Podcasts about independent insurance agents

Insurance Customer Relationship Management Plans: Boost Client Satisfaction!

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Michelle O'Connor, president of O'Connor Insurance Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina. When O'Connor and her husband started their insurance agency 25 years ago, they knew from the very beginning that joining the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) was a must. Michelle knew of other successful agents that belonged to the Big “I" and also knew of the association's industry advocacy efforts. While O'Connor's initial involvement with the association was with the state's young agent committee (YAC), she became more involved when she was asked by Kelley Erstine, IIANC's CEO at the time, to become part of a special committee charged with analyzing member benefits. Since then, she has served in numerous committees and is currently the national director for IIANC. “I've always been a super strong advocate of political action committees (PACs) on both the national and state association level,” she says. “Our insurance system in North Carolina is very unique and that's what started my interest. I realized that if you want change to happen, it has to come from the legislative level.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. O'Connor was also featured in the April issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview here or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/april/declaration-of-independents-michelle-oconnor This podcast is sponsored by the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA). IMCA Ignite 2025 is taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona, June 23-25. Don't miss the only conference where the insurance marketing and communications community comes together to share content-rich, forward-thinking and relevant topics while also networking for lasting connections.

In episode 24 of Unlocking California Politics, Senior Vice President of C.A.R. Sanjay Wagle is joined by Steve Young, SVP and General Counsel of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California, and Amy Bach, Executive Director of United Policyholders, for a deep dive into the challenges surrounding home insurance in California after the recent devastating LA County fires. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes or Spotify. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Susan Bonner, Big “I” vice president of marketing and communications, chats with Denise Johnson, president and CEO of Big I Oklahoma, and Jill Epstein, CEO of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California (IIABCal), about their achievements as women in the independent insurance agency channel and how they're shaping the industry by offering more women-led events and highlighting opportunities for women in insurance. Big “I” Oklahoma recently hosted the EmpowerHER conference, while IIABCal hosted the Independent Women Summit. Both events sought to foster not only professional development but also genuine friendship and connection among women in the independent agency system and the wider insurance industry. “It was just a really comfortable environment,” Epstein said about the Independent Women Summit, which IIABCal hosted in February. “Everyone was super present, super engaged, chatting, happy and making connections. That was my goal, to bring that to women.” During the episode, Epstein and Johnson also shared strategies for how women can develop leadership skills and learnings from their own experiences, as well as highlighted other Big “I” state associations that are working on similar women-led initiatives. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.  ------------------ Susan Bonner https://www.linkedin.com/in/susiebonnerpugh/ Denise Johnson https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-johnson-2a680312/ Jill Epstein https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-poznick-epstein-b330745/

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Carrie Ann Roach of Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT). Carrie and Teresa discuss how to find the resources to level up an insurance career. Key Topics: Carrie Ann shares her journey from receptionist to industry leader. The value of certifications in career advancement. Building confidence and seeking mentorship in insurance. Turning CE requirements into meaningful growth opportunities. Fostering leadership and self-awareness in teams. Enhancing team dynamics with tools like CliftonStrengths. Adding value and building trust in professional relationships. Connect with: Carrie Ann Roach Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Carrie Ann Roach of Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT). Carrie and Teresa discuss how to find the resources to level up an insurance career. Key Topics: Carrie Ann shares her journey from receptionist to industry leader. The value of certifications in career advancement. Building confidence and seeking mentorship in insurance. Turning CE requirements into meaningful growth opportunities. Fostering leadership and self-awareness in teams. Enhancing team dynamics with tools like CliftonStrengths. Adding value and building trust in professional relationships. Connect with: Carrie Ann Roach Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

Los Angeles has been devastated by wildfires, forcing nearly 200,000 residents to flee, destroying homes, and taking lives. We hear firsthand from those caught in the chaos, including Julia Pollak, who narrowly escaped the flames.With climate change fuelling more extreme weather, insurance is increasingly out of reach for many. Benjamin Allbright of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana weighs in on the challenges.Plus, updates on Venezuela's contested elections, TikTok's legal battle in the US, and the impact of tariffs on California's almond industry.

Are you looking for strategies to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in today's dynamic insurance environment?On this podcast episode, Travelers Institute President Joan Woodward revisits a conversation she had with Charles Symington, President and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”), and Sean Ramalho, EVP, Enterprise Distribution Management at Travelers. Listen as they explore the evolving insurance landscape for independent agents and brokers and share how the Big “I” is supporting its members. Charles also digs into new findings from the Agency Universe Study by Future One, a collaboration of the Big “I” and leading independent agency companies including Travelers.Learn more about the Big “I”: https://www.independentagent.com/default.aspx Explore the Agency Universe Study: https://www.independentagent.com/research/agencyuniversestudy/agency-universe.aspx---Visit the Travelers Institute® website: http://travelersinstitute.org/  Join the Travelers Institute® email list: https://travl.rs/488XJZM    Connect with Joan Woodward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-kois-woodward/

Agency for Insurance Virtual Assistant: The Secret to Boosting Efficiency

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Haley Andrews, vice president of Gaines Insurance Agency in El Dorado Hills, California. Growing up in a family where insurance was a topic of conversation at the dinner table, Andrews' future in insurance was written in the stars. After earning a degree in business with a concentration in insurance and risk management from Sacramento State University, Andrews accepted an internship from Nationwide. However, a few years later, she answered the call from her father, Ted Gaines, to join the family agency. Since then, Andrews has become involved in local associations, serving as president of Independent Insurance Agents of Sacramento (IIAB Sacramento) in 2023. This year, she is serving as the Northern California director on the board of the Independent Insurance Agents of California (IIAB Cal). However, operating in California has its challenges. “It's not so sunny and beautiful here in California when it comes to insurance,” Gaines says. “Nevertheless, our agency works well as a team by constantly communicating how we can be dynamic to meet our client's needs,” she says. “The key for us is to always work together and just focus on what we can control: our attitude and how we work with our clients.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. Gaines was also featured in the October issue of Independent Agent. Read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2024/october/declaration-of-independents-haley-andrews

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we sit down with Jill Epstein, the Executive Director of IABCal (Independent Agents & Brokers of California), to discuss the ongoing property insurance challenges in California. Jill provides an in-depth look at how Proposition 103, regulatory delays, and reinsurance costs have shaped the current crisis. She shares how California's unique regulatory environment differs from other states and what the future holds for homeowners and insurance agents. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand the complex dynamics of California's insurance market and how it affects both consumers and insurance companies.Timecodes:00:00 – Introduction to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage00:19 – Introducing Jill Epstein of IABCal00:45 – California's Regulatory Differences02:00 – The Impact of Proposition 103 on California's Insurance Market03:20 – The Trifecta of California's Insurance Regulatory Challenges05:00 – Rate Delays and Public Participation in California06:40 – Reinsurance and Historical Data Limitations08:00 – Wildfire Crisis and Its Role in Insurance09:02 – Understanding Reinsurance and Capacity10:12 – State Farm's Decision to Halt New Policies11:41 – California Fair Plan: A Market of Last Resort13:41 – Exposure Concerns and the Fair Plan14:50 – The Importance of Allowing Adequate Rates16:20 – Staffing and Operational Challenges in the Department of Insurance18:04 – IABCal's Coalition and Legislative Efforts19:42 – What Does the Future Hold for California's Insurance Market?21:43 – Final Thoughts on Industry Challenges and Moving Forward30:02 – Closing Remarks and Future OutlookResources:Become a member at RiskProNet.comConnect with Jill Epstein on LinkedinConnect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

If you have been around since the beginning of Facebook, you have probably noticed differences in how you see and share your content.  The same goes for Facebook Ads.  The Facebook algorithm is creating better results for organic content and stories rather than ads. In this episode of The Broker Link, Bob Whitis with BrightFire busts a few myths about using Facebook Ads for Independent Insurance Agents.   Here are some suggestions for getting better traction on Facebook: Post consistently Invite policyholders to follow your page Create content showing the personal side of your business, rather than just text Engage with followers especially when they engage with you BrightFire partners with The Brokerage Inc. to help agents with their website, SEO, social media, and a lot more.  Visit www.brightfire.com/thebrokerageinc to learn more about how to use BrightFire for your business.

