Agency Intelligence

In this special on-location episode of Agency Freedom Podcast, James talks shop with Ryan Hanley, Mitch Gibson, and David Carothers. A variety of topics are chopped up and a lively, entertaining conversation ensues. Join the Agency Freedom Podcast Facebook Group To sign up for Agency Freedom Podcast's email list, please visit Agency Freedom Podcast Email podcast@riskwell.com with ideas, questions, complaints, or your favorite grilling recipe.

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan Hanley is joined by Erik Garcia, CFP®, owner of Garcia Insurance Services and Garcia Financial Group. Ryan & Erik discuss what it means to set goals and actually make those goals a reality. Erik is one of the most thoughtful insurance professionals in the game. You are going to love this episode. Episode Highlights: Ryan and Erik discuss an insurance podcaster chat group. (12:20) Erik shares about his Brainshare experience in September. (14:12) Erik explains why agency owners and employees must be 100% expendable. (20:45 ) Erik adds that as a business owner, his value for his agency is as a visionary and strategist. (23:15) Erik discusses the importance of business owners determining what they are working towards and what their end game is. (26:32) Erik mentions that business owners must be concerned for their staff. (28:46) Erik discusses why business owners should evaluate their role in the business. (31:26) Erik explains why perception is realit

Unless you have the "pen" for one of the carriers, you don't determine price or rates. The underwriter has all of the control for that. So, the competition really takes place at the "underwriting level" and not at the "retail agent" level.  Why do your prospects think they can get better quotes by working with multiple agents? ANSWER: Because they don't know any better. If you can clearly articulate to the prospect that you will ensure competition will take place with the underwriters, you should be able to BOR all of the markets you want.  That's what host Charles Specht talks about in this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast. Episode Highlights: Charles discusses the factors that lead to a lack of trust in the insurance relationship. (2:06) Charles explains why a lack of qualified competition to motivate the current broker is not in the insured's best interests. (6:13) Charles discusses his responsibilities to an insured who likes the current agent. (10:04) Charles shares several

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa sits down with her inner circle and discusses imposter syndrome. They discuss how they see themselves, how others see them, and how it has impacted their careers. Episode Highlights: Teresa explains what imposter syndrome is. (3:21) Beth mentions one of her first breakthroughs. (9:11) Ashley shares the experience of having professional peers see her in a different light. (9:42) Kai gives her thoughts on the word “imposter”. (10:29) Beth gives insight on how imposter syndrome has affected her. (17:34) Ashley explains why sometimes they don't give themselves enough credit. (19:56) Kai shares why social media plays a huge role in their industry. (22:33) What are some things that help Lisa tackle the feeling of imposter syndrome? (27:33) Lisa explains how body language helps her with confidence. (32:25) Key Quotes: “I feel like the kid that’s sitting on the bus seat by ourselves, with no friends until I met you lovely ladies, unti

In this episode of Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Chris Cheatham, Vice President of Product and Content Marketing at Bold Penguin. Jason and Chris discuss what's ahead for the Insurtech industry, the importance of cyber liability, and the new products that Bold Penguin is developing for agents.   Episode Highlights: Chris explains what Risk Genius was all about. (2:34) How did Chris become the Luke Skywalker of insurance? (3:29) Is Chris an Android or iPhone user? (3:56) Jason shares about his 75 HARD journey. (6:45) Does Chris love to win or hate to lose? (8:49) What does Chris attribute to his success, skill or luck? (15:48) Chris discusses what Bold Penguin does for agents. (17:23) Chris talks about their new product, consumer quote start. (20:42) Could Chris consider himself well enough in the world of insurtech? (21:48) Chris expresses interest in seeing what the next wave of insurtech will be. (22:20) Jason and Chris discuss the significance of cyber liability.

Many insurance brokers "ghost" their clients once the dust of the policy binding process settles. They move on to other things and conveniently "forget" to implement the services they promised the insured in exchange for their business. Or, they just flat out provide poor customer service after the sale. In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht explains how you can win more signed BOR's from your prospects by proving you provide superior customer service. Episode Highlights: Charles mentions that there is an issue with trust in the insurance industry, and it is the result of things that insurance agents have done in the past.  (3:42) Charles explains that his goal is to assist insurance agents in knowing how to produce a better customer service product and experience in order to win more business. (4:56) Charles believes that when people grow more successful in the insurance business and get more clients, it becomes more difficult to provide excellent customer s

In this episode of Agency Freedom Podcast, James talks with Rob Bowen, Founder and CEO of Patriotic Insurance Group in Chester, NY. James and Rob discuss Rob's Freedom Jump, lessons learned as a former Farmers Agency owner, and his involvement in the Suits For Soldiers organization. Visit Agency Freedom Podcast to sign up for our email list, be a potential future guest on the show or engage with us personally.

