Agency Intelligence

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Zach Simmonds, Account Executive at Eber & Associates Insurance Services. Zach talks about his career as a new agent and his niche in the insurance industry. Episode Highlights: Zach shares his background. (5:14) What has attributed to Zach’s success, skill or luck? (10:03) Zach shares some of the strategies he uses to be successful. (13:52) Zach mentions his biggest learning curve. (18:28) Does Zach have any niches? (21:05) Zach shares the full package, plus work comp that they offer. (22:43) Zach shares his thoughts about having the right relationship. (35:12) Zach mentions what he’s currently doing in the agency. (39:26) Key Quotes: “I think in this industry, any sales position, you have to be willing to just kind of throw yourself in the fire.” - Zach Simmonds “I think people genuinely, for the most part, do want to help younger people in their career. hen youshow that you're willing to put the work in, I t

In this episode of Insurance In Your Words, an AI podcast series originally aired in 2016, host, Joey Giangola, talks to Troy Thompson about the importance of viewing your systems, processes and wow factor as a continued work in progress that are never fully complete.

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Bob Frady, CEO & Founder of HazardHub, joins the podcast to discuss the value of hazard risk data and why the secret to the future of insurance success is putting data to use for your business. This is an episode you don't want to miss… Episode Highlights: Bob mentions why January was an interesting month for them. (4:09) Bob shares why people think that they’re significantly larger. (7:50) Bob shares how HazardHub was created. (13:24) Bob mentions a couple of things they’ve figured out. (19:04) Bob mentions the focus of their business. (22:32) Bob shares why being an entrepreneur is not easy. (25:37) Bob explains why data is significant nowadays. (30:10) Bob Explains the risk of data being incorrect. (40:03) Bob shares the product they built called Agent Risk View. (50:21) Key Quotes: “Spending time on a spreadsheet, planning stuff out to me is not nearly as effective as going to some fundraiser that you think is a waste of time. Because

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Michelle Mosher, Founder, CEO of Southshore Insurance Professionals, and Michele Horwitz, Agency Owner of Bay Area Insurance Shop, Inc. Michelle and Michele talk about their approach to business and niche in the insurance industry. Episode Highlights: What has attributed to Michele and Michelle’s success, skill or luck? (7:28) Michelle and Michele share their career background. (10:31) Michelle mentions one of her goals when she opened her agency. (16:50) What’s the main niche of Michele’s agency? (20:37) Do Michele and Michelle agree that the amount of competition is based on the number of prospects? (24:40) Michelle mentions her biggest challenge, at present. (30:22) What’s something that’s been significantly helpful to Michelle when doing business? (33:26) Michelle and Michele give a piece of advice to the loyal listeners. (40:45) Key Quotes: “I think that insurance is still such a relationship business, that the

In this episode of the Age of Indiependence podcast, host Katlyn Eggar interviews three-time TedX speaker, best-selling author, and leadership guru Dr. Todd Dewett, PhD. Dr. Dewett shares with us how to lead authentically, inspire a creative work environment, and why we shouldn't be afraid to show our ink. Episode Highlights: Dr. Todd Dewett shares some of the books he authored. (4:47) Where does Dr. Todd Dewett get his stories? (5:48) Dr. Todd Dewett shares how he takes note of his ideas. (7:47) Dr. Todd Dewett mentions his TedX experience and his upcoming TedX talk. (8:25) Dr. Todd Dewett explains how he gets people to reframe their thoughts and learn. (11:33) Dr. Todd Dewett explains what business owners do to make sure that the culture they've created encourages innovation. (18:29) Dr. Todd Dewett explains the variables he’s seen in team cultures. . (22:50) Dr. Todd Dewett shares what the status bubble is all about. (27:25) Dr. Todd Dewett shares how a leader should address risks. (32:13

Back by popular demand, we dug deep into the archives and found an old podcast series from 2016 called, Insurance in Your Words. This podcast was hosted by the one and only, Joey Giangola, and is very unique in how it's recorded and delivered. In this episode, Joey shares how knowing the margins, (commission – time = profit) on each policy you sell and market will make sure you’re always preparing a healthy dish for your agency. If you have listened before or are listening for the first time, we're sure you'll enjoy!