Send us a textIn this captivating episode, we explore the profound impact of baseball on the Japanese-American community. From personal stories of youth baseball to the inspiring journey of special guest Joshua Morey, who played professionally in Japan, the episode delves into the cultural significance of the sport. We highlight the Manzanar Baseball Project, an initiative to revive a historic baseball diamond that once brought solace to Japanese Americans during WWII. Through discussions on representation, challenges, and the transformative power of baseball, this episode showcases how the sport bridges generations and cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience within the community. Tune in for heartfelt stories, insightful conversations, and a celebration of baseball's enduring legacy.ABOUT OUR GUESTJoshua Morey is the chairperson of Ori-gen and president of The J Morey Company Inc. Ori-gen amplifies the voice of diverse communities throughout America by providing resources, services, and perpetuation planning for independent agents and brokers from diverse backgrounds. Morey serves on the board of directors for the U.S.-Japan Council, JANM, the Little Tokyo Community Council, and the Japanese Evangelical Mission Society. He was recently featured on the cover of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America's national magazine. He is co-founder of KODO Insurance Services (Insuretech) and chairman of the board of Arrowood Insurance Services. He has a BA in Business Economics, from Wheaton College and a MA in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. In his free time he loves playing baseball and spending time with his wife and three kids.ABOUT USWelcome to "Japanese America," where the Japanese American National Museum unveils captivating stories that add a Nikkei slant to the American narrative. In each episode, we explore Japanese Americans' unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey showcasing the diverse tapestry of a community that has shaped the American story in extraordinary ways.  Welcome to "Japanese America," where each story unfolds like a chapter in a living history book.For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. CREDITSThe music was created by Jalen BlankWritten by Koji Steven SakaiHosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven SakaiEdited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Rancho Mesa's Alyssa Burley and Client Communications Coordinator Megan Lockhart sit down to discuss how the company has been awarded the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (IIABA or Big “I”) Best Practices Agency designation for the eighteenth consecutive year. Show Notes: ⁠⁠Subscribe to Rancho Mesa's Newsletter⁠⁠. Director/Host: ⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠⁠Megan Lockhart Producer/Editor: Harriet Berholtz Music: "Home" by JHS Pedals, “News Room News” by Spence © Copyright 2024. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

What is the future of the auto insurance industry for the independent agency channel? Is the channel of distribution going to change and will insurance agents still be relevant? Will people buy their auto insurance online or directly at the dealership? Are self driving cars or autonomous vehicles going to affect auto insurance sales? Independent agents and other insurance agents might want to take a long look into the future when planning for it. These and other questions are some things that I address in this episode of Planet of the Agents.Join the newsletter at https://planetoftheagents.com/newsletter/

Tommy talks to Ben Albright, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana

Listen now and nominate a colleague who is making a similar impact in our field!Matthew K. Cashion, Jr., CIC, CRM (Matt), born and raised in Little Rock, was enrolled in the seventh grade at Pulaski Academy upon its inception by his parents. Before graduating in 1977, he attended Boys State and served as state president of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). His next phase of life found him following in the footsteps of his next older brother, Ted, graduating from Westminster College in Fulton, MO in 1981 with degrees in Economics & Business Administration and Accounting, and a fiancee, Susan Pippin. While at Westminster, he served as a member of the college's prestigious Skulls of Seven Society and is a Sigma Chi. After graduation, he joined the family agency alongside both brothers, Benson and Ted, and his father, Knight, and marrying his college sweetheart in the spring of 1982.Education and industry involvement was instilled in the agency fiber by Knight and continues as part of its DNA today. Soon after joining the agency, his father sent him to the Reliance Insurance Company's Agent Surety School in 1983. In 1986, Matt received his Certified Insurance Counselor Designation and completed the requirements for his Certified Risk Manager designation in 2004. Additionally, Knight gave him the opportunity to attend surety industry association meetings, where he found his business passion. With mentors from all over the countryproviding wind in his sails, Matt volunteered his way through the ranks of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP), serving as a Regional Vice-President, Board Member, various committee memberships and chairmanships, and in 2003-2004 he served as the youngest national president.His lane through NASBP was via education. Attending its Level 2 surety school in 1986, he discovered a second passion; teaching. Returning to the association's school two years later, Matt was recently honored as the longest tenured instructor for NASBP clocking in 35 years of volunteer service to thousands of students from every state in the union as well as seven foreign countries. Further participation has included curriculum development and review of all levels of the association's educational offerings on contract surety, text editing of The Basic Bond Book, curriculum review for The Institutes' AFSB designation as well as recording select course introduction videos.Having just completed another term as chair of NASBP's Professional Development Committee, Matt is currently serving as co-chair of the Annual Meeting Program committee for a record sixth time.NASBP honored Matt with the President's Award in 2004, the John J. “Jack” Curtin Presidents Award for Distinguished Service in Surety Education in 2009, the Bruce T. Wallace Award for Career Contributions in 2013 (its highest award), and the John J. “Jack” Curtin Award again in 2023, becoming the only two time recipient.Matt also followed the leadership example set by his business partner, Jim Allbritton, serving as president of The Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas (Big I - Arkansas) in 2015-2016. In 2021, Big I honored Matt with its highest award, the Allan Kennedy Memorial Award.An unintended consequence of volunteer service to various construction trade associations over the years has resulted in awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas (ABC) (2020 - Phillip Joiner Award for leadership) and Associated General Contractors of Arkansas (AGC) (2011 - Distinguished Service Award; 2021 - President's Award). After having served as a founding member of National AGC's Surety Industry Advisory Council and acting as its Outreach and Education Task Force Chair in 2001, AGC inducted Matt into its Consulting Contractors Council of America in 2009.Further involvement has included presentations and speaking opportunities all over the country to various groups ranging from the AICPA, the National Home Builders Association, local surety associations, trade associations (AGC, ABC, ASA, NAWIC), universities, engineers, and as a convention keynote speaker in Puerto Rico.Outside of the industry, Matt has offered his time to a variety of civic organizations including Pulaski Academy, Alzheimer's Arkansas Programs and Services, the Metropolitan YMCA, and the Heflin Youth Foundation. Additionally, he has received gubernatorial appointments to the Information Network of Arkansas and the Contractors Licensing Board, where he has served as Chair.Combining his passion for teaching and his greatest blessing, Matt and his wife have co-led various small groups at their church for over 30 years, most recently post college single adults. Pushing the comfort zone limits, he even became an ordained minister during the pandemic in order to perform a requested wedding service for a couple that had met in the class.His most recent passion and greatest joys are found in spending time with his six amazing grandchildren. His daughter Rachel and her husband Dr. David Rainwater, have three wonderful girls. His son, Matthew K. Cashion, III (Tripp) and his wife Kara, have two amazing girls and his only grandson (Matthew K. Cashion, IV aka Knight).

