Agency Intelligence

In this episode of the "Stuff About Money" podcast, hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, discuss investing with Kevin Caron, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager for Washington Crossing Advisors. They explore the firm's investment philosophy, focusing on quality companies with a track record of consistent growth and profitability. Kevin explains their emphasis on businesses that are well-capitalized, with low debt and attractive valuations, ensuring a focus on durability and predictability.  The discussion also touches on the strengths and limitations of this investment approach, including when it performs well and potential times of underperformance. Kevin shares the metrics used to select these companies and provides insights into current economic events, such as the market's narrow leadership by the "magnificent seven" stocks and record U.S. equity valuations. Learn how a focus on quality can lead to a strong and resilient investment strategy. Episode Highlights: Kevin re

In this episode of Front Cover: A Rough Notes Podcast on the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network, Jason Cass sits down with Cyrus Jaffery, Founder & CEO of Jaffery Insurance, the agency featured on the November 2024 front cover of Rough Notes Magazine.  Key Topics: Cyrus shares the honor of being featured on Rough Notes and how his agency’s focus on personal lines sets it apart. Cyrus discusses his transition from State Farm to running an independent agency during COVID-19. Jaffery Insurance has grown to 27 employees, 100 contractors, and $10 million in revenue through organic growth. The importance of hiring key people to manage operations and support growth. Cyrus shares his journey as an immigrant from Afghanistan and how it shapes his leadership. Cyrus discusses the future of insurance, highlighting the need for tech adoption and balancing growth with retention. Reach out to: Cyrus Jaffery Jason Cass Visit Website: Jaffery Insurance Rough Notes Magazine Episode Sponsors: This episode

In this episode, James talks about breaking into commercial insurance, focusing on actionable steps and insights drawn from his own experience. 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: Breaking into commercial insurance offers far higher revenue potential than personal lines Choose a single niche to focus on and develop expertise in that industry Network with thought leaders and decision-makers to build credibility Use empathetic, client-focused communication instead of typical sales pitches Create SEO-optimized content targeted to your chosen industry niche Leverage industry partnerships to secure relevant carrier contracts Next week: James will cover how his agency

There is a difference between marketing and sales. And the sooner you create that distinction in your firm, the more scalable you'll become, according to Brett Young, CEO of Erb and Young. Brett joins us this week to talk about how his agency has built a brand in their market, grown within their niche and scaled with a repeatable process. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com/ Erb and Young: https://www.erbandyounginsurance.com/ LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515/ Brett Young: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettins/ 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.

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens chats about how she set goals and measures them. Key Topics: Choosing a guiding theme like “discipline” to focus business and personal goals Structuring goals within four core pillars—team, money, operations, and marketing Defining measurable goals that move beyond vague aspirations Engaging your team in goal-setting to create shared ownership Using accountability partners to track progress and celebrate wins Leveraging automation and personalized touches to enhance client relationships Setting “stretch goals” to challenge yourself without overwhelm Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

Renowned sports psychologist Dr. Rick Jensen draws on his remarkable experience coaching 33 major champions across golf and tennis to reveal the mindset of elite performers. Dr. Jensen shares how performance psychology principles apply far beyond sports, offering powerful insights for excelling in insurance. He explores the value of specialization, emphasizing the competitive advantage professionals gain by becoming trusted consultants within specific niches rather than staying generalists. Highlights include: (00:00) - Rick Jensen on Growth and Leadership (12:51) - Specialization and Differentiation in Professional Advice (17:16) - Unleashing Achievement Mindsets in Leadership (32:30) - Analyzing Performance Stats for Success (39:19) - Measuring Performance Metrics in Agencies (43:36) - Learn From Experience (50:45) - Creating the Best Agency Our conversation delves into the transition from transactional to consultative relationships, highlighting how targeting a specific audience with tailored advice can

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Michael Cruz, Chief Operating Officer of Virtual Intelligence for a follow-up conversation on the 4-day work week. Key Topics: Successful implementation of a four-day workweek, improving productivity and employee satisfaction Use of AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline tasks and increase efficiency Shift in work structure to promote better work-life balance and retention Strategies for team scheduling to ensure coverage on off-days Leadership's role in embracing and managing change Tracking tools reveal that fewer work hours can still maintain high productivity Encouraging leaders to align present actions with future goals Reach out to: Michael Cruz Jason Cass Visit Website: Virtual Intelligence Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode, James covers how to handle attacks on your business, whether from negative reviews, social media comments, or competitors. James shares his experience and offers tips on maintaining credibility and improving processes to prevent future issues. 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 importance of closing the loop in every client process Learning valuable lessons from difficult or unreasonable clients Why proactive communication is key to preventing attacks How to handle attacks while maintaining professionalism Extracting additional revenue by targeting low-hanging fruit within existing relationships The role of accountability in minimizing mistak

In this episode of the "Stuff About Money" podcast, hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, share their top takeaways from the IndieTech Conference. While they usually dive into saving and investing, this time they focus on boosting your income by investing in yourself. Discover how developing relationships, establishing processes, and leveraging technology can drive revenue for entrepreneurs and professionals.  Erik and Xavier sprinkle humor into their insights on maximizing personal growth and taking risks. Learn why attending conferences is more than just collecting swag—it’s about connecting with like-minded professionals and upgrading your skills. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how investing in yourself can lead to financial success and a few laughs along the way. Episode Highlights: Erik asks Xavier about the common financial challenges his clients, particularly business owners, are facing. (0:54) Xavier explains how small business owners often blur the lines b