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan is joined by Clint Pulver, Emmy Award winning keynote speaker, professional drummer, and author of I Love It Here. A former private pilot turned generational workforce expert, Clint has dedicated his professional career as the undercover millennial, uncovering the secrets to what leaders are doing right. Clint shows us how to be mentor-managers and why this particular management style is the key to future organizational growth. Episode Highlights: Clint shares his background. (9:04) Clint shares what being undercover is all about. (19:09) Clint mentions the magic of the research. (23:33) Has Clint worked in the insurance industry? (24:23) Clint mentions the four types of managers and management. (26:36) Clint shares the significance of mentorship. (29:35) Clint mentions the research he did during the pandemic. (34:12) Clint explains the five C’s of mentorship. (36:30) Key Quotes: “Sometimes we have no idea. You're in the right place, the right

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Quincy Branch, President, and CEO of Branch Benefits Consultants. Quincy shares how he built a successful career in the insurance industry, the importance of mentorship and what he’s learned from his acquisitions. Episode Highlights: What has attributed to Quincy’s success, skill or luck? (7:43) Quincy shares his background. (9:27) Quincy mentions one of his first ventures. (11:23) What does Quincy’s agency look like now? (16:37) Quincy shares what he worked on when he started in their agency. (18:42) Quincy shares his memories at the final four. (26:42) Quincy mentions the significance of constant grounding. (34:21) Quincy shares what he’s learned from the acquisitions. (40:41) Key Quotes: “There's no aspect of an agency that I haven't seen run. So you know, I may not be the best at it. But, at least I've seen it in some way, shape, or form.” - Quincy Branch “If I say, I found a niche and knowledge... benefits are

In this episode of the Age of Indiependence podcast, host Katlyn Eggar interviews Teresa Kitchens, agency owner of Sterling Insurance Group and podcast host. Teresa shares how she's upping her game with CRM skills, new recruits, and celebrating her competition. Episode Highlights: Teresa shares why she started the Power Women in Insurance podcast. (1:44) Teresa gives a short background about the company. (3:04) Teresa shares her experience at the Innovation Conference. (4:52) Teresa mentions the impact of social media on the insurance industry. (13:16) Teresa mentions the significance of being genuine. (17:02) Teresa shares the first Better Agency webinar she attended. (17:42) What was Teresa’s favorite part from the conference? (23:35) Teresa mentions some of the guests from her podcast. (32:32) Teresa shares how her life in the insurance industry has been. (36:17) Teresa shares the culture they have in the agency. (42:47) Key Quotes: “I love being a part of that voice in the industry

In this episode of the Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass is joined by Katlyn Eggar, host of Age of Indiependence Podcast. Listen as they discuss leads, retention and significant processes that are beneficial in a modern agency. Episode Highlights:  Does Jason think automated agencies will take over modern and hybrid agencies? (4:34) Katlyn explains the difference between the modern agency and the automated agency. (6:36)  What skills do we need to be ready for the future of technology? (9:10) Katlyn talks about how to scale processes. (10:58) Katlyn shares some of the most significant processes that you must have in your agency. (14:24) Jason shares where most people tend to have issues with customer experience. (22:36) Katlyn mentions what she loves about technology and automation. (24:23) Katlyn gives a couple of steps on how to close the sale. (28:56) Katlyn shares how the Quantum Assurance Agency has been doing. (41:59) Key Quotes: “If we're preparing ahead of time for thi

