E128: Colby Allen On Making Smarter Data-Based Decision

In this episode, James talks with Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus.

To learn more about AgencyFocus, visit https://agency-focus.com/.

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Episode Highlights:

• Colby shares his background in the insurance industry, from a non-traditional path and working his way up through various positions in finance, operations, M&A, and analytics. (6:25)
• Colby discusses the importance of having conversations with carrier representatives and that aligning with their distribution strategies is often overlooked by independent agents in the insurance space. (13:11)
• Colby explains the concept of "managing up" and how taking the initiative and adding value to the team can lead to rewards. (22:36)
• Colby mentions the importance of paying attention to the increasing cost of benefits and considering team culture and alignment when evaluating agency opportunities. (28:22)
• Colby explains that the two factors determining an agency's value in mergers and acquisitions are profitability and risk profile. (34:00)
• Colby mentions that it is important to have an exit plan for your business to be prepared for future opportunities. (46:54)
• Colby shares that AgencyFocus offers services to assist agency owners in managing their finances, achieving growth goals, and providing consulting services. (50:48)

Key Quotes:

• “Knowing the makeup of your book of business, your ideal client, your average client, how your staffing is put together, knowing your own agency will put you in a better position to make a more intentional decision for purchasing another book of business.” - Colby Allen
• “You need to kind of see your end goal and what you want your end goal to be so that you are taking steps. So that when that opportunity does come around, you're ready to kind of hit that checkbox.” - Colby Allen
• “If we can step in to help put the financial picture to accomplish your goals a little bit easier for you, that's our goal.” - Colby Allen