How can leaders help shape up their agency culture for heightened success? Dick Gibbs, CRO and VP of Sales at Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency, joins us to share how his own commitment to personal well-being has propelled his leadership abilities and fostered a thriving team culture. With Dick’s impressive background in both company and agency sides of the insurance sector, he offers a unique lens on how agency leaders can set a powerful example for their teams through modeling positive behaviors. We unravel the keys to Hartwig Moss's remarkable growth, doubling revenue over just six years. From harnessing modern technology to sustaining a strong customer service ethos, the agency's success story is one of strategic innovation and relationship-building. Learn how their five-generational legacy in New Orleans has been a cornerstone for success while embracing the challenges of balancing growth and profitability in a competitive market. Topics discussed include: (00:02) Importance of Agency Leaders Modeling Behav

Do you struggle at branding? Are you still a quasi-generalist who is not focused in a Micro-Niche? Or, maybe you've chosen a Micro-Niche industry to focus on, but you haven't figured out how to BRAND yourself so that your prospects are attracted to you and want to sign over their insurance to you? Well, I have good news for you if that describes where you're at right now.  In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht will teach you some of the MOST ESSENTIAL things you can do to brand yourself and take your Book of Business to the next level. Charles talks about both personal branding as well as how agency leaders can and should assist their producers by using the agency website to brand the sales team in each and every Micro-Niche they are prospecting. Key Topics: The importance of specializing in a micro-niche for insurance agents. The role of personal branding in the insurance industry. The impact of digital presence and social media in insurance sales.

In this episode, James explores how to prepare for innovation in your business. Learn how to identify areas for improvement, address bottlenecks, and implement effective systems to stay ahead of the competition. 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: Understanding the need for innovation and how to get ready for it The importance of identifying what’s working and what needs improvement Breaking down bottlenecks vs. pain points Using a roadmap to plan future innovations Evaluating and embracing new technology strategically Internal accountability and continuous improvement

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens discusses how to get your mind focused for goal planning Key Topics: Teresa discusses mental challenges in goal planning, like fears and self-doubt She suggests journaling techniques to confront these fears A pros-and-cons method is recommended to analyze fears and their impact Teresa emphasizes creating a yearly focus theme, like her 2025 theme, "Discipline." Teresa discusses the role of discipline in staying consistent and accountable Teresa shares her journey toward healthier habits and overcoming procrastination Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

Julie Richt, President and Founder at Lucid Insurance, has seen about every side of the insurance industry in her career. Her path led her to starting Lucid, an MGA focused solely on property insurance. Learn why she's taken such a unique approach to her company, how the industry is evolving, how specialized offerings like hers have become more valuable, and what to expect from the current property market. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com Lucid Insurance: https://lucidins.com LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515 Julie Richt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jricht13 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

What if the key to your agency’s growth lies in something you're overlooking? In our latest podcast episode, Matt Fairbanks, Vice President of Sales and Producer Development at EHD Insurance, joins us to reveal how investing in your team can transform your agency’s success. Learn from Matt’s incredible journey from managing a $2 million book of business to excelling in a leadership role dedicated to nurturing the next generation of producers. His practical insights and mindset shifts offer invaluable lessons for anyone in the industry including: (00:01) - Growing Your Insurance Agency Through People (12:51) - Nurturing Success in Insurance (22:55) - Navigating Challenges in Insurance Agency Growth (35:06) - Building Relationships and Behaviors in Sales (46:54) - Mastering Connections for Professional Success (50:52) - Sharing Ideas for Business Growth Discover how leveraging the experience of seasoned producers nearing retirement can boost the entire agency’s performance plus more nuggets of wisdom in this e

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass is joined by Mitch Gibson to recap highlights from IndieTech 2024 and plans for IndieTech 2026 in Fort Lauderdale. Key Topics: Mitch Gibson highlights IndieTech's growth and strong vendor-attendee engagement Breakout sessions featured live demos and collaborative presentations How the team quickly adapted to Hurricane Helene with effective replacement speakers Focus on creating inclusive spaces for agents, vendors, and tech collaboration. Preview of future plans includes tech challenges and deeper automation insights. Special thanks to contributors like James Jenkins for enhancing the event with his voice and video production skills Exciting plans for IndieTech 2026 in Fort Lauderdale aim to create a dynamic experience blending technology, sales, and leadership Reach out to: Mitch Gibson Jason Cass Visit Website: Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

Ryan Brott, Chief Growth Officer at Ellerbrock-Norris, joins Elliot this week to talk about the value an agency can bring to a clients. Your commission percentages aren’t going to change, so how can you change your service model to add value and add revenue? LAUNCH is a tool Ryan uses to expand his offering beyond insurance and encompass more risk management “impact areas.” Learn how you can do the same within your model. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.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 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 co

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, I discuss where I have been and that I know it is time for a reboot and that I am excited to get back at it!! Key Topics: Teresa discusses taking time away from the podcast to focus on overcoming challenges in her agency How work style assessments helped Teresa build a more cohesive and effective team The impact of business coaching and financial planning on the agency's restructuring process Navigating the acquisition of a commercial lines book and handling complex data integration Managing a virtual insurance team spread across different locations Cultivating a strong team culture built on communication, accountability, and shared goals Teresa previews upcoming episodes with exciting new guests and industry insights Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass discusses three key topics that can transform professional growth. He shares practical insights and personal stories for agency owners and producers. Key Topics: Discusses "Skill or Luck" in achieving success and encourages self-reflection Shares "Tuxedo Moments" to illustrate the power of standing out Advises new producers on creating their own "Tuxedo Moments." Explores "Behavior Modification" and how rewards can drive outcomes Highlights non-monetary rewards like time off for motivating employees Stresses the need to align KPIs with compensation to encourage desired behaviors Reach out to: Jason Cass Visit Website: Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm