Podcasts about independent insurance agent

Most agency owners love selling, but dread accounting. Shane and Tonya tackle the side of agency ownership that doesn't always come naturally to sales-driven entrepreneurs, and break down the basics that turn chaos into clarity. Learn how clean financials protect your agency's value, when to bring in a CPA, and why consistent review (not fancy software) is the real key to building a lasting asset.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

When Washington stalls, Main Street feels the impact. Shane and Tonya discuss how a government shutdown ripples through independent insurance agencies. They also draw parallels between political gridlock and the realities of running an agency, where leadership, accountability, and transparency make all the difference. Whether you're near a military base, rely on commercial accounts, or simply want to prepare your agency for uncertainty, this episode helps you navigate disruption with resilience and integrity.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

In the independent channel, freedom isn't just a philosophy, it's your competitive edge. Shane and Tonya unpack the recent sale of Trusted Choice, what it reveals about branding, autonomy, and the true power of local trust, and how owning your name, your brand, and your client relationships can build a stronger, more sustainable agency than any national label ever could.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

Every once in a while, we put Shane in the hot seat, and this time, the questions don't hold back. From navigating what to do when a top producer plateaus, to handling tricky referrals and ownership conversations, this "Ask Shane" episode digs into the real challenges agency owners face every day. Tonya and Shane explore growth, culture, communication, and the hard choices that come with building a business.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don sit down with Sydney Hartnett and Sal Marafioti from Hartnett Health to shed light on one of the most confusing — yet essential — topics for families and seniors: Medicare. Together, they break down the two key parts of Medicare — Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage — helping listeners understand what each offers, what's covered, and how to make the best choices for your individual needs. Sal brings a deeply personal perspective, having navigated his own complex medical journey. His experience helps others make sense of Medicare's many options and avoid common pitfalls. Sydney and Sal explain why it's so valuable to work with someone who not only understands the system but also genuinely cares about helping people find the right plan for their health and peace of mind. If you or a loved one are nearing Medicare age or simply want to understand how to make smart healthcare choices, this conversation is a must-listen. Sydney Hartnett is an Independent Insurance Agent. She understands how essential insurance is in our daily lives, as well as the challenges it can bring—and she is a passionate about helping people navigate it. Trust is key when it comes to your insurance agent, and she is committed to being someone her clients can rely on for knowledge and genuine support. At the heart of it all, she is here to make insurance feel a little more personal, a little less overwhelming, and always centered around what matters most… YOU https://hartnetthealth.com/ #FocusedHealthyFamily #HartnettHealth #MedicareExplained #MedicareAdvantage #OriginalMedicare #HealthcareDecisions #SeniorHealth #HealthyAging #MedicareMadeSimple #CaregiverSupport #AgingWell #FamilyCaregiving #HealthInsuranceHelp #WellnessForAll

The hard market isn't just hitting premiums, it's hitting people. Shane and Tonya discuss what burnout really looks like for overwhelmed frontline teams and exhausted agency owners. They share strategies for rebuilding capacity, keeping your best people, new perspectives, and practical ideas.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

Independent agents just scored a major win! The personal lines market share for the IA channel has grown nearly $20 billion in the last four years. Shane and Tonya break down what this momentum means for agency owners, why consumers are choosing local advisors over call centers, and why personal lines are creating stability and resilience for independent agencies. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

How do you communicate effectively when your clients and staff can span generations? Traditionalists trust paper, Boomers want a phone call, Gen X prefer bullet-point emails, a millennial seeks collaboration, and Gen Z has a s video-first mindset. Shane and Tonya break down what each generation values and explore how agency owners can adapt without losing efficiency. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Some people thrive on the thrill of landing the next account, others excel at deepening relationships and growing existing business, and some focus on building systems that attract opportunities. Shane and Tonya explore how these different approaches to selling impact agency growth, what to watch out for when hiring, and why your first team addition might not need to sell at all. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Eddie's Biography: Eddie is from New Orleans and received his Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees ( BS and MBA) from Louisiana State University ( LSU in Baton Rouge, LA.) Eddie has been an Independent Insurance Agent for 51 years, continuing his education with the CLU Designation for 47 years ( Chartered Life Underwriter ), the ChFC  Designation for 46 years ( Chartered Financial Counselor ), and through Membership in the Million Dollar Round Table ( 48 Year Lifetime Member and Member of MDRT's  Quarter of a Century Club ).  Eddie is also a long-standing member for 48 years of the Society of Financial Service Professionals ( FSP). In addition to the above, many Professional Organizations, Eddie is a member of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce,  the Ocala Chamber CEP, Select Business Associates of Ocala, Marion Networking Professionals, the Rotary Club of Inverness,   the Inverness Elks Club, and the Inverness VFW. Buster's Biography:  Buster Levin is an Insurance Professional & Successful Realtor and Founder of The Homes and Living Group at eXp Realty. Buster made his name as a master marketer in the Insurance and Real estate industries. Buster's career has been dedicated to helping people save money and protect families. His team's proven systems help clients achieve optimal outcomes in all phases of their journey.    -Check us out online: Agent Back Office Site: LevinsonAndAssociates.com Facebook: @levinsonandassociates X: @levinsonassoc Instagram: @levinsonandassociates Threads: @levinsonandassociates LinkedIn: @bilevinson  Podcast: levinson.libsyn.com YouTube Library: @thelevinson1

Beaux Pilgrim of IA Blueprint joins Shane and Tonya to discuss how virtual assistants are transforming independent insurance agencies, including better documentation, improved retention, and freeing up producers to actually produce. If you're overwhelmed, understaffed, or just tired of doing it all yourself, this episode will change the way you think about building your team. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you for watching this podcast. Please Share it and get the word out!

