Agency Intelligence

Why do we assume something has to be complicated to be valuable? That question sparked a spontaneous recording session after ⁠Erik Garcia⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, walked into ⁠Xavier Angel⁠’s office to unload a bit of planner frustration. Joined by co-host Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, the two dive into the false narrative that complexity equals effectiveness when it comes to financial planning. Spoiler: it doesn’t. In this unscripted and honest conversation, Erik and Xavier explore why simplicity should always be the starting point in financial planning. They break down the difference between necessary complexity and unnecessary confusion—and how chasing sophistication too soon can sabotage progress. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your financial plan (or someone tried to impress you with one), this episode is for you. Follow the show and share it with someone who needs a little more clarity and a lot less clutter. Episode Highlights: Erik explains the myth that complexity is better than simplicit

Fresh off the Insurance Agent Summit, Jason Cass shares a quick take on what growing agencies really need to hear. It’s not just about writing more—it's about fixing what’s slowing you down. Let’s talk efficiency, automation, and the future of your agency. Key Topics: Why increasing efficiency is the only path to sustainable productivity The Swing Efficiency Score (SES): what it is and how it transforms agency operations When and why to bring on VEs or automation instead of more staff The difference between doing more with less vs. doing less to get more Redefining team metrics: revenue per human layer vs. headcount The mindset shift from tasks and departments to job types and roles Introduction to the AI 2030 Manual and what it means for the future of insurance agencies Reach out to: Jason Cass Visit Website: Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Front Cover: A Rough Notes Podcast on the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network, Jason Cass sits down with Monica Adwani, CEO of Breezy Seguros, the agency featured on the June 2025 front cover of Rough Notes Magazine.  Key Topics: Leading agency transformation through culture and accountability. Why understanding minority consumer behavior is key to sustainable growth. Creating systems that meet customers where they are—especially in multicultural markets. Firing fast: the bold leadership decision that sparked momentum. Building a service-driven agency by integrating tech and customer behavior. Using AI to scale efficiently without sacrificing human connection. Tapping into the Hispanic market—the fastest-growing wealth demographic in the U.S. Reach out to: Monica Adwani Jason Cass Visit Website: Breezy Seguros Rough Notes Magazine Produced by PodSquad.fm

Jason interviews Matthew Vega-Sanz, CEO of GAIL, to break down how GAIL went from startup speed to enterprise scale. GAIL GPT is here—built for insurance, trained in the industry, and ready to take work off your plate. From smarter workflows to real-time insights, it’s everything agents didn’t know they needed. Key Topics: Rebuilding GAIL to handle explosive growth: from 3,000 to 150,000 calls per hour. Introducing GAIL GPT: an insurance-specific alternative to ChatGPT. AI compliance and legal accuracy: citing statutes, correcting errors, and risk mitigation. Custom personas: AI as a compliance officer, claims adjuster, or finance VP. Real-time insights from calls and predictive integration with raters and AMS. Redefining agency productivity: doing more with fewer people, without sacrificing service. The future of insurance AI: automation, vertical integration, and domain-specific models. Reach out to: Matthew Vega-Sanz Jason Cass Visit Website:

In this throwback episode, originally aired on January 4, 2023, Josh Gurley, Insurance Agency Owner at HM Advisors, redefines what it means to be an advisor. Josh explains how truly understanding your clients’ risks and proactively servicing them sets top-tier advisors apart, turning your sales process into a relationship-building tool for long-term success.Episode Links:Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com/HM Advisors: https://www.hm-advisors.com/LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ LinkedIn:Elliot BassettRyan BrottJosh Gurley This episode is sponsored by LAUNCH. In the world of insurance, independent agencies fight to survive. Brokers are forced to compete by blocking markets and bid for the lowest price. Worse yet, the industry is fragmented. Agencies find it difficult to collaborate across division on the same client. Millions of dollars in potential revenue are left on the table. And agency owners lie awake at night

Forget business as usual. Jason Cass lays out why now’s the time for agencies to rethink their models, leverage tech, and get serious about efficiency. Big shifts are coming, and this episode sets the tone. Key Topics: Why agencies must prioritize transformation over simple change Understanding the real versus artificial intelligence in the insurance industry. Breaking down the future labor model: licensed staff, VEs, managed bots, and autonomous bots How AI is closing the gap between small agencies and enterprise-level capabilities The upcoming "Agency Intelligence Efficiency Score" and what it means for your agency Predictions on universal income and how automation will impact societal structure The battle for agents' time and money — and how to win it by 2030 Reach out to: Jason Cass Visit Website: Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of the Stuff About Money They Didn't Teach You in School podcast, host ⁠⁠Erik Garcia⁠⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, shares a practical financial strategy he personally uses—what he calls practicing your future payment. Whether you’re planning to buy a home, send a child to college, or take on any significant financial commitment, Erik walks through how simulating that future expense now can reduce stress, build confidence, and help you make smarter money decisions. Plus, he dives into the psychology behind this tactic, including why naming a savings account after your future goal can be surprisingly powerful. Erik outlines three reasons to practice your future payment and three key benefits that come from doing it, including building a custom emergency fund and creating margin before you need it. Backed by behavioral research and real-world application, this episode offers a clear, actionable approach to preparing for life’s financial milestones. If this helps you, share it with someone else who’s f

