Creating the Cyber Insurance ‘Easy Button’ with Jay Fribourg

Agency Nation Radio

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

40:34

We’ve turned intuition into a buzzword—flattened it into a slogan, a gut feeling, or a vague whisper we don’t always know how to hear. But what if intuition is so much more? What if it's one of the most powerful tools we have—and we’ve just forgotten how to use it? In this episode, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir , Icelandic thought leader, filmmaker, and author of InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times . Hrund has spent over 20 years studying and teaching the science and art of intuition through her TED Talk, Netflix documentary (InnSæi: The Power of Intuition), and global work on leadership, innovation, and inner knowing. Together, we explore what intuition really is (hint: not woo-woo), how to cultivate it in a culture obsessed with logic and overthinking, and why your ability to listen to yourself might be the most essential skill you can develop. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we’ve misunderstood intuition—and how to reclaim it ✅ Practical ways to strengthen your intuitive muscle ✅ What Icelandic wisdom teaches us about inner knowing ✅ How to use intuition during uncertainty and decision-making ✅ Why trusting yourself is an act of rebellion (and power) Intuition isn’t magic—it’s a deep, internal guidance system that already exists inside you. The question is: are you listening? Connect with Hrund: Website: www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Newsletter: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/blog/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir IG: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/ Book: InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times Related Podcast Episodes: How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 VI4P - Know Who You Are (Chapter 4) Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

about a year ago 15:21

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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/

733 episodes

Agency Nation Radio

Creating the Cyber Insurance ‘Easy Button’ with Jay Fribourg

Agency Nation Radio

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published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

733 episodes

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

Semua episode

Agency Nation Radio

1
What Agents Need to Know About Rising E&O Claims 23:16

2 days ago23:16

23:16

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Will Jones, Big “I” director of communications and editor-in-chief of Independent Agent magazine, is joined by Nancy Germond, Big “I” executive director of risk management and education, and Amanda Juratovic, Big “I” vice president of E&O operations, to discuss one of the independent agency channel’s most-pressing issues: rising errors & omissions claims. With the hard market, remote work dynamics, and evolving client expectations converging, the risk landscape is shifting fast. But what does this mean for your agency—and how can you protect yourself? “What we’re really seeing is that the basics are being overlooked, and that’s what’s leading to E&O claims,” Juratovic said. “It all comes back to the fundamentals. If agents consistently follow the core standards they’ve been trained on, we’d see a significant drop in claims—even in a hard market.” Don’t miss this essential conversation on how to navigate E&O risk in today’s complex environment. 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
Switching from Hospitality to Insurance with Jorge Wetenkamp 13:56

17 days ago13:56

13:56

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Jorge Wetenkamp, agency owner of Desert Crest Insurance in Saint George, Utah. Wetenkamp’s career in insurance was unexpected. After working at In-N-Out Burger and at the DMV, he took a job with AAA Insurance when they started offering DMV services. This opened his eyes to the opportunities for career growth and serving the Hispanic community. In 2021, he started an independent agency and the business has grown “far beyond what I set my goals as three or four years ago,” Wetenkamp says. After hiring his first employee in January 2024, he’s currently onboarding two new agents that will allow him to grow, as well as focus on servicing his existing book. “Now, it’s about buying back my time, so all new leads will go to my new agents,” he says. “At the beginning, you grind nonstop—you work late, do whatever it takes. But once your business is established, you start thinking about balance.” 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 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. Register here: https://rise.imcanet.com/Portal/Portal/Events/Annual_Conference/2025_Annual_Conference/IMCA_Ignite_2025.aspx…

Agency Nation Radio

1
Scaling Smart: Acquisition Best Practices for Independent Insurance Agencies 46:33

4 weeks ago46:33

46:33

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Peter Van Aartrijk, executive vice president with insurance branding firm Aartrijk, hosts a discussion with Ryan Towle, vice president of Davis & Towle Insurance Group in Concord, New Hampshire, and Keith J. Mangini, vice president and commercial team leader at InsurBanc in Farmington, Connecticut, on best practices when making an agency acquisition—whether it’s your first purchase or just your most recent acquisition. They discuss the first steps you should take when considering an agency acquisition opportunity and what to do as a buyer to prepare for financing from a lender. Further in the episode, they end with their final thoughts on what to keep in mind after closing on an acquisition. "We talk about multiples all the time. But if it's a multiple of revenue, or if it's a multiple of EBITDA, if it's 3 times revenue or 4 times revenue, what are you willing to pay for? And why might you be willing to pay up a little bit?" Mangini said, referring to intangible value of an acquisition, such as talent, carrier synergies 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

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

7 weeks 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

1
In Good Company: Women Creating Opportunities for Independent Insurance Agents 46:32

9 weeks 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

11 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

1
Recruiting and Attracting Young Professionals to the Insurance Industry 19:24

13 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

1
Stepping Up and Standing Out With Megan Carroll 23:39

15 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

1
From Polls to Policy: Understanding the Post-Election Legislative Agenda 36:44

17 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

19 weeks ago15:21

15:21

Agency Nation Radio

1
Best Practices and Goal Setting for 2025 20:59

22 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

24 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

1
Generation Technology: Collaboration for the Future 56:59

27 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

1
Driving Change and InsurTech Innovation With Andrew Ryan 23:48

28 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

1
Key Findings from the 2024 Agency Universe Study 13:19

31 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

1
Controlling the Controllable with Haley Andrews 8:28

33 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

1
Let's Get Social: Elevate Your Agency's Social Media 27:15

35 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

37 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

39 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

42 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

1
Going for Gold with the Big “I” Alliance 16:35

44 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

46 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

48 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

1
Mentorship & Shaping The Next Generation 9:37

49 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

1
From Combat to Coverage with Army Veteran Adam Wirthlin 5:37

50 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

51 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

1 year 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

1
Preparing for Hurricane Season with Owen Thomas 15:11

1 year 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

1 year 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

1 year ago27:01