Agency Success Podcast

Presented by Better Agency
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Agency Success Podcast

Welcome to "The Agency Success Podcast," where we interview insurance agencies of all sizes and specialties to learn from their experiences and insights. Join your host Nick Berry as he sits down with industry experts to discuss what got them into insurance, the key factors that have contributed to their success, and their vision for the future of the insurance agent. From small independent agencies to large national firms, each episode of "The Agency Success Podcast" offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice for insurance professionals looking to grow their business.

  1. Agency Success Podcast Episode 12: Lessons on Building a Strong Team and Giving Back to the Community with Billy Wagner

    07/03/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 12: Lessons on Building a Strong Team and Giving Back to the Community with Billy Wagner

    Welcome to the Agency Success Podcast. In today's episode, I had a great conversation with Billy Wagner about his path to success in the insurance industry. Moving on, we got into the meat of our discussion - insurance. Billy started his own scratch agency in 2006 after leaving the restaurant business. He eventually built up ten locations before scaling back to one. For Billy, success has meant achieving autonomy, giving back to the community through charitable functions, and helping his team win at life. We also talked about the importance of building a team and helping everyone succeed. Both of us emphasized the value of community involvement and nonprofit focus, as well as the need for processes and documentation in small businesses. For us, training new employees thoroughly was essential to ensuring their success within the company. One of the things that stood out in our discussion was the importance of investing time and effort into community involvement and charitable functions. Billy created a donor-advised fund called the Wagner Family Foundation to support local nonprofits. As we look to the future of the insurance industry, Billy emphasized the importance of focusing on customer experience and staying in one's niche. He suggested recording calls to better understand customers' language and needs, simplifying processes, and paying attention to details such as office landscaping and greeting clients warmly. Lastly, we talked about the benefits of having a secret shopping service for insurance agencies. We understand the challenges of finding people to do it, but we both agreed that it can improve team performance and accountability. Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of the Agency Success Podcast. If you're interested in connecting with Billy, feel free to reach out. And stay tuned for more interviews with professionals in the insurance industry. Connect with Billy: Website LinkedIn Amazon Instagram Twitter

    31 min
  2. Agency Success Podcast Episode 10: How Avoiding the Pitfalls Technology Can Bring and Achieve Your Business Goals with Pat West

    05/25/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 10: How Avoiding the Pitfalls Technology Can Bring and Achieve Your Business Goals with Pat West

    Welcome to this week’s episode of the Agency Success Podcast. In this episode, I got to connect with Pat West who shared some valuable insights. We also talked about how technology can be used to gamify the insurance space and can also distract agents from achieving important goals. The hobby of technology can lead to mistaking activity for achievement, so it's important to focus on achieving goals rather than just being busy. We also talked about how as no-code and AI tools come out, it may feel like people can do everything themselves, but it's important to use specialists to avoid costs. Being good at selling and servicing insurance can put you at the top of the food chain in the industry. We also touched on the importance of being okay with vetting and going to experts in areas where you lack experience or skills.  Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of the Agency Success Podcast. Connect with Pat on

    1h 11m
  3. Agency Success Podcast Episode 9: The Future of Insurance: Remote Work, AI, and Virtual Assistants with Tony Cañas

    05/18/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 9: The Future of Insurance: Remote Work, AI, and Virtual Assistants with Tony Cañas

    In this week's episode of the Agency Success Podcast, I sit down with Tony Cañas As we dive into the conversation, Tony discusses the various roles he has held in the insurance industry and how it led him to start Insurance Nerds, a platform aimed at engaging millennials in the industry. With over 400 episodes, he also produces a successful InsureTech podcast. Tony alludes to his current venture, running Top Hat Recruiting LLC through Goodwin Recruiting. We talk about our personal lives and Tony discussing his love for travel. We then delve into what success looks like in the insurance industry, with Tony emphasizing the importance of remote work. He believes that remote work can benefit agencies by attracting and retaining top talent. We both agree that productivity can still be monitored while working from home. Tony highlights the benefits that remote work can provide, such as increased productivity due to less commuting time. Still, he also discusses how management practices need to be adapted to ensure the best possible results. We touch on the changing demographics in the insurance industry and the importance of providing a clear career path for account managers to retain top talent. We suggest using virtual employees as a way to outsource tasks and allowing account managers to focus on high-value work while working remotely. We look at the benefits of virtual VA services, AI tools, and automation in podcast production. Additionally, we share our predictions for the future of the independent insurance space, which includes more consolidation, remote work, and an increased use of RPA and AI tools. Nonetheless, we note that skilled agents still provide value-added risk management services to customers. If you'd like to connect with Tony his links are below. Trust us; you won't want to miss this episode. So tune in to the Agency Success Podcast today! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonycanas/ Website: https://chatwithtony.com