Thank you for watching this video. Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below!

From FMO to IMO and MGA to GA, we're unpacking what these acronyms mean and how insurance hierarchies work. Learn more about these organizations and where your insurance business falls on the spectrum!   Read the text version   Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.   Resources: 3 Advantages of Being an Independent Insurance Agent: https://ritterim.com/blog/3-advantages-of-being-an-independent-insurance-agent/ 5 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent: https://lnk.to/YGJ3KX Best Practices for Training Downline Agents: https://lnk.to/DA1sIn   How Insurance FMOs Work: https://ritterim.com/how-insurance-fmos-work/ Learn More About Integrity Tools: https://ritterim.com/integrity-tools/ Life Insurance for Each of Life's Stages: https://ritterim.com/blog/life-insurance-for-each-of-lifes-stages/ The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-benefits-of-joining-a-top-insurance-fmo/ What Are Insurance Hierarchies & How Do They Work? https://ritterim.com/blog/what-are-insurance-hierarchies-how-do-they-work/   Follow Us on Social!  Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://x.com/RitterIM and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance     Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel  Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/   Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.

Thank you for watching this video. Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below!

Thank you for watching this podcast. Please Share it and get the word out!

Thank you for watching this video. Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below!

Thank you for watching this podcast. Please Share it and get the word out!

Shane and Tonya sit down with Justin and Aaron Husman of The Phoenix Insurance to discuss the mindset shift from “helping people” to strategically running a successful agency. They discuss building a business with intention, protecting your time, selecting employees and clients, and making decisions that set your agency up for real growth and profitability.IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you for watching this podcast. Please Share it and get the word out!

Shane and Tonya dive into the eternal struggle between following directions and blazing your own trail. From puffer jackets to agency best practices, they explore how independent agents can balance tradition with innovation to drive success. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Celebrate with Shane and Tonya in the 250th episode of IA Forward! From the power of discipline over motivation to the best way to create a "stop-doing list," this one is full of practical insights, a look back at the most popular episodes, and a thank you to the listeners who made it all possible. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you for watching this video. Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below!

In this special New Year's Eve episode, Shane and Tonya reflect on timeless lessons from holiday movies and how they can inspire your business and life as we welcome 2025. From the authenticity of Elf to the resilience of A Charlie Brown Christmas, discover insights to start your new year with purpose and a fresh perspective.4oIA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you for watching this podcast. Please Share it and get the word out!

Thank you for watching this video. Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below!

Shane and Tonya explore how choosing gratitude and maintaining a positive perspective can make all the difference, even in the toughest of markets. They share personal stories, practical tips, and the importance of leading by example, reminding us that a mindset shift can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you for watching this podcast. Please Share it and get the word out! 

Beaux Pilgrim from IA Blueprint joins Shane and Tonya to share insights on leveraging technology, automation, and peer-to-peer learning through management system user groups. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss strategies to help your customers understand the reasons behind rising auto premiums and how to effectively turn a difficult topic into an opportunity to build trust.IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya explore the different sales personas—hunters, farmers, and trappers, how understanding these roles can help you build a more effective team, and why the right mix of skills and personalities is crucial for your agency's growth and success. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss the right timing and strategies for growth and how to expand your team while preserving the personalized service your clients love. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss the importance of staying true to your own vision in the independent agency world, as well as exploring the pitfalls of chasing others' dreams, the value of authenticity, and how to build a business that aligns with your personal goals and strengths. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss the contentious political climate, the impact of polarized opinions on small business owners, and should agency owners take a political stance on their personal and business social media pages.IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

How can managing expectations enhance satisfaction in your personal and professional life? Shane and Tonya share insights on balancing bucket list experiences with business goals, setting realistic expectations, and nurturing relationships.IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss the importance of mid-year check-ins to reassess goals, make necessary adjustments, find alternate uses for existing tools and resources, and adapt business strategies for long-term success.IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss the negative talk prevalent within the insurance industry,  strategies for promoting positivity, and the importance of a positive mindset in transforming conversations and customer interactions. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you for watching this podcast. Please Share it and get the word out! 

A unique takeover episode featuring D1 Softball player Olivia Bruno, Kylie Lowry, and Tonya, discussing fresh perspectives on leadership, success, and the evolving role of Gen Z in the insurance industry.IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you for watching this podcast. Please Share it and get the word out! 

Shane and Tonya discuss the TV show  Welcome to Wrexham, and draw parallels to the insurance industry: emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent approach, rather than focusing on industry changes or market cycles; understanding one's niche; and playing the infinite game.IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Thank you for watching this podcast. Please Share it and get the word out!