Agency Intelligence

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Jackson and Jamieson Fregeau, Co-founders of Quandri.io, join the podcast for a deep dive into digital workers (aka Bots). Digital workers make automating the repetitive work of insurance easy, so your people can focus on what’s important. This is an episode you don't want to miss…

In this episode of The MVP Podcast, Mitch Gibson sits down with Jake Jines from The Insurance Alliance to bring you the sales tip of the month.  This will be the start of monthly episodes with Jake as we dive into many different producer sales tips ranging from cold calling, to prospecting, to quoting, to building relationships and we even might show you how to create effective sales proposals. Episode Highlights: Jake shares that he always follows up on a cold call to get the appointment, and he sends a follow-up loom video so the client knows who they are speaking with. (3:14) Jake mentions that in cold calling, you have to be able to pick up on people's tone to be able to determine if it's a possible opportunity. (4:32) Jake explains that he makes a 30-second video with the information and offers assistance so that clients can see that he is genuine based on his facial expressions. (5:50) Jakes shares how his short video convinced a client who was hesitant with the initial quote to meet with him.

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Brett Young, CEO & Co-Founder of Erb and Young. Brett talks about the importance of teaching young agents the fundamentals of insurance and discusses how to notice patterns and use them to predict what comes next.  Episode Highlights: Brett explains that the fundamentals are very important for agents and the good news is that the basics are all the same. (4:25) Brett explains that to think that we understand sales and think we're done is misguided as mastery is a lifelong process. (9:16)   Brett mentions that life and people are a series of patterns and the more we study the patterns, the more we are able to be successful in our business. (14:36) Brett shares about Erb and Young, how it started, and what is coming up next for the agency. (15:42) Brett discusses how they were able to build a great team and the things they have to put into consideration to build a big agency. (18:23) Brett explains that as far as a hierarchy i

In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht explains the five key areas you need to implement the "Power of 1" in order to build your Book of Business to $1,000,000 or more. Staying focused on one path of success is difficult for most producers, but getting better at it is what separates the pro's from the amateurs.  Episode Highlights: Charles explains the power and importance of following through. (3:30) What does Charles look for when predicting a new agent’s success or failure? (4:58) Charles details his first piece of advice: have one mission. (6:55) Charles shares a story from college to illustrate his second piece of advice. (12:16) What should your only goal be at the end of your first appointment with a client? (15:29 ) What’s something that takes time and makes it more difficult to win? (19:12) Charles shares his third piece of advice: how to approach micro niching. (21:22) Charles explains his fourth piece of advice: one policy expert

In this episode, James talks with Mike Stromsoe, Founder and Lead Coach of The Unstoppable Profit Producers. To learn more about The Unstoppable Profit Producers, visit https://unstoppableprofitproducer.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: Mike shares his background story and what led him to create The Unstoppable Profit Producers. (3:45) Mike discusses the need for leadership, leadership training, and other types of training in independent insurance agencies. (6:41) Mike mentions that if somebody is interested in investing in strong leadership skills, he could recommend the Hero's Journey Leadership Program, which he believes is a game change

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan Hanley is joined by Chris Cline, executive director of ACT, the Agents Council for Technology, for a conversation on the overcomplication of insurance. They explain why hard times demand a determined focus on simple, repeatable tasks that produce results. Don't miss this episode… Episode Highlights: Ryan shares that he is relaunching his newsletter, Finding Peak, which is focused on becoming the best version of yourself that you could possibly be. (2:17) Chris mentions that everything in the world is now on a single device, and it's not so much about being on the phone as it is about what is done there. (13:39) Ryan explains how Antifragile by Nicolas Nassim Taleb made him think about how he positions himself in the world, the skills he wants to acquire, and how he wants to set up his business and career so he can sustain himself personally and professionally. (21:15) Chris talks about the evolutionary way the brain works and how that impacts all aspects o

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass discusses how he got involved in the Virtual Employee industry with Virtual Intelligence, how VE’s help the insurance industry in particular, and how to know that you are getting the right VE’s. Episode Highlights: Jason explains that a VA is a Virtual Assistant and VE is a Virtual Employee and mentions the key difference between them. (3:08) Jason shares how what the agricultural business went through in the past is similar to what is happening in the industry today. (4:40) Jason mentions two things people should think about when it comes to their agency and process, which are licensed and unlicensed tasks. (9:20) Jason shares about some of the great virtual companies that are available like Cover Desk, Savvital, and Lava Automation. (13:19) Jason shares what led him and his business partner, Travis Etheridge, to start Virtual Intelligence. (16:31) Jason explains that it is the people, process, and protection that are the key compone

