Agency Nation Radio - Insurance Marketing, Sales And Technology

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Will Jones, editor-in-chief of Independent Agent magazine, is joined by an expert panel to discuss the intricacies and challenges of hiring at independent insurance agencies, as well as some much-needed winning solutions. As the insurance industry marks Insurance Careers Month, Claudia St. John, president of The Workplace Advisors, an HR consulting and training firm; Nolan Duda, partner and client experience manager at IdealTraits, a recruiting platform built for independent agencies; and Katherine Strate Smith, president and CEO of Strate Insurance in Morristown, Tennessee, offer their unique perspectives on independent insurance agencies’ No. 1 challenge—hiring. Both the insurance landscape and the world of work continue to evolve amidst technological advancements, global economic trends and the lasting effects of the pandemic, the task of attracting, retaining, and developing talent has never been more complicated. Thanks to this specialist panel, this episode provid

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Jarrard “Rod” Powell Sr., agency principal at Encore Insurance Group Chesterfield, Virginia, shares his unique experience in insurance. Powell grew up cutting records and touring as an R&B artist, but by the time he reached his 30s, he was looking for a more stable career. After breaking into insurance through claims and benefits, Powell realized that “insurance was not only something that I could do, but something that I would enjoy,” he says. “And lo and behold, it went from something on the side to a passion to, ultimately, a purpose.” In 2022, Powell and his business partner founded Encore Insurance Group, a mid-Atlantic independent agency that runs the gamut from commercial property & casualty to life, retirement solutions and employee benefits, specializing in voluntary benefits and enrollment communication services. Starting the agency was “an opportunity to create the culture that’s going to service communities in the way that we desire, help people,

The Big “I” Young Agents partnered with Trusted Choice to deliver information on the importance of mentorship as part of a special hard market bonus series on Agency Nation Radio. Guests Krista Kautz, Producer at Berrong Insurance, and Stewart Berrong, Owner of Berrong Insurance, were interviewed by Cash McMillen, National Young Agents Committee member, on their partnership as mentor and mentee. The conversation provides best practices for finding a mentor, approaching the relationship, and the learning from seasoned industry professionals. Kautz, when reflecting on asking Berrong to be her mentor, said, “One of my main things to mentees is to be curious. Ask the questions because I never would have gotten involved in the Young Agents program had I not said ‘hey I see this on your calendar. What is that? How do I get involved in that?” Kautz recommends that mentees have ambition when reaching out to their mentors. Having a drive to succeed and find new opportunities for growth will help form a stronger re

In this episode of Agency Nation Radio, host Nancy Germond, Big “I” executive director, of risk management and education, explores the evolving landscape of middle market insurance in 2024. Featuring an in-depth interview with Sandra Little, CEO of CEO, SKL Risk Consultants, Pheonix, Arizona the episode offers insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by middle market clients. They talk about renewals, regulations, and emerging technologies and give their predictions on the hard market. Listen in for practical advice on building a niche, and relationships. 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 https://www.iamagazine.com/podcasts. Gu

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Jonathan Lugo, producer at FirmSecured powered by Veritas Risk Management in Johnson City, Tennessee, shares his remarkable journey from intern to specializing in real estate insurance. Discover how he carved out a niche within an established agency, bringing entrepreneurial spirit and expertise to a specialized market. He discusses the importance of understanding client needs, the art of specialization, and balancing quality with competitive pricing in today's insurance landscape. “Veritas is allowing me to do this—starting my own brand within the agency for a specific niche," he says. “Some days it feels like I have my own business."

During this episode of Agency Nation Radio, the Big “I” Young Agents and Trusted Choice share their insights on building staff morale as part of a special hard market bonus series. Guests Brock Elliott, National Young Agents Committee (YAC) Chair and Producer at Elliott Insurance Group, and Lisa Lemanski, Operations Manager at Meiers Lombardini Lemanski Insurance, talk about how they keep a positive culture during this hard market with Avery Moore, owner of ECI Insurance and member of the National YAC. Moore starts off the discussion by asking how the hard market has impacted staff morale within their agencies. Lemanski shares some of the strategies she’s implemented – like role playing conversations when a rate increase is discussed to gamifying trainings for staff to win prizes. Elliott reintroduced “smoke breaks” in his office. None of his staff are tobacco users, but the concept of stepping away from your desk for 15 minutes to take a break has been widely popular across multiple branch locations. Mo

