Growing a Local Insurance Agency

Austin Levin is the founder and CEO of Core Value Insurance Group, a family-owned Medicare agency in Philadelphia. 

For Austin, entrepreneurship runs in the family.

His journey in Medicare comes from lessons learned in his family. These lessons are about owning and operating a family-business.

A Family Legacy in Philadelphia

Austin’s story begins in South Philadelphia, where his grandparents, children of Jewish immigrants, embodied the American Dream.  

They had a garage, some tools, and a strong desire to succeed. They began making windows for local builders. This small operation eventually grew into a successful business, serving countless clients in the area. 

“My grandparents built a small, local wholesale manufacturing and distribution organization,” Austin recalls. “What they created was more than a business—it was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and investing in people.”

Austin’s father joined the business after high school, despite struggling in school.

“He almost failed out of high school,” Austin says, “but he brought innovation to the business.” His father introduced new systems, embraced technology, and forged strategic partnerships, modernizing the family’s window manufacturing company. 

This adaptability allowed the business to grow into a respected, multi-generational operation.

The True Foundation of a Family Business

One key part of the Levin family’s business is its culture.

This culture focuses on relationships and people. “In our business, people always come first,” Austin says. “We invested in people, treated them with respect, and created a culture of mutual support.”

This people-first philosophy extended to their employees, many of whom worked with the family for decades. Their first employee was Aldo DeLuca.

He worked with them for over 40 years.

Today, his son is the CFO of Core Value Insurance Group. Austin notes that it has come full circle, underscoring the value of long-term relationships.

This culture also helped the family business avoid unions, which, in Philadelphia, was a rare accomplishment.

“We’ve always focused on investing in people, making sure they feel valued and heard. That’s why we never had issues with unions—our employees felt like they were part of the family.”

A New Path: The Move into Medicare Insurance

Despite the success of the family business, Austin knew he wanted to create something of his own. He saw an opportunity in the booming Medicare insurance market.

“When I was looking to start my own business, I considered the barriers to entry,” he explains. 

Medicare presented a unique opportunity—demand was growing, and the industry was ripe for entrepreneurial innovation. 

Austin started Core Value Insurance Group with a clear goal: build a family-owned Medicare agency in Philadelphia to provide old-school, one-on-one support to seniors.

Austin, like his family in their window business, prioritizes relationships and serving the local community.

“I knew I didn’t want to just build a transactional business,” Austin says.

“I wanted to serve my community in Philadelphia, build relationships, and offer a service that really mattered. Medicare is such an important decision for seniors, and I wanted to make sure they felt supported through that process.”

Challenges and the Importance of Innovation

Running a successful business is never easy, and Austin has faced his share of challenges along the way. However, he believes that the key to long-term success is patience and continuous innovation.

“You have to water your business and let it grow,” he advises. “It takes time, but if you invest in the right people and create the right culture, it will flourish.” 

Austin learned from his father’s work in changing the family business. He believes it is important to adapt to new times through utilizing new technology.

Innovation is essential for Core Value Insurance Group’s success. This includes new systems, digital marketing strategies, and ongoing team training.

The Role of Mentorship and Family

Austin credits his success to the help he got from mentors in Medicare. He also values the lessons taught by his family.

“My dad is my biggest role model,” Austin says. “He taught me the importance of being accountable, investing in people, and maintaining a strong work ethic.”

These lessons have been crucial as Austin takes on the world of Medicare insurance. “My goal is to build something that lasts, just like my grandparents did,” he says.

“I want to create a company that not only provides great service to our clients but also fosters a positive, supportive culture for our team.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Core Value Insurance Group

As Core Value Insurance Group continues to grow, Austin remains focused on maintaining the values that have guided his family for generations.

“We’re building a legacy,” he says. 

“Just like my grandparents did with their window business, I want Core Value Insurance Group to be known for its commitment to people, relationships, and the community.”

For Austin Levin, success is not just about financial growth—it’s about creating a lasting impact.

Whether it’s providing seniors with the support they need or building a team that feels like family, his approach to business is both intentional and deeply personal.

“At the end of the day,” Austin says, “it’s all about people. If you take care of your people, everything else will fall into place.”

Watch Austin’s interview on the REMCO Real Talk Podcast with Jay Falconio – Chief Visionary Officer at REMCO Insurance Services!