In this episode, James talks with Abe Gibson, Co Founder of Cover Your SaaS. To learn more about Cover Your SaaS, visit https://coveryoursaas.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: Abe shares the story of how Cover Your SaaS got started. (3:55) Abe explains that they are leading in cyber because they sell the cyber risk report and also build trust by providing a complete package of what the client needs. (7:46) Abe shares how he was able to choose David, Ciara, and Chris to partner with him. (11:18) Abe mentions that they will be launching their own podcast soon, on which they will interview SaaS founders and CEOs. (20:17) Abe explains that t

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Elisa Stampf, Co-Founder and CEO of Insure Equality. Elisa talks about diversity and how to be an agent of change for the industry. Episode Highlights: Elisa explains the importance of talking about insurance, not just as applies in the industry, but how it faces outward. (3:59) Elisa discusses what Phoenix is and how it interacts with Insure Equality, and how it is aligned with the company's mission. (6:29) Elisa shares that they have created seven components of culture that can measure how it feels to be in a workplace. (9:51) Elisa mentions that people matter and employees need to know that the company they work for cares for them and for the community that they are living in. (13:43) Elisa explains that the population within the insurance industry does not mirror or reflect the leadership, and one of the reasons is fear of admitting mistakes. (19:54) Elisa explains that from the leadership and congressional perspective

In this episode of Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Ryan Mathisen, Co-Founder, and CEO of Glovebox. Ryan shares the innovative solutions that Glovebox is working on that will make insurance processes easier and more reliable for agents and agency owners. Episode Highlights: Jason mentions that his 2015 book discussed the potential of a platform for providing a superior customer experience, which is very similar to what GloveBox is currently developing right now. (2:34) Ryan discusses that the root of most of the problems for agents is data paths and that when you have a system that can accommodate that up and downstream data flow, you can start plugging in workflow components that you use. (6:05) Ryan explains that GloveBox wants to work with the carriers who understand the opportunity that exists when the door is opened for that up and downstream data pass. (7:45) Ryan shares that many agents have so much gold in their current book of business, that they don't need to go get more

In this episode, James talks with Jacob Neighbors, President of The Simmons Insurance Group. To learn more about The Simmons Insurance Group, visit https://www.simmons-insurance.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: Jacob shares his backstory and what he is doing now at The Simmons Insurance Group. (2:31) Jacob talks about his relationships with his father-in-law and how he and his brother-in-law came to take over the family business. (6:32) Jacob explains that it took them several approaches, including organic production, partner networks, and agency acquisitions, to grow the business from $3 million to $10 million. (10:47) Jacob believes th

On April 28th, the first day of BrainShare 2022, the sessions were lead off by The Black Swan Group. Troy, an ex-hostage negotiator tells a story of how he saved a little girl with a gun pointed to her head. 

In this special episode, James talks with Matt Sutika, Chief Insurance Officer at Obie Insurance. As a listener to AFP, you get priority access to an appointment with Obie for your office. There are no production requirements to maintain a relationship with Obie. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH OBIE: https://www.riskwell.com/obie-interest -- 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 throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht discusses how to find success as an insurance agent. It's not about you. It's not about the insurance agent. The Hero of the "insurance story" is your prospect. Marketing, branding, and selling is best performed when you position your prospect as the Hero and you as the Guide. Give your prospect a plan for success and they'll do whatever you (the Guide) tell them to do! Episode Highlights: Which two stories should insurance agents have? (4:10) Charles shares a story of how helpful life insurance is. (4:54) Charles mentions the book, called, Building a StoryBrand, by Donald Miller. (8:21) Charles explains why your sales process needs a script. (11:28) Charles shares who the hero is when it comes to the storyline of a successful insurance agent. (13:18) Charles explains who the villain is when it comes to the insurance process. (15:16) As a producer, what do you need to remind the insured of? (16:58) Cha

