Allstate battles lawsuit as franchisee claims illegal agency shutdown

The story begins with James Lukezic, a 24-year veteran of the financial services industry, who in 2016 set up his own practice as a retirement investment advisor and insurance agent. By 2019, he had acquired a broker-dealer business from CNA Insurance, renaming it Old Slip Capital Management, Inc., and built a nationwide investment advisory operation. In late 2023, Lukezic decided to expand into the insurance agency world, forming Old Slip Benefits & Insurance Services LLC to acquire two Allstate agencies in Westchester County, New York. He consolidated the customer accounts, set up shop in White Plains, hired staff, and began selling Allstate insurance products in March 2024.