For some Medicare marketing magic, you can turn to Trusted American Insurance Agency (844-998-7878). More details at https://brokers.taia.us/ The Trusted American Insurance Agency City: Roseville Address: 201 Creekside Ridge Court, Suite 200 Website https://taia.us/ Phone +1 844 998 7878 Email info@taia.us

7 Challenges Independent Insurance Agents MUST Conquer in 2024 ✅ Join the Insurance Growth Masterclass: https://masterclass.insure ✅ For daily insights and ideas on peak performance: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_hanley/ ✅ Hire me to speak at your next event: https://ryanhanley.com/speaking Join me as I unpack the seven pressing challenges facing independent insurance agents in our latest podcast discussion. As we navigate the hard market, securing carrier appointments, and the effects of industry consolidation, especially on smaller agencies, the road ahead is anything but smooth. I share personal insights on these hurdles and how the volatile political climate of an election year could further complicate our landscape. Plus, we can't ignore the seismic shifts brought on by remote workforces and artificial intelligence, or the insufficient support from technology partners amidst our growing reliance on InsurTech. These elements are all pivotal in our strategic approach to future-proofing our agencies. Listen in as I tackle the intricate balance of staying informed on societal and political fronts without allowing them to hijack our focus from professional responsibilities. I discuss the strategies for managing these distractions in the workplace and present the case for embracing remote work, highlighting the immense value of expanding our talent pool beyond geographical boundaries. Virtual assistants and the untapped potential of underrepresented demographics, such as single parents, could be the game-changers we need. Flexible working conditions might just be the key to unlocking new levels of productivity and commitment. To cap it off, we'll reflect on my journey from agency trenches to consultancy peaks, and how I'm leveraging that experience to guide others through the insurance growth masterclass. I touch on the importance of discerning trust within the industry, inspired by my conversation with the esteemed Billy Williams, and how to filter through the multitude of voices to find those that truly aid in business growth. Get ready to equip yourself with the knowledge and tactics that could very well be the linchpin for your agency's robust, sustainable growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Challenges Independent Insurance Agents MUST Conquer in 2024✅ Join the Insurance Growth Masterclass: https://masterclass.insure✅ For daily insights and ideas on peak performance: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_hanley/✅ Hire me to speak at your next event: https://ryanhanley.com/speakingJoin me as I unpack the seven pressing challenges facing independent insurance agents in our latest podcast discussion. As we navigate the hard market, securing carrier appointments, and the effects of industry consolidation, especially on smaller agencies, the road ahead is anything but smooth.I share personal insights on these hurdles and how the volatile political climate of an election year could further complicate our landscape. Plus, we can't ignore the seismic shifts brought on by remote workforces and artificial intelligence, or the insufficient support from technology partners amidst our growing reliance on InsurTech. These elements are all pivotal in our strategic approach to future-proofing our agencies.Listen in as I tackle the intricate balance of staying informed on societal and political fronts without allowing them to hijack our focus from professional responsibilities. I discuss the strategies for managing these distractions in the workplace and present the case for embracing remote work, highlighting the immense value of expanding our talent pool beyond geographical boundaries.Virtual assistants and the untapped potential of underrepresented demographics, such as single parents, could be the game-changers we need. Flexible working conditions might just be the key to unlocking new levels of productivity and commitment.To cap it off, we'll reflect on my journey from agency trenches to consultancy peaks, and how I'm leveraging that experience to guide others through the insurance growth masterclass. I touch on the importance of discerning trust within the industry, inspired by my conversation with the esteemed Billy Williams, and how to filter through the multitude of voices to find those that truly aid in business growth.Get ready to equip yourself with the knowledge and tactics that could very well be the linchpin for your agency's robust, sustainable growth.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode Abe talks about how 2024 will be "The year about value" for Independent Insurance Agents as we navigate price hikes and coverage decreases.  Today's episode sponsored by The Fast Track Appointment Program: More direct market access for your Agency. See what carriers are available to your Agency here: https://ftapappetite.com/commercial-lines 

In this episode, C.A.R.'s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Sanjay Wagle moderates a discussion with Amy Bach, Executive Director of United Policyholders, and Steve Young, SVP & General Counsel, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California. The podcast sheds light on the ever-evolving and tumultuous homeowner's insurance market in California and explores possible solutions for homeowners in the Golden State.

The Greg and Dan Show speaks with the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois Association Director of Education & Agency Resources Brett Gerger about the current state of the insurance industry. Gerger explains the ongoing situations affecting the insurance field around the country, to drop or not to drop coverages, the cyclical nature of insurance, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's episode features Jeff and Ben Albright, the father-and-son team that leads the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana. The Albrights represent independent agents and brokers in their interactions with government, the industry and consumers. They've got a front-row seat for — and many thoughts about — the current homeowners' insurance crisis in Louisiana.

Erin Dop is a multi-line insurance producer and third-generation insurance professional at Fullenkamp Insurance, the agency her grandfather started in 1963. She is the latest CPCU designee in her family and is active in the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa (IIAI) association. Erin was the recipient of the C. Daniel Fullwider Young Agents of the Year award for the state of Iowa in 2021. She continues to promote the industry through her efforts with the IIAI on various committees including the education committee and as the current young agent committee chair. In today's episode of the In The Know podcast, Erin joins Chris Hampshire for a conversation about growing up in the insurance industry, how digital evolutions affect small agencies, and the value of Erin's CPCU designation and involvement in the CPCU Society.   Key Takeaways The motivation behind Erin's decision to follow the family path into insurance. An average day in the life of Erin's work at Fullenkamp Insurance. Business acquisition and retention for a regional agency in the age of digital insurance. Erin's team educates clients with newsletters, in-person meetings, and a personal connection. A look at digital evolutions on the small agency front. Attracting and retaining talent starts with a robust compensation package. Erin's message to new talent is to just give it a shot. The social impact aspect of the insurance industry is an attractive feature for the next generation. Erin highlights her scholarship opportunities and the professional and personal importance of her CPCU designation. The impact of involvement in the CPCU Society on Erin's career. A five-year forecast for the future at Fullenkamp Insurance. Erin's advice to her early-career self.   Quotes ●       “It's tough to move completely to a digital standpoint when the relationship is so key.” ●       “It can be tough to get people excited about working in the insurance industry if they've never had a conversation with their agent.” ●       “Why insurance? Why not! Why not give it a try?” ●       “If I have questions or concerns… I know I can reach out to someone in the CPCU Society.” ●       “We are all after the same goal of doing what's right for the insured.”

In this episode of Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Aubie Knight, CEO of Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, and Pat Cline, Director of Accelerator Operations at Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina. Episode Highlights: Aubie explains that The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina is an insurer tech accelerator that helps independent insurance agents have a voice in the development of new technology to strengthen the distribution system. (2:19) Aubie shares that he is part of an organization called "101 Weston Labs" which aims to support insurance innovation and independent agents in the next generation. (8:30) Pat discusses the 101 Weston Labs program which provides mentorship, coaching, access to technology for independent insurance agents, and aims to enable agents to become involved in the technology that will be in their future and put good technology into their hands to create a better customer experience, have better processes and be more efficient. (10:39) Aubie mentions that several unknown companies are creating tech products to solve problems in the independent agency system, many of which originated from agents who built solutions for their own agencies. (14:21) Aubie shares that they encourage entrepreneurial and inspiring problem solvers to develop products to benefit other agencies. (15:18) Aubie discusses the challenge of identifying and understanding the purpose of the many new insurtech companies emerging. (18:31) Aubie explains the pitch day for their investment accelerator program, where entrepreneurs present their slide deck and every company accepted into the program will receive investment. (21:50) Pat discusses the formalized process of their investment accelerator program. They typically have five to eight companies coming through at a time and hope that the process will be a win for both sides. (23:48) Aubie explains how "IndieTech" or technology made specifically for independent agents makes up a significant portion of the tech stack used by independent agents in the insurance industry. (27:03) Key Quotes: “We believe that the distribution system in the future will continue to thrive and be as healthy as the technology that they developed, or the technology that they implement in order to improve efficiencies and enhance the customer experience.” - Aubie Knight “We want agents to be involved in the technology that will be in their future.” - Pat Cline “Ideally, that's what we hope happens to all the companies that come through our program, that they end up building a very viable product that makes agents lives easier, and helps them thrive.” - Aubie Knight Resources Mentioned: Aubie Knight LinkedIn Pat Cline LinkedIn 101 Weston Labs program Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina Reach out to Jason Cass Agency Intelligence

