About Us
Built for Owners.
Focused on Outcomes.
We help insurance and financial services leaders prepare, choose, and execute the right path—whether that’s a successful sale today or building for long-term enterprise value.
Why We Exist
“I grew up in a family business—Cowley’s Lumber—where employees were an extension of our family. When my grandfather was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and we had no succession plan, we sold under pressure with just enough to meet obligations and protect jobs.
That experience shaped everything that followed. It taught me how much outcomes depend on preparation, how value is created long before a sale, and how owners deserve options—not urgency. It’s why I chose M&A, and why I’ve spent my career on both the advisory and buy-side, learning what truly drives the best results for founders and their people.
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The Cowley Group is the firm I wished we’d had on our side during this business transition: clear-eyed, compassionate, and rigorous. We help owners achieve what they want for their business—whether that’s a successful sale today or building toward long-term growth and enterprise value tomorrow—while protecting legacy, people, and purpose.”
- Shelby Cowley, Founder & Managing Partner
Our Beliefs
Clarity over complexity
Straight talk, disciplined analysis.
People first
Employees and clients are never "line items."
Preparation creates options
The earlier we plan, the better the outcome.
"When Shelby and I met during our years in private equity, we quickly realized we shared the same view of what makes a business truly successful – people. We both loved the challenge of complex deals, but what inspired us most were the relationships built along the way. That belief became the foundation for our firm. We created an advisory practice that blends the discipline of M&A with a deeply human approach – one grounded in trust, collaboration, and care for every client and team we work with.
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For us, success isn’t just about closing a transaction; it’s about helping people navigate meaningful moments of growth with clarity, confidence, and connection."
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- Moni Pawlowski, Partner & COO
Our senior, hands-on team is
focused on your needs.
There is no playbook or one-size-fits all approach, but a true partnership.
A boutique model,
by design
A tightly held client roster. Senior-led work. Fewer handoffs. More accountability. You’ll know the people doing the work—and they’ll know your business in detail.
Deep industry relationships
Over a decade in the insurance and financial services ecosystem means real access: retail brokers, MGAs/MGUs, TPAs, PEOs, carriers, wealth & retirement platforms, and specialized investor networks.
An advisory council of thought leaders
We assemble sector-specific experts—former operators, underwriters, distribution leaders, and CFOs—based on your needs. They pressure-test strategy, sharpen positioning, and help you navigate business challenges and accelerate firm growth.