Agency Nation Radio podcast

#Insurance #Insuranceindustry #Insurancemarketing #Insurancesales #Insurancetechnology #Agency Nation #Agency Nation - Insurance Marketing #Technology Strategists #Marketing #Business #Sales

27:52

We made it— 300 episodes of This Is Woman’s Work ! And we’re marking this milestone by giving you something that could seriously change the game in your business or career: the skill of pitching yourself effectively. Whether you’re dreaming of being a podcast guest, landing a speaking gig, signing a client, or just asking for what you want with confidence—you’re already pitching yourself, every day. But are you doing it well? In this milestone episode, Nicole breaks down exactly how to pitch yourself to be a podcast guest … and actually hear “yes.” With hundreds of pitches landing in her inbox each month, she shares what makes a guest stand out (or get deleted), the biggest mistakes people make, and why podcast guesting is still one of the most powerful ways to grow your reach, authority, and influence. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we all need to pitch ourselves—and how to do it without feeling gross ✅ The step-by-step process for landing guest spots on podcasts (and more) ✅ A breakdown of the 3 podcast levels: Practice, Peer, and A-List—and how to approach each ✅ The must-haves of a successful podcast pitch (including real examples) ✅ How to craft a pitch that gets read, gets remembered, and gets results Whether you’re new to pitching or want to level up your game, this episode gives you the exact strategy Nicole and her team use to land guest spots on dozens of podcasts every year. Because your voice deserves to be heard. And the world needs what only you can bring. 🎁 Get the FREE Podcast Pitch Checklist + Additional Information on your Practice Group, Peer Group, and A-List Group Strategies: https://nicolekalil.com/podcast 📥 Download The Podcast Pitch Checklist Here Related Podcast Episodes: Shameless and Strategic: How to Brag About Yourself with Tiffany Houser | 298 How To Write & Publish A Book with Michelle Savage | 279 How To Land Your TED Talk and Skyrocket Your Personal Brand with Ashley Stahl | 250 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

Agency Nation Radio

Series home•Feed

Agency Nation is the leading digital publication helping insurance professionals dominate marketing, sales and technology in the modern marketplace.

730 episodes

Agency Nation Radio

82 subscribers

updated 10 days ago

Series home•Feed

Agency Nation is the leading digital publication helping insurance professionals dominate marketing, sales and technology in the modern marketplace.

730 episodes

#Insurance #Insuranceindustry #Insurancemarketing #Insurancesales #Insurancetechnology #Agency Nation #Agency Nation - Insurance Marketing #Technology Strategists #Marketing #Business #Sales

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Agency Nation Radio

1
Powering Growth and Pushing for Change with Michelle O'Connor 17:14

10 days ago17:14

17:14

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Michelle O'Connor, president of O'Connor Insurance Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina. When O'Connor and her husband started their insurance agency 25 years ago, they knew from the very beginning that joining the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) was a must. Michelle knew of other successful agents that belonged to the Big “I" and also knew of the association's industry advocacy efforts. While O'Connor's initial involvement with the association was with the state's young agent committee (YAC), she became more involved when she was asked by Kelley Erstine, IIANC's CEO at the time, to become part of a special committee charged with analyzing member benefits. Since then, she has served in numerous committees and is currently the national director for IIANC. “I've always been a super strong advocate of political action committees (PACs) on both the national and state association level,” she says. “Our insurance system in North Carolina is very unique and that's what started my interest. I realized that if you want change to happen, it has to come from the legislative level.” 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. O'Connor was also featured in the April issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview here or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/april/declaration-of-independents-michelle-oconnor This podcast is sponsored by the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA). IMCA Ignite 2025 is taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona, June 23-25. Don’t miss the only conference where the insurance marketing and communications community comes together to share content-rich, forward-thinking and relevant topics while also networking for lasting connections.…

Agency Nation Radio

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In Good Company: Women Creating Opportunities for Independent Insurance Agents 46:32

24 days ago46:32

46:32

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Susan Bonner, Big “I” vice president of marketing and communications, chats with Denise Johnson, president and CEO of Big I Oklahoma, and Jill Epstein, CEO of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California (IIABCal), about their achievements as women in the independent insurance agency channel and how they’re shaping the industry by offering more women-led events and highlighting opportunities for women in insurance. Big “I” Oklahoma recently hosted the EmpowerHER conference, while IIABCal hosted the Independent Women Summit. Both events sought to foster not only professional development but also genuine friendship and connection among women in the independent agency system and the wider insurance industry. “It was just a really comfortable environment,” Epstein said about the Independent Women Summit, which IIABCal hosted in February. “Everyone was super present, super engaged, chatting, happy and making connections. That was my goal, to bring that to women.” During the episode, Epstein and Johnson also shared strategies for how women can develop leadership skills and learnings from their own experiences, as well as highlighted other Big “I” state associations that are working on similar women-led initiatives. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. ------------------ Susan Bonner https://www.linkedin.com/in/susiebonnerpugh/ Denise Johnson https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-johnson-2a680312/ Jill Epstein https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-poznick-epstein-b330745/…

Agency Nation Radio

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Building a Business and a Legacy with Kelly Gonyo 16:39

5 weeks ago16:39

16:39

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Kelly Gonyo, owner and agent of Blue Line Insurance in Lake Placid, New York. Gonyo worked every role in an independent agency—from working the front desk to producing—before starting her own agency at 32 years old with “minimal money in a tiny little office," she says. Today, Blue Line Insurance has four branches and 15 employees, 14 of whom are women. “I'm proud to be a woman in business. I'm aware that I am one of few women in my state that have started a scratch independent agency," she says. “I've learned a lot from other women in the industry, and I've also learned a lot from men in the industry as well." Gonyo serves on the Big I New York board of directors and will become the chair in May. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. Gonyo was also featured in the March issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview here or read the full issue online. ---------- Kelly Gonyo https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-gonyo-9494a221/…