Unlock your full potential and supercharge your professional growth with the CIC Designation Program.John R. Costello, CIC, CRIS: John Costello, CIC, CRIS, is vice president and construction practice member at USI Insurance Services in Rochester, New York. Costello was installed as Big “I” chairman in September 2022. Throughout his career, Costello has volunteered in a variety of professional and community service organizations. He is former chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Monroe County and was the 1995 Monroe County Insurance Professional of the Year. He formerly served on the board of directors of the Big “I” and chaired the Big “I” Finance Committee. He is active in the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors and the Insurance Risk Management Institute. He was elected to the Big “I” Executive Committee in 2016. Costello has nearly 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. After graduating from Villanova University with a degree in finance in 1976, he worked as an underwriter for General Accident Insurance before serving as president for Costello Agency Inc. for 12 years. In 1995, he became partner at Costello, Dreher, Kaiser Insurance Agency and joined First Niagara Risk Management in 2003 as vice president.  Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, Costello served at Key Insurance & Benefits, then USI Insurance Services, specializing in the construction, manufacturing and hospitality industries. In his local community, Costello was the chairman of the board of Bishop Kearney High School and is past vice chair and treasurer of OASIS Adaptive Sports, a charity supporting disabled veterans. He is a former board member and past president of hospice facility Sunset House, former president of Brook-Lea Country Club, and is the former director and a current member of the National Ski Patrol at Bristol Mountain. Costello also serves as secretary of the board at Oak Hill Country Club. He resides in Fairport, New York. Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) is the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing more than 25,000 agency locations united under the Trusted Choice brand. Trusted Choice independent agents offer consumers all types of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products—from a variety of insurance companies. Gerald F. Hemphill, CIC, LUTCF: President of National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National) An independent insurance agent in the metro-Richmond, Virginia area since 1993, Gerald F. Hemphill represents all lines of insurance, specializing in commercial and life insurance risks. He was an agent for a large domestic carrier for five years and has been principal of his own agency ever since.  In 1996, Gerald earned his LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) designation, and in 2002, completed his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation. He is a graduate of Campbell University and Fork Union Military Academy. In addition to his designations, he holds a property and casualty, life, health, and annuity license. Hemphill was President of the Professional Insurance Agents Association of Virginia/DC in 2010 and has served on the National Board of PIA since 2013. He was named the PIA of Virginia/DC Agent of the Year in 2012. Gerald and his wife have two daughters, Ashley and Taylor, and three grandchildren.

In this episode of Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews, Lindsay Wallace, Marketing Coordinator at Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina. Episode Highlights: Lindsay explains how she got into the insurance industry. (2:55) Lindsay mentions that it was eye-opening to see that companies are developing technologies specifically for independent insurance agents. (9:13) Lindsay believes that the most important aspect that IndieTech will take over is the relationship aspect since that is what differentiates independent agents from national companies. (11:36) Lindsay mentions that it will be really interesting to watch how the ChatGPT technology develops. (16:04) Lindsay explains that she finds marketing fascinating since it covers so many different aspects and there is a lot to learn about it. (18:06) Lindsay discusses her favorite three social sites and how she utilizes them. (20:04) Jason and Lindsay discuss the benefits of using AI over Google. (24:35) Lindsay mentions that she and her mom co-host The Insurance Refocused Podcast, where they interview people in the insurance industry and discuss what they're doing to stay up with the changing times. (27:05) Key Quotes: “I'm really enjoying working for the industry and not in the industry. And that's a distinction that I made pretty early on. Like, I'm not an agent, right? I'm not licensed and so I work for the industry, I bring value to people who are working in the industry. And I think I really enjoy that. And I think that that's something I want to keep pursuing.” - Lindsay Wallace “The important part that IndieTech is going to take over is going to be the relationship part. It's going to support the independent insurance relationship, because that's really what makes independent agents special from those national companies.” - Lindsay Wallace “I find marketing absolutely fascinating because it's such a mix of so many different things. And there's so much to learn about it.” - Lindsay Wallace Resources Mentioned: Lindsay Wallace LinkedIn Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina Reach out to Jason Cass  Agency Intelligence

In Episode 6, we're unlocking the complicated and evolving state of fire insurance with special guests Amy Bach, Executive Director with United Policyholders, and Stephen Young, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California.

In this episode of Agency Freedom Podcast, James talks with Marit Peters, Executive Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, otherwise known as the Big I of Texas. Episode Highlights: Marit explains that one of the reasons she works for the industry is because she thinks of independent agents as being so gracious in their communities. (4:54) Marit shares the fundamentals of running a successful agency, including the importance of identifying those on your team that are dragging it down, and getting your metrics right. (12:00) Marit explains why it is important to look back on historical trends in order to be able to determine the things that did not work out. (15:52) Marit shares about the leadership book that she and her employees read called "The Dichotomy of Leadership." (23:07) Marit mentions that their goal at the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas is to make sure that the independent agency channel is healthy. (27:35) Marit explains how COVID has helped them become better at being reachable. (32:58) Marit discusses the impact of the advocacy work that the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas is involved in on a government level. (41:08) Marit shares that in a lot of rural communities a local presence makes a difference, but that may change in 10-20 years. (48:08) Marit discusses an organization called "Salt" that is trying to create a modern experience for the personal line space. (52:48) Marit shares that independent agents are critical to the communities, as they make sure that we are getting the right product. (56:18) Key Quotes: "I think the fundamentals are leadership and having the right courage to deal with difficult decisions, and making sure that you have the right people and hire people that are smarter than you and then trust them to do the work." - Marit Peters "I want to make sure that we're constantly hearing what people need and making sure that we're adjusting and that we have the courage to do it and we don't get stuck in that piece." - Marit Peters "If you are an agent out there that's not involved with an association, pick up the phone and call and explain why you're not. Because that is probably the best feedback an association can hear." - Marit Peters Resources Mentioned: Learn more about IIAT at https://www.iiat.org/. -- 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 Agency Freedom Podcast, James talks with Marit Peters, Executive Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, otherwise known as the Big I of Texas. Episode Highlights: Marit explains that one of the reasons she works for the industry is because she thinks of independent agents as being so gracious in their communities. (4:54) Marit shares the fundamentals of running a successful agency, including the importance of identifying those on your team that are dragging it down, and getting your metrics right. (12:00) Marit explains why it is important to look back on historical trends in order to be able to determine the things that did not work out. (15:52) Marit shares about the leadership book that she and her employees read called "The Dichotomy of Leadership." (23:07) Marit mentions that their goal at the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas is to make sure that the independent agency channel is healthy. (27:35) Marit explains how COVID has helped them become better at being reachable. (32:58) Marit discusses the impact of the advocacy work that the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas is involved in on a government level. (41:08) Marit shares that in a lot of rural communities a local presence makes a difference, but that may change in 10-20 years. (48:08) Marit discusses an organization called "Salt" that is trying to create a modern experience for the personal line space. (52:48) Marit shares that independent agents are critical to the communities, as they make sure that we are getting the right product. (56:18) Key Quotes: "I think the fundamentals are leadership and having the right courage to deal with difficult decisions, and making sure that you have the right people and hire people that are smarter than you and then trust them to do the work." - Marit Peters "I want to make sure that we're constantly hearing what people need and making sure that we're adjusting and that we have the courage to do it and we don't get stuck in that piece." - Marit Peters "If you are an agent out there that's not involved with an association, pick up the phone and call and explain why you're not. Because that is probably the best feedback an association can hear." - Marit Peters Resources Mentioned: Learn more about IIAT at https://www.iiat.org/. -- 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.

