The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 33! Get inspired by Tamron Manning as he shares his story of building an insurance agency from the ground up. We discuss our first hires, team building, carrier access, etc. Join us for this exciting journey and learn everything you need to know to get your insurance agency off the ground! Connect with your hosts here. Stephen Turnbull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-turnbull-930295109/ Shawn Fitzgerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpfitzgerald/ #thesc...
Jun 20, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 33
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 32! Take an inside look into the fantastic agency culture of Erb and Young with Brett Young . In this episode, find out what it takes to build a lasting culture of success! Get a firsthand perspective on how this successful insurance company has developed its culture over the years, and learn how to create an exciting and engaging environment for yourself or your team. Connect with your hosts here - Stephen Turnbull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-turnbull...
Jun 13, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Stephen and Shawn discuss how operating an insurance agency is HARD in this episode. During the show, they both open up about the challenges of running an agency and navigating the hard market. We also discuss the highs and lows of owning a business and how to stay afloat despite the hardships. Tune in now and learn how to conquer those tough times! Connect with your hosts here Stephen Turnbull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-tunbull Shawn Fitzgerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpfitzg...
Jun 06, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 31
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 30. In this episode Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Cayla Carrillo and Roe Polczynski with Agency CFO by RD Advisory Group. In this episode, Cayla and Roe dive deep into the key metrics that insurance agencies should pay attention to. Learn what you need to know to stay on top of your business performance and ensure your agency is successful. Tune in now for invaluable insights on managing your insurance agency! Connect with your hosts here ...
May 30, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 30
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 29. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Emmanuel Osuyah from Alpha Direct Agency ! Starting your insurance agency from the ground up can be daunting, but there are ways to set yourself up for a successful venture. This video covers several essential elements of building an insurance agency, including defining and maintaining a solid company culture, incentivizing employees, what it takes to keep an organization going during hard...
May 23, 2023•1 hr
Learn how Jeremy Powers, an experienced insurance agency leader, shapes a thriving workplace culture. Discover his unique approach to leadership and how it creates positive employee engagement that results in remarkable outcomes for the organization. Get inspired by Jeremy's success story and learn the secrets to building a successful corporate culture! Connect with your hosts here Stephen Turnbull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-turnbull Shawn Fitzgerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaw...
May 16, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 28
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 27. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Ryan Hanley from Rogue Risk ! In this episode, we're talking about building Rogue Risk from scratch and much more. Time Stamps 0:00:00 - Intro 0:02:27 - Why a Scracth Agency 0:06:42 - What a Human-Optimized Agency Looks Like 0:09:05 - The Certificate Process with Rogue Risk 0:12:02 - First Moment of Rogue Risk 0:20:33 - Turning Point for Rogue Risk 0:46:25 - If You Had to Start From Zero W...
May 09, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 27
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 26. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Elliot Basset of Ellerbrock-Norris. In this episode, we're talking about Elliot's journey into the business, building a team with purpose, and much more. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now. Make sure to hit the subscribe button and let us know your thoughts in the comments! #thescratchagencypodcast #insurance...
May 02, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 26
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 25. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by David Watson of Risk Advisor . In this episode, we're talking about setting client expectations, how to gather prospects' information, leading with an umbrella, and much more! #thescratchagencypodcast #insurance...
Apr 25, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 25
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 24. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Michael Cruz from Foresight Insurance! In this episode, we're talking about the hunter mentality, building a scratch agency, and much more. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now! Timestamps 0:00:00 - Intro 0:03:41 - Rejection, Prospecting, and Starting an Agency 0:09:27 - Building Relationships and Expanding a Business 0:14:48 - Delegating Tasks and Growing a Bu...
Apr 18, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 24
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 23. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Josh Dott. In this episode, we're talking about building a scratch agency and much more. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now. Make sure to hit the subscribe button and let us know your thoughts in the comments! #thescratchagencypodcast #insurance
Apr 11, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 23
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 22. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Maverick Pitchford with Bison Ridge Insurance . In this episode, we're talking about building a scratch agency and much more. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now. Make sure to hit the subscribe button and let us know your thoughts in the comments! #thescratchagencypodcast #insurance #thescratchagencypod...
Apr 04, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 22
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 21. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Ashley Paolozzi (Title & NMLS#: Loan Officer | NMLS #556632 ). In this episode, we're talking about building trust with mortgage lenders, prospecting for lender referral partners, and much more. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now. Make sure to hit the subscribe button and let us know your thoughts in the comments! #thescratchagencypodcast #insurance #mort...
Mar 28, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 21
The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 20. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Michael Richardson. In this episode, we're talking about the customer experience and much more. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now. Make sure to hit the subscribe button and let us know your thoughts in the comments! #thescratchagencypodcast #insurance
Mar 21, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 20
This week Shawn and Stephen talk about their recent trip to NYC and much more. Make sure to follow @thescratchagencypodcast on Instagram. Contact your host below! Stephen Turnbull - stephen@t5insurance.com Shawn Fitzgerald - sfitz@lafadvisers.com #insurance #scratchagency
Mar 14, 2023•21 min•Ep. 19
This week we welcome James Jenkins, Owner & Founder of Risk Well! As a prior Farmers agent, James talks about how it is now a few years removed from the captive side. James talks about looking at his tech stack, and how he determines what to use for his agency. James talks about when he started his agency, it was a different name. He shares his why behind the rebrand of Risk Well. James dives into the first days of Risk Well and the challenges they faced on day one. James touches on “capturi...
Mar 07, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 18
This week on The SAP, Stephen & Shawn welcome Chris Langille, Founder of Advisor Evolved! Chris touches on the early days of Advisor Evolved. How he was growing it while working in insurance as well and how those processes correlate with starting a scratch agency. Chris touches on important factors when looking at building and maintaining your website for your agency. Chris touches on the importance of keeping your client on your website before, during, and after the sale. Learn more at http...
