In this episode Lindsay and Carey sit down with Frank "Santa" Sentner to celebrate their podcast milestone, who shares his extensive experience in insurance technology. The conversation covers the evolution of technology in the insurance industry, the importance of AI, and the need for independent agents to adapt to changing customer preferences. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of ownership, and prepare for a...
Dec 24, 2024•39 min•Ep. 100
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace sit down with Andrew Darlington from Veritas Insurance to chat through how he manages his internship program. THe conversation explores how internship programs can be used to attract young talent, the responsibilities of mentoring interns, and the value of real-world experience. The discussion emphasizes the need for structured internship programs that focus on project-based learning, allowing interns to engage meaningfully while contributing to agency ...
Dec 17, 2024•36 min•Ep. 99
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Dawnyel Smink, President of the Western region at Keystone Insurers Group to talk about the importance of agency networks in todays insurance landscape. The discussion emphasizes the need for agency owners to choose networks that align with their vision and values, and the importance of treating network relationships as partnerships rather than mere contracts. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency...
Dec 10, 2024•39 min•Ep. 98
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace sit down with Brenden Corr & Justin Goodman to chat about Project 55, an initiative aimed at providing resources and support for mental health in the insurance industry. Project 55's mission is to educate, empower, and equip individuals with the tools necessary to support mental health in their communities. Check it out here: https://project55.org/ ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan...
Dec 03, 2024•39 min•Ep. 97
In this episode Lindsay and Carey sit down with Andrew Ryan from Hertvik Insurance Group to discuss generational differences in the workplace, the role of technology in modern insurance, and the significance of creating a culture that encourages innovation and risk-taking. Andrew emphasizes the need for alignment between individual and organizational goals, offering valuable insights for both young professionals and agency owners. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to ...
Nov 26, 2024•36 min•Ep. 96
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace answer the question "What even is a valuation report anyways?" and break down what a valuation report really is, why understanding your agency’s worth is crucial, and the key components that make up an accurate valuation. The discussion highlights how regular valuations serve as a vital health check for agencies, the essential data you’ll need, and the role subjectivity plays in these reports. They wrap up with practical insights on how knowing your age...
Nov 19, 2024•32 min•Ep. 95
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay Wallace sit down with Billy Wagner to explore the transition from being an operator to a CEO, emphasizing the importance of building a high-performance team and solving the people problem. Billy shares insights on creating a strong agency culture, the significance of continuous improvement, and the necessity of having the right people in the organization to drive success. Billy shares his how letting go of daily responsibilities to focus on strategic growth, de...
Nov 12, 2024•43 min•Ep. 94
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace sit down with Mike Wagar and Mike Strakhov from Westfield Bank, to discuss the dynamics of the insurance lending market. They explore the current state of the market, predictions for 2024 and 2025, and strategies for independent agents looking to grow through acquisitions. ///////////// 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...
Nov 05, 2024•35 min•Ep. 93
In this co-hosted solo episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace dive into key strategies for boosting the valuation and overall value of an insurance agency. They cover essential topics like preparation, defining a niche, improving efficiency, leveraging technology, maximizing carrier relationships, and driving strategic growth through acquisitions. Emphasizing the importance of having a clear plan, understanding financials, and documenting processes, this episode offers actionable insights for enhanc...
Oct 29, 2024•34 min•Ep. 92
In this episode Lindsay and Carey sit down with Kabir Syed, the Founder CEO of Ennabl to discuss the critical role of data and technology in the insurance industry. He shares his journey into insurance, the importance of data in underwriting and risk assessment, and the challenges faced by agencies in utilizing data effectively. The discussion also covers the impact of AI on the industry, emphasizing that while AI can automate many tasks, the human element and relationships remain vital. Kabir p...
Oct 22, 2024•40 min•Ep. 91
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Nick Vitali, Vice President & Co-Owner of All About Insurance to explore the power of marketing in agency growth. They discuss how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) partnerships have elevated the agency’s visibility, strengthened relationships with influential clients, and helped choose the right athletes or influencers to align with the agency's goals. The conversation also covers strategies for turning high-profile clients into advocates and the o...
Oct 15, 2024•38 min•Ep. 90
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Vonda Copeland to chat about the importance of community support and gratitude in the face of adversity. Vonda shares her experiences giving back to her community with the Flint Hills Foster Teen Camps, a program dedicated to helping foster teens overcome trauma and prepare for adulthood, and her recent announcement on being named an Executive Committee Member for the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents. ///////////// Agency Focu...
Oct 08, 2024•30 min•Ep. 89
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Bradley, co-host of the Insurance Guys Podcast and Owner of Portal Insurance to discuss the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the insurance industry. They explore Bradley's journey in finding the right acquisition, the challenges faced during the due diligence process, and the importance of understanding financials and valuations. The discussion also highlights the significance of employee management post-acquisition and shares ...
Oct 01, 2024•45 min•Ep. 88
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Bill Butler from Butler & Associates Insurance Agency to discuss the journey of transitioning from a generalist insurance agency to a niche-focused agency. Bill shares his experiences, challenges, and successes in choosing his niche, emphasizing the importance of market research, understanding client needs, and the value of commitment and hard work. He also highlights innovative marketing strategies, such as writing a book and launching a podc...
Sep 24, 2024•39 min•Ep. 87
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace sit down with Rob Bowen, the owner of Patriotic Insurance Group, about his first seven months post acquisition. They discuss the process of getting on an approved buyer's list, the challenges of acquiring a paper-based agency and the challenges and lessons learned during the transition period, such as data import, technology implementation, and cultural adjustments. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency...