The expert on improving agency marketing and operations, Ryan Teubner, guest stars on this episode of Agents Growth Academy. Join the conversation between him and host Jim Schubert about seeking out training–whatever form it may be in–to prepare for a sales win always. Further those wins by revising your networking parameters and vetoing phone calls in lieu of in-person contacts that build long-lasting relationships.3 Key TakeawaysThis is a relationship-based industry. That means you need to be out in the field, face-to-face with people, all the time. Don't substitute for a phone call.Get yourself into a place where you're confident you can win sales because you're prepared. This means ample self-education and understanding your competition.Sharing stories of past client experiences puts the “relate” in relationships. Prepare yourself with a solid list of stories before reaching out to the next lead.ResourcesSave Your Ask by Chris TuffThe Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko WillinkRyan's Instagram: @ryanteubnerAbout Ryan TeubnerTeubner's insurance career began in 2009 while working primarily with personal lines for Liberty Mutual. He quickly realized that working as an independent agent would give him the flexibility and contacts to serve his personal and commercial clients in the most efficient ways possible. His focus is working with business customers to develop an individual, tailored insurance program and offering risk management strategy options to fit their needs. He works with his clients to build a partnership that will be beneficial to their growth and development. He prides himself on building relationships with and for his clients so they know he will consistently act in their best interest. In addition to currently serving as a board member for the Big I Oklahoma, he has also served as Chairman of the Oklahoma Young Agents Committee; Past-President of the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Greater Oklahoma City; and has served on the InVEST Board through the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Teubner and his wife, Beth, have two kids, Dixie and Clancey. He enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and training his three German shepherds.

– The Insurance Marketing Organization Podcast with Seth Greene Episode 049 Rick Morgan. Rick is Chief Marketing Officer of WAHVE. During Rick's insurance career, he has been an underwriter, insurance agent, publisher, management consultant, sought after speaker, vendor marketing executive, and association CEO. He is the co-creator of SilverPlume and was proclaimed by InsuranceBroadcasting.com and the Insurance Media Association as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Insurance in North America and received the Wade S. Dunbar Jr. Technology Advocate award in 2019. He served on the board of directors of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New York and was interim CEO of Applied Client Network (formerly ASCnet). He was SVP of marketing of Applied Systems; and co-owner of Automation Management Group, publisher of The Automated Agency Report (TAAR).   Listen to this insightful IMO episode with Rick Morgan about WAHVE and his experience in the insurance field! Here is what to expect on this week's show: - How WAHVE was started and how the organization became the matching service for the insurance industry. - The current status and culture of WAHVE and how the company operates. - The biggest challenges WAHVE has faced and how Rick has helped the company grow and overcome these challenges.   Connect with Rick: Guest Links: Website- https://wahve.com/leadership/rick-morgan LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickjmiv Twitter- https://twitter.com/rickjmiv   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TED A. KINNEY, CIC, CPCU, ARM, CPIA, AAI, AU, AINS, CRIS, AAMTed Kinney is the owner/President of Kinney Training and Consulting, LLC, which specializes in providing quality insurance training programs to agencies and companies throughout the United States. Ted also serves as the Director of Education and Technical Affairs for the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents in Birmingham, Alabama.  In this position, he is responsible for developing agent education programs and providing technical assistance to association members.Ted has been in the insurance business since his graduation from the Ohio State University in 1973.  During his career, he has worked as an underwriter, field sales manager, department supervisor, marketing specialist, trainer, and insurance agent.  From 1994 to 2003, Ted was the Director of Curriculum and Faculty Development for PIA of Ohio & Indiana.  He is a member of the national faculty of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors, the American Insurance Marketing Society (CPIA), and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America's “ask the expert” service.  In addition, Ted is a member of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors and the National Academy of Producer Insurance Studies.

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Casey Hege. Casey is helping agents to get online forms to send to clients to streamline the quote submission process. Episode Highlights: Casey discusses her background, how she got into insurance, and where she is now. (1:33) Casey shares her experience of influencing the vision of her entire team and promoting a different mentality. (8:27) Casey discusses the first prototype they created for SALT. (11:01) Casey explains that we are all unique and that they are still trying to figure out the independent channel. (15:56) Casey mentions that the best clients they have right now are the community agents. (17:31) Casey shares tips and strategies for influencing an agent's mindset for the better. (19:59) Casey mentions that they recently received an endorsement from the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. (24:22) Casey discusses the four commercial lines niches that they have. (27:07) Casey tells us how we can contact her and what we can expect from her company. (28:11) Casey mentions that her dream job is to be a Disc Jockey. (31:59) Key Quotes: "Our best client right now is a community agent type that has got 5-10 people, that's just looking for a better way to reach the next generation of buyer, to create efficiencies in their shop, to scale." - Casey Hege "I think that's really the most critical part is setting the expectation, once you close the deal, how you're going to work with them. That's where you need to really step in and become the expert." - Casey Hege "When we try to be generalists, everything to everyone, we wear people out, you know? It's hard to build system and process around being a generalist." - Casey Hege Resources Mentioned: Casey Hege LinkedIn SALTinsure Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Casey Hege. Casey is helping agents to get online forms to send to clients to streamline the quote submission process. Episode Highlights: Casey discusses her background, how she got into insurance, and where she is now. (1:33) Casey shares her experience of influencing the vision of her entire team and promoting a different mentality. (8:27) Casey discusses the first prototype they created for SALT. (11:01) Casey explains that we are all unique and that they are still trying to figure out the independent channel. (15:56) Casey mentions that the best clients they have right now are the community agents. (17:31) Casey shares tips and strategies for influencing an agent's mindset for the better. (19:59) Casey mentions that they recently received an endorsement from the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. (24:22) Casey discusses the four commercial lines niches that they have. (27:07) Casey tells us how we can contact her and what we can expect from her company. (28:11) Casey mentions that her dream job is to be a Disc Jockey. (31:59) Key Quotes: "Our best client right now is a community agent type that has got 5-10 people, that's just looking for a better way to reach the next generation of buyer, to create efficiencies in their shop, to scale." - Casey Hege "I think that's really the most critical part is setting the expectation, once you close the deal, how you're going to work with them. That's where you need to really step in and become the expert." - Casey Hege "When we try to be generalists, everything to everyone, we wear people out, you know? It's hard to build system and process around being a generalist." - Casey Hege Resources Mentioned: Casey Hege LinkedIn SALTinsure Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

  Did you know there are two types of Insurance Agents? There are pros and cons to both, but we highlight 3 advantages to being an Independent Insurance Agent. Read the text version. Register for your FREE RitterIM.com account   Mentioned in this episode:   Contact the Team at Ritter Insurance Marketing What is a Captive Agent? What is an Independent Agent? Captive vs. Independent Agents Top 5 Benefits of Using an Independent Agent 7 Reasons to Choose an Independent Agent Building Client Loyalty: More than Just a Plan Why Use an Insurance Agent? 4 Reasons Why Ritter Should Be Your FMO Insurance Agency What's the Difference Between Captive and Independent Insurance Agents? The Benefits of Joining a Top Insurance FMO Medicare Quote Engine Medicareful Free Medicareful Website 4 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent 3 Tips to Becoming an Insurance Agent   More episodes you'll like:   Why Now is the Time to Start Selling Insurance Should Insurance Agents Have Their Own Website? How to Get Started in Medicare Sales   Articles to Share with Your Clients:   Do These 3 Most Common Natural Supplements Actually Work? The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise What are State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs?   Ritter Insurance Marketing eBooks & Guides:   Agent Survival Kits: Beginners or Experts Developing an Agency – Your Guide to Getting Started Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Started in Insurance Sales   The latest from Ritter's Blog:   8 Reasons Why Medicare Agents Should Sell ACA Plans 4 Helpful Podcasts for Busy Insurance Agents Why Young Professionals Should Consider Becoming Insurance Agents   Subscribe & Follow:   Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Podbean Spotify Stitcher   Connect on social:   Facebook LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Instagram TikTok Sarah's LinkedIn Sarah's Instagram  

