Welcome back to Episode 93 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this episode, your hosts sit down with Lars Kristiansen , the VP of Business Development at KEL Insurance Services , to uncover his journey and insights on thriving in the hospitality insurance niche. Lars shares his experiences transitioning from New York City to joining his mom's insurance agency, integrating digital marketing strategies, and overcoming the challenges of introducing new ideas to an established agency. If you're inter...
Oct 01, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Welcome to Episode 92 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! hosted by Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald! In this episode, we sit down with Chris Langile , the owner of Advisory Evolve , to dive into the world of AI and its growing influence on the insurance industry. 🕒 (00:00) - Introduction. 🕒 (00:55) - Chris Langile shares his thoughts on ChatGPT, AI, and their impact on insurance. 🕒 (02:18)- A deep dive into the beta launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI and its potential to disrupt the search engine m...
Sep 17, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 92
Welcome back to Episode 91 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! This week, your hosts Stephen Turnbull , founder of T5 Insurance Services , and Shawn Fitzgerald , founder of Sound Harbor Insurance , sit down with Michael Weaver, the brilliant mind behind Weaver Sales Academy and co-host of * The Insurance Buzz * podcast. Join us as we dive deep into Michael's journey from launching a scratch insurance agency with limited resources to becoming a leading voice in sales training and coaching. 🕒 (00:00) ...
Sep 10, 2024•46 min
Welcome back to Episode 90 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Sean Goral to dive deep into his journey in the insurance industry. Sean shares invaluable insights on building processes, focusing on commercial business, and setting a vision for agency growth. If you're looking for expert advice on scaling your insurance agency, this episode is a must-listen! 🕒 (00:00) - Introduction to the Podcast 🕒 (01:26) - Sean Goral's Journey in the Insurance Industry 🕒 (04:49)...
Sep 03, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 90
Welcome back to Episode 89 of The Scratch Agency Podcast , hosted by Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald! In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Andrade , the owner of Spark Tax Services LLC, to dive into the world of business rebranding and the journey of building a successful company from the ground up. 🕒 (00:00) - Introduction. 🕒 (00:55) - Introduction of Kevin, the owner of Spark Tax Services, LLC. 🕒 (01:54) - Kevin's background and journey of starting his business. 🕒 (19:28)- Importa...
Aug 27, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 89
Welcome to Episode 87 of The Scratch Agency Podcast ! Join us as we dive into an enlightening conversation with J.C. Wogomon , founder of Catalyst Insurance Group . This episode is packed with valuable insights on the insurance industry, personal growth, and community impact. ⏰ (00:00) Introduction. ⏰ (02:52) Learning lessons and gaining mentorship in the insurance industry ⏰ (03:20) J.C.'s backstory of overcoming challenges in life ⏰ (08:29) Transitioning back into insurance with a focus on com...
Aug 13, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 87
Welcome to Episode 88 of The Scratch Agency Podcast: Community Chats #2 with Chris Langille! Join co-hosts Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald as they dive into a fascinating conversation with Chris Langile. In this episode, they discuss the significance of having a professional website and how it can transform your business. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, this episode is packed with insights to help you optimize your online presence. 🕒 (00:00) - Introduction 🕒 (0...
Aug 13, 2024•15 min
Welcome back to Episode 86 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of rebranding with our special guest, Chris Logsdon . Join us as we explore the journey of rebranding, the importance of storytelling, and the art of deploying a new brand effectively. 🕒 (00:00) - Introduction 🕒 (01:25) - Collaboration with Chris Logsdon for rebranding 🕒 (05:10) - Transition to starting his own business 🕒 (09:43) - Process of creating the brand, including naming and des...
Aug 06, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Welcome back to Episode 85 of The Scratch Agency Podcast ! Hosts Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald dive into community-driven discussions about sales and agency processes. 🕒 (00:00) - Introduction 🕒 (00:10) - Community Chats segment introduction 🕒 (01:35)- Asking for commitment in commercial lines insurance 🕒 (05:26) - Setting pre-qualification standards in an agency 🕒 (09:44) - Handling unlikely prospect switches 🕒 (10:33) - Real-life scenario: Existing broker relationships 🕒 (13:01)...
Jul 30, 2024•14 min
Welcome to Episode 84 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! Join Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald as they chat with John Bartholomeo , owner of Mohawk Valley Wellness . John shares his 25-year journey in fitness and business, emphasizing the importance of health for long-term success. ⏰ (00:00) - Introduction ⏰ (03:54) - Guest Introduction - John Bartholomeo ⏰ (09:10) - Importance of Health and Wellness in Business ⏰ (14:29) - Being a Health Role Model ⏰ (23:58) - Starting Small and Tracking Progr...
