In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Elliot Bassett, the president of Ellerbrock-Norris and co-founder of Rocketship Ventures. They discuss Elliot's journey in the insurance industry and the development of Launch, a software platform designed to help insurance agencies become trusted advisors to their clients providing a roadmap to assist in ways to improve their insurance score and build client relationships. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understan...
May 28, 2024•34 min•Ep. 70
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey are joined by Meg McKean to discuss imposter syndrome, knowing your worth, and redefining success. They explore the challenges and doubts that come with pursuing a non-traditional career path, the importance of embracing your own journey, and the power of vulnerability and authenticity. Meg shares her own experiences and offers advice on how to navigate imposter syndrome and make choices that align with your values and goals. The conversation highlights the nee...
May 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 69
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Olivia Schmitt from Vertafore to talk about personal and professional growth in the insurance industry. Covering various topics, including their love for family and dogs, the importance of having a mentor, and redefining success in different areas of life. Olivia shares her experience transitioning from a small insurance company to a large company and emphasizes the value of finding a mentor in navigating the industry. ///////////// Agency Focus i...
May 14, 2024•33 min•Ep. 68
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Kevin Panter, the owner of Kevin Panter Insurance and a founding member of Southeastern Network Agencies (SNA) to discuss the importance of technology and learning from failure. Kevin emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people, partnering with the right companies, and investing in technology to enhance agency operations. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transitio...
May 07, 2024•37 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Jennifer Weaver, a lawyer at Manning Fulton & Skinner, P.A., who specializes in insurance industry litigation, to discuss the recent ruling by the FTC banning non-compete clauses in employment contracts. She explains that non-competes are agreements between employers and employees that prevent the employee from working for a competitor during or after employment. The FTC's ruling prohibits employers from entering into or enforcing non-compete ...
Apr 30, 2024•43 min•Ep. 66
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Jimi Honachek, Vice President of YMI Insurance, to talk about his industry journey. From integrating into his family agency's legacy to fostering trust among the staff, Jimi shares invaluable insights reflecting on his podcasts for local marketing initiatives, and the intricacies of implementing transformative changes such as process and technology upgrades. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's...
Apr 23, 2024•33 min•Ep. 65
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey interview Jacob Eisenrich, Vice President of Weatherby-Eisenrich Insurance. Jacob shares his unique background as a doctor who transitioned to the insurance industry and discusses the reasons for leaving the medical field and how he settled on insurance as a career. Jacob emphasizes the importance of being data-driven in the agency and shares how his agency tracks KPIs and utilizes data tools. He also highlights the impactful decisions made in the agency, such ...
Apr 16, 2024•35 min•Ep. 64
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Matt Naimoli to discuss Matt's journey of selling his agency. They cover topics such as finding the right partner, educating oneself on the selling process, and setting expectations for the future. Matt shares his insights on running the business with a future sale in mind and the significance of day two culture. He also offers advice for agency owners considering a sale. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and opportunities invo...
Apr 09, 2024•35 min•Ep. 63
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey interview Daniel Smith, the co-founder of Market Retrievers, a digital marketing agency for insurance agencies. They discuss the importance of marketing for agencies and provide insights on how to effectively market insurance services. They cover topics such as choosing the right marketing channels, utilizing AI in content creation, measuring marketing success, and building relationships through marketing. The conversation also touches on the impact of branding...
Apr 02, 2024•37 min•Ep. 62
🕊 In Memory of Bobby Salmon 🕊 In this special re-launch episode, we pay tribute to our Bobby Salmon, whose passion in the independent insurance industry continues to inspire us. Join Carey and Lindsay as they revisit their conversation with Bobby, delving into the importance of fostering relationships in our industry and shaping its future. Though Bobby may no longer be with us, his wisdom and passion live on through this timeless discussion. Join us as we honor his memory and celebrate the in...
Mar 26, 2024•41 min•Ep. 61
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Chris Paradiso, the owner of Paradiso Insurance. They discuss Chris's background in insurance and the importance of discipline and mental readiness when buying an agency. Chris shares his experiences with failure and the lessons he has learned from them. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships in the insurance industry and the role of ego in leadership. The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing and inspiring othe...
Mar 19, 2024•44 min•Ep. 60
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Clinton Orr, an insurance agent and partner at iProtect Insurance. Clinton shares his journey in the insurance industry, starting from his background in real estate and his transition to insurance. He discusses the importance of finding a niche and building a book of business, particularly in the commercial lines market. Clinton also talks about his pathway to ownership and the dynamics of his partnership with Scott Howell. He emphasizes the need ...
Mar 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 59
In this conversation, Chris May shares his experience of starting his own insurance agency and navigating a partnership. The conversation covers topics such as getting started in the insurance industry, the decision to start a partnership, the importance of clear communication and expectations, and the process of ending a partnership. Chris emphasizes the need for honesty, open communication, and understanding each partner's strengths and weaknesses. He also provides advice for those considering...
Mar 05, 2024•34 min•Ep. 58
In the third episode of the series, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Erik Garcia from Plan Wisely to talk about the financial challenges and considerations of ownership transfers in independent insurance agencies. Discussing the importance of emotional and financial readiness, setting clear boundaries, and planning for retirement and succession. They emphasize early conversations and proper planning to avoid unintended consequences and regrets. The impact of taxes on business transition is also e...
Feb 27, 2024•41 min•Ep. 57
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Eric Garcia from Plan Wisely to discuss the financial planning considerations for agency owners. They cover topics such as starting an agency from scratch, being careful who you take cues from, aligning personal and business finances, and creating cash flow and equity. They emphasize the importance of making disciplined decisions, seeking guidance, and building liquidity. The conversation highlights the need for agency owners to have a team of pro...