Check out:⁠ https://permissiongroup.com/permission-producer-school/⁠ Imagine setting twice as many new business appointments with your prospects, tripling your win percentage, writing more accounts, writing larger-revenue generating accounts, and winning most (all?) of these new clients by signed Broker of Record Letter, rather than going through a normal quoting process. Sound to good to be true? Well, it's not. It's exactly what I teach and train my Producer clients to do. And, in this throwback podcast interview, host ⁠Charles Specht⁠ will tell you what the one thing is that you need to do FIRST in order to make all of this come true. Key Topics: The importance of choosing a micro-niche  How a focused niche helps create effective scripts, marketing, and branding Aligning your niche with your carriers' preferred markets for better results Examples of agents succeeding by specializing in unique industries Why focusing on fewer, high-value clients is more effective than spreading too

In this throwback episode, originally aired on July 17, 2024, Brandon Schuh of Christensen Group challenges the traditional insurance model by asking: what if you ran your agency like a law firm? Brandon unpacks how positioning yourself as a trusted advisor—not a quote machine—can transform client relationships, streamline your sales process, and unlock long-term growth. Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com Christensen Group Insurance: https://www.christensengroup.com LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515 Ryan Brott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brott-cepa%C2%AE-77a278a Brandon Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh This episode is sponsored by LAUNCH. In the world of insurance, independent agencies fight to survive. Brokers are forced to compete by blocking markets and bid for the lowest price. Wo

The future of insurance agencies isn’t about change—it’s about transformation. Jason Cass breaks down the AI-driven blueprint for 2030, redefining leadership, performance, and what it means to stay competitive. Key Topics: What the agency of 2030 will look like Redefining productivity with Revenue Per Human Layer Why transformation beats change in agency growth The Law of the Lid: Leadership Limits Effectiveness Scaling with Virtual Intelligence and smart hiring Agency consolidation and generational shifts Early access to the AI adoption manual Reach out to: Jason Cass Visit Website: Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

Asking for the signed BOR is part science and part art. And, timing is everything! You need to be careful to not ask too soon and also to not waiver on the fence of indecision by never getting around to popping the actual question. In this throwback episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host ⁠Charles Specht⁠ will teach you how to ask for the signed Broker of Record Letter at just the right time (not too soon and not too late) and how to ask with just the right words to get what you want. Why is this so important? Because ... you rarely get what you don't ask for! Also, PERMISSION PRODUCER SCHOOL launches on October 14th - 18th. Get registered before it is too late! Go to:⁠ www.PermissionProducerSchool.com⁠ Key Topics: Ask for the Broker of Record (BOR) letter at the right time to maximize success Help prospects recognize pain points with their current agent before asking for the BOR Position yourself as the solution with a clear 12-month service plan Asking too soon can b

David Sliman, CEO of Sales Proformance Consulting, is back! We dive deep into the core principles that drive a highly effective sales presentation. David has worked with hundreds of sales team to teach them how to set themselves apart. He covers: setting the agenda up front, separating a sales presentation from a sales proposal, thinking of objections as building blocks (not road blocks), and avoiding the dreaded "email it to me" request at all costs. Enjoy the episode! Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com Sales Proformance Consulting: https://www.salesproformance.com LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-bassett-aip-cpcu-84499515 David Sliman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidslimansalespro This episode is sponsored by LAUNCH. In the world of insurance, independent agencies fight to survive. Brokers are forced to compete by blocking markets and bi

In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP®, welcomes back longtime guest and college funding expert John Hupalo from MyCollegeCorner.com. As Erik navigates the emotional rollercoaster of planning for his own child’s college costs, he brings listeners along for a candid conversation about the realities of paying for school when savings and cash flow aren’t enough. From the tension between dreams and debt to that Rodrigue Blue Dog artwork hanging behind John in New York, this episode blends practical advice with real-world emotion. Erik and John dive deep into the differences between federal Parent PLUS loans and private student loans—unpacking the risks, benefits, repayment structures, and emotional consequences of each. They also share smart strategies for comparing options, planning payments, and managing expectations. Whether you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed or a financial professional advising clients, this conversation is packed with insight. If you enjoy the episode, follow t