Agency Nation Radio

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Recruiting and Attracting Young Professionals to the Insurance Industry 19:24

7 weeks ago19:24

19:24

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Johanna Holling, volunteer relations program manager at National Invest Program, hosts a conversation about attracting young talent to the insurance industry with Ashley Engl, business development manager at Jencap, and Hal Soden, Jr., principal and risk management advisor at Oliver L.E. Soden Agency Corp. Together, they discuss what Invest is, how they got involved with the program and how it can help attract more talent to the insurance industry. "I think a lot of it is the image that we put out there, and the content that either resides on your company's website or your social media", Engl says. “That's where they're looking for roles. They're trying to get a picture of what this job looks like.” Also, it’s about “educating the general public on careers and insurance,” Engl continues. “If someone is looking to hire people, you want to showcase that they can make a career at your agency or your company, so find ways to communicate that." Over the past year, Invest has collaborated with DECA—a 75-year-old organization dedicated to preparing young leaders for business and entrepreneurial careers. Invest has introduced insurance education to DECA through classroom connections, corporate challenges and insurance volunteers. There are also numerous opportunities to volunteer at Deca events, such as being a judge at a competition, representing Invest at a booth and participating in insurance career panels. To learn more about volunteering, please visit investprogram.org/volunteer. If you are unable to volunteer, but would still like to contribute to the program, you can use the donation button as Invest is a 501C. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts.…

Agency Nation Radio

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Stepping Up and Standing Out With Megan Carroll 23:39

9 weeks ago23:39

23:39

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Megan Carroll, president of Stein Insurance in Lindstrom, Minnesota. “I worked as a property & casualty reinsurance broker at Willis Re," explains Megan Carroll. “That was my first 'big kid' job." However, the absence of a succession plan at her family's fourth-generation independent insurance agency and a desire to keep it family-owned drew Carroll into the family business in 2017. “I took a substantial pay cut and started from the ground up at Stein Insurance," she says. “It felt like a huge risk at the time but, looking back now, it was definitely the right move." Since then, Carroll has become a part owner and president of the business, a process in which she has stepped up professionally and grown into a leadership position while learning the ropes of agency management and p&c 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. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. -------------------- Megan Carroll https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-carroll-msc-cpcu-are-24329a32/…

Agency Nation Radio

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From Polls to Policy: Understanding the Post-Election Legislative Agenda 36:44

11 weeks ago36:44

36:44

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Molly Abboud, Big “I" director of political affairs, hosts a discussion with Charles Symington, Big “I” president & CEO, and Nathan Riedel, Big “I” senior vice president of federal government affairs to discuss the 2024 election results and how they will impact the Big “I” legislative agenda. They examine the key factors behind President Trump’s victory and discuss what to expect during his first 100 days in office. From campaign promises to policy priorities, they assess how Trump’s second term will compare to the first and how independent insurance agents and brokers may be impacted. "President Trump and his team have obviously been in the White House before,” said Symington. “They've been there. They've done that. So I think that they're going to get out of the gate a lot quicker, a lot stronger, a lot more productive, and a lot more effective.” Another topic they tackle is legal system abuse caused by third-party litigation funding and what can be done about it at the state and federal levels. “Our agents are keenly aware that abuse of the legal system adds considerable stress to the insurance industry,” said Riedel. “And it's definitely contributing to the hard market that we find ourselves in right now.” Other topics they discuss include the new Senate Republican leadership, how Congress may respond to wildfires, such as those currently active in Los Angeles, and other natural disasters. Listeners will learn how to get involved with grassroots advocacy for the independent insurance agency system by attending the 2025 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., scheduled for April 30 to May 2. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts.…

Agency Nation Radio

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Creating the Cyber Insurance ‘Easy Button’ with Jay Fribourg 15:21

13 weeks ago15:21

15:21

Insurance has been a part of Jay Fribourg’s life from the very beginning. His insurance career began when he interned at his family’s agency filing and scanning documents. After graduating from college, Fribourg joined the family agency but eventually broke off and started his own agency, Bentley Insurance, named after his 130-pound Great Dane. In 2012, Bentley Insurance was acquired by Pinnacle Insurance Group. However, his experience working in a cybersecurity distributor startup firm led Fribourg to partner with former coworkers and create BlueZone Cyber Solutions, combining expertise in both insurance and cybersecurity. At BlueZone, we have this goal to bring enterprise-level security down to the small business owner. That’s what we’ve been really focused on,” Fribourg says. “Nowadays, the targets are these small businesses that don’t have the protection in place and they could really use a good outsource team. “We put a package together for them and for their insurance agencies,” he adds. “It’s that easy button that they can push.” 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. Fribourg was also featured in the January issue of Independent Agent. Check out his interview in the link below or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/january/declaration-of-independents-jay-fribourg ------------ Jay Fribourg https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayfribourg/…

Agency Nation Radio

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Best Practices and Goal Setting for 2025 20:59

16 weeks ago20:59

20:59

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Jennifer Becker, Big “I” Senior Director of Agent Development and Research and Education, is joined by Andy Siegel of Siegel Insurance and chair of the Big “I” council for Best Practices and Katy Stewart of Olis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors and a member of the council for Best Practices to discuss about benefits and data that can be gleaned from the study. The Big “I” Best Practices study is the annual report done in partnership with Reagan Consulting and analyzes the performance of the nation's leading agencies to uncover methods, strategies and procedures. Throughout the episode, the three chat about how these agencies may be using the data to help set goals and make decisions as we enter 2025. Towards the end of the episode, Siegel offers a tip for agencies who are considering or were nominated to become a Best Practices agenct. “The value of the data you get out is priceless. You spend a few hours of time putting all this together, but if you can position your agency to be more efficient, more profitable, it has more value. You might attract more producers, you might attract more carriers when you're running a good financial ship. Everything seems to rise with it. So, the rising tide lifts all boats. If you have a financially sound agency, it attracts better markets, better producers, better employees service team. So go for 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 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. ------------------------------ Andy Siegel https://www.linkedin.com/in/andynsiegel Katy Stewart https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-stewart-0111b8188/…