Jul 23, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Welcome to Episode 83 of The Scratch Agency Podcast ! We're excited to feature Jay Abdulaziz , a dynamic sales expert with an inspiring journey in the insurance industry. Join us as Jay shares invaluable insights and experiences that have shaped his successful career. 🕒 (0:00) - Introduction. 🕒 (1:41) - Achieving success in selling insurance over the phone. 🕒 (3:38) - Specializing in lead generation and replicating success strategies. 🕒 (18:15) - Understanding target marketing cost per acqui...
Jul 16, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Welcome to Episode 82 of The Scratch Agency Podcast , where we are thrilled to have Chris Korthaus join us for an insightful and inspiring conversation. In this episode, Chris shares his journey and the principles that have guided his success. 🕒 (00:00) - Introduction. 🕒 (07:31) - Setting a Strong Foundation . 🕒 (14:11) - Long-Term Vision and Growth . 🕒 (21:23) - Work-Life Balance and Service . 🕒 (33:23) - Gratitude and Community . Enhance your productivity and reclaim time with Virtual Int...
Jun 25, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Welcome to Episode 81 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! Join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Israel Acosta , a seasoned professional in the banking industry. In this episode, Israel shares his inspiring journey, leadership philosophies, and the importance of having a clear vision for your company. 🕒 (00:00) - Introduction 🕒 (02:14) - Israel Acosta's banking journey and career growth 🕒 (04:07) - Importance of starting from entry positions to learn industry insights 🕒 (09:39) - D...
Jun 18, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Welcome to Episode 80 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this exciting episode, our hosts delve into the incredible journey of Juan Lopez , a dynamic force in the marketing world. Tune in to hear about Juan’s transition from the insurance industry to becoming a storytelling and marketing expert. ⏱️ (00:00) - Introduction ⏱️ (01:21) - Juan's Journey in the Insurance Industry ⏱️ (04:38) - Transition to Marketing and Storytelling ⏱️ (05:36) - Experience with Vader Media and Sasha Group ⏱️ (10:35) - ...
Jun 11, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Welcome to Episode 79 of The Scratch Agency Podcast , where we empower scratch agents with insights and strategies from industry leaders! hosts Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald are joined by the inspirational Dr. Billy Williams , founder of Inspire Nation Business Mentoring. Dr. Williams shares his wealth of experience and insights on various crucial topics for insurance agents. ⏰(00:00) - Introduction. ⏰(01:50)- Dr. Billy Williams' Background. ⏰(04:12) - Discussion on FCC Rules. ⏰(08:30)- ...
Jun 04, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 79
Welcome to Episode 78 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this exciting episode, we sit down with Osama M. Al Haymi , a seasoned insurance professional who shares his journey of starting and growing a successful agency. Join us as we dive deep into Osama’s background, his experiences, and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive in the insurance business. ⏱️(00:00) - Introduct...
May 28, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 78
Welcome to Episode 77 of The Scratch Agency Podcast ! In this episode, hosts Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald dive deep into recent changes within their agencies, personal reflections, and the intricacies of managing a bustling schedule. Tune in as they share insights, challenges, and triumphs from their professional journeys. ⏱️ (00:29) - Introduction ⏱️ (04:36) - Dive into Shawn upcoming plans ⏱️ (05:04) - Shawn insights on onboarding a new executive assistant and the indispensable need f...
May 14, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Welcome to Episode 76 of The Scratch Agency Podcast ! Join us for an enlightening conversation with David Borg , where we explore the dynamics of family-established agencies, effective team management, and the challenges of remote and hybrid work models. 🔔(00:00) - Introduction 🔔(01:49) - David Borg's Journey in the Family-Established Agency 🔔(03:12) - Roles of Family Members in the Agency 🔔(05:31)- Agency's Management Structure 🔔(08:17) - Importance of Understanding Communication Styles 🔔...
May 07, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Welcome to Episode 75 of The Scratch Agency Podcast ! Get ready for an insightful conversation as we delve into the world of entrepreneurship and insurance with our special guest, Billy Wagner , owner of Brightway Insurance . 🔔 (00:00) - Introduction 🔔 (03:18) - Starting the Scratch Agency Journey 🔔 (06:33) - Transitioning from a Six-Figure Job 🔔 (07:32) - Importance of Autonomy and Vision 🔔 (09:24) - Building Relationships and Scaling 🔔 (11:09) - Learning from Early Mistakes 🔔 (14:00) - ...
Apr 30, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Welcome to Episode 74 of the Scratch Agency Podcast! In this episode, join us as we dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, finance, and team management with our special guest, Victor Zayas . 🔔00:00 - Introduction 🔔01:15 - Discussion on Email Delegation and Accountability 🔔03:12 - Victor's Career Transition from Corrections to Financial Planning 🔔06:32 - Importance of Mental Toughness and Persistence in Entrepreneurship 🔔12:42 - Tips for New Business Owners on Financial Knowledge 🔔14...
