An independent agency that still answers its own phone
Since 1987 we have insured Northeast Ohio families and businesses from the same block of Euclid Avenue.
Built on one simple idea: work for the client, not the carrier
Captive agents represent one insurance company. Independent agents represent you. That difference shaped Ironbridge from the day Walter Brandt hung a sign above a Playhouse Square storefront, and it still decides how we work.
Today our team of twelve serves more than 6,200 households and businesses, from first-time renters in Ohio City to manufacturers in Solon. We have grown, but clients still get a named agent, a direct extension and a yearly review.
- 1987
Founded on Euclid Avenue
Walter Brandt opens a two-person agency writing home and auto for downtown families.
- 1998
Commercial lines added
Contractors and restaurants become a third of the book as Cleveland's neighborhoods rebuild.
- 2009
Denise Kowalczyk buys the agency
The agency stays independent and adds life insurance and a dedicated service team.
- 2017
In-house claims advocate
Former adjuster Kevin O'Donnell joins to represent clients through every major claim.
- 2026
14 carriers, 6,200+ clients
Licensed in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan, still answering our own phones.
- years independent
- 39
- A-rated carriers
- 14
- clients insured
- 6,200+
- client retention
- 94%
Four rules we do not bend
- 1
Read the policy, not the brochure
Every recommendation starts with the actual endorsements, exclusions and limits. If a cheaper policy removes water backup, you will hear it from us first.
- 2
Re-shop without being asked
When a renewal rises more than 10 percent, we quote it again across our carriers before it lands in your mailbox.
- 3
Take the client's side at claim time
An insurance policy is a promise. Our claims advocate makes sure it is kept, including the depreciation and code upgrades you are owed.
- 4
Say no when it does not fit
We will not sell you whole life when term is right, or a policy that meets the price and misses the risk.
Meet your agents
Call the main line at (216) 555-0117 and ask for anyone by name or extension.
Denise Kowalczyk
ext. 101Principal agent and owner
Denise bought the agency from its founder in 2009 and still handles her own book of clients in Lakewood and Rocky River.
Marcus Bell
ext. 114Commercial lines manager
Marcus works with contractors, restaurants and property managers across Cuyahoga and Lake counties.
Priya Raman
ext. 122Life and benefits advisor
Priya runs needs analyses for young families and business owners, and explains underwriting in plain English.
Tomás Herrera
ext. 108Personal lines agent
Tomás grew up in Clark-Fulton and works with a lot of first-time homebuyers and Spanish-speaking households.
Andre Moore
ext. 100Client service lead
Andre is who you reach for ID cards, lender paperwork and anything that needs to be done today.
Kevin O'Donnell
ext. 130Claims advocate
Kevin spent twelve years as a carrier adjuster before joining Ironbridge to sit on the client's side of the table.
Credentials and licensing
Verify any agent's license through the Ohio Department of Insurance agent lookup. License numbers on this demo are placeholders.
| Agency license | Ohio Department of Insurance #0000000 (demo) |
|---|---|
| Also licensed in | Pennsylvania #000000, Michigan #0000000 (demo) |
| Designations on staff | CIC, CRIS, CLU, CISR |
| Memberships | Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio, Greater Cleveland Partnership |
| Errors and omissions | $2M agency E&O coverage in force |
| Continuing education | Each agent exceeds Ohio CE requirements every two years |
Put an independent agent on your side
One conversation, quotes from up to 14 carriers, and an agent who explains the trade-offs before you sign.
Licensed agents · No fee for advice · 4.9 from 1,284 reviews