    42 min
  4. Agency Success Podcast Episode 8: Behind the Scenes of Success: Navigating the Insurance Industry with Scott Howell

    05/11/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 8: Behind the Scenes of Success: Navigating the Insurance Industry with Scott Howell

    On this episode of the Agency Success Podcast, we're joined by a true titan of the insurance industry, Scott Howell. This man doesn't just run one agency—he's running 5 of them! So buckle up, because if anyone's got insights to share, it's Scott. We kicked off our chat with a bit of nostalgia, tracing Scott's journey into the heart of insurance. You'll want to stick around for this one—our chat veers from future industry predictions to a colleague who once threatened Scott's life. It's nothing if not a varied career! From there, we dove into an intriguing tale of checks forgery, complete with an upcoming grand jury indictment. Trust me, it's not as off-topic as it sounds—success comes with its fair share of curveballs. We then shifted gears to explore what success really means. Is it the freedom to make your own choices? Is it the resilience to bounce back from layoffs? And how does one manage a growing team amidst all this? We grappled with these questions and more, all while navigating the current rough seas of rising insurance rates. Up next, we had a heart-to-heart on insurance rates and customer retention. We couldn't just leave it at that, of course—Scott and I also tackled the diverse communication preferences of different customers and the importance of building strong client relationships. Excitingly, we talk about Scott's plan to spread the gospel of independent insurance agents through commercials. We also discussed the importance of branding and a sales and training program for new producers. It’s a challenging feat, thanks to the complexities of underwriting homes and autos. To wrap up, we’ve got some key takeaways from the episode, one of which is Scott's intention to put together a sales and training course for new producers, complete with a script for the sales process. Consistency, as we've discovered, is the name of the game, whether in podcasting or newsletters. Podcast: TheInsuranceGuysPodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iprotectinsurance/ Email: scott@iprotectinsurance.com

    1 hr
  5. Agency Success Podcast Episode 7: How Technology is Changing the Industry with Brian Blakely

    05/04/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 7: How Technology is Changing the Industry with Brian Blakely

    In this episode of the Agency Success Podcast, we delve into the world of insurance and technology. Our guest speaker is Brian Blakely, who got his start as a sales producer at a State Farm agency, who now runs his own agency. Brian shares his insights on the industry, including how to succeed as a business owner and the latest technology trends. When it comes to success, Brian aims to train his team better so that he can have more time for marketing and exploring niches within the industry. He also values having the freedom and flexibility to spend time with family and pursue hobbies outside of work. Speaking of hobbies, Brian and our host discuss their mutual love of golf and how it can be a great way to bond with family. The conversation touches on the value of small business ownership and podcasting as a way to connect with others in business. While there may be competition between captive agents and independent agents, technology can help make the local agent experience better than online options like the 1-800 numbers. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology in the insurance industry, with independent agents adopting new tools and software, to how you should be learning about new tools like Chat GPT and preparing for autonomous vehicles. Working from home is also becoming more common, leading to changes in home design with dedicated office spaces. The speakers stress the importance of being adaptable and open to change in order to succeed in the rapidly evolving industry. Overall, this episode is filled with valuable insights for those in the insurance industry or those interested in the intersection of technology and business. And if you want to connect with Brian, he's given several different ways to connect with him. Website:  https://stonebridgeiwm.com/property-casualty/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/stonebridgeiwm/ Podcast Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/goodlifesmallbiz/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/stonebridgeins/ Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakelybrian/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqAKYRiokwuOb-ZywGpaPTA Podcast YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmrTR6PVkpkcL5V1C0hfq0Q

    39 min
  6. Agency Success Podcast Episode 6: The Keys to Agency Success: A Candid Conversation with Two Nicks

    04/27/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 6: The Keys to Agency Success: A Candid Conversation with Two Nicks

    Welcome to the Agency Success Podcast, where we explore the different paths people take to achieve success in the competitive world of insurance. In this episode, host Nick Berry is joined by Nick Barten to discuss his experiences in the industry and share insights into what success means to him. Throughout the episode, the Nicks chat about their personal experiences and the challenges they have faced along the way, including attracting young talent to the industry and building a book of business in the early days. One key message that both Nicks agree on is the importance of sticking with something through tough times. This is a theme that resonates throughout the episode, as they discuss the role of hard work, authenticity and transparency in achieving success. They also touch on the importance of Client Market Fit, and how finding the right team is crucial to building a successful agency. They recommend the book "The Problem is Not Their Paycheck" by Grant Botma for anyone looking to improve their company culture. The speakers also dive into the future of the Independent Agent Channel and how it will be more relationship-driven in the coming years. The importance of being authentic and building trust with clients is emphasized, along with the idea of "dark referrals" where people remember those who did the right thing. Overall, this episode of the Agency Success Podcast is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to achieve success in the insurance industry. Tune in to learn more! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasbarten/ https://twitter.com/Nickbarten https://www.profinancialinsurance.com/