“There is incredible power in like-minded individuals acting together.”  Join Kate with the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council as she interviews Evan Manning, Director of Government Relations at the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois.  Evan discusses policy issues affecting his membership as well as the value of associations and the legislative work that they do.   Are you interested in participating in Insurance Industry Legislative Day?  Check it out here: Insurance Industry | Springfield | Insurance Industry Legislative Day (insurancelegislativeday.org)

On today's show we speak with a grassroots advocacy expert whose organization created a Member Activation Program (MAP) that has sent over 4 million advocacy emails in its first 2 years. Now that is some advocacy production. ABOUT The GUEST Kristen Prather has been a grassroots professional working at the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) since 2008. In her role as State Director of Grassroots Programs she works with credit union advocates to advance credit union priorities at the state and federal level. In 2020 she was named one of the “Top 20 In Advocacy” by The Advocacy Association. Prior to joining CUNA she was a PAC fundraiser for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. She also has experience on Capitol Hill, with a small lobbying firm, and on many campaigns. In addition to working in advocacy she is also a dance teacher in Alexandria, VA. Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent you. https://www.rapindex.com   This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 488-9150 At Voices in Advocacy we work with organizations that want to inspire, educate, engage, and activate their supports to become even better influential advocates

Today we're traveling back in time for our special “time capsule” episode with never-before-heard content from our 2021 guests.  For this part 1 episode, hear what beliefs about the industry some of our guests have in common: Jason Walker, Agency InsurTech (1:23-2:48) Crystal Ware, Empower Benefits &Insurance Group (2:50-4:00) David Carothers, Florida Risk Partners, LLC (4:01-6:20) Ashley Fitzsimmons, Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc. (6:22-8:22) Peter van Aartrijk, Aartrijk (8:24-9:00) Tyrre Burks, Player's Health (9:01-10:05) Wyatt Stewart, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (10:07-11:29)

In this episode, Bradley and Scott sit down with Aubie Knight, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, on how he is changing the association for the better and providing a ton of value to its members.   ///////////// The $100 Million Dollar Agency Makeover Enter for a chance at one free year of agency consulting! In effort to share the secret sauce, the GloveBox team has partnered with The Insurance Guys Podcast for a unique giveaway. Click here to ENTER >>> Sponsor: GloveBox A seamless all-in-one platform connecting clients to your agency and their carriers. Maximize the client experience with both Agency and Carrier self-service features. Check them out here >>> Get the CoverWallet Insurance Guys Deal Here >>>

Sometimes you already have the talent, it's just stuck in the wrong place. Other times it requires to think outside the box and to look beyond the walls of our industry. Either way, if you're dedicated to the process you'll be able to create a culture that can overcome almost anything.  That allows your agency to become ingrained into your community for decades to come.  Marit Peters, President and Executive Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT), talks about what the best agency do with their talent. 

Bill Allen is a former Diversity Manager & Sales Executive for Travelers Insurance and a pioneer in Diversity & Equity work within the Insurance Industry. A highly regarded voice within organizations like the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia aka The Virginia affiliate of the "BIG I" and NAAIA (National African American Insurance Association) he joins You Should Get A License to share his journey from Bardstown, Kentucky to a storied 40+ year career that continues to impact, inspire, and add value to others...all because He Got A License!  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ysgetalicense/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ysgetalicense/support

In the debut episode of Season 2, we spend some time with Bill Wilson, the founder, and CEO of  www.InsuranceCommentary.com, a website dedicated to property & casualty commentary; a site we all have saved to our favorites here at the PGI home office.  Mr. Wilson is also the author of six books, two of which are insurance-themed, “When Words Collide: Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes” and “20/20 Vision: Why Insurance Doesn't Cover the COVID-19 Pandemic.” If that is not enough to convince you of Mr. Wilson's expertise, Bob Rusbuldt, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America says, “Bill Wilson is the nation's foremost leading expert on form, coverage, and technical issues.” So what are you waiting for? Come join the fun, information-filled conversation now!We get into some very interesting coverage conversations on policy language, if you can hold on long enough, you are in for some incredible, industry learnings. Put the podcast on 2x speed and get to the parts of the conversation that will make you a better, more informed, professional.  I don't suggest this but if you are scared to commit to the whole Podcast, I've highlighted some funny topics you can jump to for a shorter faster, fun, informative listen:  0:00 - Welcome to the show Bill!1:30 - I see the guitars behind you, Do you play?6:00 - We both have Elvis stories, will you share yours with us?8:30 - Shawn's Elvis story12:21 - Who is Bill Wilson?13:15 - College life.14:20 - Professional life with ISO.16:30 - Leaving ISO. 18:25 - What do you love about the insurance industry?21:30 - Funniest insurance story.27:25 - Let's get on the topic of your book When Words Collide.32:30 - Can you give us some examples of when words collide?38:00 - So is this what you do now?41:23 - I want to ask you about a quote from the book.45:44 - How can we translate your knowledge to the everyday agent?50:58 - Agents who understand the value of coverage knowledge cater to a different clientele. 51:42 - What did you learn from an insurance perspective when COVID-19 hit?55:45 - Are the courts agreeing with your interpretation?58:30 - What projects are you working on right now?1:01:35 - My wife and I have been married for 42 years. 1:03:05 - I hope my books are something that is left of me when I'm gone. 1:04:51 - Who is Don Malecki?1:09:00 - What are your thoughts on Insurtech?1:13:00 - It's interesting to see how carriers are looking outside LexisNexis for data curation. 1:16:00 - What are your thoughts on using credit as it relates to generating premium points?1:20:00 - Advice for young people in insurance?Honorable Mentions: Elvis Presley ISO COVID-19Don MaleckiInsurtech LexisNexis Premier Group Insurance is providing this podcast for informational uses only. This podcast should not be relied on as legal or medical advice. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Premier Group Insurance. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Premier Group Insurance employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Premier Group Insurance. Copyright ©2021 Premier Group Insurance, Inc. All rights reserved.

Clark Payan is the CEO of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California. He believes you don't have to major in insurance or business to be a good fit. Most insurance agency owners/employees didn't have a direct path to where they are. Lot of factors contribute to making insurance a great career - stability, income potential, flexibility, helping others. Listen as Clark discusses how he got into the insurance business and how his success came from a willingness to lead and a positive mental attitude. Special Guest: Clark Payan.

If you've worked in restaurants, factories, hotels, schools, or other places before attaining your dream job, you're going to relate well to this episode's guest. William Jones is the editor-in-chief for Independent Agent magazine, the flagship publication of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Incorporated. But before he landed this position in October of 2020, he worked in all of those places. He's grateful for those experiences, however, because insurance is a part of every industry, and knowing first-hand the risks inherent in work in several industries has helped him better relate to members and what they want to know about through the magazine. We talk with William about why it's hard for writers to build a career. When the Internet makes it easy for anyone to publish their words, the supply of writers increases. But so do the opportunities to practice your craft and set yourself apart from the pack. We cover how Will went from writing stories for free for a soccer fanzine to becoming editor in chief of a publication that serves 38,000 independent insurance agents. We also cover how Will and his team heavily rely upon data to know how readers are responding to Independent Agent's content, and how essential it is to frequently survey readers to know what to talk about in future issues. IIABA is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. And, the association has continuously published Independent Agent since 1903. There's a lot of tradition associated with a publication that established, but tradition will only get you so far. Will's routine for examining readership surveys, and studying click and impression numbers and visitor activity on IA's website is what keeps Independent Agent going strong in an era when many associations are decreasing the frequency of their print publications or ceasing them altogether. Thanks to our podcast sponsor, Naylor Association Solutions. Want to be a guest on The Association Adviser Podcast? Have an idea for an episode topic? Email Kelly Clark, kclark@naylor.com.

