Excelarate Insurance: From Startup to Industry Leaders
In the incredibly competitive world of NYC commercial insurance, standing out requires a blend of exceptional service, operational efficiency, and forward-thinking strategies. When Excelarate, a New York City-based commercial insurance brokerage, came to us over 15 years ago, they were a startup with big aspirations but limited resources. Today, Excelarate is a highly successful company valued at over $100 million. This transformation wasn’t just about writing the best insurance policies—it was a result of a robust partnership with Serrano Technology, where we provided everything from cutting-edge IT infrastructure to a comprehensive digital marketing strategy.
The Beginning of Our Partnership
Back in 2009, when Excelarate first approached us, they were a startup insurance agency trying to make their mark in the highly competitive NYC market. Their goals were clear: to streamline operations, enhance internal communication, improve customer service, and establish a stronger online presence.
At that time, the team at Excelarate was struggling with disjointed systems, inefficient communication, and an outdated online presence. They needed an IT overhaul and a marketing strategy that would elevate their brand and connect them with potential clients.
Crafting a Comprehensive IT Solution
Excelarate’s challenges were not uncommon for growing businesses in the insurance industry. As they expanded, they needed scalable IT solutions that could support their growth while ensuring compliance with stringent industry regulations. Our team at Serrano Technology quickly identified key areas for improvement and implemented a comprehensive IT infrastructure solution that would become the backbone of their operations.
On-Premises IT Hardware and Network Setup
The first step in the IT transformation was installing all necessary on-premises hardware, including servers, NAS devices, firewalls, routers, and switches. We ensured the network infrastructure was robust, secure, and scalable to meet their growing demands. A stable and secure network is crucial for any business, especially in an industry dealing with sensitive financial data.
With our setup, Excelarate had a reliable foundation to handle large volumes of client data and internal communications. Our configuration also ensured high availability and redundancy, minimizing downtime and optimizing productivity.
Microsoft 365 Email with Retention Policies
A key element of the solution was implementing Microsoft 365 for email management. Since Excelarate deals with sensitive financial data, they required strict compliance with email retention policies as mandated by financial regulations. Our team configured Microsoft 365 to automatically archive emails, set retention policies, and ensure that client communications were stored securely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Additionally, we implemented Intune Mobile Device Management (MDM), which allowed Excelarate to remotely manage and secure employee devices. With MDM, they could ensure data security even when their staff worked from different locations. This was especially important for a company like Excelarate, where team members often accessed sensitive client data.
Developing a Winning Digital Marketing Strategy
While technology was essential for improving Excelarate’s internal operations, we understood that to compete in the crowded commercial insurance market, they also needed a strong online presence. That’s where our digital marketing team stepped in.
Building an Engaging Website
One of the first things we did for Excelarate was build a professional and user-friendly website. Their previous online presence was outdated, difficult to navigate, and lacked the professionalism that clients expect from a high-end insurance brokerage. We crafted a modern website that not only showcased their services but also featured a clean, intuitive design optimized for user experience.
The website was fully responsive, ensuring that potential clients could easily navigate it on any device—whether on desktop, tablet, or mobile. Additionally, we incorporated lead generation forms and calls-to-action that encouraged website visitors to get in touch, request quotes, and learn more about Excelarate’s offerings.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
With the website in place, we focused on SEO to increase Excelarate’s visibility in search engines. By optimizing the website with targeted keywords related to commercial insurance, we helped Excelarate rank higher for relevant searches. This boosted their online visibility, making it easier for potential clients in New York City and beyond to find them.
We also created valuable, SEO-optimized content around insurance-related topics, further establishing Excelarate as a trusted authority in the industry. This content not only attracted new clients but also helped build lasting relationships with existing customers who turned to the website for helpful information.
Paid Advertising and Retargeting Campaigns
To drive traffic to Excelarate’s website, we set up a comprehensive paid advertising campaign, leveraging Google Ads and social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. These ads targeted businesses in need of commercial insurance services, and we continuously optimized them for better results.
We also implemented retargeting campaigns that helped Excelarate stay top of mind with potential clients who had previously visited their website but didn’t convert right away. These campaigns led to a significant increase in client engagement and, ultimately, conversions.
Email Marketing and Lead Nurturing
Email marketing became an integral part of Excelarate’s strategy. We designed email newsletters that kept both prospects and clients informed about the latest insurance products, industry trends, and updates from Excelarate. These newsletters not only helped build trust but also nurtured leads through the sales funnel, increasing conversion rates over time.
The Results: A Stronger, More Profitable Business
The results of this comprehensive partnership were nothing short of transformative. By integrating cutting-edge IT infrastructure with an effective digital marketing strategy, Excelarate was able to streamline its operations, improve internal communication, and provide exceptional service to their clients.
Internal collaboration improved, thanks to the seamless integration of IT systems like Microsoft 365 and VOIP phones. Client intake procedures became more efficient, which led to faster response times and a better overall customer experience. The modernized systems helped the company scale, allowing them to take on more clients and service them more effectively.
From a marketing perspective, the revamped website and SEO strategies boosted online visibility, attracting more qualified leads. The paid advertising and retargeting campaigns resulted in higher conversion rates, and email marketing allowed Excelarate to maintain strong relationships with both prospects and clients.
As of 2025, Excelarate is a thriving company with a valuation of over $100 million. Their success story is a testament to the power of a comprehensive IT strategy and a tailored digital marketing approach. It’s a partnership that has truly paid off—both for them and for us at Serrano Technology.
We are proud to have played a part in Excelarate’s incredible journey from startup to industry leader. As they continue to grow and innovate, we remain committed to providing the IT solutions and marketing strategies that will help them stay ahead of the competition.
If you’re a business looking to scale and succeed like Excelarate, reach out to us. We’re here to help you streamline your operations, enhance your online presence, and achieve your growth goals with the latest in IT solutions and digital marketing.
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