River Bend Strategies Joins Leavitt Great West Insurance in Montana

Written by Shawn Kraft—Partner

March 5, 2026 · Bozeman, MT

Blog River Bend Strategies Joins Leavitt Great West Insurance in Montana

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Leavitt Group is pleased to announce River Bend Strategies has joined Leavitt Great West Insurance in Bozeman, Montana. This merger expands the resources and insurance company options available to clients while maintaining the personalized service they value. 

“Joining Leavitt Great West allows me to offer my clients enhanced insurance company options, additional expertise, and the support of a locally owned organization that shares my commitment to service,” said Eric Deeg, owner of River Bend Strategies. 

Founded and led by Deeg, River Bend Strategies has built strong relationships with employers across Montana by helping them navigate employee benefits decisions with clarity and care. 

“We’re thrilled to have Eric join us,” said Shawn Samuelson, co-owner at Leavitt Great West. “His expertise aligns perfectly with our commitment to helping employers build strong, competitive benefits programs.” 

As part of the affiliation, Deeg will continue with the agency as a senior benefits consultant, remaining closely involved with clients and their ongoing needs. 

Leavitt Great West Insurance has a long history in Montana, with nine locations across the state. Backed by regional and national leaders in their respective insurance fields, the agency combines the trusted service of a local firm with the national strength and resources of Leavitt Group. To learn more, visit leavitt.com/greatwest. 

Leavitt Group is one of the largest privately held insurance brokerages in the nation with a mission to build, serve, and perpetuate independent insurance agencies as partners with local co-owners. With an extensive network of 85+ agencies and 280+ locations across 28 states, Leavitt Group offers a distinctive advantage with local ownership, delivering a personalized and collaborative approach to commercial insurance, employee benefits, and personal insurance. With over 70 years in the insurance industry, Leavitt Group brings national strength and local trust to the communities and clients they serve. For more information about Leavitt Group, visit www.leavitt.com.

Have questions? Contact:

Shawn Kraft

Shawn Kraft

Partner

Call: (406) 324-7485

Shawn Kraft has been in the insurance industry since 2007, coming into the business from a successful career coaching and working with the highest level of collegiate and professional athletes. In 2012, Shawn jumped at the opportunity to join Leavitt Group as an owner instead of taking an ownership position with the newly formed Paynewest Group.

Shawn's role within Leavitt Great West is to provide cutting-edge solutions that were previously unavailable to Montana businesses.

"I learned from a small regional firm how to work with less and rely on yourself and your intrinsic work ethic, but with limited exposure to anything outside of the old way of handling business. To bring true value above the line, you have to have national relationships and be exposed to new ideas. I am now able to help create these ideas with others leaders in the country. We create new profit centers for companies out of what has previously been an expense budget line item."

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Read Shawn's full bio

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