Agency Nation Radio

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Going All In on Agency Ownership With Stephanie Dew 14:22

18 weeks ago14:22

14:22

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Stephanie Dew, President, Agency Owner of WinStar Insurance Group in Cedar Park, Texas. In 2022, Dew, then 20% owner of WinStar, learned that the other two owners would be retiring. She didn’t want to see the agency absorbed by the large buyers circling overhead and decided she would buy it herself—even if it meant mortgaging her house. “It devastated me to think that these employees who have worked so hard to build up the agency would have to watch it get gobbled up by another agency that I didn’t think would value our clients the way we do,” Dew says. “I went to my family first to make sure my husband and kids were on board. And they knew this was my dream. We had our house pretty much paid off, and I took a loan on it and did everything I needed to make it happen.” WinStar’s defined niches propel its growth, from wineries and water entities to emergency services. The agency has been a Best Practices agency since 2019. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts.…

Agency Nation Radio

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Generation Technology: Collaboration for the Future 56:59

21 weeks ago56:59

56:59

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we explore technology and its real-world impact on independent agencies. Join host Bobbie Collies, chief insurance officer at Coterie Insurance, as she unpacks how technology is not just about tools and software—it’s about people. Collies is joined by two industry leaders: Chris Cline, executive director of the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT), and Todd Jackson, Big “I” Chairman and owner and partner at McGowan Insurance Group. Together, they discuss the challenges, opportunities and future of technology in the independent agency system. Cline discusses the evolution of ACT, including an overview of the “Letter to the Industry,” which highlights the pillars critical to technology success: data, connectivity, AI and people. As an agency owner, Jackson brings perspective to listeners who may want to see their agency use more technology, but aren’t sure the best path for leadership buy-in. “Understand that you may be working in an agency that’s owned by someone like me, and you may find resistance, you may find challenges and this may frustrate you at times,” says Jackson, “And this hopefully will be a perspective for you to see how to talk to these folks, who are intimidated and don’t understand what’s available to them and give them avenues and insights on ways to embrace that.” Whether you’re a tech-savvy agent or just starting to explore what technology can do for your agency, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you thrive in today’s digital landscape. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts.…

Agency Nation Radio

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Driving Change and InsurTech Innovation With Andrew Ryan 23:48

22 weeks ago23:48

23:48

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Andrew Ryan, vice president of Hertvik Insurance Group in Medina, Ohio. Despite being unimpressed by the software on offer when he first joined the independent agency channel, Ryan has relished the opportunity to constantly innovate and improve agency technology and processes. Currently, Ryan is embarking on a new project—Engineered Insurance Services (EIS)—which is a joint venture between Hertvik Insurance and Engineered Tax Services, a premier specialty tax firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, and a product of decades of commitment to driving change. “In our new agency, just as with picking technology, we’re assembling a team with diverse skills and focusing on our strengths,” Ryan says. “This fresh start is thrilling and gives us the opportunity to create something innovative and efficient.” 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. ------------ Andrew Ryan https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewryanins/…

Agency Nation Radio

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Key Findings from the 2024 Agency Universe Study 13:19

25 weeks ago13:19

13:19

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, AnneMarie McPherson Spears, news editor, Independent Agent magazine, interviews Kristina Witzling, executive vice president and property & casualty practice lead at Zeldis about the findings from the 2024 Agency Universe Study. The Agency Universe Study by Future One, a collaboration of the Big “I" and leading independent agency companies, is hailed as the most comprehensive look at the independent agency system. First conducted in 1983 and completed biennially since 2002, the study is facilitated by Zeldis Research and surveys property & casualty independent agents and brokers. The 2024 study was released at the end of September and sheds light on the state of the independent agency channel as it moves past the coronavirus pandemic and through the hard market. Witzling discusses a range of findings from the latest study, including the total number of independent insurance agencies, how mergers & acquisitions are impacting the distribution channel, the biggest factors behind agency success in the hard market and more. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts.…

Agency Nation Radio

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Controlling the Controllable with Haley Andrews 8:28

27 weeks ago8:28

8:28

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Haley Andrews, vice president of Gaines Insurance Agency in El Dorado Hills, California. Growing up in a family where insurance was a topic of conversation at the dinner table, Andrews' future in insurance was written in the stars. After earning a degree in business with a concentration in insurance and risk management from Sacramento State University, Andrews accepted an internship from Nationwide. However, a few years later, she answered the call from her father, Ted Gaines, to join the family agency. Since then, Andrews has become involved in local associations, serving as president of Independent Insurance Agents of Sacramento (IIAB Sacramento) in 2023. This year, she is serving as the Northern California director on the board of the Independent Insurance Agents of California (IIAB Cal). However, operating in California has its challenges. “It’s not so sunny and beautiful here in California when it comes to insurance,” Gaines says. “Nevertheless, our agency works well as a team by constantly communicating how we can be dynamic to meet our client’s needs,” she says. “The key for us is to always work together and just focus on what we can control: our attitude and how we work with our clients.” 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. Gaines was also featured in the October issue of Independent Agent. Read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2024/october/declaration-of-independents-haley-andrews…

Agency Nation Radio

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Let's Get Social: Elevate Your Agency's Social Media 27:15

