Agency Intelligence

From coaching Fortune 500 CEOs, Ryder Cup teams, four-star generals, more than 400 CEOs and even a President of the United States, Randall Stutman, PhD, has learned some of the commonalities and differences among some of the greatest leaders in the world.  Randall joins us today to talk about how he's grown his company, Admired Leadership, while staying "kind of a ghost" and thriving on relationships. From a risk management sales perspective, Randall dives into the conversations we have, how they lead to effective relationships, and the behaviors all great leaders have in common. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com Admired Leadership: https://admiredleadership.com LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515 Ryan Brott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brott-cepa%C2%AE-77a278a Admired Leadership: https://www.linkedin.com/

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, to close out our financial series, we talk to Chris Paradiso, Carey Wallace, and Aaron Stocks with Agency Point. Agency Point is a full-service financial service for agency owners for commissions reconciliation, bookkeeping, and other important services that help your agency run like a well-oiled machine. Key Topics: The significance of understanding and managing financials in the insurance industry The journey of agency owners from initial struggles to achieving financial clarity Insights into the importance of commission reconciliation and its impact on agency operations Strategies for agency owners to overcome common financial hurdles The role of external financial services in enhancing agency financial health Real-life examples of how accurate financial management can lead to agency growth and stability The importance of preparing agencies for future transitions, including acquisitions and perpetuation planning Connect with: Chris Paradiso Carey Wal

In this throwback special episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, Jason Cass and Travis Etheridge are guests at the Insurance Hacks webinar where they chat with Brad Ruben, of Archway Computer, about how Virtual Employees (VE's) are changing the game when it comes to handling unlicensed tasks in your agency. Episode Highlights: Brad shares his background, what Archway Computer does for independent insurance companies, and the Insurance Hacks webinar's goal. (1:11) Jason Cass and Travis Etheridge discuss how they got into the insurance industry. (5:40) Jason explains why they decided to form a Virtual Employee (VE) firm and how they plan to influence the independent agent's thinking in the future. (8:00) Jason explains why he is prepared to pay more and treat his company’s VE’s better. (10:32) Jason and Travis talk about how fantastic their company's VE relationship and culture are. (14:05) Jason discusses what made him realize that he didn’t need licensed employees doing unlicensed tasks. (19:38)

In this episode, James talks with Ben Criss, Owner of Strong Insurance. To learn more about Strong Insurance, visit https://www.stronginsuranceinc.com/. Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed. Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better. Key Topics: Introduction of Ben Criss and the backstory of his family-owned insurance agency Challenges and strategies in transitioning to commercial insurance Importance of knowing your numbers and financial literacy in executing a business pivot The role of market access and rebranding in aligning with new business objectives Insights on building a supportive team and fostering a shared vision for the future The significance of specializing and finding your niche in the insurance industry

A weak mindset is often what most of your competitors possess. But what about you? Do you have a robust and competitive mindset when it comes to sales? Are you afraid to ask for the signed Broker of Record Letter? Are you nervous about telling the insured what you require from them in order to move forward?  In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht explains the seven things insurance producers need to have in order to possess a Millionaire Producer Mindset. Episode Highlights: Charles shares that he is developing his own producer school that will be launching very soon, which will go from A to Z on the entire sales process. (2:07) Charles explains that the first thing to having a Millionaire Producer Mindset is to understand that sales are both a sprint and a marathon. (3:58) Charles shares that prospecting is your primary daily function, and there really isn't a way in which to set appointments without prospecting. (8:27) Charles explains that insu

Whoa! Mind blown. Rescuing donkeys from the side of the road, funding hospitals, training hockey players, and so much more. Jeff and Una Roy live by the mantra, “Give with no expectation of anything in return”. They are catalysts for change in their community.   Welcome to "Insurance Professionals Are Givers," a podcast series led by Erik Garcia CFP® and guest co-host Billy Wagner, exploring the essence of Erik's fifth pillar of financial security: "Give To Others." Dive into engaging conversations with diverse insurance professionals as they share their journeys of creating legacies for their families and leaving a meaningful impact on their communities through generous acts. Discover the driving forces behind their giving, heartfelt stories of their chosen causes, and the profound transformations sparked by their dedication to giving back. Prepare to be inspired to engage with your community in profound ways, reminding us all that giving isn't confined to a season—it's a mindset that cultivates lasting con

How do you evaluate the health of your agency? Carey Wallace, Founder of AgencyFocus and noted speaker, joins us to talk about how to maximize your business – from selecting your carriers to honing in your book of business, evaluating your producers, diversifying your revenue and more. Learn what makes a healthy insurance agency from important metrics to stable growth. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com AgencyFocus: https://agency-focus.com LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515 Ryan Brott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brott-cepa%C2%AE-77a278a Carey Wallace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carey-wallace-393a8620 This episode is sponsored by LAUNCH. In the world of insurance, independent agencies fight to survive. Brokers are forced to compete by blocking markets and bid for the lowest price. Worse yet, the industr

