From one room to industry leader: Maxton celebrates 40 years
Family-owned Maxton Insurance Brokers is marking four decades in business with a renewed focus on personal service, innovation and the next generation.
From a single rented room in Royston Park to an established insurance brokerage with an award-winning industry reputation, Maxton Insurance Brokers has reached its 40th anniversary with its sights firmly set on the future.
Founded by Max and Rina Cuzzocrea in 1986, the family-owned business has grown from one staff member into an established brokerage, built around specialist insurance knowledge, claims expertise and a hands-on approach to client service.
The milestone also comes as the couple’s two sons, Joseph and Justin, prepare to become shareholders and owners, marking the next chapter for the business while maintaining the principles that have underpinned its success.
For Maxton Group CEO Max, starting the business was a decision to step outside his comfort zone after years working in the insurance industry.
He had joined a large insurance company at the age of 16 before moving to an international brokerage. But the opportunity to establish something of his own eventually proved too appealing to ignore.
“Rina’s family were all self-employed, while my family had always worked as employees,” Max says. “It was a choice between taking a risk and having a go.”
The business started modestly, but Max was determined to establish a different approach to insurance broking.
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Rather than expecting clients to come to the office, Maxton took its service to them, visiting homes, workplaces and business sites to review insurance needs and provide support throughout the claims process.
It also established a dedicated claims department early in its development, creating a point of difference in an industry where brokers traditionally focused on arranging policies.
“No broker had this concept of actually going out to see clients rather than expecting them to come in to see you,” Max says.
Four decades later, that hands-on approach remains central to the business, although its operations have evolved alongside changes in the insurance industry. Investment in professional development, external expertise, specialist market knowledge and technology has helped Maxton maintain its competitive position.
“We’ve evolved through education, external professional consultants, knowing our products and niche markets, and staying ahead of the norm and the pack,” Max says.
The brokerage’s achievements include Broker of the Year Australia and Australasian industry recognition, while Max has also contributed to the wider profession through leadership roles, including Chair of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) Executive Committee Board.
The next generation is already making its mark. Joseph was named Young Gun of the Year at the Insurance Business Australia Awards in 2019 and won Young Broker of the Year for SA/NT in 2022. He is also Chair of the Young Professional Insurance Brokers Committee.
Maxton has also developed strong relationships with underwriters, with the business invited to participate in special projects aimed at improving industry service and delivery.
But Max says some of the most rewarding moments have come from helping clients through difficult circumstances.
One example involved a family-owned sports retailer whose Adelaide CBD premises were severely damaged following an explosion caused by a ground-floor tenant. After 20 years in business, the retailer faced the prospect of closure or liquidation. Maxton’s claims team played a critical role in helping the family navigate the situation and keep the business operating.
The client has since expanded to four stores and more than 70 staff. “Maxton’s claims handling was the best they had ever experienced,” Max says.
The Covid pandemic provided another test for the industry, highlighting the importance of adaptability and timely advice. Max says Maxton focused on keeping clients informed and helping them navigate the uncertainty.
Technology and changing compliance requirements continue to reshape the sector, with Maxton investing in digital systems, staff training and new ways to improve service without losing the personal connection.
“Being in touch with the present, understanding IT and websites, providing specialised staff training and having an open-door policy – it’s about looking after our clients with honest service and holding their hand when they need us most,” he says.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Maxton has launched a redesigned website, rebuilt with updated visual assets, improved navigation and a more streamlined user experience. The site makes it easier for clients to access policy information, lodge claims, make payments and explore funding options, while updated content reflects current insurance industry terminology and developments.
Further innovation is planned, including the use of artificial intelligence, drone-assisted assessments and new approaches to risk surveys. The business also intends to expand its specialist client offering and continue investing in staff education, with the next generation of family leadership helping shape its direction.
For Max, the challenge is to embrace new opportunities without losing sight of what has made the business successful. While the technology and the industry will continue to evolve, Maxton’s founding principles remain unchanged.
“The best service, with a true point of difference: we hold your hand when you need us most,” he says.
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