Most insurance brokers don't have a "Plan of Attack" when it comes to representing their prospects/clients in the marketplace.  In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht explains that the producers who get the most signed BOR's are those brokers who can effectively explain, to the insured, how they will handle the renewal process with each of the carriers and, specifically, how they will be a fierce negotiator on their behalf to ensure the best T&C's and the lowest premiums possible. Episode Highlights: Charles recalls what he has discussed in his previous episodes. (1:03) Charles shares the reasons why insurance buyers, predominantly construction companies, hire him to manage the insurance renewal process on their behalf. (7:05) Charles explains why getting broker record letters and winning has become difficult. (8:53) Charles describes the super producers who have a million-dollar book of business. (11:34) Charles explains why you need to do different thing

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan Hanley interviews Peter MacDonald, co-founder, and CEO at Wunderite. Peter discusses insurance start-ups, entrepreneurship, and how independent agents can make commercial insurance submissions better. This is an episode you don't want to miss... Episode Highlights: Peter explains what Wunderite is and what they do. (11:59) Peter mentions that Wunderite's goal is to make it simpler for agents to gather the data they need from customers, to make it incredibly easy, and to make it available on any device. (13:25) Peter mentions that Wunderite software is designed with the customer in mind and it allows customers to use the program in their own unique way. (14:57) Peter explains why Wunderite is focused on making their software easier to use than a pen and paper for their customers. (20:53) Peter explains how Wunderite fits into the day-to-day operations of the customer. (23:36) Peter mentions that one of their primary goals for this year is to have acord

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Dustyne Bryant, MBA, CIC, CISR, and Cathariya Ferris, CIC, CRM, CPCU, CLCS, AU, of The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. Teresa, Dustyne, and Cat discuss the importance of leveling up our insurance education and the excitement of digging deep in the industry. Episode Highlights: Dustyne shares how she got into the insurance industry. (1:34) Dustyne mentions her role at National Alliance. (5:36) Dustyne explains why she invited Cat to be her co-host in the Awkward Insurance podcast. (7:50) Cat shares how she got into the insurance industry. (9:27) Cat mentions one of the reasons why she’s thrilled to work at the National Alliance. (13:19) Cat explains why it’s important to understand why insurance matters. (18:23) Dustyne shares how someone can learn to love the insurance industry. (20:01) Dustyne mentions what they strive to do at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. (21:23)

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass is joined by Kelly Donahue-Piro, President of Agency Performance Partners to discuss the solutions to the problems that the majority of agencies are experiencing. Kelly also talks about their courses and training, which can help agents and agencies improve. Episode Highlights: What’s Kelly’s opinion about the role of Jason Cass with his partner Travis? (10:32) Kelly advises Jason on whether he should hire someone to manage his company. (12:05) Kelly recommends that agency owners establish a vision of where they want to go in 10 years. (15:38) Kelly believes that there is a lack of execution rather than a shortage of solutions to the hiring problem. (16:37) What are the benefits of the great resignation for insurance agents? (17:16) Kelly thinks that every agency must fight for what it needs and also be intentional and strategic. (19:59) Kelly discusses their online school and the process pack that can be purchased on their website.

In this episode of Agency Freedom Podcast, James shares a lively and far-reaching conversation with Ricky Hayter, Mike Fusco, and Nicholas Ayers while attending the BrainShare gathering in San Antonio in Sept 2021. To sign up for our Agency Freedom Podcast email list, please visit Agency Freedom Podcast

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan Hanley is joined by Wade Eyerly, founder and CEO of Degree Insurance. Wade discusses how to establish an insurance product where one didn’t previously exist. Wade is a tremendous person, and Ryan and Wade take this conversation in a variety of directions. You don't want to miss this episode... Episode Highlights: Wade explains what led him to Utah. (8:51) Wade discusses the concept of Degree Insurance. (18:40) Wade discusses how he became a missionary. (28:43) Wade explains why he chose Moscow to serve as a missionary volunteer. (31:09) Wade shares the story of how they helped a man they met quit smoking. (33:44) Wade mentions that building genuine friendships rather than trying to network with everyone under the sun gives much greater results. (44:25) Wade believes that trust stems from shared experience, which cannot be rushed. (48:30) Wade believes that insurance is a fantastic industry in which you do not have to be the brightest person on the