29 weeks ago27:15

27:15

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Joseph Cox, director of marketing at Trusted Choice®, hosts a conversation with Jamie O'Hearn, president of O'Hearn insurance in Lowell, Massachusetts, and Philip Schmitz, chief client protection officer at Schmitz Insurance in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, about the role of social media in a modern insurance agency. The guests share how they’ve boosted client engagement through social platforms and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Tune in for practical tips to elevate your independent insurance agency's social media game. "The biggest lesson is just to do it and be consistent with it,” says O’Hearn. “Put a procedure in place to make sure that you're doing these things." O’Hearn and Schmitz also share their insights on building a strong online presence to attract clients, the benefits of tools like Social Jazz for consistent posting and why it’s critical to stay active on social media platforms. They also discuss how leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots might shape the future of client engagement. To watch this episode click the link below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMVFpzPViqY 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. Guests: Host: Joseph Cox, Marketing Director, Trusted Choice https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmcox/ James O’Hearn, President, O’Hearn Insurance https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesohearn/ Philip Schmitz, Chief Client Protection Officer, Schmitz Insurance https://www.linkedin.com/in/philschmitz/…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Servant Leadership with Ivie Isler 13:45

31 weeks ago13:45

13:45

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Ivie Isler, assistant vice president and marketing analyst supervisor at McGriff Insurance Services in Birmingham, Alabama. From serving as president of the Birmingham Independent Insurance Agents (BIIA) to chair of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents (AIIA) young agents committee (YAC)—and numerous other roles in between—Isler isn't one to shy away from an opportunity to help the independent agency channel. Isler's leadership was instrumental in helping AIIA win its first InsurPac Eagle Award. She emphasizes the importance of being involved in legislation. “If you are not involved with it, then people outside of your industry are making changes to your industry that will impact you,” she says. “You have to have a voice.” In 2023, Isler received the InsurPac Young Agent of the Year award for her role in AIIA's Eagle status. In 2024, Isler also received the national Young Agent of the Year Award for leadership in her local and state associations and involvement in national YAC events. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. Isler was also featured in the September issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview here or read the full issue online.…

Agency Nation Radio

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Uncomplicating Workers Comp with the NCCI 18:32

33 weeks ago18:32

18:32

In this episode of Agency Nation Radio, host Nancy Germond, Big “I" executive director of risk management and education, dives deep into the world of workers compensation with Lisa Alea, senior product manager at the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). The NCCI recently marked its 100th anniversary. During this time, it has supported the insurance industry and workers comp market by offering valuable resources to insurers, agents and businesses, such as the recently launched Learning Center. "Our mission is to help foster a healthy workers compensation system and our Learning Center is a key resource for agents to stay informed and equipped," Alea said. Alea also touched on the current state of the workers comp market, noting that "we're seeing a shift towards more tailored solutions as employers face new challenges in managing workplace safety and compliance,” she said. “It's more important than ever for agents to stay updated and leverage the latest tools to address these evolving needs." Tune in to discover how to navigate the complexities of workers comp, enhance your niche marketing strategies, and better serve your clients in today's market. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this episode offers practical advice and insights to help you succeed. 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. Lisa Alea https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-alea-4459a614/…

Agency Nation Radio

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AN Radio: Putting Service in the Spotlight with Ashley Stafford 13:04

36 weeks ago13:04

13:04

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Ashley Stafford, insurance advisor, Williams Insurance Agency in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Stafford was laid off from a logistics company during the coronavirus pandemic. After a friend posted a vacancy at Williams Insurance Agency, she jumped headfirst into all the opportunities an insurance career has to offer, quickly advancing from a customer service role into an advisory role. Drawing on her experiences in other customer service positions, as well as acting aspirations that included being an extra in HBO's “John Adams" miniseries, Stafford always strives to “turn challenges into opportunities and prioritize exceptional customer service," she says. In her short insurance career, Stafford has acquired the certified professional insurance agent (CPIA) designation and was recognized as a 2023 Young Agent Mover and Shaker by Insurance Agents & Brokers (IA&B). Now, she's looking forward to continuing her dedication to customer service and spreading the word about career opportunities 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. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts.…

Agency Nation Radio

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Going for Gold with the Big “I” Alliance 16:35

38 weeks ago16:35

16:35

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we learn about independent insurance agency alliances, a model that has grown in popularity in recent years, and one that the Big “I” has harnessed with the launch of the Big “I” Alliance. Jared Blackwood, owner and partner at BridgeMark Insurance Solutions in Bismark, North Dakota, chats with Tiffany Overlease, assistant vice president of Big “I” Alliance Gold, and Ty Bates, an agent at McKellar, Robertson, McCarty & Click Insurance Agency in Vandalia, Illinois, who was the first agent to sign up to Big “I” Alliance Gold. “The Alliance is a one-stop shop for any Big ‘I’ member. It brings market access, vendor discounts and aggregation by direct appointments under one umbrella,” said Overlease. “There are 3 programs: Blue, Blue Plus, and Gold.” “The Big ‘I’ has received an abundance of requests over the past several years to expand our current incubator program—Eagle Agency—into an alliance where agents can stay long-term and have similar opportunities that larger agencies have.” 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. Learn More about Big “I” Alliance: https://www.bigimemberalliance.com/gold ---------------------------------- Guests: Ty J. Bates McKellar, Robertson, McCarty & Click Insurance Agency https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyjbates/ Tiffany Overlease, AFIS, CISR - Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-overlease-afis-cisr-33565112b/ Jared Blackwood, CLCS Owner/Partner BridgeMark Insurance https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-blackwood-clcs-2082a325/…

Agency Nation Radio

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A Life of Service with Emmanuel Osuyah 14:19

40 weeks ago14:19

14:19

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Emmanuel Osuyah, CEO, owner, and principal of Alpha Direct Agency. His first significant move in the industry was when he bought his mother-in-law's Allstate agency. However, he realized that this path was not for him and decided to pursue the independent agency route. Fast forward 20 years, Alpha Direct now has 13 employees and three branches in three different states. "I came into this industry 20 years ago," he said. "After a year of being in the industry, I said to my wife, 'I think I found that thing. The thing that I'm going to do for 30 years.'" 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. -------------------------- Osuyah was also featured in the July issue of Independent Agent. Check out his interview here in the link below! https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2024/july/declaration-of-independents-emmanuel-osuyah…