On this episode of Agency Nation radio podcast, the Big “I” Young Agents and Trusted Choice are teaming up to bring you the first episode in a special hard market bonus series. Guests Cash McMillen, National Young Agents Committee member and Vice President at the Cashion Company, and Patricia Clawson, CEO of Clawson Insurance and member of the Florida Young Agents Council, talk about renewals in the current marketplace. In their conversation, moderated by Taylor Hendrickson, Director of the Young Agents Council at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and member of the Big “I” National Young Agents Committee, McMillen and Clawson discuss some of the challenges they have faced in their agencies with renewals due to the hard market. They dive into how they have managed rate increases and created renewal timelines. They also focus conversation on some of the challenges with property valuations and remarketing accounts. Clawson, when talking about how to communicate rate increases to customers said,

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Will Jones, editor-in-chief, Independent Agent magazine, is joined by Charles Symington, the new Big "I" president & CEO. Amid the hardest market in a generation, a technological revolution and consolidation within the independent agent and broker channel, Charles joins Agency Nation Radio today to discuss his first 100 days at the helm of the association, as well as what the future will look like for the Big “I.” 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 https://www.iamagazine.com/podcasts. Meet Our Guests: Will Jones, editor-in-chief, Independent Agent magazine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-j

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, meet Erin Dop, an independent agent at Fullenkamp Insurance in West Point, Iowa. She did not join the family agency immediately after graduating from the University of Iowa. Instead, she was encouraged to build a foundation elsewhere, which she did by working as a commercial underwriter for a carrier. However, five years ago, Dop's grandfather passed away, helping her realize that “family is one of the most important things," she says. The thought drew her into the family agency at a time in her life when she was about to get married and start a family of her own. “A lot has changed, but I've learned a lot," Dop says. “Not only from an insurance perspective, but also about valuing the importance of a small family agency that offers all lines of business—from property & casualty to life and health, and everything in between." Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketi

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio Podcast, we explore the intersection of parenthood and professional growth with Lori Mihalich-Levin, the founder of Mindful Return. Lori shares insights, challenging stereotypes and offering practical strategies for both working parents and leaders seeking to foster a more supportive work environment for employees at every stage in life. Guest hosts Jana Foster, owner of Nevada Insurance Agency Co. and Jesse Konold, partner at BridgeMark Insurance Solutions in South Dakota experienced many parallels in life. The fast friends served the Big “I” national Young Agents Committee while raising young families and moving into agency ownership. They recently reconnected to talk with the leading empowerment expert “parenting out loud.” Lori talks about creating a parent-friendly work culture that encourages open communication, empathy, and flexibility. Additionally, she shares personal strategies that help her create structure and find success as a busy working parent. “There a

Join us for an inspiring conversation with David Garcia, the President of Rancho Mesa Insurance Services Inc. in San Diego, California. Discover how David transitioned from a career in professional baseball to founding a Best Practices agency with a unique approach to specialization. Learn about the agency's commitment to giving back, their innovative programs like SafetyStar™, SafetyOne™, and their dedication to impacting their clients' businesses positively. Tune in to find out how this agency goes the extra mile to ensure their clients' success in a challenging insurance market. Don't miss this episode of Agency Nation Radio as we explore David Garcia's journey and Rancho Mesa's grand slam. 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 t

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Cassandra Keogel, sales executive with Eastern Insurance Group in Massachusetts and member of the Big “I” national Young Agents Committee, is joined by two very special guests: Max Revenue, half man, half meme, 100% producer, and Micah Salas, senior vice president at the Christensen Group Insurance. Together, they created the producer playbook, a 5-module video course for growth minded agents. As producers in the trenches of the hard market, they share sales stories and strategies, and advice for the often-grueling process that goes into building a book of business from scratch. 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 pla

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Ray Robertson, principal of Limestone Agency in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, sits down with Olivia Overman, content editor of Independent Agent magazine, to discuss his agency’s 175-year-old roots in Kentucky, community involvement and more. Robertson joined the agency in 1996 after spending several years working as a marketing representative in eastern Kentucky. Moving back to Mount Sterling with his expectant wife and young child was like a homecoming for Robertson, who had grown up about 15 miles away. In 2022, Limestone Agency celebrated its 175th anniversary and, like Robertson, has deep roots in the local community. “I’m chairman of the planning and zoning commission in Mount Sterling and have been for almost 20 years,” he says. “I’m also chairman of the board of a Main Street committee that owns some property in the name of the city.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, ma

Grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a conversation among friends on this edition of Agency Nation Radio podcast. Mike McBride your new Big “I” chairman and president of Mason-McBride, Will Lemanski owner of Meiers Lombardini Lemanski Insurance and Lisa Lemanski, agency operation manager of Meiers Lombardini Lemanski Insurance explore the importance of actively engaging in a supportive business community. Tune in as these insurance professionals, all hailing from Michigan, share their origin stories, their unwavering commitment to improving the industry, and their deep appreciation for the sense of community within the Big "I." Discover what truly sets the insurance industry apart: the connections, mentorship, and friendships that thrive within it. 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 page