Feb 28, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 16
This week Stephan and Shawn dive deep into the story behind The Bunker with the one and only Ciara Gravier. Ciara talks about her history in insurance and how The Bunker is her 3rd Scratch Agency! Ciara talks about the thought behind “ The Bunker” and how she came up with the brand. Ciara talks about her commercial experience, referral partners, and how to provide value. Subscribe now and join the conversation! #podcast #thescratchagencypodcast...
Feb 21, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Hey everyone! In this video, we’re excited to announce our latest episode of The Scratch Agency Podcast. In this episode, we're talking about building a scratch agency, the recent snowstorm in Buffalo, and much more with special guest Doug Benz of New Buffalo Insurance. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now. Make sure to hit the subscribe button and let us know your thoughts in the comments! #thescratchagencypodcast #insurance #douglasbenz
Feb 14, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 15
This week Stephen & Shawn bring on Brad Boldt President of Ameriguard Insurance Agency! Brad starts by sharing his journey as a captive agent, and what brought him to the Independent agency channel. Brad talks about the challenges of taking over ownership of an older agency. Brad touches on IAOA and what getting together with his peers has done for his business. Brad talks about the ability to build his team into a great group which allows him to work from anywhere, and how he has removed hi...
Feb 07, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 14
This week Stephen & Shawn talk shop and update you on what is going on within their scratch agencies.\ Stephen & Shawn talk about time blocking, and what has helped them in the day-to-day as a scratch agency owner. Shawn talks about bringing on his first producer and what it has taught him so far. Stephen & Shawn talk about enjoying the journey and taking it one step at a time. Stephen & Shawn talk about their marketing plans. Make sure to follow @thescratchagencypodcast on Insta...
Jan 31, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Today we have a special treat for you! Daniel Seong President & Founder of Great Park Insurance joins the show! Daniel talks about the financial struggles he experienced at the beginning of his career, before insurance. Daniel talks about his experience in the mortgage business and how he started his career in insurance. Daniel talks about the process of stepping away from quoting and binding and how it has helped improve his business. Daniel wraps up by telling us how they have 700+ Yelp re...
Jan 24, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Today we are excited to welcome Dr. Billy Williams from Inspire A Nation Business Mentoring and Inspire a Nation Insurance Agency to the show! Billy shares some exciting news that he and his three children started their own scratch agency in 2023. Billy shares how to identify specific types of clients and how to serve them. Billy talks about where every scratch agent needs to start. Billy shares the process and foundation he and his family are working on now to build his scratch agency in 2023. ...
Jan 17, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode, Brian Bixby joins the SAP! Brian is the President of IAAC at Big I NY. Brian talks about his experiences in the insurance industry and how he ended up being at the BIG I for 20 + years. We talk about the important things to look for in your E&O policy. What happens if you don't have E&O or have some gaps in coverage. What happens if you do have an E&O claim? Make sure to follow @scratchagencypodcast on Instagram Contact your host below! Stephen Turnbull - stephen@t5i...
Jan 10, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode, Luis Gazitua, Partner at JAG Insurance Group (a HUB company) joins the podcast! Luis talks about building his book in the early days, how you need to focus on the long game, and why culture and people are #1 at JAG Insurance. Make sure to follow @scratchagencypodcast on Instagram. Contact your host below! Stephen Turnbull - stephen@t5insurance.com Shawn Fitzgerald - sfitz@lafadvisers.com...
Jan 03, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode, Stephen & Shawn talk about their journey of getting carrier appointments. Shawn talks about the relationships he had, doing his homework before taking the jump, and how he communicates with the carriers to show his value add. Stephen shares a similar story of having carrier relationships and finding a level of support from them before he went scratch. Stephen also talks about a local aggregator he also joined and why he decided to go that route. Contact your host below! Step...
Dec 27, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Today Nate Jones from Wexford Insurance (located in Indianapolis, Indiana) joins us on the show! Nate talks about his previous journey in insurance, working corporate and why he and his wife decided to start a scratch insurance agency. We also discussed Nate's obsession with cold calling, how to get started, and some of the things he took from his time working at a top 100 agency. Make sure to follow @thescratchagencypodcast on Instagram Contact your host below! Stephen Turnbull - stephen@t5insu...
Dec 20, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Jessica Fukuchi , President of PCRG Insurance joins the show. Jessica talks to us about her niche in high-net-worth clients, what referral partners she targets to get in front of high-net-worth clients, and the pitch she makes to gain their trust. Jessica also talks about how she successfully runs a 100% remote agency, and tips for managing a team this way. Make sure to follow @scratchagencypodcast on Instagram Contact your host below! - Stephen Turnbull - stephen@t5insurance.com - Shawn Fitzger...
Dec 13, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Stephen & Shawn welcome Taylor Garcia , VP of Jackson & Jackson Insurance onto the show. Taylor talks about what it is like to work in a family business and take the leadership role of an existing business. Taylor talks about how he got started with video, how he implements video, and stays consistent in his video marketing. Taylor touches on his initial fears of being on camera, and what it took for him to get to the level of video production he is at today in his agency. Make sure to f...
Dec 06, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode, David Jackson joins the show! Dave is the CEO & Founder of IAOA (Independent Agency Owner Alliance). Dave talks about building FIVE scratch agencies and what it takes to do well in this industry. Dave talks about IAOA, who can join, their yearly conference, and where that will be in 2023! If you are an agency owner, make sure to join the IAOA group on Facebook. Make sure to follow @scratchagencypodcast on Instagram. Contact your host below with any questions! Stephen Turnbul...
Nov 29, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 4