Agency Nation Radio

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Young Agents Take on the Hard Market: Prioritizing Risk Management 22:48

42 weeks ago22:48

22:48

The Big “I” National Young Agents Committee (YAC) partnered with Trusted Choice to create a special bonus series of content related to the hard market on Agency Nation Radio. This week’s episode features Jack Griffith, Partner at TWIA Insurance Agency in Summerville, South Carolina and was hosted by Daschle Larsen, a member of the National Young Agents Committee and Risk Advisor at North Risk Partners in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The discussion focused on the current state of the market, weather events, relationships with clients and carriers, and incidents that have led to an increased focus on risk management. The conversations started by discussing ways agencies can work with clients to identify potential risks. Then, they discussed how agency-carrier relationships can help tell a story about a client’s business and the agent’s focus on being proactive with their risk management measures, and articulating this risk to carriers. “Carriers are being more conservative. So, we want to try to keep that open line of communication, almost to incentivize our carriers to stay on the account, but also to help communicate to them that you’re on a good account, our clients are being proactive, we’re not waiting till the bus full of 20 employees tips over to start looking at what we could have done wrong. We’re trying to get in front of that,” Griffith said. The conversation then switched gears to focus on how to mitigate E&O claims within an agency. When preparing for some of these conversations and getting ready for renewals, they will use the renewal checklist or coverage checklist. “It is a team effort at our agency. We have what we call an Agency Council, which is essentially our management team, who helps identify the risks we have internally. Our Commercial Lines Manager, she is incredible. She’s one of our partners as well. She does spot check audits on new business, and what she’s checking for are things that are helping to reduce E&O claims on our end,” Griffith said. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts.…

Agency Nation Radio

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Mentorship & Shaping The Next Generation 9:37

43 weeks ago9:37

9:37

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Erika Matthews, program manager at Invest, hosts a conversation with Samantha Snider, assistant account manager at Abbott and Fillmore Agency and Joanna Dresden, an experienced Insurance Agent at Hartland Insurance Agency. Dresden is Snider’s mentor, and the two Michiganders discuss the inspiring dynamic between mentor and mentee. Tune in to Discover how seasoned agents like Dresden are passing down invaluable knowledge and guidance and find out how the new wave of insurance agents are building fulfilling and impactful careers. "So if you have questions, don't be afraid to ask," Snider says. "Originally kind of the beginning of me and Joey's relationship, I was kind of like, oh yeah, she's there. And I was kind of hesitant. But then once I started becoming more comfortable, it was more of a, hey, what's this sort of thing? And it was a lot easier to relate to her. Don't be afraid to ask questions." 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.…

Agency Nation Radio

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From Combat to Coverage with Army Veteran Adam Wirthlin 5:37

44 weeks ago5:37

5:37

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Adam Wirthlin, commercial lines producer at Turner Agency in Greenville, South Carolina, shares how his time in the U.S. Army has given him skills to be a better producer. “It seems like a complete 180 from serving, but the skills I learned in the military set me up for success in this field, like attention to detail, leadership and commitment," he says.…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Young Agents Take on the Hard Market: Marketing & Communication Tactics 16:58

45 weeks ago16:58

16:58

The Big “I” National Young Agents Committee (YAC) partnered with Trusted Choice to create a special bonus series of content related to the hard market on Agency Nation Radio. This week’s episode features Allyson Hearring-Padilla, an agent at Blank’s Insurance Agency in Olney, Illinois, and was hosted by Taylor Hendrickson, a member of the National Young Agents Committee and Young Agents Council Director at the Florida Association of Independent Agents. The discussion focused on marketing strategies in today’s marketplace, winning over a client and growing a business, and using resources available by the Big “I.” “We use a lot of Trusted Choice marketing. We always have, since that’s been developed, makes my life a lot easier. I don’t have to create things. I can utilize what’s been offered to us as Big ‘I’ members. And so, we utilize that quite a bit. That’s helped more so in our personal lines department with actually just getting our name out there, and showing the different that we can make with our clients, through the independent agency channel,” Hearring-Padilla said. Some of the Trusted Choice® resources that agencies can utilize to help with their marketing efforts include the Monthly Social Media Calendar, Social Jazz: Social Media Automation Tool, Marketing Reimbursement Plan, Digital Review, In Your Corner Campaign, and much more. When talking about the reimbursement plan, Hearring-Padilla mentioned that years ago her agency used the program to partner with their local fire department. They co-branded a trailer that would visit schools and educate students about fire safety. It provided an education to young people and helped expand the agency’s brand in the community. Marketing and communications have a huge impact on the relationships clients have with their agencies. Many carriers have had major changes with coverages and premiums, and it is important for agencies to keep the line of communication with clients open. In addition to regular day-to-day conversations staying proactive and communicating changes ahead of time has been a game changer in the current marketplace. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts.…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Preparing for the Storm: Flood Insurance Strategies for Agents 32:45

46 weeks ago32:45

32:45

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, host Brian Chapman, agent and owner of Chapman Insurance in Florida, sits down with Cassie Masone, vice president of flood operations at Selective Insurance. Masone, an authority on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), shares insights and experiences from her decade-long involvement with FEMA and her work at Selective. They discuss the challenges faced during events like Hurricane Ian; the complexities of flood insurance claims, particularly in condominium associations; the importance of education and communication for agents; dispelling misconceptions; and providing clarity on flood insurance coverage. “To me, it's clear that customers want more information about flood insurance, more so now than they have in the past,” Masone says. “For any agents that are just like, 'I'm not sure if I really want to get into this flood space?' I really think now is the time because people want to talk about it.” Join them as they delve into the evolving landscape of flood insurance and its impact on communities and the insurance industry and walk away with strategies to help you best prepare your clients. 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. Additional Links ------- https://www.selective.com/agents/flood-agents https://selective.dmplocal.com/main/index.php?action=viewsenthtml&id=27607&ids=3705eae5ddc0a75c6022078ffb8239e42c0179a7&viewers_email=krista.albert@selective.com https://selective.dmplocal.com/main/index.php?action=viewsenthtml&id=27780&ids=f5b1d10375b60769350c4f0effb4dd65b51b520a&viewers_email=krista.albert@selective.com…