In this episode of Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Sharon Emek, the President & CEO of Work At Home Vintage Experts. Sharon talks about her advanced knowledge in technology, her achievements in the industry, and the sophisticated software they created. Episode Highlights: Jason introduces Sharon Emek. (3:21) Sharon shares that she came to the industry in the early 1980s and she was a professor at Rutgers University where she participated in doing management consulting. Eventually, she left teaching and became an actual management consultant to insurance brokers. (7:23) Sharon mentions that she learned the insurance industry by the time it was the advent of computerization. (7:43) Sharon mentions that she started her insurance brokerage in 1988 and grew to quite a large brokerage in Manhattan. (8:55) Sharon shares that she became very active in the industry and ended up being the chair of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers in New York. (9:14) Sharon mentions that she won an award as the first woman to win a national award for public policy. (9:57) Sharon mentions that for every problem there's an opportunity. (11:11) Sharon explains their latest applications and the series of assessments that they have online. (18:14) Sharon shares that their software became more sophisticated and it’s called a blind qualifying process. (23:21) Sharon mentions that they are creating software that’s a service assist model that can qualify the best people and take the HR function of the brokers. (23:32) Sharon mentions that insurance is an industry that lends itself to being remote and it is a knowledge industry. (30:10) Sharon shares that everyone thinks of insurance as a policy, but they don't understand that insurance is about managing risk. (31:50) Sharon mentions the book called Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari. (36:37) Key Quotes: “I think people create the luck that they have. If you're not out there networking and meeting people, then you miss opportunity.” - Sharon Emek “You can't always find the talent in your backyard any longer. People move all the time and there's not enough talent so what you do is hire the person because you need somebody.” - Sharon Emek “The industry is about analyzing and managing risk, not just policies.”  - Sharon Emek Resources Mentioned: Agency Intelligence Reach out to Jason Cass Sharon Emek LinkedIn Work At Home Vintage Experts Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind Advertisers: AI Mastermind- Sign up for AI Mastermind from December 20th to December 31st. Use the code LOYALLISTENER and get your first month for free. We Got Your Podcast

Join Tony to discuss how starting a new agency has changed in today's new age.

From being a Middle Child to having his name spelled & said incorrectly, PTL Insurance Brokers Inc Vice President Bryon Pedevillano chats with host James Lott Jr. Bryon shares the one thing he feels everyone should experience that will help them in life; working with his Dad and two brothers; what he has learned while working in Insurance and why Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers should join IIABCal. He is also the incoming President of IIABCal. Goto ptlinsurance.com#BIGI #IIABCAL #insurance

My Future Business Show Interview With CHARLES READ #payroll #thepayrollbook #charlesread Hi, and welcome to the show! On today's My Future Business Show I have the pleasure of spending time with Marine Corp Sergeant, Charted Public Accountant (CPA), U.S tax Corp Practitioner (USTCP), member of Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC), author of ‘The PayRoll Book' and founder of ‘GetPayroll', Mr. Charles Read. Chris is a 25-year Rotary Club Member, past Chairman of Rotary Club of Dallas, and has board and membership roles with the American Institute of CPA's, Texas society of CPA's, board of Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas, National Association of Health Underwriters, Independent Insurance Agents of America and the American Payroll Association. Charles, an accomplished senior executive and entrepreneur with more than fifty years of financial leadership experience in a broad range of industries, and his companies have provided full-service payroll services, payroll tax services, and other payroll-related services since 1991. During the call, Chris provides insights into how failing to comply with the withholding, tax remittance and report filing requirements for business payroll can come at a high cost to business owners, and how his latest book “The Payroll Book: A Guide for Small Businesses and Startups” can help you avoid these problems. This book is a valuable resource for small business owners as well as for entrepreneurs who are planning a new venture. You will find that the book is well-organized, thoughtfully written and offers a practical approach for managing your payroll process. To get your copy of The Payroll Book, or to contact Charles directly, click below.

Aubie Knight, president and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) joins the podcast to breakdown a new study his organization recently published based survey results from independent agents and impact of COVID-19 on their business. Get more: https://ryanhanley.com/Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aubie Knight, president and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) joins the podcast to breakdown a new study his organization recently published based survey results from independent agents and impact of COVID-19 on their business. Get more: https://ryanhanley.com/

Aubie Knight, president and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) joins the podcast to breakdown a new study his organization recently published based survey results from independent agents and impact of COVID-19 on their business. Get more: https://ryanhanley.com/

As Invest, the insurance education program affiliated with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, or the Big “I,” turns 50 this year it is launching new strategic initiatives aimed at attracting and developing talent in the agency system. Invest Executive Director Deborah Pickford and current Big “I” Invest Chair Lindsey Shank say the organization is experiencing robust growth and is adapting its programming to address new learning styles, create earn-and-learn opportunities for newcomers to the industry, and attract a diverse talent population. The post Invest Rolling Out New Programs to Attract Talent to Independent Agency System appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Steve Anderson, MA, is a trusted authority on risk, technology, productivity, and innovation. He has over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is also the author of The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazon (Morgan James , September 2019). Anderson is a professional speaker, writer, and “futurist.” His speaking portfolio includes presentations on the future of technology, the influence of social platforms, how businesses can leverage the internet, and how they can assess and use risk to their advantage. He was chosen as one of the original 150 LinkedIn Influencers and has over 340,000 followers. For the past two decades he has served as the president of The Anderson Network. Prior to that, he served eight years as Vice President of Cadenhead Shreffler Insurance, and 12 years at Gilbride Insurance Agency. He is a Certified Insurance Counselor with numerous honors earned including #10 Influencer to Know in the World of Insurtech; Insurance's Top 100 Individual Influencers on Twitter; and an Insurance Automaton Award recipient. He serves as the co-chair for Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America's ACT API Workgroup. For the past quarter-century, he has been a member of the faculty for The National Alliance for Insurance Education Research. He has co-hosted The Digital Broker Podcast over the past year and a half. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics from Taylor University and a Master's Degree in Legal Studies with an emphasis in Insurance Law from University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law. Steve and his wife, Karen, have two married daughters, and seven young grandchildren. They live in historic Franklin, Tennessee. For more information, please consult: www.thebezosletters.com

Coffee Talk is a Weekly Chat between The Insurance Dudes Hosts, Jason Feltman and Craig Pretzinger.Jason Feltman is a Captive insurance agency owner location in Huntington Beach, CA, with 10+ employees, and has been awarded best in company from his carrier for multiple years.Craig Pretzinger is a 10-year veteran in the captive space, who has won multiple honor rings, and the esteemed Inner Circle at his carrier. He is located in Tucson, Arizona, with 3 locations.The Insurance Dudes LOVE to chat about relevant topics that will help their fellow agents with marketing, sales, hiring, staffing, and with personal and business development. Do you have an idea that you'd like the Dudes to talk about? Email: admin@theinsurancedudespodcast.com Support the show (https://www.dudes4u.com)

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xWpYkBDJqIg  The basis of insurance is the customer relationship. During his keynote address at the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) Dr. Billy R. Williams of Inspire a Nation Business Mentoring (A Williams Investment Group Company) discusses how some insurance agents are losing the art of the relationship because of technology.

In today´s episode of Agency Intelligence, host Jason Cass celebrates the Mother’s Day month of May with the Month of the Insurance Woman by welcoming Jill Roth, Executive Vice President at Ahart, Frinzi & Smith, the national young agent of the year for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA) as well as one of their National InsurPac board members, and a proud mother and wife. Jill shares her expertise as an insurance agent, a vice president running an agency, and what it takes to multi-task in order to succeed in not just business, but also in your family life.