Feb 20, 2024•35 min•Ep. 56
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Erik Garcia, owner of Garcia Insurance Services and Plan Wisely, to discuss how future owners can set themselves up for success with preparing their personal finances for ownership. Erik emphasizes the need to start with a clear purpose and align financial decisions with personal values. He also discusses the importance of saving, managing spending, and avoiding common mistakes. Erik concludes by emphasizing the value of making decisions and takin...
Feb 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, Carey Wallace and Lindsay sit down with Christos Provistalis about the recent sale of his family's business, Pleasant Pizza. They discuss the history of the business, the decision to sell, and the emotional impact of letting go. Christos shares how his family announced the sale to their staff and the community's response. He also talks about the future plans for each family member and his own speaking and workshop endeavors. The conversation highlights the importance of customer...
Feb 06, 2024•32 min•Ep. 54
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Patty and Vanessa Lares to discuss how mother-daughter duos are revolutionizing the insurance industry. Breaking gender stereotypes, they unveil the secret ingredients for building a successful multi-generational agency, emphasizing how consistency, dedication, and proactive referral requests fuel their agency's growth. Vanessa shares her experience, highlighting the power of community involvement and events as potent marketing tools. Tune in to u...
Jan 30, 2024•37 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Michael McCormick and Taylor Dobbie, founders of Insurance Soup, a Facebook group revolutionizing agent collaboration. Join the conversation as they discuss breaking down industry silos, creating a safe space for agent-to-agent learning and growth, and pushing each other to excel. Discover how Insurance Soup is transforming the landscape of agent relationships online and in person. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to u...
Jan 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 52
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Missy Stallings, owner of Stallings Insurance Agency, as she shares her journey in the insurance industry and how she navigated challenges such as long commutes and starting her agency during a recession. She discusses the importance of mindset and how she draws inspiration from Tony Robbins. Missy also talks about the use of tools like Culture Index and Traction to improve her agency's performance and create a vision for the future. She emphasize...
Jan 16, 2024•32 min•Ep. 51
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with George V. Pilat, a partner at Gertzberg, Lakata law firm. George has extensive experience working with insurance agents and agencies, particularly in M&A transactions. He provides legal services related to errors and omissions defense, coverage analysis, administrative proceedings, and more. The conversation covers topics such as non-compete and non-solicit agreements, the importance of understanding insurance contracts in M&A transactions...
Jan 09, 2024•34 min•Ep. 50
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with CJ Hutsenpiller, a Private Client Advisor at Hutsenpiller Insurance, Co-owner of CAC and TacoBot. They discuss the implementation of AI in insurance agencies and the various ways it can be used, such as content creation, personal AI training tools, and accounting reconciliation. CJ also explains the difference between TacoBot and ChatGPT, highlighting their respective functionalities. The conversation also touches on the cautionary use of AI and t...
Jan 02, 2024•32 min•Ep. 49
In this episode Carey and Lindsay sit down with Dr. Billy Williams, an expert in insurance sales, shares his insights on the biggest misconception in sales and the role of technology in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of scripts and templates in effective communication and provides practical advice on creating an elevator pitch. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of ownership, and prepare for acquisit...
Dec 27, 2023•39 min•Ep. 48
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Austin Moorhead from LAVA Automation to discuss how integrating sales and marketing into your agency can double your manpower and cut costs. Learn about the crucial roles that Virtual Assistants and CRM systems play in achieving this efficiency boost. Tune in for insights into optimizing your agency's operations and maximizing productivity through strategic sales and marketing integration. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for age...
Dec 19, 2023•35 min•Ep. 47
In this episode Carey and Lindsay sit down with Morgan Harriss from Live Oak Bank to talk about financing acquisitions, buyer considerations and the market shift impact on M&A. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of ownership, and prepare for acquisitions. Learn more at https://agency-focus.com/
Dec 12, 2023•33 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Rob Bowen from Patriotic Insurance Group to talk about the recent process he wen through of acquiring an insurance agency. They discuss the importance of getting your own agency in order before considering acquisitions, the red flags to look out for when evaluating potential agencies to buy, and the challenges of integrating paper-based agencies into a technology-driven environment. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to ...
Dec 05, 2023•37 min•Ep. 45
In this episode Carey and Lindsay sit down with Casey Nelson from Stakwise to talk about how automation can give your agency back valuable time, help build processes and expectations with your customers. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of ownership, and prepare for acquisitions. Learn more at https://agency-focus.com/
Nov 28, 2023•35 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Lisa Hengel from Willow Wood Insurance Agency to talk about her journey buying an agency, or as she calls it, her 'internship.' We delve into the real-world lessons she learned, what it was like bringing a new team member on board, and how she stumbled upon the two agencies she now owns. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of ownership, and prepare for acquisitions...
Nov 21, 2023•28 min•Ep. 43
In this episode Carey and Lindsay sit down with Mother and Daughter Duo Christy & Chasity Ross from Cecil A. Ross Investment & Insurance Group to talk about how they are utilizing technology in their multi-generational family agency, what training looks like, and their take on how being a family agency gives you an edge on a hard market. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of ownership, and prepare for ac...
Nov 14, 2023•38 min•Ep. 42
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Thomas Mann from Aureus Analytics to discuss agency data, the utilization of predictive processes for safeguarding your human capital, and the technological strategies employed by agencies. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of ownership, and prepare for acquisitions. Learn more at https://agency-focus.com/...
Nov 07, 2023•37 min•Ep. 41