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass pulls back the curtain on how he structures his day and week for maximum productivity. From 4 AM mornings to tight calendar control, he shares the real-life routines, delegation strategies, and mindset that keep his multiple ventures running smoothly. Key Topics: Delegating like a CEO: Jason's approach to hiring smart and letting go Building an executive team to scale across multiple ventures Why Parkinson’s Law is central to Jason's calendar and productivity Secrets to starting the day at 4 AM without burning out How Jason blocks his week for strategic deep work and leadership Leveraging AI, automation, and executive assistants to reclaim time The compound effect of preparing the night before Reach out to: Jason Cass Visit Website: Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Front Cover: A Rough Notes Podcast on the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network, Jason Cass sits down with Doris "Dee" Zampella,  owner and principal of EAB Group, the agency featured on the May 2025 front cover of Rough Notes Magazine.  Key Topics: A woman-founded agency growing across three generations Transitioning from personal to commercial and nonprofit focus Organic growth through referrals and relationships How mission-driven marketing elevated their brand Empowering women and embracing hybrid work Firing clients who don’t align with core values Emotional intelligence and female leadership in insurance Reach out to: Doris "Dee" Zampella Jason Cass Visit Website: EAB Group Rough Notes Magazine Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this throwback episode, originally aired on September 1, 2022, Andrew Atkinson, Business Insurance Professional from INSURICA Southwest, joined the show to discuss the best ways to provide value to your clients, prospects, and your team. Andrew brings a thorough and practical understanding of commercial insurance, with a specialization in Workers’ Compensation. He works with clients to help them improve their Experience Modifier (E-Mod) rating, lower their total cost of risk, and win contracts at the bidding table. Becoming a successful advisor is not easy, but Andrew has some tips to make things clear to those who need some fresh takes. As a thought leader, Andrew has spoken at the Arizona Construction Industry Annual Conference, the One Hundred Year Birthday of Workers’ Compensation Summit in Wausau, Wisconsin, and eleven different trade associations in four different states. This episode features special guest host Ben Woods.  Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.

In this episode of the Scratch Agency podcast, hosts Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald welcome James Monreale, founder of SoundRisk LLC. The conversation covers James's journey in the insurance industry, the importance of building strong relationships with wholesalers, and the niche of builders risk and terrorism insurance. They discuss the significance of good submissions and explore the complexities of terrorism coverage in insurance. The episode emphasizes the value of communication and collaboration in the insurance field, particularly for scratch agents.

In this executive session of Agency Intelligence, host Jason Cass sits down with Ryan Hanley, CMO of Linqura, for a bold conversation on evolving as a leader, letting go of ego, and how AI is transforming the insurance game.  Ryan also opens up about parenting, culture, and what it really takes to grow. Key Topics: Navigating the seasons of leadership and evolving roles as businesses grow. Why shedding your ego is essential to leveling up as an entrepreneur. How diverse career experiences create unmatched perspective and adaptability. The three human roles that remain in an AI-driven insurance future. Linqura’s mission is to make every agent a specialist with real-time insights and data. How parenting challenges mirror leadership—building resilience through real talk. What true culture building looks like (and what it doesn’t). Reach out to:  Ryan Hanley Jason Cass Visit Website: Linqura Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

We’re excited to welcome The Scratch Agency Podcast to the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network! Hosted by Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald, this show follows their real-time journey as scratch agency owners - sharing wins, challenges, and the mindset it takes to dig deep, believe in yourself, and own your future. In Episode 114, Shawn goes solo to share exciting updates and insights for agency owners and entrepreneurs. He dives into the growing impact of virtual employees, announces the upcoming Scratch Agency Meetup, and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the elevated video production planned for the event. It’s a value-packed episode you won’t want to miss!

Let’s face it… tech is taking over! But sometimes, nothing beats the power of a face-to-face meeting. In this throwback episode, originally aired on February 8, 2023, we sit down with Michael Bodack to explore how personal connection can be the ultimate sales differentiator. Michael breaks down his proven approach to client relationships and reveals strategies to stay competitive in a digital-first world. Episode Links: Ellerbrock-Norris: https://www.ellerbrock-norris.com/ Ellerbrock-Norris Wealth Strategies: https://www.ellerbrock-norris-ws.com/ LAUNCH: https://getlaunch.io/ Elliot Bassett Ryan Brott Michael Bodack This episode is sponsored by LAUNCH. In the world of insurance, independent agencies fight to survive. Brokers are forced to compete by blocking markets and bid for the lowest price. Worse yet, the industry is fragmented. Agencies find it difficult to collaborate across division on the same client. Millions of dollars in potential revenue are left on the table. And agency owners lie awake a