Shore Capital Partners Announces Partnership with Freestone Insurance Group

CHICAGO – June 11th, 2025 – Shore Capital Partners (“Shore Capital” or “Shore”), a Chicago-based private equity firm with offices in Nashville, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Freestone Insurance Group (“Freestone” or the “Company”). Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Freestone is an insurance brokerage firm specializing in employee benefits, enterprise risk management, and private client insurance services. 

 

Founded in 2016 by Ben Hayes and Jake Cramer, Freestone Insurance Group provides advisory services across personal asset protection, corporate liability, and workforce coverage. The firm is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality insurance solutions that enable clients to make informed decisions efficiently. Serving a broad range of industries, Freestone combines strategic insight with practical execution to deliver insurance solutions tailored to complex and evolving needs. Freestone’s advantage lies in its in-depth product knowledge and client-centric approach. Its team of experienced specialists works closely with clients to understand their risk profiles and identify coverage that aligns with their business or personal objectives.  

 

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Shore Capital,” said Freestone Founder, Ben Hayes. “Shore’s support and shared vision for the future build upon the strong foundation of client success and innovation that is core to Freestone. This partnership is not only a validation of our hard work but also a catalyst for the growth ahead.” Hayes will continue to lead the platform as Chief Executive Officer. 

 

Freestone is additionally pleased to announce that Austin Bockwinkel has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. With almost 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Bockwinkel brings valuable experience leading private equity transaction advisory and corporate, financial, and professional risk practices for HUB International, Hauser and Aon. Bockwinkel will support Freestone’s strategy, product suite, and other operating initiatives to accelerate the platform’s growth.

 

Backed by the resources, network, and operational expertise of Shore Capital, the Company is positioned to scale more aggressively, enter new markets, and invest in innovation and talent. The growth strategy will include expanding the company’s geographic footprint, deepening core service offerings, investing in technology, and selectively acquiring high-performing businesses aligned with its mission. 

 

“Freestone is well positioned to expand its capabilities and unlock meaningful new revenue streams with the support of Shore, the Board, and targeted talent additions,” said Ryan Kelley, Partner at Shore Capital. “This investment is a complementary addition to our existing healthcare portfolio and aligns with our strategy to build integrated, high-value service platforms. Through disciplined investment and strategic acquisitions, Freestone will evolve into a market leading firm providing innovative solutions to its customers.” 

 

About Shore Capital Partners 

 

Shore Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm with offices in Nashville, is an investor in lower middle market companies in the Healthcare, Food and Beverage, Business Services, Industrial, and Real Estate industries. Shore’s strategy is to support management partners to grow faster with less risk through access to capital, world-class board and operational resources, and unmatched networking, development, and shared learnings across the portfolio. From 2020-2024, Shore received recognition from Inc Magazine as a 5x Top Founder Friendly Investor and by Pitchbook Research for leading U.S. Private Equity deal volume for the past 10 years, from 2015-2024. Shore targets investments in proven, successful private companies with superior management teams, stable cash flow, and significant potential to grow through industry consolidation and organic growth to generate value for shareholders. Shore has approximately $12.5 billion of assets under management and in additional investment platforms to which it provides business and operational consulting services. For more information on these awards and investment platforms, please visit: www.shorecp.com. 

 

About Freestone Insurance Group 

 

Freestone Insurance Group provides brokerage, advisory and administration of corporate and personal insurance services. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Freestone offers a high-touch, consultative approach to its clients with focus in the areas of employee benefits, life, disability and leave management consulting, enterprise risk management consulting and private client services.