Founder Secrets: Build, Grow & Exit Your Business With Martin Eveleigh
In the world of captive insurance, few names carry the weight and legacy of Martin Eveleigh. As the founder and longtime chairman of Atlas Insurance Management, Martin has spent decades shaping the landscape of alternative risk solutions. Now, following Atlas’s acquisition by Risk Strategies, Martin joins us for a candid, podcast-style conversation about what it really takes to build a business in a specialized niche — and what it feels like to pass the baton.
Building Atlas: From Niche Concept to Industry Leader
In our conversation next month (June 2025), Martin will walk us through the early days of Atlas, when the concept of captives was still gaining traction among middle-market businesses. He’ll reflect on the firm’s deliberate focus on independence, agility, and technical excellence — all critical elements that helped Atlas differentiate itself in a competitive and evolving industry.
We’ll explore some of the inflection points that defined the company’s journey, from regulatory shifts to client demand patterns. Martin will share how Atlas continuously adapted, building structures that worked across multiple domiciles, and investing in a team that could deliver nuanced, customized solutions. It was never about chasing scale for scale’s sake; it was about building intelligently and with purpose.
Navigating the Challenges of Growth
Of course, no long-term business story is complete without its share of challenges. Martin plans to talk openly about the hurdles that came with rapid growth, including balancing client service with operational capacity and navigating the complexities of international regulatory environments.
“We had to evolve without compromising the core values that made us who we were,” he explains.
The Strategic Exit: Why Risk Strategies Was the Right Fit
The decision to sell Atlas to Risk Strategies was not taken lightly, but it was one that Martin describes as “strategic and timely.” He saw the alignment of vision and culture between the two organizations — especially in their shared commitment to technical depth and client-centricity. The acquisition offered Atlas a broader platform, access to complementary expertise, and the ability to scale its impact without losing its identity.
Key Lessons for Founders and Business Owners
For founders and business owners considering their own growth trajectories or succession plans, Martin’s story is filled with insights. This conversation won’t just be about captives or M&A — it’s going to focus on the journey of a founder, the evolution of a business, and the leadership required to make bold decisions at every stage.
We hope you’ll tune in to hear Martin’s firsthand perspective — not just on what he built, but on why it mattered, and what’s next under the risk strategies umbrella.
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Contact us, if you have any questions about this episode or others we have in the pipeline.
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