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Jennifer Standish, owner of Prospecting Works. Jennifer has a company that helps people with cold calling success. Episode Highlights: Jennifer shares how her passion for cold calling began. (2:24) Jennifer mentions what she loves about cold calling and helping people confront their call. (3:30) Does Jennifer think that women are better at cold calling than men? (4:50) Jennifer shares how she works directly with people to help them overcome their fears in cold calling. (7:10) Jennifer mentions her appreciation for commercial insurance. (9:51) What’s the process when someone wants to start with cold calling? (12:14) Jennifer lists some of the programs they offer at Prospecting Works. (22:28) Jennifer shares a success story about someone she has helped. (28:35) Jennifer mentions why she thinks that women could have a tremendous opportunity in cold calling. (35:30) Does Jennifer think that texting has changed the cult

In this throwback episode of the Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Billy Williams, Ph.D., CEO of the Williams Family Investment Group, and the President of Inspire a Nation Business Mentoring. Dr. Billy Williams talks about goals and sales processes and understanding what calendar blocking is all about. Episode Highlights: Dr. Billy Williams shares his background. (7:54) How did Dr. Billy Williams learn to play golf? (14:49) Dr. Billy Williams shares why every agency should have a set standard that they recommend to their customers, a minimum recommended coverage standard. (22:41) Dr. Billy Williams mentions his goal in the sales process. (27:05) Dr. Billy Williams shares the elements in understanding the calendar blocking. (34:06) What made Dr. Billy Williams decide to enter the military? (56:49) Dr. Billy Williams shares a story about his conversation with Jason and Travis. (59:24) Dr. Billy Williams mentions the book The Compound Effect, by Darren Hardy and Can’t Hurt

Communicating with others well directly impacts your outcomes. In this episode of the Age of Indiependence podcast, host Katlyn Eggar interviews Amanda Mapp, Education Manager at Quantum Assurance. Amanda talks about the DISC personality types, how to better understand people with different personality types from yours, and how to deal with personality differences! Episode Highlights: Amanda talks about the Leadership Academy at Quantum Assurance. (5:10) Amanda discusses why she wants to bring the DISC personality traits to people's attention. (5:57) Amanda discusses the DISC personality type classifications. (13:33) Amanda discusses the personality of someone with the D "Director" personality type. (17:25) Amanda explains that, while there is a formula that may work for many conversations, there will always be something that needs to be adjusted depending on the customer. (22:31) Amanda shares why she has a soft spot for those with the I personality type. (24:03) What are some of the things tha

In this episode of Agency Freedom Podcast, James talks with Jeremy Powers, the Founder of Powers Insurance Experts in South Carolina. Visit the Agency Freedom Podcast website to sign up for our email list and receive updates and resources directly in your inbox every Friday morning.

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan Hanley interviews Raymond Lynch, Vice President of Growth at Coterie Insurance. Raymond talks about his transition from Liberty Mutual to Coterie Insurance, and why small business insurance is the place to be. Episode Highlights: Raymond discusses his decision to transition from Liberty Mutual to Coterie. (11:45) Raymond adds that he's back to doing what he loves, which is leading people and helping them achieve their goals. (17:05) Raymond believes that we need to improve our change management skills across the whole value chain. (22:41) Raymond shares what he’s noticed with all the API technology that everyone’s talking about. (28:21) Raymond explains why transparency has to come to insurance. (33:09) Raymond explains where data comes from, how it's used, and how it's helping to improve the process. (41:06) Raymond shares the most important thing they’ve learned through their journey. (49:18) Raymond discusses the aspects of coding that he enjoys

The biggest problem insurance agents struggle with is not market access or even a lack of services provided by their agency. The biggest problem is a lack of trust from your prospects. In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, host Charles Specht breaks down ten of the main reasons why insurance buyers don't trust you -- and then gives you the answer of how to overcome the first one!  Episode Highlights: Charles discusses why the insurance business lacks trust. (3:35) Charles discusses why he started a consulting company called "Constructive Risk". (6:32) Charles expresses his hope to see the insurance business improve. (11:28) Charles discusses the main reasons why your prospect shouldn't trust you. (12:15) Charles mentions that most insurance customers are surprised when they discover how much insurance agents are paid vs how little assistance they actually receive. (15:04) Charles explains why inexperienced brokers pursuing quotes from the incorrect market access points is

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Lisa Hast, Agency Principal at Iron Rock Insurance. Lisa talks about the new flood insurance rates and what to expect beginning October 1st. Episode Highlights: Lisa shares her background story. (1:25) Lisa discusses what's going on in the flood insurance industry that we need to know about. (2:43) What will the flood insurance policy be like in the future and how will premiums be affected? (3:55) Are there any alternative options Lisa can think of for people to avoid these flood challenges? (6:52) Is there a difference between private flood and FEMA-oriented flood programs in terms of what lenders will accept? (14:13) Lisa discusses what they've done to get the information out about the flood insurance updates. (18:20) What advice can Lisa provide to members of her community team? (20:04) Does Lisa have any idea what the process is to get somebody grandfathered in? (21:48) Key Quotes: “I can tell you, as long as w