Agency Intelligence

In this episode, James talks with Elliot Bassett, host of the Getting Past the Premium podcast. Elliott is also the co-founder of Launch, a sales process management software platform. To learn more about Launch, visit www.getlaunch.io 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: Elliot discusses how Ellerbrock-Norris got started, and what prompted them to build out three separate divisions of the company to answer client needs. (3:29) Elliot shares that Ellerbrock-Norris has about 65 team members located across four Nebraska sites and that they are working to get more niche. (6:12) Elliot mentions that Ellerbrock-Norris operates in a highly team-oriented en

Unless you have the "pen" for one of the carriers, you don't determine price or rates. The underwriter has all of the control for that. So, the competition really takes place at the "underwriting level" and not at the "retail agent" level.  Why do your prospects think they can get better quotes by working with multiple agents? ANSWER: Because they don't know any better. If you can clearly articulate to the prospect that you will ensure competition will take place with the underwriters, you should be able to BOR all of the markets you want.  That's what host Charles Specht talks about in this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast. Episode Highlights: Charles discusses the factors that lead to a lack of trust in the insurance relationship. (2:06) Charles explains why a lack of qualified competition to motivate the current broker is not in the insured's best interests. (6:13) Charles discusses his responsibilities to an insured who likes the current agent. (10:04) Charles share

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Melissa Dillon, Insurance Exam Queen, and Instructional Designer. Melissa was on the podcast about a year and a half ago and in that time she has opened her own education platform helping people pass insurance exams and start their career in the insurance space. Episode Highlights: Melissa shares about her passion and her career in the insurance industry. (1:28) Melissa mentions that in the last four years, she's spent a lot of time answering student emails and that many people are frustrated that they've been invited into this career space but can't pass the exams. (2:53) Melissa explains that when teaching how to pass the license test, she doesn't simply explain a concept, but she relates it to the student and how they'll perform it in their profession. (10:54) Melissa mentions that she enjoys using real-life examples, which is one of the keywords that appear in her Google reviews. (14:55) Melissa believes that educators a

In this episode of Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Peter MacDonald, Co-Founder & CEO of Wunderite. Peter discusses how Wunderites simplifies the process of submitting insurance applications, supplementals, and accords for both insurance brokers and their customers. Episode Highlights: Peter mentions that he will speak about sales automation at the Agents Leadership conference in Niagara Falls in September. (6:59) Peter explains that Wunderite's main function is to simplify insurance applications, supplementals, and accords. (9:12) Peter mentions that Wunderite’s goal is to make data collecting simple and straightforward so that insurance agents could win transactions, earn a lot of money, and have a great career. (13:00) Peter recalls meeting his Co-Founder, Joe, on the first day of their business class in Boston in 2017. (15:22) Peter expresses his gratitude for the remarkable things Jason Cass has done for the industry. (21:00) Jason explains why insurance is the best indust

Guess who’s back, back again. Charlene’s back, tell a friend! Sorry for the Eminem lyrics. We’re just super excited to have our good friend Charlene Ramdeo joining us for a second round. It’s hard to just have one drink, right? A Digital Marketing Consultant at Aviva, Charlene talks about who the competition for brokerages is. Spoiler alert – it’s anyone who shows up on the first page of Google. Where you rank on search engines is important. Charlene discusses some things that brokers may be doing that lowers their ranking and unknowingly boosts other companies. Her and the DIPP crew also dive headfirst into a brand, organic traffic, AdWords, aggregator leads, the value of online reviews and so much more. There’s a lot to take in – you may want to grab two pints or pour yourself a double before hitting play! Resources: Tom Reid Jeff Roy Steve Earle Adam Mitchell Digital Insurance Pint Podcast

In this episode, James talks with a commercial insurance expert and the host of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, Charles Specht. To hear more from Charles, visit his show at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millionaire-insurance-producer/id1567947856 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: Charles shares that he coaches insurance agents and works with insurance businesses and that he enjoys the opportunity to help people. (3:30) Charles believes that around 50% of the businesses who engage him do not want to leave their agent and make it plain that they do not want to transfer agents; they only want to ensure that they are getting the bes

Today we're joined by Mark McClure and Kim Read of Tivly, formerly CommercialInsurance.net, Tivly is a leading provider of new customers and services to the insurance industry. Tivly works with insurance agents, brokers and carriers looking to connect with specific types of businesses who are actively searching for insurance coverage. In this episode, we dig into Mark and Kim's experience with commercial insurance leads to better understand how independent insurance agents can grow their business using inbound leads. This is an episode you don't want to miss...