In this episode, James talks with William Jones, Editor-In-Chief of Independent Agent Magazine.  To learn more about IA Magazine and subscribe to receive your copies, visit https://www.iamagazine.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: William shares his background and what led him to his current position as Editor-in-Chief of Independent Agent magazine. (2:56) William mentions that he is from the UK originally and explains that Queen Elizabeth has been a great true leader and deserves a lot of credit. (8:12) William shares that being an influential journalist takes a lot of responsibility, but it is where success comes from. (12:56) William dis

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Todd Thams, Founder of Mod Advisor, Direct Work Comp, and President of Thams Agency. Todd talks about how Mod Advisor helps agencies better communicate to their clients and prospects the impact of claims on their workers’ compensation premium, saving them both time and money.  Episode Highlights: Todd shares that the reason why he founded Mod Advisor is that he wanted to have a better, easier way to communicate with prospects and clients about the impact of the cost of claims on their workers’ compensation premiums. (3:25) Todd explains that if you don't have the tools and resources your competitors have, it automatically disqualifies you from the competition. (8:18) Todd explains that he has been in every position in the company, from bathroom cleaner to producer, and that it has been a fantastic experience that has taught him so much about the industry. (10:56) Todd shares that he has a team of nine developers on the backend

In this episode of Agency Freedom Podcast, James talks with second generation agency principal, Matt Davis. Episode Highlights: Matt shares his background story and how he got into the industry as a second-generation agency owner. (2:57) Matt explains that seeing his team succeed both professionally and with their personal goals is very fulfilling. (6:37) Matt shares that GDI insurance is still focused on and specializes in residential construction. (11:13) Matt mentions that he will be in Nashville at Innovation22 to discuss acquiring agencies and books of business. (12:42) Matt explains that the sellers who will benefit the most from the private equity proposals are those that have a tightly run ship. (17:06) Matt discusses some strategies for building relationships with prospects. (21:55) Matt explains that one of the best things you can do is to become known for being fair and making sure that both parties always win the deal. (24:11) Matt believes that a seller who refuses to provide fina

In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht discusses how quoting is for the weak! This is a truism. But if you're not going to offer quotes, what should a producer do, exactly? That's what Charles Specht breaks down for us today. Instead of offering quotes, use this process instead to win signed BOR’s! Episode Highlights: Charles shares a story about a poll he recently did on LinkedIn. (1:45) Charles explains why he disagrees that the broker of record letter is unethical. (2:56) Charles mentions one important thing that insurance agents should do. (7:30) Charles shares what insurance agents prospecting goals should be. (8:29) Charles explains some of the reasons why insurance buyers don’t trust insurance agents. (12:32) Charles explains how to get more signed broker record letters and how to build your book of business. (16:53) Charles mentions some of the goals you should have when meeting with your prospect. (19:45) Charles mentions why being

Like other industry disruptions preceding it, the InsurTech movement was widely viewed as a threat to the existence of the independent agency channel.  Thus far, the independent agent has proven to be an invaluable component in meeting client needs and expectations. Still, technology advances are the ecosystem in which they must operate – together with their carrier and digital partners. In this panel, leaders representing the three components of this dynamic, IA’s, carriers, and tech, share their thoughts on how to make the customer journey a smoother one and why collaboration is a win-win for all parties. Don't miss this conversation... Episode Highlights: Ryan introduces his guests: Amy Zupon, CEO of Vertafore, Tyler Asher, President of IA Distribution for Liberty Mutual, and Matt Masiello, CEO of SAA. Amy Zupon mentions that the increasing amount of M&A in the industry is catching her attention right now. (8:50) Amy Zupon explains that there is a huge amount of money invested in the space right now,

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa does a solo episode about leveling up and how to combat the junk in our heads that holds us back from success. Episode Highlights: Teresa mentions that we are at the time of the year when we think and make plans for the following year. (0:37) Teresa shares how she is managing after experiencing a major tragedy last year. (1:42) Teresa recalls a time in her life when she was just trying to keep everything together and mentions that it is okay to be in that season of life. (6:30) Teresa mentions that the book titled "Secrets of Six-Figure Women" has been really helpful to her. (8:56) Teresa shares that it is important to regularly ask ourselves what we want because as time goes by, it changes. (11:45) Teresa talks about the process of creating a list of 100 things that she truly wants and how that exercise impacted her mindset. (16:21) Teresa explains that regrets will always be there if you don’t ask yourself why you can’t have things that you a