    48 min
  7. Agency Success Podcast Episode 5: From Zero to Success: Brandon Smith's Journey in the Insurance Industry and Predictions for the Future

    04/20/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 5: From Zero to Success: Brandon Smith's Journey in the Insurance Industry and Predictions for the Future

    Brandon tells us about how he started working in insurance when he was only 21 years old without knowing anything about the industry. He worked hard on marketing and strategy for an agency and eventually became successful in sales. Brandon also highlights the importance of retention in the industry, and predicts that there will be numerous acquisitions in the coming years. The conversation then turns to the value of empathy and personal relationships in the insurance industry. Both the hosts and the guest emphasize the need for a claims liaison role that prioritizes emotional support rather than just handling claims. They also discuss the challenge of balancing technology with personal connections, acknowledging that doing right by clients will lead to long-term success through word-of-mouth referrals. When it comes to technology, the consensus is that it should enhance, not replace, personal connections. Brandon predicts a wave of acquisitions in the next few years due to the loss of independent agencies and aging agency owners without perpetuation plans. He's not concerned about threats from AI or insuretechs, but emphasizes individual discipline and financial principles as key factors for success. Towards the end of the episode, Brandon and I discuss the insurance industry and its use of technology, while I expressed skepticism towards the buzzwords surrounding "insure tech" and emphasizing the importance of empathy and relationships in solving problems. Overall, there's a desire for more unity within the industry. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-smith-insurance-specialist/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Brandon5mith Website: https://glidewell.pro

    43 min
  8. Agency Success Podcast Episode 4: Exploring the Future of the Insurance Industry and Breaking Barriers with Sarah Muniz

    04/20/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 4: Exploring the Future of the Insurance Industry and Breaking Barriers with Sarah Muniz

    In this episode of the Agency Success Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Muniz, a producer at Home Services Insurance. Sarah talked about her 22 years of insurance experience, starting with her first job at a State Farm agency, to where she is today. We also talked about her book, Undiscovered Voices, which addresses the barriers women face in the insurance industry. We chat about the lack of diversity in the industry and how it can be improved. Sarah's predictions for the future of the industry touch on embracing technology and increasing leadership opportunities for women. Sarah and I talk about how technology is advancing rapidly with AI, algorithms, and robot vision impacting claims assessments and legal briefs. We also discuss the automation coming for underwriting and claims, but still understand the need for human involvement. Overall, the episode touches on some hot topics in the insurance industry and sheds light on the career paths of two professionals in the field. Tune in to the Agency Success Podcast for more great discussions like this one. How to connect with Sarah: Website: https://www.undiscoveredvoices.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmunizspeaker/

    17 min
  9. Agency Success Podcast Episode 3: Building a Strong Insurance Brand and Culture with Patrick McBride

    04/20/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 3: Building a Strong Insurance Brand and Culture with Patrick McBride

    I have the pleasure of interviewing Patrick McBride, a successful insurance agent, who shares his personal story of how he entered the insurance industry after a loss. During the interview, McBride talks about his emotional side, despite being a type three on the enneagram, and how meeting an agent who showed him the value of having someone who cares led him to enter the insurance industry. He also shares his success metric, which is based on how successful the people around him are, rather than his own achievements. Patrick is also a mentor in a program called CEO and encourages others to get involved if they have it in their area. We then shift our conversation to the importance of having a direct relationship with carriers and creating an environment where employees can feel fulfilled and successful. We discuss the need to hire people who are the right fit for their roles, building a culture of fun, ownership, and taking what we do seriously but not ourselves too seriously. We also mention putting together KPIs for each employee and letting them build themselves into a portion of ownership in the agency. We also talk about naming insurance agencies, and whether or not it's necessary to have a last name on the agency's name. We highlight the importance of building a brand and culture where the team feels ownership. The goal is to build a brand around McBride that means more than just Patrick's last name. Overall, this episode emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive work environment in the insurance industry, building a strong brand and culture, and hiring the right people for the job. It also provides valuable insights into the tools and resources that can be used to streamline processes and support personal growth within the agency. Patrick and I both shared some tools linked below to help document those streamlined processes. Agency Link: http://themcbrideagency.com/ Agency Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themcbrideagency Agency YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themcbrideagency Patrick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-j-mcbride CEO Midlands Project: https://www.midlandinstitute.com/ Tools Mentioned Tango: https://tango.us/ Notion: https://notion.so/