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Sarah Muniz. Sarah wrote a book "Undiscovered Voices" highlighting sexism and discrimination in the insurance industry and we are discussing the book and her journey since the book's release one year ago.   Episode Highlights: Sarah explains that she wrote the book, "Undiscovered Voices", because she faced many obstacles and barriers in the insurance industry, which she believes many other women do as well. (1:30) Sarah explains that the book is all about working together to make strides for the next generation in insurance. (5:19) Sarah shares that she has worked in very toxic environments where feeling unsafe impacts the culture, dynamics, and inclusion. (13:00) Teresa explains that pursuing leadership training and engaging in leadership conversations are important because individuals cannot become better leaders until they go outside of their comfort zone. (13:26) Sarah discusses what we can do if we work in a setting with

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Dwight Heppner, Manager of Digital Strategy at Guild Insurance Group. Episode Highlights: Dwight discusses his roles as the Manager of Digital Strategy, what Guild Insurance does, and how they utilize robotic processing automation. (5:47) Dwight explains that after doing a thorough cost analysis, they discovered that it takes the brokers 5 minutes to complete the pre-renewal procedure, but the bot they built with Quandri just takes 30 to 40 seconds. (8:03) Dwight explains how they conduct their full cost analysis and identify the process's pain points. (11:39) Dwight explains that their next step is in Epic, which will pull up both policies in electronic data format, and the bot will compare the old and current policies and then bring back that information and put it in an activity for the broker. (14:18) Dwight mentions that his next goal with Quandri is to analyze their whole book of personal lines policies ahead of time. (

Many insurance brokers "ghost" their clients once the dust of the policy binding process settles. They move on to other things and conveniently "forget" to implement the services they promised the insured in exchange for their business. Or, they just flat out provide poor customer service after the sale. In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht explains how you can win more signed BOR's from your prospects by proving you provide superior customer service. Episode Highlights: Charles mentions that there is an issue with trust in the insurance industry, and it is the result of things that insurance agents have done in the past. (3:42) Charles explains that his goal is to assist insurance agents in knowing how to produce a better customer service product and experience in order to win more business. (4:56) Charles believes that when people grow more successful in the insurance business and get more clients, it becomes more difficult to provide excellent c

Sam Jazayeri is the Producer Team Lead at PrimeService Insurance. Over the past few years, the brokerage has been focused on getting digitized and changing its BMS to drive their business forward and Sam has played a major role in this transformation.  Yep, we know that calling him Sam “the BMS” Man is corny (you can blame Jeff for that one), but it definitely fits. Sam is taking what he’s learned from PrimeService’s journey and using it to help other brokers through webinars and chats with folks like Tom, Jeff, Steve, and Adam. Brokers helping brokers is something we can definitely get behind! Changing BMSes is a lot of work and expensive. Tom calls it a traumatic experience … and he’s not wrong! Sam discusses some of his learnings along with the challenges and benefits PrimeService has seen. He shares advice for any other brokerages considering going down this path and stresses the importance of defining what you want to achieve. Knowing what you’re chasing and what you’re trying to fix is vital. Pour yo

To kick off 2023 right, James is launching a new series of episodes highlighting other podcast hosts in the insurance industry. For this episode, James welcomes Bradley Flowers and Scott Howell, co-hosts of the Insurance Guys Podcast. To sign up for their One City World Tour in Austin, TX on January 18-19, 2023 visit www.onecityworldtour.com and use the promo code "agencyfreedom" at sign up. To reach Bradley and Scott directly, email bradley@portalinsurance.com or scott@iprotectinsurance.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: Bradley discusses The Insurance Guys Podcast, how it got started, and what the podcast's hook is. (6:04) Bradley believes t

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Krista Kautz, Commercial Lines Producer at Berrong Insurance Agency and Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Young Agents Committee.  Krista and Teresa talk about how she got into commercial insurance sales and how she is shaping the community around her through her relationship with the Young Agents of Oklahoma. Episode Highlights: Krista discusses her background and journey in the insurance industry. (1:55) Krista shares one of the things that upset her as an account manager. (7:34) Krista shares that the mental process she went through to become a commercial line sales producer was first acknowledging to herself that she doesn't know everything. (12:48) Krista mentions that her favorite aspect of commercial insurance is being a jack of all trades since she can always learn something new. (17:58) Krista believes that her career as an account manager distinguishes her from most producers. (24:42) Krista explains the need to take a

At our August Mastermind meeting of Champions, we had the one and only Benjamin Dennehy, the UK’s Most Hated Sales Trainer on to talk about prospecting and sales. It was so good that we had to turn it into a podcast. We hope you enjoy this throwback episode!

