin American Association of Insurance Agents (LAAIA).

Erica lives in Indialantic, FL with her husband and two children.

Adam Schmidt is an M&A Advisor with Agency Brokerage, bringing over a decade of experience as an attorney, including in-house roles with a large international insurance agency and two leading insurance carriers. Before joining Agency Brokerage, he advised clients on a wide range of transactional, regulatory, and litigation matters.

With deep industry knowledge and legal experience, Adam provides unique insights to guide your agency through the M&A process. His expertise includes risk assessment and mitigation, strategic negotiation, and process development, with a strong background in post-acquisition integration and agency operations.

He earned his Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. Adam is a licensed attorney in his home state of Georgia.  He is also a Certified Merger & Acquisition Professional (CMAP).

Adam resides in Melbourne, FL with his family.

Caitlin Scalizi is a business valuator with Agency Brokerage Consultants.  She graduated Cum Laude from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology and completed a semester abroad traveling through thirteen different countries. Caitlin joined the firm in 2017, shortly after graduating college. She is the team’s primary analyst and has assisted with over 350 valuations and due diligence engagements for clients. She works directly with some of the nation’s top SBA lenders on valuation assignment in support of lending to insurance agencies and brokerages.

Caitlin is a Business Certified Appraiser (BCA) through the International Society of Business Appraisers (ISBA), of which she is an active member.  Being involved in most client engagements, she is a valuable member of the team and has gained significant experience in the M&A process.

Caitlin lives in Indian Harbour Beach, FL.

Ria started as an intern with the firm in 2021 and later served as the office administrator until graduating from the University of Florida.  She has assisted across multiple departments from administration to marketing and valuation.  Ria now plays the role as M&A assistant and is working towards obtaining a BCA certification in business valuations.