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus. Teresa and Colby discuss what is profit and how to use it to get you where you want to go in your business.  Key Topics: The role and impact of financial consulting for independent insurance agencies Understanding and defining profit for your agency The importance of aligning personal values with business financial decisions Strategies for budgeting and financial planning to achieve your goals Differentiating between core and non-core income for a more accurate financial picture The significance of intentional decision-making in business growth and sustainability Personal reflections on the emotional aspects of discussing and managing business finances Connect with: Colby Allen Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: AgencyFocus Sterling Insurance Group

College is CRAZY expensive. As a parent, where do you start planning for your child’s Higher Ed? There is so much competing for your money and with many colleges not offering merit-based financial aid, the prospect of paying for college is daunting, to say the least.  It seems inevitable that our kids will be buried in college loan debt forever.  In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, has a conversation with Christen Arafeh of Crescent City College Consulting. Christen is a speaker, college admissions advisor, and scholarship strategist, and she shares her story of winning $900,000 total in scholarship money to pay for her own college. Today, Christen helps families navigate the college admission maze, and best of all she helps students find scholarships that they may qualify for. Episode Highlights: Christen shares her journey of starting scholarship applications as a high school freshman and eventually securing over $900,000 in scholarships. (2:39) Christen discusse

In this throwback episode of Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Garrett Droege, Director of Innovation at IMA Financial Group. Garrett discusses the future of tech in the insurance industry and beyond and how to learn from your competitors. Episode Highlights: Garrett mentions that they have worthy rivals in their company with whom they share information and learn and that anyone can learn if their ears are open. (5:41)  Garrett shares his background story and how he got to where he is today in the insurance industry. (6:58) Garrett mentions that he used to run a global broker network called Tech Usher, which specializes in technology-related insurance. (8:26) Garrett mentions that everything he learned in the insurance industry was from other people and probably some of the competitors or people he thought were better than him in some way. (10:38)  Garrett explains how he and Ryan Hanley had the same idea on how Twitter is going to be the future of business. (15:33) Garrett ment

In this episode, James talks with Kody Houk, Senior Sales Advisor at Premier Strategy Box/PADI. To learn more aboutPremier Strategy Box/PADI, visit: https://www.mystrategybox.com/premier-institute. Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed. Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better. Key Topics: The impact of specialization in the insurance industry Ethical considerations and honesty in policy representation The significance of continuous learning for insurance agents The role of comprehensive training and resources for professional development Building a community for collaboration and knowledge sharing The importance of underwriter relationships Strategies for handling a hard market in insurance

If you can do this one thing, you'll not only win more signed Broker of Record Letters but you'll save yourself a ton of time, headaches, stress, and you'll make a lot more money too. What is it? Here it is: "Show me the money, Jerry!" See, you need to become an insurance agent who is more like Jerry Maguire the sports agent, rather than "Joe Quotes" who offers quotes to non-clients. What I mean is professional sports agents don't offer quotes and quote against other sports agents, and neither should you.  In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht will explain the how and why being Jerry Maguire is a better choice for you, and then three (3) steps to make it happen. Key Topics: The importance of how you're perceived by prospects Why the traditional quoting process is flawed Adopting the Jerry Maguire approach in insurance sales Key strategies to differentiate yourself in the market How to effectively communicate value to your prospects The benefits of a mindset

Entering into the personal pain of others is no easy feat. Hear how Vonda found personal healing through her involvement with crime stoppers and foster summer camp.  Welcome to "Insurance Professionals Are Givers," a podcast series led by Erik Garcia CFP® and guest co-host Billy Wagner, exploring the essence of Erik's fifth pillar of financial security: "Give To Others." Dive into engaging conversations with diverse insurance professionals as they share their journeys of creating legacies for their families and leaving a meaningful impact on their communities through generous acts. Discover the driving forces behind their giving, heartfelt stories of their chosen causes, and the profound transformations sparked by their dedication to giving back. Prepare to be inspired to engage with your community in profound ways, reminding us all that giving isn't confined to a season—it's a mindset that cultivates lasting connections and fulfillment. Resources Mentioned: Vonda Copeland LinkedIn Copeland Insurance Age