    46 min
  10. Agency Success Podcast Episode 2: Brewing Success in Insurance - Relationships, Digital Savvy, and Community Connections with Brett Fulmer

    04/20/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 2: Brewing Success in Insurance - Relationships, Digital Savvy, and Community Connections with Brett Fulmer

    Hey there, welcome back to the Agency Success Podcast! In this episode, we had a fantastic chat with Brett Fulmer. We dove into our backgrounds in the insurance industry and shared what success looks like to us. We even gazed into our crystal balls and speculated on the future of the industry, predicting a more person-to-person approach with a solid digital savvy twist. Our conversation spanned various topics, from the insurance community, SEO, to email writing. We gave a shout out to the Insurance Nerds community, boasting over 20,000 members on LinkedIn and 2500 plus members on Slack. We also touched on the importance of matching all details for SEO improvement, creating valuable content through long-form articles or books, and keeping those emails concise and clear to avoid scaring away potential clients. Last but not least, we mentioned Smart Choice – the superhero group supporting smaller players in the insurance industry through book aggregations and commissions. We didn't stop there! We explored challenges faced by traditional carriers, the significance of building relationships and community involvement in generating business, and the value of hosting events like broker brews (because who doesn't like a good brew?) or Brewing Up Business in Des Moines. We also delved into personal branding and marketing strategies for insurance agents. We also touched on mental health in sales jobs and how building community can help combat the grind of the job. Don't miss this entertaining and informative episode with Brett Fulmer! And for those eager to connect, we’ve got Brett’s contact information linked below. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brokerbrett/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Broker_Brett Agency Link: http://npbic.com/ Broker Brett: https://brokerbrett.com/

    31 min
  11. Agency Success Podcast Episode 1: Knowing Your Audience, Embrace a Culture of Hard Work and Fun with Will Canterbury

    04/20/2023

    Agency Success Podcast Episode 1: Knowing Your Audience, Embrace a Culture of Hard Work and Fun with Will Canterbury

    In today's episode, I sat down with Will Canterbury to discuss the importance of knowing your audience in sales and the future of independent insurance agencies. We start by talking about our own backgrounds and how we got into insurance. Will shares that he comes from a family of insurance professionals and always knew he would end up in the industry. We discuss the importance of understanding your audience in sales, especially in a niche market like insurance. Will shares that his agency has found success in attracting clients in the auto industry and agriculture, using cool cars as a way to draw in potential customers. We also talk about the structure of his agency, which includes one CSR and several independent agents who operate under the agency's umbrella. Will emphasizes the importance of a culture of hard work and fun, with a focus on helping team members achieve their goals. We discuss his agency's long-term goal of expanding into other southern states, while acknowledging the importance of understanding regional differences in language and culture when selling insurance. Next, we discuss the future of independent insurance agencies compared to direct writers in the market. We both agree that independent agents have an advantage in that they have access to multiple carriers and can offer more options to customers, while captive agents are limited by their company's offerings. We also talk about the importance of using modern technology, such as social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, for marketing purposes. We end the conversation by offering advice to young people considering a career in insurance. Will emphasizes that you won't get-rich-quick, but can lead to financial success if one works hard and builds strong relationships with clients. I also mention the variety of jobs available in the insurance industry beyond sales, such as marketing, customer support, and claims. Will closes by emphasizing the importance of creating a positive and fun work culture while striving for success in growing premium and size. We both agree that money is a means to an end and emphasize the value of life experiences with family and friends over legacy concerns. If you'd like to learn more about Will's agency, you can contact them at will@thesouthinsurance.com Agency Website: http://www.thesouthinsurance.com/ Agency Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesouthinsuranceagency Agency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesouthinsurance/

    38 min

  12. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Agency Success Podcast Trailer

    I just started recording the first few episodes and wanted to record a very quick intro to talk about what I see as the vision for this podcast. I know a ton of insurance agents. And I want to just get on a call, find out what makes them tick, and see if we can learn something from them to help agents just like you grow your agency too.

    1 min
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Trailer

About

Welcome to "The Agency Success Podcast," where we interview insurance agencies of all sizes and specialties to learn from their experiences and insights. Join your host Nick Berry as he sits down with industry experts to discuss what got them into insurance, the key factors that have contributed to their success, and their vision for the future of the insurance agent. From small independent agencies to large national firms, each episode of "The Agency Success Podcast" offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice for insurance professionals looking to grow their business.

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  • Creator
    Presented by Better Agency
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Presented by Better Agency
  • Show Website
    Agency Success Podcast

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