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan is joined by Brian Keating, Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of physics at the Center for Astrophysics & Space Sciences (CASS) in the department of physics at the University of California San Diego… and he's awesome. Episode Highlights: Brian shares how he sees the world differently. (8:57) Brian mentions why some people see science as a zero-sum game. (14:46) Brian mentions some of his guests on the show. (16:34) How does Brian approach big ideas? ? (19:24) Brian explains the motto in his YouTube channel. (22:16) Does Brian think that his openness and candor are inspiring other people? (23:07) Brian shares why he cares about artificial wisdom. (38:42) Brian shares why wisdom is significant. (40:46) Key Quotes: “I truly believe that if you don't examine the biggest questions, then you're kind of wasting this most precious gift that will soon be over. Your job is you to be an expert in minimizing risk and reducing rogue wave impacts, and so

In this episode of the Age of Indiependence podcast, host Katlyn Eggar discusses what scripts are all about. You can watch the scoreboard from the stands, or you can get in there and call the plays. Scripts allow you to run organized plays. Learn who should use scripts, the symptoms that you might need a better script, and the first 3 scripts you should write. Episode Highlights: Katlyn shares what scripts enable us to do. (1:00) Katlyn mentions who should utilize scripts. (2:17) How do you know if your agency’s scripts need to be updated? (2:46) What’s the first step to overcoming your team’s objections? (4:59) Katlyn mentions the first objection. (5:37) Katlyn walks us through the second objection. (8:20) Katlyn explains the third objection. (8:58) What is a call calibration? (9:56) Katlyn gives the first three scripts to utilize. (13:42) Key Quotes: “Your clients and your business are too important to be lackadaisical. So, let's do ourselves a favor and figure out how to make everythi

In this throwback episode of Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Kelly Donahue-Piro, Owner and President of Agency Performance Partners. Kelly puts a fun spin on her interview by occasionally asking Jason Cass questions as well. During this conversation, hear whether or not video is a lazy man’s book, what to look for when hiring people, the power of prospecting, and the differences between producers and account managers.   Episode Highlights:  Kelly Donahue-Piro asks Jason Cass what has been his most difficult business challenge You can’t pay people a salary that isn’t making your job easier.     The first step in not being ignorant is to learn how to learn.   Is Kelly an iPhone user or an Android user?    Does she love to win or hate to lose?     Is she stronger because of her skill or because of luck? What should you look for when hiring someone?  Why does Jason think video is a lazy man’s book?    Has Jason thought about taking a social media break?   How many clients does Kelly

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Kyle Nakatsuji, Founder and CEO of Clearcover, joins the show to breakdown why he started Clearcover and why his unique perspective on the industry forced him to create an auto insurance carrier of the future. Kyle gets it, and you MUST listen to this episode… Episode Highlights: Kyle shares how he got started as a venture investor. (13:17)  Kyle shares how the idea of curiosity plays a significant role in being successful. (18:46) Kyle explains why he started a company in this particular area of insurance. (23:32) Kyle shares two ways to improve retention as an insurance company. (28:42) Kyle shares what to consider when building the infrastructure of the organization. (33:19) Where does Kyle see the next generation of carriers? (36:29) Kyle mentions a surprising statistic about personal auto carriers. (36:44) Kyle shares what he’s most excited about. (37:09) Has Kyle started to consider other products? (43:51) Key Quotes: “As a venture investor,

In this episode of the Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass discusses the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network that they are creating and provides an update on The Great Separator. Episode Highlights: Jason explains what the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network is. (3:39)  Jason mentions some of his special guests from the previous podcast episodes. (4:45) Jason shares why The Great Separator is a big deal for him. (10:12) Jason mentions the significance of data, people, and process. (11:43) Jason shares why the pandemic made The Great Separator occur more quickly. (17:03)  Jason shares the four agency models. (19:10) Jason mentions what he sees inside those agency models. (27:39) Jason shares what The Great Separator would look like, as they start to evolve. (29:42) Jason shares the significance of diversity. (34:43) Jason shares what happens when you have unhappy people in your agency. (43:46) Key Quotes: “The more content we produce, the more impact we make because we see the

