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Note 3 - Related Party Transactions
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2025
Notes to Financial Statements  
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 3 - Related Party Transactions

 

Prior to entering into a new related party transaction that is disclosable pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K, the Audit Committee reviews and monitors all relevant information available. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews a summary of related parties and related party transactions on a quarterly basis. The Audit Committee, in its sole discretion, may approve the related party transaction only if it determines, in good faith and under all circumstances, that the transaction is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Audit Committee, in its sole discretion, may also impose conditions as it deems appropriate on the Company or the related party in connection with the approval of the related party transaction.

 

Several significant shareholders and directors of HQI own portions of Jackson Insurance Agency, Bass Underwriters, Inc., Insurance Technologies, Inc., and a number of our franchisees (in whole or in part).

 

Jackson Insurance Agency ("Jackson Insurance") and Bass Underwriters, Inc. ("Bass")

Edward Jackson, a member of our Board and significant stockholder, and a member of Mr. Jackson’s immediate family own Jackson Insurance. Mr. Jackson, Richard Hermanns, our CEO, Chairman of our Board, and largest stockholder, and irrevocable trusts set up by each of them, collectively own a majority of Bass, a large managing general agent. Jackson Insurance and Bass broker property, casualty, general liability, and cybersecurity insurance for HQI. Jackson Insurance also brokers certain insurance policies on behalf of some of our franchisees, including the Worlds Franchisees (defined below).

 

During the three months ended  September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, Jackson Insurance and Bass invoiced HQI approximately $190 thousand and $96 thousand, respectively, for premiums, taxes, and fees related to these insurance policies. During the nine months ended  September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, Jackson Insurance and Bass invoiced HQI approximately $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for premiums, taxes, and fees related to these insurance policies. Jackson Insurance and Bass retain a commission of approximately 9% - 15% of premiums.

 

Insurance Technologies, Inc. ("Insurance Technologies")

Mr. Jackson, Mr. Hermanns, and irrevocable trusts set up by each of them, collectively own a majority of Insurance Technologies, an IT development and security firm. On October 24, 2019, HQI entered into an agreement with Insurance Technologies to add certain cybersecurity protections to our existing information technology systems and to assist in developing future information technology systems within our HQ WebConnect software. In addition, Insurance Technologies assisted with the IT diligence and integration process with respect to acquisitions completed in 2021.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, Insurance Technologies invoiced HQI approximately $30 thousand and $134 thousand, respectively, for services provided pursuant to this agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, Insurance Technologies invoiced HQI approximately $176 thousand and $431 thousand, respectively, for services provided pursuant to this agreement.

 

The Worlds Franchisees

Mr. Jackson and immediate family members of Mr. Hermanns have significant ownership interests in certain of our franchisees (the “Worlds Franchisees”). There were 34 Worlds Franchisees at  September 30, 2025 that operated 67 of our 399 franchisee-owned offices. 

 

Other transactions regarding the Worlds Franchisees are summarized below:

 

   

Three months ended

    

Nine months ended

  

(in thousands)

  

September 30, 2025

    

September 30, 2024

    

September 30, 2025

    

September 30, 2024

  

Franchisee royalties

   $ 2,290     $ 2,482     $ 6,765     $ 7,346  

 

Balances regarding the Worlds Franchisees are summarized below:

 

(in thousands)

     September 30, 2025       December 31, 2024  

Due to franchisees

   $ 2,029     $ 2,481  

Risk management incentive program liability

     260       329