Becky and Laird talk about the traits of successful independent insurance agents. Also, it's been one year of Insurance Happy Hour, and we share some of our favorite episodes from the first year. Growth in 2019: Five common themes of successful independent insurance agents (https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/01/08/growth-in-2019-five-common-themes-of-successful-independent-insurance-agents/?kw=Growth%20in%202019:%20Five%20common%20themes%20of%20successful%20independent%20insurance%20agents&utm_source=email&utm_medium=enl&utm_campaign=newsflash&utm_content=20190108&utm_term=pc360) What will be insurance's biggest challenge in 2019? (https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/opinion/what-will-be-insurances-biggest-challenge-in-2019-121018.aspx) Welcome to Costco from 'Idiocracy' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py6gMdV5uKY) Favorite episodes from the first year of Insurance Happy Hour: Millennials & Insurance: Part 1 (https://www.insurancehappyhour.com/20) Millennials & Insurance: Part 2 (https://www.insurancehappyhour.com/21) On the Road at #Elevate18 (https://www.insurancehappyhour.com/14) Lemonade's Policy 2.0 (with guest Joey Giangola) (https://www.insurancehappyhour.com/15) Something Funnier (with guest Justin Costa) (https://www.insurancehappyhour.com/24) Not Your Normal InsureTech Happy Hour (https://www.insurancehappyhour.com/23) Season 2! (https://www.insurancehappyhour.com/25) Why We Started a Podcast (https://www.insurancehappyhour.com/7)

In this Episode, we introduce Mike Willits, Director or Commercial Lines for Pacific Crest Independent Insurance Alliance. Mike gives us a look into the new Commercial University and explains why NOW is an amazing time in the industry to be building a commercial book of business. Huge insights here and a MUST listen for Independent Insurance Agents.

Matt has spent his career in the world of insurance.  He heads up the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin and faces the challenge of a industry in pivot.  New technology is changing the way consumers are acquiring insurance in both positive and negative ways.  Matt is positioning his organization to handle these changes and finding future opportunities for growth.  Whether you are in the insurance industry or not, this podcast is an important one for all business owners.

In an epic discussion about what it takes to run an independent insurance agency, agency owner Seth Zaremba of Zinc Insurance joins Agency Nation Radio to share his experience.

In an epic discussion about what it takes to run an independent insurance agency, agency owner Seth Zaremba of Zinc Insurance joins Agency Nation Radio to share his experience.

Bill Wilson is the founder of Insurance Commentary, a blog featuring coverage, analysis, and opinions about property and casualty insurance issues. Before launching his website, Bill served as the Associate Vice President of Education and Research at the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. He was also the founder of the Big “I” Virtual University, where he served as Director for over 17 years. Bill joins me today to share his thoughts on the highly controversial topic of “insurance as a commodity” myth, which he wrote about in his article, The 6 Worst Things to Happen to Insurance in the Last 50 Years and was published in the December 2016 issue of IA Magazine. “It’s a perception by consumers that all insurance is the same” – Bill Wilson Today on Spot On Insurance: Why it is important to educate consumers on the differences between insurance policies. Tips for insurance carriers to refocus on insuring consumers instead of competing on price. How regulators can help overcome the insurance commodity myth How insurance agents can help consumers realize the true value of customer service, expertise, and benefits coverage. What consumers need to know about their policy coverage.   Key Takeaways:  Don’t compete on price. Compete on consumer coverage and benefits. Educate yourself and your customers about their policy coverage. Take time to read your insurance policy and ask questions.  Resources Mentioned: www.insurancecommentary.com blog by Bill Wilson  This episode was brought to you by… Spot On Insurance is brought to you by Insurance Licensing Services of America (ILSA), America’s Premier Insurance Licensing experts. To learn more about ILSA and their services, visit ILSAinc.com.  Connect, Learn, Share Thank you for joining us on this week’s episode of Spot On Insurance. For more resources and episodes, visit SpotOnInsurance.com. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Love what you’re learning, Spot Light your review on iTunes and share your favorite episodes with friends and colleagues!  

In a highly regulated industry like insurance, politics play significant role in the velocity of the marketplace. Bob Rusbuldt, president and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers and America gives us the breakdown on the current state and political climate as it relates to the insurance industry. Get more Agency Nation Radio here.

In a highly regulated industry like insurance, politics play significant role in the velocity of the marketplace. Bob Rusbuldt, president and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers and America gives us the breakdown on the current state and political climate as it relates to the insurance industry. Get more Agency Nation Radio here.

Listen as Marty Agather interview Madelyn Flannagan of the Independent Insurance Agents and Broker of America on their recent Best Practices Report. Madelyn Flannagan is the Vice President of Agency Development, Education and Research at the IIABA (aka The Big I). Each year the Big I selects a group of agencies achieving substantial results and breaks down what makes these agencies successful. Get more Agency Nation Radio here.

Listen as Marty Agather interview Madelyn Flannagan of the Independent Insurance Agents and Broker of America on their recent Best Practices Report. Madelyn Flannagan is the Vice President of Agency Development, Education and Research at the IIABA (aka The Big I). Each year the Big I selects a group of agencies achieving substantial results and breaks down what makes these agencies successful. Get more Agency Nation Radio here.

Nathan Riedel, VP of Political Affairs for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, joins Agency Nation Radio to breakdown the very important, yet often overlooked, work done by the Big I Government Affairs team. Seriously, we insurance agents are able to do our jobs in a meaningful and effective manner because of these men and women. This is an important episode. Get more Agency Nation Radio here.

Nathan Riedel, VP of Political Affairs for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, joins Agency Nation Radio to breakdown the very important, yet often overlooked, work done by the Big I Government Affairs team. Seriously, we insurance agents are able to do our jobs in a meaningful and effective manner because of these men and women. This is an important episode. Get more Agency Nation Radio here.

Chris Amhrein is the president of Insurance is Fun, and when you listen to this podcast, you’ll quickly grasp the wit and humor behind the industry expert and history buff himself. Time flies when you’re having fun, and that applies to insurance talk too! Join this insightful conversation where he talks about the industry: historically, generationally, operationally and ‘potentially,’ and see how easily it spilled over to an hour-long podcast. He challenges his listeners on what it means to stay atop of marketing strategy and technique: “If I can find anyone in the world, why you?”Bio:  Chris Amhrein is a veteran in the industry, who like many, stumbled into the business as a post-college graduate.  He spent many years as a full-time educator/VP-Education for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents and VP-Education for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America which brought him around nationally giving seminars on everything from agency management to the claims made CGL. He is now a speaker, consultant, seminar leader and training developer, and resides in Lorton, Virginia, with the love of his life (and wife) Donna and youngest son Alexandru (21). His two older sons - Patrick, 37 and Kevin, 35 – are doing quite well without him.

Charlotte View presents LaTorre Insurance Group, a leading independent insurance agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Claudia and Victoria Interview Richard LaTorre, CEO of the Agency. Auto * Home * Health * Business * Life * Annuities. LaTorre Insurance Group are Independent Agents, which means they work for and represent their customers by advising them on the most appropriate coverage, risk, limits and price. They are focused on helping you find the best insurance coverage at the best possible price. They offer auto, home, condo, renters, motorcycle, business, health and life insurance policies including annuities. We also work closely with the construction industry and offer worker's compensation, general liability, builder's risk and commercial auto policies. Latorre Insurance Group works directly with industry leading insurance companies like: The Hartford Zurich Allianz American General Progressive Main Street America Group Builders Mutual GMAC Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina They work with various A-rated insurance carriers in order to offer you an array of options. Unlike captive agents who represent and work exclusively for one insurance company, Latorre Insurance Group offers different coverage and pricing options from among multiple insurance companies. This is in the best interest of the customer. Stop worrying about insurance. They can manage all your policies for you. Call and get a free no obligation comparison quote. Charlotte Office: 704-566-8181 Monroe Office: 704-238-8000 Greensboro Office: 336-609-7027  Info@LatorreInsurance.comSee More

Interview with Dick Poppa, president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New York, who discusses the marketing needs of the independent agency channel. Also, why independent agents are representing fewer companies and how those companies have to compete harder to secure that business.