There are a lot of male, pale, and stale insurance agents out there who think winning a new client by anything other than with a handshake and a "napkin deal" is unethical. Well, I kindly disagree.  In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht explains why the BOR is an ETHICAL instrument used by the policyholder to ensure great service. And, also, how you can use it to win new clients. Episode Highlights: Charles shares a story about his neighbor Fred, who was so focused on keeping his lawn in perfect condition that he ruined relationships with his neighbors, and compares that to many insurance agents who are set in their ways. (1:55) Charles mentions that the history of the insurance industry was constructed on the shoulders of many outstanding individuals over many decades but it is largely dominated by white older males. (4:20) Charles discusses what a Broker of Record (BOR) letter is and what purpose it serves. (7:18) Charles explains that the BOR letter is

Facility is known as the “last resort” for customers who don’t fit into a regular carrier’s appetite. It’s also becoming a significant source of frustration and unnecessary expense for brokers. In this episode, the guys don their hip waders and dive into the murky waters of FA. This special episode covers a number of FA-related topics including: Are payments of 10% of GWP for processing, 12% of GEP for claims and a 6% service charge enough compensation for a decent client experience? Why is Intact taking the experience back in time by requiring paper and snail mail? Why can brokers no longer order UW reports at the point of sale? This makes it close to impossible to quote accurately. The extended (and unmet) service standards will cause more client billing difficulties and further exacerbate broker processing costs Luckily, this episode isn’t just a “whine” and cheese affair, the guys also get down to targeted solutions and what can/should be done to turn the situation around. Resources: Tom Reid Jeff

In this solo episode, James shares ideas and concerns that you should be aware of before launching a podcast of your own. 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: James explains that there are two types of podcasts: those that are focused on the industry, and those that are focused on the local community. (2:26) James explains that starting a podcast is fun if you have the right personality. (5:45) James mentions that podcasting is a great way to meet interesting and successful individuals. (7:08) James explains that female hosts have a wide-open lane in the podcasting business. (10:46) James discusses the importance of developing a niche for one's

Most insurance brokers don't have a "Plan of Attack" when it comes to representing their prospects/clients in the marketplace.  In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht explains that the producers who get the most signed BOR's are those brokers who can effectively explain, to the insured, how they will handle the renewal process with each of the carriers and, specifically, how they will be a fierce negotiator on their behalf to ensure the best T&C's and the lowest premiums possible. Episode Highlights: Charles recalls what he has discussed in his previous episodes. (1:03) Charles shares the reasons why insurance buyers, predominantly construction companies, hire him to manage the insurance renewal process on their behalf. (7:05) Charles explains why getting broker record letters and winning has become difficult. (8:53) Charles describes the super producers who have a million-dollar book of business. (11:34) Charles explains why you need to do diffe

In this throwback episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan Hanley interviews Gordon Coyle, founder, and president of The Coyle Group. Gordon is a risk management and insurance services firm specializing in liability products. He joins the podcast and explains how he's using video to create inbound leads in specialty liability insurance. This is an episode you do not want to miss... Episode Highlights: Gordon shares his background story with Ryan. (13:00) Gordon explains that his natural curiosity and motivation from Ryan led him to take it to the next level in the technological aspect of the business. (18:31) Gordon talks about consistency and discipline being the keys to everything that you do. (21:07) Gordon shares how he was able to assist someone who had seen his videos and asked for his help. (26:23) Gordon shares that he gets his leads from people that are searching for answers on insurance on YouTube. (33:51) Gordon explains that one of the hardest things for him to do is to repurpose content

In this throwback episode of The MVP Podcast, Mitch Gibson sits down with Luis Leal from Leal Insurance Services. Luis joins the show to discuss the different types of marketing habits he has created, along with building a 1500 member Facebook "Dad's Group" that is a great lead generator for his business. Luis also discusses what his agency does the best at and they stick with being great at those tactics. Episode Highlights: Luis Leal shares how he first learned about the Independent Agents Owners Alliance (IAOA). (2:47) Luis explains what he does on his Facebook and in the community to let people know more about him. (7:01)  Luis shares the common personal things he posts on his Facebook group. (11:50)  Luis provides us with marketing and media strategies he uses to work well with his producers. (16:04)  Luis gives his current insights into implementing the use of the Glovebox app for his clients. (21:42) Luis shares the traits he thinks separate him from other competitors. (25:58) Luis states th