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus. Colby shares his deep knowledge of financial statements like profit & loss and balance sheets, and they discuss how important it is to understand money matters for running a business, and why knowing your financial numbers is key for making smart choices in business and life. Key Topics: The role of financial statements in business ownership Navigating the complexities of P&L statements and balance sheets The significance of knowing your numbers for strategic decision-making Strategies for effective financial planning and risk management The impact of financial literacy on personal and business growth Understanding the value of your agency and preparing for future transitions The importance of professional guidance in financial management Connect with: Colby Allen Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: AgencyFocus Sterling Insurance Group Produced by Podsquad.fm

In this episode of "Talkin' Tech" on the MVP Podcast guest Co-Host Danny Lawrence sits down with Host, Mitch Gibson. Mitch discusses his new opportunity and what he has learned so far.... Maybe instead of adding more tech, take a look what you have now and learn all that it can do and then build internal processes for how/when to use the tool. Episode Highlights: The importance of technology in the insurance industry Insights from conversations with industry professionals The transition to a technology-focused approach in insurance The role of a Chief Technology Officer in an insurance agency Strategies for evaluating and streamlining agency technology The impact of technology on agency operations and employee efficiency Upcoming initiatives and events in insurance technology   Connect with: Danny Lawrence LinkedIn Mitch Gibson LinkedIn Visit: The Insurance Alliance Produced by Podsquad.fm

In this throwback episode of the Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass and Erik Garcia, CFP®, sit down with Felix Garcia and Ebens Jean to discuss their journeys to America, their careers in the insurance industry, and the life lessons they have learned along the way. Episode Highlights: Erik shares what inspired him to interview Felix Garcia and Ebens Jean, both of whom immigrated to America, not speaking the language, and ended up in the insurance industry. (1:47) Ebens shares his experience of immigrating to America from Haiti and the challenges of not speaking the language and adjusting to a new culture and climate. (5:04) Felix shares about his childhood in Cuba and his journey as a teenager from Cuba to Spain and ultimately to New Orleans, and the difficulties and discomfort of being a foreigner in a new country. (10:38) Felix and Ebens recall what it was like going to school as immigrants who spoke with an accent and did not know the language well. (17:51) Ebens shares the story of gettin

In the inaugural episode of Front Cover: A Rough Notes Podcast on the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network, Jason Cass sits down with Jim Schubert, President & CEO of Southern States Insurance, the agency featured on the March 2024 front cover of Rough Notes Magazine. Key Topics: Jim Schubert shares the significance of Southern States Insurance's feature on the front cover of Rough Notes Magazine The rarity and honor of being featured among thousands of agencies The strategic growth and planning behind the agency's success The importance of core values and developing a strong team culture Leveraging relationships and community engagement for agency growth The impact of mentorship and leadership in shaping the future of the agency Future growth plans and the emphasis on serving more clients effectively Connect with: Jim Schubert Jason Cass Visit Website: Southern States Insurance Rough Notes Magazine

In this episode, James talks with Peter Covill, Owner of Humphrey, Covill & Coleman Insurance Agency. To learn more about Humphrey, Covill & Coleman Insurance Agency, visit https://www.hcandcinsurance.com. Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed. Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better. Key Topics: Peter Covill's rich history in the insurance industry and the evolution of Humphrey, Covill & Coleman Insurance Agency The impact of leveraging social media groups to enhance agency growth and community engagement Strategies for building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders through personalized interactions and technology Insights into adapting and thriving in a rapidly changing insurance market The importance of aut

“Listen intently and respond creatively”. Listen to how Erin and Mike Richardson deepen relationships through intentional listening and then responding to other’s needs. Welcome to "Insurance Professionals Are Givers," a podcast series led by Erik Garcia CFP® and guest co-host Billy Wagner, exploring the essence of Erik's fifth pillar of financial security: "Give To Others." Dive into engaging conversations with diverse insurance professionals as they share their journeys of creating legacies for their families and leaving a meaningful impact on their communities through generous acts. Discover the driving forces behind their giving, heartfelt stories of their chosen causes, and the profound transformations sparked by their dedication to giving back. Prepare to be inspired to engage with your community in profound ways, reminding us all that giving isn't confined to a season—it's a mindset that cultivates lasting connections and fulfillment. Resources Mentioned: Erin Richardson LinkedIn Richardson Insura

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus. Colby and Teresa talked about the mental and emotional journey of an agency owner to hire and to deliver solid compensation. We also talked from the producer conversation about what producers want and how both sides can create a great working relationship. Key Topics: The transition from individual success to agency growth and the role of agency focus Insights into the valuation and financial organization for agency growth The challenges and strategies of transitioning from a salesperson to an agency owner The critical role of hiring, onboarding, and managing talent in agency expansion The concept of equity and ownership in the producer-agency owner relationship Strategies for planning, implementing, and managing growth objectives Connect with: Colby Allen Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: AgencyFocus Sterling Insurance Group