Agency Nation Radio

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Preparing for Hurricane Season with Owen Thomas 15:11

49 weeks ago15:11

15:11

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Owen Thomas, senior account executive, Dial Insurance Agency, Pembroke, North Carolina, shares his experiences from past hurricane seasons and how his agency is applying what they learned this year. When Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina in 2018, it stalled, dropping unprecedented amounts of rainfall on unprepared towns and cities. Among them was the city of Lumberton—which was still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Matthew two years prior. With water levels surpassing 6 feet, Thomas' natural reaction was to ride into the flooded area with the fire department on a small boat to check on his community. “I just wanted to make sure people knew that I was there for them," he says. “Thinking about how high the water was makes my skin crawl." Thomas is an insurance agent, real estate broker, mayor pro tempore and founder of a drone company. These are just a few of the ways he is serving his community. However, like many agents, he serves his clients best during their time of need. Guest: Owen Thomas, Dial Insurance https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ojthomas_dial-insurance-agency-family-activity-7143742273325834240-Rasn/…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Young Agents Take on the Hard Market: Navigating Underwriting 27:57

50 weeks ago27:57

27:57

The Big “I” National Young Agents Committee (YAC) partnered with Trusted Choice to create a special bonus series of content related to the hard market on Agency Nation Radio. This week’s episode features Bryan Clinkscales, Owner of Boone Ritter Insurance and Big “I” Executive Committee Member, and Trey Sinclair, Owner of Wells Insurance Agency and current Vice Chair of the Legislative Council at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents. In a conversation moderated by Daschle Larsen, National Young Agents Committee Member and Risk Executive at North Risk Partners, the discussion focused on navigating current challenges with underwriting, submission processes, and building relationships. “The relationship with the underwriter is key. And if you burn that relationship, it’s going to be tough moving forward,” Clinkscales said. “The more information we can obtain and give up front to the underwriter, tends to make them more comfortable with the risk.” When talking about the submission process, Clinkscales also shared some of the actions that can be taken to underwrite a risk before sending to a carrier. This includes looking up websites and social media accounts, reviewing any court records, and general Googling for any additional information. Relationship building is also a crucial part of navigating the underwriting process. “One of the best things you can do is disconnect from strict email communication. Phone is better,” Sinclair said. “Also, show up. There are multiple events that underwriters attend. Whether they’re local events that their companies encourage them to attend or a state convention. These are times to connect with them on a personal level.” Another aspect that has greatly impacted relationships with underwriters is communications post COVID-19. Many in-person meetings and events transitioned to occur only online. While remote work allows more flexibility, discussions around expectations and deliverable timelines from both sides are incredibly important to ensure all deadlines are met. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts.…

Agency Nation Radio

1
If You’re Going to Niche, Niche 27:01

51 weeks ago27:01

27:01

Sometimes an insurance niche finds you. Other times, you pave your way based on your passion. On today’s edition of Agency Nation Radio Podcast host Toni Jones, Senior Vice President of Transportation Marketing, at Palomar Insurance Corporation, talks with three independent agents about curating a niche business. Our guests include Ryan Teubner, Producer with Rich & Cartmill, Crystal Fox, Founder and Creator of Beauty Queen Insurance and Lydia Ramos, Account Manager, and Regional Brand Coordinator McGriff highlight how personal passion and industry knowledge play a critical role in defining a successful niche. “Can I marry my passion that I’m used to, that I love, in the beauty industry with insurance?" says Crystal Fox. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the interplay of personal interests and professional opportunities in insurance. Tune in to hear more about their unique stories and practical tips for navigating and succeeding in niche markets. “If you’re going to niche, niche. Whether it's personalized, whether it's construction, whether it's transportation, whether it's beauty, whatever that niche is, immerse yourself in that industry,” says Ryan Teubner, “Understand the forms, endorsements, what you're insuring, but niche. Don't kind of niche.” 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.…

Agency Nation Radio

1
The Power of Advocacy in Insurance with Kevin Ownby 12:57

1 year ago12:57

12:57

On this edition of Agency Nation Radio, we hear from Kevin Ownby, owner of Ownby Insurance Services, Inc. from Sevierville, Tennessee. Ownby has been a Big “I" member for as long as he's been an independent agent. However, it wasn't until the Affordable Care Act was proposed and ultimately passed into law that he became more aware of the importance of the association's government advocacy on a state and national level. “If we’re not advocating for what we do as an industry and educating legislators we don’t have a seat at the table,” says Ownby. “And if we don’t have a seat at the table that means that we’re on the menu for dinner.” 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. This episode is sponsored by the Insurance Marketing and Communications Association (IMCA) and you’re invited to Ignite, IMCA’s annual conference, June 24-26, 2024 - Orlando, Florida.…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Insurance Women in Leadership: Growth Happens Outside of Your Comfort Zone 1:02:23