In this episode of Declaration of Independence on Agency Nation Radio Podcast, Osiris Maldonado, the co-founder of Pronto Insurance located in Schaumburg, Illinois sits down with Will Jones, Independent Agent magazine editor-in-chief. Osiris shares her journey from car sales into agency ownership and how educating her staff and the community creates a ripple effect of loyalty and success. “I always thought, if I ever had an agency, I would do things differently,” says Osiris. “A lot of agencies focus on selling a policy to be profitable, not on educating the Hispanic community.” Today, Pronto Insurance is focusing on expanding into new states, entering new lines of insurance, and training licensed agents. As the majority of Pronto’s clients and staff are Hispanic, Osiris is making it her mission to educate her community about insurance, and provide a stable, rewarding career to her staff. Find out how she expanded her team, writing over $4.5 million in personal lines premium in 2022. Agency Nation Radio is

On this edition of Agency Nation Radio Podcast guest host Nancy Germond, ARM, AIC, ITP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, executive director, risk management and education sits down with Karen O’Connor Corrigan, CIC, CIRMS, president, and owner of O’Connor Insurance located in St. Louis Missouri and one of the foremost experts on community associations. Together they provide an update on the state of the multifamily housing market. The Foundation for Community Association Research Factbook reported that 52.9% of U.S. housing was built prior to 1979 leading to aging roofs, failing plumbing, and more. "The habitational market has long been claim-ridden. High frequency, high severity, you know, the insurance covers accidents that are typically confined to one home, but now imagine it's spreading to your neighbors,” says Karen. Additionally, the two discuss the complexities of the hard market on both property and liability insurance. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stori

Join us for Declaration of Independents on Agency Nation Radio, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the insurance industry. On this episode, we meet Jason Rodriguez, the managing partner at Prominent Insurance in Wilmington, Delaware. From his entrepreneurial journey growing up in Brooklyn to serving on the board of the Delaware Association of Insurance Agents & Brokers, Rodriguez is on a mission to make insurance not just a profession, but a passionate pursuit and opportunity for others. Gain insights into his franchise expansion plans, with a goal of 20 franchises every year. This episode is hopsted by AnneMarie Spears, news editor at Independent Agent magazine. 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 m

There’s no doubt insurance marketplace is harder to navigate, with economic pressures and increased natural disasters leading to rising premiums. How do you best support your clients, agency staff and successfully navigate the hard market? Tune into this episode of Agency Nation Radio Podcast, hosted by Kelley Donahue-Pirro, owner of Agency Performance Partners, who sits down with two experienced agency presidents, Michelle O’Connor of O’Connor Insurance in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Matt Simon, CIC, CPCU or CoverLink Insurance in Columbus, Ohio. They talk about how to navigate market conditions, what they have done, and the advice for other agents—especially those who haven’t experienced a hard market. It’s time to get back to basics. Hear strategies to help you evaluate your client outreach and double down on your communications. Find out how you can zero-in on internal processes to support your team and remind them that now, more than ever, independent agents bring value to their clients and the comm

On this edition of Declaration of Independence, on Agency Nation Radio podcast, host Olivia Overman, content editor with Independent Agent magazine, sits down with Crystal Fox, the founder of Beauty Queen Insurance, a division of the Smith Sawyer Smith agency in Rochester, Indiana. The pandemic brought Crystal’s makeup career to a halt leading her to find new opportunities as an independent agent. Recognizing a gap in the market for an insurance agent with specialized knowledge of the beauty industry, Crystal created a career path to serve the industry she loved. She began to dive into the limited coverage options for services like permanent makeup, Medi spa treatments and permanent jewelry. Listen in to be inspired to find a niche that connects your passion to a career in insurance. 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.

What does the next generation want in a career? How does the insurance industry align with what Generation Z wants in a profession? We uncover the connections on this edition of Agency Nation Radio podcast. Guest host Cassandra Koegel with Eastern Insurance Group and a member of the Big “I” national Young Agents Committee talks to Will Huang, recent graduate of St. John’s University Risk Management and Insurance program and intern with the Big “I” Invest education foundation. Together, they talk about what they love about insurance and how we can position the industry to appeal to the next generation—giving back, a challenge, flexibility and the ability to make a really good living—what’s not to love? Find out what young people want in the workplace and how insurance is truly a hidden gem. Tune in today. Want to learn more about attracting the next generation to your agency? Invest connects insurance professionals with schools and resources to help students learn about insurance and careers in the industry.