Adam McNew ’07 and Nick Robertson ’09, ’10 first met as teammates while playing baseball at Newman University. They reconnected after college while working at Koch Industries.
The two also spent more than 10 years coaching Little League together, during which time they built a strong friendship. Their shared passion for teamwork, competition and mentorship eventually led them to Aegis Group LLC, where they now help lead a rapidly growing insurance agency with a strong local presence.
McNew joined Aegis in 2021 after CEO Andy Frieze recruited him to bring his operations and people-management expertise to the small company. Robertson followed soon after, drawn by the opportunity to build something meaningful alongside trusted colleagues.
At the time, Aegis had just seven employees. Today, it’s a thriving agency with more than 28 staff members that includes eight Newman alumni, and earns approximately $4 million in annual revenue. The organization even made a monetary donation to support Newman baseball in October 2022.
Aegis specializes in commercial insurance, particularly in habitation and multifamily properties such as apartments and condos. While much of their business happens in the state of Texas, the team is intentionally deepening its footprint in Wichita.
Commitment to the local community is reflected in their philanthropy and involvement, from sponsoring youth sports and hosting baseball camps to organizing holiday Angel Tree gift drives and supporting local schools.
Values that make a difference
Both McNew and Robertson said that Aegis’s culture is rooted in people-first values. They hire for character and train for skill, cultivating a family-like atmosphere where everyone’s contributions matter.
They said their current competitive work environment mirrors their days on the field.
“There are plenty of competitors in the insurance business,” Robertson said. “Having a lot of athletes working together means we like to go after things as a team. We also come from a culture of celebrating victories together.”
That blend of competition, leadership and relationship-building is something they trace back to their years at Newman, where they both earned business degrees.
Formation at Newman
McNew said his decision to attend Newman was fueled by the strong reputation of its baseball program in the late ’90s and the opportunity for small, relationship-driven classes.
“The best part was the one-on-one time with professors,” he recalled. “Those relationships lasted well beyond graduation.”
Robertson’s experience was equally transformative. He tapped into more than just his athletic talent, singing in the choir where his Elvis impersonation was a hit. He had such a great experience that he decided to continue his Newman education and earn a Master of Business Administration degree as well.
“What I really valued was the personal investment from faculty and staff,” he said. “They cared about me as a person, not just a student. That kind of environment taught me the power of genuine relationships.”
Both men weave the skills and lessons they gained at Newman into Aegis’s everyday operations. Robertson values his role in connecting individuals and McNew applies his competitive drive and leadership skills to guide Aegis toward continued growth.
Together, their goal is to continue building community while tackling challenges with determination and celebrating every win as a team.
Earn a business degree
Explore all program offerings within Newman University’s School of Business & Technology.