Apr 23, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Welcome to Episode 73 of the Scratch Agency Podcast! In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Scott Howell, a seasoned professional in the insurance industry, to delve into the keys to success, growth, and building strong relationships in business. 🕒00:00 - Introduction 🕒01:24 - Importance of consistency in podcasting 🕒04:27 - Value of asking for help in business 🕒05:25 - Importance of learning and progressing in career 🕒06:25 - Reflections on starting insurance career 🕒08:51 - Story...
Apr 16, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Welcome to Episode 72 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! where we delve into the strategies and insights that drive success in the fast-paced world of insurance! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Cole Caughern join us as we explore the art of buying back time with the help of virtual assistants and dive deep into entrepreneurship and business growth within the insurance sector. 🕒 (0:00) - Introduction: Unlocking efficiency with a virtual assistant 🕒 (1:34) - Entrepreneurship and scaling in t...
Apr 09, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Welcome to Episode 71 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the world of business partnerships with the insightful Don Rowan and Roe of Agency CFO. Join us as we explore the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of forming partnerships in the business world. ⏰ (0:00) - Introduction to partnership opportunities and potential pitfalls ⏰ (3:08) - Approaching family and business partnerships ⏰ (4:19) - The importance of planning in business partnerships ⏰ (9:42) - Strategie...
Apr 02, 2024•43 min
Welcome to Episode 70 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of insurance sales and business growth strategies with the incredible Patrick Murakami. Join us as we uncover valuable insights and strategies that can help you excel in the insurance industry. ⏱️(0:00) - Introduction ⏱️(1:45) - Leveraging Facebook groups for lead generation ⏱️(9:42) - Asking the right questions to uncover clients' needs and grow your business ⏱️(16:01) - Building brand awareness an...
Mar 26, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 70
Welcome back to Episode 69 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this exciting installment of our Community Call series, we're joined by industry expert Patrick McBride to explore the fascinating world of automation in insurance agencies. Get ready to revolutionize your approach to efficiency and customer experience! ⏰ (0:00) - Introduction to Patrick McBride and the discussion on automation in insurance agencies. ⏰ (1:16) - Exploring technology and automation in the real estate industry for insight...
Mar 19, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 69
Welcome back to Episode 68 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this highly anticipated episode, we sit down with the brilliant Tom Larsen to dive into the world of insurance agency leadership. Get ready for a masterclass in entrepreneurship and community building! ⏰ (0:00) - Introduction ⏰ (1:25) - Transitioning from producer to agency owner without a contract ⏰ (6:42) - Niche marketing and networking for insurance agents ⏰ (11:25)- Running a local landlord group ⏰ (16:23) - Creating a niche busin...
Mar 12, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Welcome to Episode 67 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this captivating episode, we delve into the intricate world of business relationships and family dynamics, featuring insightful discussions with industry leaders Mike Crowley and Taylor Garcia. ⏰ (0:00) - Introduction ⏰ (2:01) - Exploring the Insurance Industry with Industry Leaders ⏰ (4:51) - Taking over Family Insurance Agency Leadership ⏰ (7:13) - Family-Owned Insurance Agency Succession Planning ⏰ (13:26) - Career Path Frustrations &...
Mar 05, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Welcome back to Episode 66 of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this insightful episode, we sit down with Danny Lawrence to delve into the dynamic world of insurance technology and effective communication strategies within the industry. ⏰ (0:00) - Coffee Fuelled Podcasting ⏰ (1:45) - Rebranding & Team Communication ⏰ (3:09) - Technology for Independent Agents ⏰ (6:17) - Motivations for Startup Involvement ⏰ (8:38) - Building Strong Company Cultures ⏰ (12:13) - Podcasting & Insurance Tech ⏰ ...
Feb 27, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Welcome back to The Scratch Agency Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of insurance agency operations with industry veteran Patrick Murakami. Join us as we explore various facets of the insurance industry, from market shifts to the intersection of automation and leadership. ⏰ (0:00) - Introduction ⏰ (1:34) - Insurance Market Insights ⏰ (5:32) - Industry Experiences and Client Service ⏰ (11:44) - Automation and Leadership ⏰ (16:59) - Automation, Remote Work, and Real Estate ⏰ (2...
Feb 20, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Scratch Agency Podcast! In Episode 64, your hosts Shawn and Stephen dive deep into the dynamic world of the scratch agency. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with valuable experiences, strategies, and anecdotes that will inspire and educate entrepreneurs in any industry. 🕒 (0:00) - Resilience and Vulnerability in the Scratch Agency World 🕒 (1:42) - Agency Rebranding and Name Selection 🕒 (5:38) - Business Name Creation and Personal Br...
Feb 13, 2024•29 min•Ep. 64