1 year ago1:02:23

1:02:23

On this special Women’s History Month edition of Agency Nation, host Avery Moore, President ECI Insurance in Edmonton, Oklahoma, and a member the Big “I” national Young Agents Committee, leads a discussion with remarkable leaders who’ve carved their own paths in the independent agency system. Joining the conversation are Michelle Middleton, president of Berkley Mid-Atlantic Insurance Group; Patience Noah, Principal/Owner of Patience Noah Insurance in Framingham, Massachusetts; and Jamie Bowden, personal lines agency growth coach at Agents United and chair of Utah Insurance Agents’ Women in Insurance Committee. Together, they share their origin stories, challenges and the lessons learned along the way. From starting agencies right out of college to navigating leadership roles in established companies, these women reveal the grit and grace it takes to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Dive into candid conversations about the complexities of agency ownership, the importance of mentorship, and the unfiltered realities of work-life balance. Hear firsthand how these leaders embrace vulnerability, face their fears and find empowerment in taking bold, sometimes uncomfortable steps toward growth. "Success is easy—it's the fear of failure that gets really hard," says Middleton. “It keeps you from trying. And that's where we've got to be able to feel more confident to just jump off and know that you're going to work really hard.” “And if we start to fail, you're going to pivot and change something, embodying a lot of courage to do something different,” she adds. Whether you're a seasoned professional or aspiring to step into leadership, tune in for insights, inspiration and a sense of community for women aiming to make their mark in the insurance industry and beyond. 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.…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Vision for 'Violet' and Women in Leadership with Sarah Cooke 10:03

1 year ago10:03

10:03

On this episode of Agency nation Radio, Sarah Cooke, director of personal lines at WalkerHughes Insurance in Indianapolis, Indiana, shares how the agency took technology into their own hands to overcome challenges in the hard market. Named as the Outstanding Large Agency in the 2023 Liberty Mutual and Safeco Agent for the Future Awards, WalkerHughes began developing “Violet,” a proprietary software that acts as the agency’s personal lines management system, in 2016. “We have so many pressures now, especially with the kind of market that we’re in, and we want our employees to be able to function efficiently on a daily basis,” Cooke says. “By building what others won’t from a technology perspective, we feel uniquely positioned to best support our growing team in the future.” 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. This episode is sponsored by the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA). Some decisions are too precarious to take on alone. Sometimes you need a partner who can help you create the right solution for your client’s risk, while minimizing yours. In fact, it’s so cost-effective that a recent analysis by Conning, Inc. concludes that wholesale distribution does not increase the cost to the insured. That’s a good decision. Manage risk. Choose a WSIA member. Go to wsia.com to learn more. Sarah Cooke https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cooke-a74a67126/…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Young Agents Take On Hard Market: Working With Carriers 21:29

1 year ago21:29

21:29

Members of the Big “I” National Young Agents Committee partners with Trusted Choice to share information about the hard market as part of a special bonus series on Agency Nation radio. Guests Adam Risman, Commercial Risk Advisor at Risman Insurance, and Haley Meisner, SVP of Independent Agency Distribution Strategy at Liberty Mutual, went behind the microphone to talk about the importance of relationships between agencies and carriers. This discussion, moderated by Cassandra Koegel, a member of the National Young Agents Committee, focused on how the hard market has impacted agents and carries across the country. This conversation provided some perspective from the agent-side and carrier-side with today’s current landscape in the marketplace. Discussion centered around changes with submissions, communications with pre-submissions, changes from carrier requirements, and adaptions that have been made to submissions to meet carrier requirements. “Agents rely on carriers for placement. They are the supplier, at the end of the day, the underwriting paper. So, it’s so important that we realize that reliance on one another and we’re partnering together and get out of this successfully. Communication is one thing, but what is in that communication? Education is key right now,” Meisner said. During this session, Risman and Meisner both shared their approaches to handling conversations on different sides of the industry. Risman said, “You have to be in constant contact with your carriers, with your marketing reps, with everyone on that side. I think it’s just so important to have that mutual understanding and be able to make it a seamless process, but without over-communicating, without learning and educating ourselves on both sides, it just won’t happen.” 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. -------------------------------------------------------------- Cassandra Koegel https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-koegel-cisr-ains-ailp-mlis-b2329390/ Adam Risman https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-risman-clcs-ba218172/ Haley Meisner https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-smith-meisner-41535080/…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Winning Talent Acquisition Strategies for Independent Insurance Agencies 31:48

1 year ago31:48

31:48

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 provides the foundation for a path forward. 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—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 William Jones, Editor-in-Chief, Independent Agent Magazine https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-j-jones/ Claudia St. John, Founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors, Keynote Speaker, Author https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiastjohn/ Nolan Duda, Client Experience Manager at IdealTraits Inc. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-duda100/ Katherine Strate Smith, President and CEO at Strate Insurance Group, Inc. https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinestrate/…

Agency Nation Radio

1
DOI: From R&B to P&C and Benefits with Jarrard ‘Rod’ Powell Sr. 19:18

1 year ago19:18

19:18

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, bring value and be a solution,” Powell says. 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. You Should Get A License Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@ysgetalicense…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Young Agents Take On The Hard Market: Operation Mentorship 24:43

1 year ago24:43

24:43

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 relationship with a mentor. If they have any recommendations or ideas for growth, Kautz says that internal drive to grow will help you be more successful During this session, the future of the industry was discussed. There are an estimated 400,000 employees within the insurance industry set to retire in the next few years. Now is the time for conversations between newer employees and seasoned staff to create opportunities for a transfer of knowledge. “The older generation, if you will, is taking our knowledge, our experience, and handing it down to them [younger people]. We have the opportunity to learn from the younger generation as they try to figure that out and apply it to what they’re dealing with day-to-day,” Berrong said. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. --------------------------------- GUESTS: Cash McMillen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cash-mcmillen-cic-a6a17532/ Additional Links: www.cashionco.com; https://www.bigiarkansas.com/Education Krista Kautz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-kautz-cisr-93301b141/ Additional Links: https://www.berrongins.com/; https://www.bigiok.com/Connect/Pages/YA/default.aspx Stewart Berrong LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-berrong-cic-crm/ Additional Links: https://www.berrongins.com/…

