Agency Intelligence

We first hit up Taylor soon after he started his role with Applied. He gave us a lot of insight into his background, his approach to the business and future plans for Applied. Now that Taylor has had a chance to settle into the role, he’s starting to see some of the fruits of his efforts take shape. Taylor then shares an update on the Epic transformation – making it more open, efficient & leveraging API connectivity. We also get insight into the Epic data lake and how Applied plans to use this for the benefit of their broker clients. In the first podcast with Taylor, he introduced us to his “say/do” ratio. While he admits he’s not perfect, it sure sounds like there’s a lot of doing that corresponds to what he was saying.

In this episode, James talks about 4 reasons why you should NOT launch an insurance-related podcast in 2023. He ends the episode with a much better idea for generating real impact and profitable opportunities for your office. Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.com Connect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.

Some of the toughest decisions in my life involved hiring and firing employees. I was confronted with the emotional toll it took on both ends of the spectrum. That's why our guest, Joey Coleman, renowned author of 'Never Lose a Customer Again' and 'Never Lose an Employee Again', is here to shed some light on this intricate process. With his own experiences as a leader and the challenging decisions he made as a CEO, Joey offers a unique perspective on the employer-employee dynamic. The episode further highlights the intertwined connection between customer experience and employee experience, shedding light on the employer's responsibility to create a remarkable environment for their team members. We also dissect the balance of hierarchy and dialogue in decision-making, the dangers of confirmation bias, and the importance of rest and recovery after big projects. So, grab your headphones and tune in to this enlightening episode packed with valuable insights for leaders and managers alike. This is not just a

What is robotic process automation and how can you use RPA to eliminate repetitive tasks at your agency? Bharath Bangalore, founder at Blue Ocean Strategic Partners, is focused on helping the insurance industry save time, money and unnecessary headaches. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com/ Blue Ocean Strategic Partners: https://blueoceansp.ai/ 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/ Bharath Bangalore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bharathrbangalore/ 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 industry is fragmented. Agencies find it difficult to collaborate across division on the same client. M

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Kelly Donahue-Piro, President of Agency Performance Partners. Kelly Donahue-Piro and Teresa chat about how to lead a strong team into next generation of independent agencies Episode Highlights: Kelly explains that account managers often feel overwhelmed by their work and the demands of their roles. However, it is crucial to hold them accountable and focus on their potential. (3:13) Kelly mentions that agencies should focus on sharing metrics with their team, providing tools and resources, and encouraging them to prioritize high-value clients during a hard market. (17:02) Kelly discusses the importance of permission and rewiring behaviors to build trust in agency-client relationships, and the need for clear communication, proactive outreach, and a focus on building trust during challenging times. (21:30) Kelly explains that effective leadership communication and the power leaders have in guiding their teams through change and

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Scott Howell, CLCS, Agency Owner of iProtect Insurance & Financial Services, and Co-Host of The Insurance Guys Podcast. Scott talks about how he met Bradley Flowers and why communication plays a huge role in the insurance industry. Episode Highlights: Scott mentions what he really appreciates about Jason. (4:04) Does Scott listen to a lot of podcasts? (6:26) What has attributed to Scott’s success, skill or luck? (16:29) Scott shares his professional background. (24:27) How did Scott become institutionalized? (34:47) Scott shares the story of how he met Bradley Flowers. (37:38) What’s something that Scott learned in his business, that he didn't know in the past? (42:42) Scott explains why communication is so important. (43:41) Key Quotes: “I would say I love to win. I don't think much about losing, I just keep going every day, putting one foot in front of the other. I've always said that insurance is a lot like worki

For most brokers, their BMS is critical to the success of their business. As such, we felt it was important to have another discussion with Theo Duchen, Acturis co-CEO. We also discuss Power Broker vs Acturis and what their broker clients get from those systems. We also discuss some of their other key developments and what brokers can expect in the future from Acturis.

This is the second installment of hot takes and strong opinions, James talks about prospecting and how to better connect with new prospects in the sales process. Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.com Connect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.

Excuses never made anyone any money. People who go bankrupt always have an excuse as to why. Salespeople who don't win an account always have an excuse for their failure. That goes for insurance producers as well. There are reasons and excuses for all failures. But insurance agents who hold onto excuses are the ones who live paycheck to paycheck.  In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht will teach you how to eliminate excuses, how to execute a plan, and how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals that achieve success. Episode Highlights: Charles talks about excuses being the reason for us not achieving our goals in life. (1:14) Charles provides some examples of the excuses that we commonly have in the industry. (3:45) Charles tells us what excuses are going to do to our life. (7:52) Charles says that a lack of execution on actual prospecting will cause failure. (11:25) Charles shares that we have to have 12x goals, not only get out of the box but destroy the box

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Kali DeWitt Rodgers, Insurance Advisor at DeWitt Insurance Group. Kali and Teresa talk about how using automation in the family agency has helped them scale and yet work a flexible schedule for their team. Episode Highlights: Kali mentions that the most important thing to her about working in insurance is that you can still take care of your family and set your own hours. (4:06) Kali shares that the DeWitt Insurance Group aims to educate new clients through a welcome campaign, guiding them through potential claims and repercussions. (12:11) Kali mentions how automation has changed their agency for the better. (20:12) Kali discusses how everyone in the agency has adapted to and embraced technology. (31:40) Kali shares that a video proposal helped her sell their largest commercial account. (35:24) Kali mentions that Lava Automation has significantly improved the wording of templates, making it easier for users to understand