In this throwback episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Christopher Paradiso, Owner of Paradiso Insurance and Paradiso Presents, Independent Insurance Agent, Digital Marketing Expert, and Public Speaker out of Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Christopher Paradiso talks about the importance of family, how data gets sold, indietech, retaining business, and what it will take to improve the insurance industry. Episode Highlights:  Is Christopher Paradiso an iPhone or Android user? What is the last app that Christopher downloaded?   Does Christopher Paradiso love to win or hate to lose?  What has played a bigger role in Christopher’s career, skill or luck?  Christopher discusses his Italian family, his patriotism, and his sister.     Christopher Paradiso talks about how data gets sold in the industry.  What is Jason Cass’s definition for indietech?  What will it take for the IA channel to change?  What does the relationship between agents and carriers look like?  What is one o

In this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Aaron Steffey, the co-founder and managing partner of Propeller Bonds joins the podcast to discuss how his digital surety bond platform is changing the game for independent agents that want to add surety bonds to their portfolio of products. Don't miss this episode… Episode Highlights: Aaron shares his background in insurance. (11:49) How did Aaron meet Ryan Hanley? (15:40) Aaron shares his business philosophies. (19:00) Aaron walks us through the customer facing side of his website. (20:02) Aaron talks about adaptability within the industry. (25:24) Where are bonds coming from? (27:35) Aaron explains his underwriting process. (30:45) What does Aaron attribute his success to? (34:28) Aaron shares how he drives sales. (39:38) Key Quotes: “Coming from an agent perspective, I always understood the value of the agent. I actually think that carriers and anyone else drastically underestimates the agency relationship with the customer. I think it's mor

In this episode of the Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Dustyne Bryant, MBA, CIC, CISR, the Personal Lines Academic Director at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. Dustyne talks about her approach in the insurance industry and what their agency is all about. Episode Highlights: What has attributed to Dustyne’s success: skill or luck? (6:21) Dustyne mentions what challenged her during the college years. (14:49) Dustyne mentions the factor that resonated with her about her position. (24:47) Dustyne mentions their faculty prospect page. (28:00) Dustyne shares the courses that they offer. (28:50) Dustyne mentions their webinars. (36:11) Dustyne shares the significance of maintaining your CIC. (39:01) Key Quotes: “There's nothing that even we can do as parents or that your parents could have done. I'm more right or more wrong. It's how you choose to overcome whatever it is you felt you were wronged by. It's the same professionally. If you're not support

In this episode of the Age of Indiependence podcast, host Katlyn Eggar interviews Graeme Newell, CSP, President of 602 Communications. Graeme is a professional speaker and behavioral finance researcher. He uses brain science to help us make better financial decisions. Our brain is hardwired to incorrectly forecast the future and to freeze up when we're feeling fear. Learn whether you can trust your gut and what this means for your clients when they are purchasing insurance. Episode Highlights: Graeme shares how he got started in brain science research. (4:04) How does decision making work inside of our brain? (6:36) Graeme emphasizes that maintaining safety is what insurance is all about. (10:54) What does Graeme encourage people to do when it comes to huge decisions? (14:58) Graeme shares how the fear effect can impact sales goals. (16:35) Graeme talks about the significance of establishing a great relationship with the client. (18:50) What are some of the biggest mistakes that Graeme has seen

In this episode of the Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Daniel Seong, Founder of Great Park Insurance. Daniel talks about his approach in the insurance industry and what he has achieved. Episode Highlights: What does Daniel attribute his success to? (9:45) Daniel shares his background. (11:31) How did Daniel feel about his move to America from Korea? (15:36) Daniel shares what he has learned from the past year. (17:38) Does Daniel believe that delegation has been part of his success? (19:13) Daniel discusses leadership and his team culture. (21:13) What’s the main reason why agents don’t delegate? (22:12) What are some of Daniel’s onboarding goals? (30:24) Daniel shares that he’s reading a book called Unlearn, by Barry O’Reilly. (42:19) Key Quotes: “I'm finding out that the team is here to step in. And, we'll figure it out. The service team left, but we figured it out. As long as the bond, the leadership, the respect for each other is solid and strong… people are