Agency Nation Radio

1
2024 Middle Market Risk Management Landscape with Nancy Germond and Sandra Little 27:06

1 year ago27:06

27:06

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. Guest Host: Nancy Germond, ARM, AIC, ITP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Executive Director, Risk Management and Education www.independentagent.com/VU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/insurancewriter/ Guest: Sandra Little CEO, SKL Risk Consultants https://www.sklriskconsultantsllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandraklittle/…

Agency Nation Radio

1
DOI: Building a Niche in Real Estate with Jonathan Lugo 10:37

1 year ago10:37

10:37

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."…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Young Agents Take on the Hard Market: Building Staff Morale 43:32

1 year ago43:32

43:32

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. Moore, when talking about leading through the hard market, said, “When you’re knee deep in alligators, it’s hard to remember you came to drain the swamp.” Elliott, Lemanski and Moore agree that the most important part of leading a team is making sure everyone feels valued and is recognized for their contribution. This might mean late starts, hybrid working, or gift cards to celebrate workaversaries. This session provides multiple strategies on how to increase morale within your agency and how it will impact your culture. Culture is not something that will change overnight. Elliott said, “We’re turning a cruise ship, not a canoe, and that takes time.” The Young Agents recommend the Trusted Choice Hard Market Toolkit as a valuable resource that can help with some of the nuances during a hard market. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. GUEST: Avery Moore https://www.linkedin.com/in/averymooreeci/ https://eciagency.com/; www.bigiok.com/Connect/Pages/YA/default.aspx Brock Elliott https://www.linkedin.com/in/brock-elliott-7168568a/ https://elliottinsurancegroup.com/; https://www.kaia.com/yak/ Lisa Lemanski https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lemanski-cisr-728a0458/…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Young Agents Take On the Hard Market: Talking Renewal Tactics 56:14

1 year ago56:14

56:14

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, “We want proactive, intentional communication throughout the year, not just when the renewal offer has been issued. So, we don’t want the first time our client has heard from us all year to be when we are presenting them with a renewal offer. So, what we've been trying to do is utilize these opportunities for proactive communication to educate our insurers on how we got here in the first place.” This session provides helpful information on how to handle renewal conversations – with customers, carriers, and state insurance departments – and resources to do so. As part of this bonus series, the Young Agents recommend the Trusted Choice Hard Market Toolkit as a valuable resource that includes a remarketing checklist, renewal preparation forms, and other materials that can help with these conversations. 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 iamagazine.com/podcasts. Download the Trusted Choice Hard Market Toolkit https://lp.independentagent.com/hardmarket Meet the Guests Taylor Hendrickson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-hendrickson-6433b136/ https://www.faia.com/yac Cash McMillen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cash-mcmillen-cic-a6a17532/ www.cashionco.com; https://www.bigiarkansas.com/Education Patricia Clawson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-clawson-hamilton-b2b61956?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app www.clawsoninsurance.com…

Agency Nation Radio

1
100 Days at the Helm with Charles Symington, Big "I" President & CEO 31:46

1 year ago31:46

31:46

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-jones Charles Symington, president & CEO, the Big “I”: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-symington-04b5b6174…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Leveraging Legacy and Learning with Erin Dop 15:15

1 year ago15:15

15:15

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, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent—we've got the stories you want to hear. Dop was also featured in the December issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview here https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2023/december/declaration-of-independents-erin-dop or read the full issue online https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/digital/2023/december.…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Mindful Matters: Navigating Parenting and Workplace Success with Lori Mihalich-Levin 46:44

1 year ago46:44

46:44

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 are these career critical skills that we gain through parenthood that make us inevitably more efficient and effective,” says Lori. “Working parents are some of the most productive and efficient people I have ever met because we don't have time for all the nonsense. Right? We are productivity, ninjas.” Get ready for this myth-busting session filled with techniques you can easily implement for a more productive and mindful life. 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. Guests: • Lori Mihalich-Levin https://www.mindfulreturn.com/about-lori-mihalich-levin/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimihalichlevin/ • Jesse Konold, https://keyagency.com/about/staff/jesse-konold; https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-konold-cic-afis-568a5422/ • Jana Foster, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-schellin-foster-969667b1/ Resources: • Mindful Return Website: https://www.mindfulreturn.com • Lori's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimihalichlevin/ • Mindful Return's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindful-return/ • Mindful Return on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulreturn/ • Mindful Return on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulreturn • Mindful Return on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mindfulreturn/ Parents at Work Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parents-at-work/id1239258343…

Agency Nation Radio

1
One of One: A Conversation with David Garcia 10:12

1 year ago10:12

10:12

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 to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit https://www.iamagazine.com/podcasts. Meet Our Guest: Read more: https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2023/november/declaration-of-independents-david-garcia Rancho Mesa Insurance Services Inc.: https://www.ranchomesa.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-garcia-1507511a/…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Cold Calls Today, Warm Calls Tomorrow with Max Revenue and Micah Salas 36:34

1 year ago36:34

36:34

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 platform or visit https://www.iamagazine.com/podcasts. Meet Our Guests: Cassandra Keogel, sales executive with Eastern Insurance Group in Massachusetts: Micah Salas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micahsalas Max Revenue: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxrevenuegroup The Revenue Letter: https://maxrevenueletter.beehiiv.com/ The Producer Playbook: https://maxrevenuegroup.kartra.com/page/playbook…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Celebrating an SEO Milestone: An Employee Takeover Podcast 15:03

2 years ago15:03

15:03

TrustedChoice.com employees have taken over the IA Advantage podcast once again with breaking news! Listen as Steve Gomez, Director of SEO, and Viviana Buzo, Director of Marketing, look back at TrustedChoice.com over the last decade and share the SEO strategies the company has employed leading to a major SEO event.…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Counting on Community in Kentucky With Ray Robertson 13:22

2 years ago13:22