In this episode of the Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Jeff Roy, the CEO of Excalibur Insurance Group. Jeff and Jason tackle everything that business owners should know, including the answer to this question: "Jeff, what is one thing you are doing today that you were not doing 10 years ago?" Take a listen to find out his answer! Episode Highlights: What has attributed to Jeff’s success; skill or luck? (10:37) Jeff shares his background in science and how he found his way into business. (11:55) Jeff shares good business owner practices. (16:35) What has been different about what Jeff does today, versus 10 years ago? (21:27) Jeff mentions how the law of attraction has helped him. (27:41) Jeff shares a story about Mike Stromsoe’s event that he attended. (30:48) Jeff shares details on a concept he’s currently working on. (33:39) What's the number one way that Jeff gets business into his agency? (35:42) Jeff discusses lead quality in the age of Covid. (38:00) Jeff shares

I know, I know. This is a different kind of episode than you're used to. But, it just might be one that changes your life for the better!  In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht will begin teaching you about how to exit the "rat race" of selling insurance policies and -- instead -- become a wholly independent, fee-based insurance consultant where you will likely make between $100,000 - $350,000 in personal "take home" income every single year. I've created an exclusive group with assigned territories and this is available for both P&C agents as well as EB agents. If you're interested in that, keep listening. If you're VERY INTERESTED in it and want to learn more, send me an email by first visiting my website at: www.constructiverisk.com Episode Highlights: Charles shares that he is making a pivot in his business by creating a network of insurance consultants who are hired by insurance buyers to provide unbiased advice for a flat fee. (2:41) Charles discusses th

In this episode, we talk with Don Forgeron (CEO) & James Fordham (CIO) from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Don recently announced his retirement from the IBC and we get him to open up & dish on what he’s seen in his career. He shares some of the cool things that IBC does – things that brokers might not know. We also hear about the IBC’s PR work and the industry’s Covid response. Don also discusses the major trends that will shape the industry in the future. James then gets the opportunity to dive into the DASH program coming to the industry in 2023. DASH is a new industry-owned product that will deliver essential driver and auto data to the Canadian insurance industry. It will provide robust reports detailing a consumer’s complete insurance history including all coverages, claims, and other relevant information that will be used to provide an insurance quote. The primary users of this product will be insurance underwriters and brokers. As an industry-owned product developed at the direction of the

 In this first solo episode in the summer Hot Takes and Strong Opinions series, James answers questions from the audience on two topics: Surviving the hard market Required Time Off (RTO) and Work From Home (WFH) Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.com Connect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens discusses the top three tips to overcoming burnout. Episode Highlights: Teresa mentions that leaders should explore various options to overcome challenges and improve their team performance. (3:16) Teresa explains that burnout is a deeper form of stress and that engaging in activities like volunteering and giving back to the community can help reset our souls and ignite a passion for meaningful community activities. (6:38) Teresa discusses the importance of identifying and standardizing priorities within the team's work process to prevent burnout and improve productivity. (9:40) Teresa encourages taking breaks when needed, evaluating current processes, and finding ways to improve them to combat burnout and enhance client satisfaction. (12:56) Teresa mentions that by taking challenging moments and leveling up, companies can adapt and improve, and by matching industry trends and adapting to changes. (18:03) Teresa suggests that to combat b

In this episode of The MVP Podcast, Mitch Gibson sits down with Nick Aube, Founder of Producer Systems, to talk about what it takes for a young agent to gain confidence early on in your career that brings you credibility and trust from your customers/prospects! Winning is what we all want to do, but guess what, IT TAKES HARD WORK! Episode Highlights: Nick believes that producers often come with a misconception that they need to quote and that by thinking for themselves and developing their own sales process, they can create their own path. (11:29) Nick mentions that young producers often need more credibility and knowledge about the insurance game, which can hinder their ability to negotiate the proper coverage. (20:43) Nick explains the importance of confidence, consistency, and a clear vision for success in the insurance industry. (30:28) Nick mentions that he helps producers find the path and system they want to run, and how to create an environment where they can write new business. (40:12) Nick

Jason just rocked the OnPoint Podcast discussing IndieTech 2023. Shining a light on game-changing InsurTech, he highlighted AI's power to redefine the independent agent's landscape.

There are a number of things you can do to increase the likelihood of winning new clients from signed Broker of Record Letters. Some are more difficult to accomplish initially and may require experience, but others are things you can start doing immediately to win more signatures.  In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht will begin to itemize the ABCs of what you need to do to win more signed Broker of Record Letters from your prospects. Episode Highlights: Charles tells us that this episode is about how to win Broker of Record Letters. (2:17) Charles shares that the Broker of Record Letter is an insurance tool to ensure proper service from incumbent agents. (5:00) Charles explains that the insurers' best interest is to gain a reputation in the marketplace. (8:34) Charles states that most agents do not even mention the Broker of Record Letter to insurance buyers. (11:43) Charles shares the ABCs of Broker of Record Letters, which will revolutioniz

In this episode, we are joined by Josh Reznick of Foxquilt. Josh is a former carrier exec who has made the leap into the insuretech world. Foxquilt is an Insurance-as-a-Service platform focussed on commercial insurance, underpinned by a unique data and machine learning underwriting infrastructure. The team digs into Foxquilt’s approach to connectivity, working with carriers & vendors. We discuss eCommerce and embedded insurance and get into how this works for brokers.As Foxquilts reach is across North America, we also discuss some of the similarities between the US & Canadian landscapes.

In this episode, James talks with Ryan Mathisen, Co-Founder of GloveBox. To learn more about GloveBox, visit https://gloveboxapp.com/. Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.com Connect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe. Episode Highlights: Ryan discusses his family's background in entrepreneurship and insurance. (5:06) Ryan mentions that the number one thing you can do as a new producer, or a producer coming from the captive to the independent channel is to have a really solid mentor. (12:03) Ryan discusses the idea of merging carrier mobile apps with a vertical-style product, which led to the creation of GloveBox. (20:19) Ryan explains that the independent insurance channel faces an unforgiving landscape, with a