Sep 17, 2024•48 min•Ep. 86
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Wessly Anderson, co-founder of Agency VA, to discuss the benefits of virtual assistants (VAs) in the insurance industry and his mission to disrupt systemic poverty. Wessly explains that VAs can handle tasks such as quoting, re-shops, and certificate management, allowing agency owners to focus on revenue-generating activities. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of ...
Sep 10, 2024•40 min•Ep. 85
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Heath Shearon, the Mayor of Insurance Town to chat about topics such as the impact of technology on the future of the industry, and the importance of maximizing efficiency and driving margins in agencies. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for adaptation and creativity in the insurance industry in areas such as technology, generative AI, and hybrid/remote work. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand ...
Sep 03, 2024•44 min•Ep. 84
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Spencer Berg, to share his story finding the abilities in his autism diagnosis that helped him build a successful career in the insurance industry. Spencer emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the unique abilities of individuals with disabilities and discusses the misconceptions about autism and how it is not a social incapability but rather a different approach to social interactions. Spencer encourages individuals with disabiliti...
Aug 27, 2024•34 min•Ep. 83
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Sean and Paul Hawkins, the founders of Hawksoft to chat about what large technology companies are doing to keep up with the rapidly evolving insurtech landscape. This episode covers many topics including challenges of integrating different software systems, the importance of focusing on relationships in the industry, impact of COVID-19 and the need for agencies to adapt and embrace technology while maintaining strong customer relationships. //////...
Aug 20, 2024•36 min•Ep. 82
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Kirt Trimble, the president of Trimble Insurance as shares his experience of being the fourth generation to transitioning into ownership of the agency. He emphasizes the importance of planning, clear communication, and understanding the strengths and culture of the agency. Kirt also discusses the role of technology and relationships in the industry, as well as the challenges of the current hard market and hiring market. He offers advice for aspiri...
Aug 13, 2024•32 min•Ep. 81
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey interviews Aaron Stocks, CEO of PFS Global and AgencyPoint, about outsourcing accounting for independent insurance agencies. They discuss the process of onboarding, cleaning up books and taxes, and the importance of tax planning. They also touch on the benefits of outsourcing accounting, such as creating redundancy and improving the accuracy of financial statements. Aaron emphasizes the need for agencies to have a clean set of books for a smoother sale and high...
Aug 06, 2024•33 min
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Charles Symington, the CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, to discuss his journey in the insurance industry and the challenges faced by independent agents. The conversation covers the current hard market and the impact of technology on the industry. Symington emphasizes the importance of independent agents in offering customization, choice, and advocacy to customers. He also highlights the need for agents to adapt to te...
Jul 30, 2024•34 min•Ep. 79
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Jonathan Lugo, a Producer at Veritas Insurance. They discuss Jonathan's journey into the insurance industry, his focus on his niche, and how he created FirmSecured to help grow that niche and build a specialized career as a young producer entering the insurance space. The interview touches on building a lead generation pipeline, customizing Salesforce and HubSpot to support growth, and finding mentors who will help you grow your career. //////////...
Jul 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 78
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with John Darr, the president and founder of Darr Schackow Insurance to discuss John's experience acquiring 37 agencies and continuing to grow his agency. John shares his approach to growth by acquisition and explains how he keeps acquired agencies separate while still working towards organic growth. He shares the benefits of acquiring smaller agencies, the importance of building relationships with key people in the industry, and the role of social med...
Jul 16, 2024•43 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace sit down with David E. Foate, an attorney with PFS Law specializing in insurance agency acquisitions. They discuss the key considerations for buyers when acquiring an agency, including financial due diligence, legal considerations, and tax implications. David emphasizes the importance of having a team of advisors, including legal counsel, financial advisors, and tax specialists, to navigate the complex process. They also highlight the need for clear com...
Jul 09, 2024•38 min•Ep. 76
In this episode Carey and Lindsay sit down with Adam Bowe, Founder of Cake, to chat about how this platform brings an innovative solution to buying and selling insurance agencies. The conversation explores the platform's features, the buyer and seller experience, and the impact of the hard market on Cake's adoption. Visit https://www.haveyourcake.com/insurancerefocused to learn more and create your free account. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their ag...
Jul 02, 2024•35 min•Ep. 75
In this episode Carey and Lindsay sit down with Matt Chrismore of The Crismore Agency as he shares his experience of selling his agency after owning it for four years. The decision to sell his agency was made to simplify his life, leverage resources, and focus on what he enjoys most—talking to clients and providing the best insurance value. Matt emphasizes the importance of taking your time, knowing your value, and using resources to make an informed decision. ///////////// Agency Focus is the p...
Jun 25, 2024•35 min•Ep. 74
In this episode Carey and Lindsay sit down with Chris Langille, Founder of Advisor Evolved to talk about the importance of branding and the use of video content to enhance brand presence. Chris gives advice to agencies who may be struggling to create engaging content and gives examples of the way he humanizes his approach to branding. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of ownership, and prepare for acquisitions....
Jun 18, 2024•38 min•Ep. 73
In this episode Carey and Lindsay sit down with Grant Weber, President of TruSummit Insurance Solutions to talk about the entrepreneurship, partnerships, and the challenges of business ownership. Grant shares his personal experiences and lessons learned, offering valuable advice for those considering partnerships. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, detailed contracts, and the impact of personal experiences on professional decisions. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier res...
Jun 11, 2024•36 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, Carey and Lindsay are joined by David Watson from RiskAdvisor to talk about the impact of data on agency operations and acquisitions. The conversation covers the topic of RiskAdvisor's functionality, and explores the efficiency and value of capturing and leveraging data, as well as the potential for data-driven decision-making in an agency acquisition. ///////////// Agency Focus is the premier resource for agents to understand their agency's value, plan for a transition of owner...
Jun 04, 2024•38 min•Ep. 71
