Founded in 1991, McCarthy Stevenot Agency, Inc. is an independent, family-owned Ohio health insurance broker focusing on small businesses with 2–50 employees. We built our agency around a simple idea: small groups aren’t stepping stones—they’re the cornerstone.
Our Founding Story
We founded the agency after working at a larger benefits firm where small businesses were often treated as secondary to larger accounts. We saw an opportunity to do things differently.
Instead of using small groups as a stepping stone, we made them the primary focus.
From the beginning, we committed to giving small businesses the same level of attention and service typically reserved for large organizations. We streamlined our process so employers could get clear, accurate proposals quickly—and we built our reputation on honest advice, even when it meant recommending that a client stay with their current plan.
That approach proved powerful. Business owners recognized the difference, and over time our client base grew through trust, referrals, and long-term relationships.
One of our earliest clients—a two-person business in the early 1990s—has grown into a company with several hundred employees. Because we were there from the beginning, they’ve stayed with us through every stage of that growth.
What We Believe
Our philosophy is simple:
- Every client counts — whether you have 2 employees or 50
- Honesty comes first — if your current plan is the best option, we’ll tell you
- Small businesses deserve better — not less attention than large accounts
- Long-term relationships matter — more than quick sales
What It’s Like to Work With Us
We work with Ohio small businesses that want clear guidance—not guesswork.
Most of our work happens around renewal, when employers are deciding whether to stay with their current plan or explore alternatives. We provide straightforward comparisons, explain trade-offs, and remain available throughout the year when questions or issues arise.
When problems occur—whether billing issues or claims challenges—we step in and help resolve them directly. That level of hands-on support is something many employers don’t realize they’re missing until they experience it.
Independent and Committed
We’ve remained independent for more than 35 years.
While many agencies have sold to larger firms or shifted to call-center service models, we’ve chosen to stay focused on our clients. We don’t answer to investors or outside mandates—only to the businesses we serve.
That independence allows us to provide unbiased recommendations and maintain the level of service we believe small businesses deserve.
Rooted in Ohio
We are based in Southwest Ohio and serve businesses across the state. While many of our clients are located in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas, our work extends throughout Ohio.
Our knowledge is grounded in the Ohio market—something that matters when evaluating plans, pricing, and long-term options. If you’re evaluating your options, you can explore our services or start by requesting quotes.