

The Agent Leader Podcast
Brent Kelly--The Agent Leader Podcast
The podcast for independent insurance agency leaders and their teams to learn practical strategies and behaviors to become their best version possible. Hosted by Sitkins Group President, Brent Kelly, The Agent Leader Podcast provides agencies with leadership, sales, and self-development methods that actually get results.
With our focus on a total-team approach to improving independent insurance agencies, we dive into sales, service, and leadership teams.
Leadership is not a title. Leadership is influence. Become a better leader and gain influence with your clients, team, and community.
With our focus on a total-team approach to improving independent insurance agencies, we dive into sales, service, and leadership teams.
Leadership is not a title. Leadership is influence. Become a better leader and gain influence with your clients, team, and community.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 27, 2024 • 46min
Grit, Growth & Gumption with Tinsley English
Discover the transformative power of self-leadership in this inspiring episode featuring Tinsley English, a dynamic leader in the insurance industry.
Tinsley shares her unexpected journey into insurance and how she embraced it with passion and purpose. Drawing from her empowering book, Grit, Growth, and Gumption for Women, she unveils strategies for bringing authenticity to the industry, unlocking opportunities, and leading with confidence and grace.
Tune in for insights that will motivate you to seize the limitless potential within the insurance industry!
Highlights Include:
(09:32) Self-Leadership
(13:50) Overcoming Resistance to Self-Feedback
(20:36) Personality Assessments and Team Dynamics
(23:52) Building a Powerful Support Network
(34:56) Continuous Improvement Through Feedback
(41:26) Know Yourself, Be Authentic
Listen in as we unravel the essence of leadership improvement through feedback and explore the value of creative networking, offering listeners a ton of insights and practical advice for thriving as leaders.
To learn more about Tinsley and her book, visit gritgrowthgumption.com
To get your agency on the path to even more success with Sitkins programs, visit www.sitkins.com

Nov 19, 2024 • 46min
From $10 Million to $140 Million & Beyond - Trent Tillman's Blueprint for Success
Trent Tillman, President and Chief Revenue Officer of TrueNorth Insurance, joins us to share the extraordinary growth story of the agency, scaling from under $10 million to over $140 million in revenue.Gain insights into a leading agency's strategic vision for growth as the discussion covers the company's expansion across multiple locations, its robust internship program, and its approach to retaining top talent in a competitive market.
Highlights include:
(02:00) - Lessons in Agency Growth and Leadership
(13:09) - Fostering Company Culture for Growth
(28:03) - Building Organizational Focus
(38:51) - Maximizing Mentorship for Growth
Tune in to learn about the transformative power of effective leadership and mentorship as we explore TrueNorth's remarkable journey from a startup to a success story and its ongoing commitment to fostering growth and excellence.To learn more about our programs helping accelerate agencies' growth, visit www.sitkins.com

Nov 12, 2024 • 50min
Success Through Strategic Living with Joe Vens
Joe Vens, a risk advisor at First MainStreet Insurance, shares his transformative journey in the insurance industry. He highlights the crucial role of mentorship and continuous personal growth in achieving success. Joe discusses crafting a unique niche in insurance, fostering teamwork, and the importance of mindful living. He reflects on balancing family and professional aspirations, emphasizing joy in the present. Packed with practical advice, Joe's insights inspire those looking to make an impactful career in insurance.

Nov 5, 2024 • 33min
A Tech-Savvy Yet Human-Centric Approach to Agency Growth
What if you could seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with personal growth in your insurance agency? This episode of the Agent Leader promises insights into just that as we chat with Billie Jo Galle, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Operations at TRICOR Insurance.
Billie Jo's extensive experience provides a unique perspective on harmonizing technological advancements with human elements in the fast-evolving landscape of insurance.
We unravel TRICOR's journey from a family-owned business to a formidable private equity-backed agency, highlighting strategic partnerships and the adoption of technology to enhance operations, marketing, sales, and analytics.
Tune in to discover how technology is transforming the industry by automating routine tasks, thereby freeing professionals to nurture deeper client relationships and offer strategic advice to their clients.
She also explores the invaluable growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zones and tackling challenges head-on.
Highlights include:
(02:00) - Balancing Technology and Team Growth
(13:35) - Leveraging Technology for Agency Growth
(29:05) - Embracing Challenges for Personal Growth
Through engaging anecdotes and reflections, this conversation underscores the irreplaceable human elements of empathy and collaboration, even in an increasingly automated world.
To get your agency on the same path to success as TRICOR, visit www.sitkins.com/bookacall

Oct 29, 2024 • 52min
Mastering the Champion's Mindset with Dr. Rick Jensen
Dr. Rick Jensen, a renowned sports psychologist and performance coach, shares insights from his extensive experience with elite athletes. He highlights the importance of specialization in achieving professional success and transforming client relationships from transactional to consultative. The discussion also explores the value of a champion's mindset, emphasizing achievement motivation, deliberate practice, and time management. Listeners gain actionable strategies to enhance focus, resilience, and growth within their professional journeys.

Oct 22, 2024 • 41min
Fitness & Focus to Double Agency Revenue with Dick Gibbs
Dick Gibbs, CRO and VP of Sales at Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency, shares his insights on how personal well-being propels effective leadership and shapes agency culture. He discusses the striking growth of Hartwig Moss, doubling revenue in six years through innovative practices. Fitness plays a crucial role in managing stress and enhancing productivity. Gibbs also emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships within the insurance industry and balancing growth with profitability, all while maintaining a strong multi-generational legacy.

Oct 15, 2024 • 53min
Empowering Teams for Lasting Agency Growth with Matt Fairbanks
What if the key to your agency’s growth lies in something you're overlooking? In our latest podcast episode, Matt Fairbanks, Vice President of Sales and Producer Development at EHD Insurance, joins Brent to reveal how investing in your team can transform your agency’s success. Learn from Matt’s incredible journey from managing a $2 million book of business to excelling in a leadership role dedicated to nurturing the next generation of producers. His practical insights and mindset shifts offer invaluable lessons for anyone in the industry including:(00:01) - Growing Your Insurance Agency Through People(12:51) - Nurturing Success in Insurance(22:55) - Navigating Challenges in Insurance Agency Growth(35:06) - Building Relationships and Behaviors in Sales(46:54) - Mastering Connections for Professional Success(50:52) - Sharing Ideas for Business GrowthDiscover how leveraging the experience of seasoned producers nearing retirement can boost the entire agency’s performance plus more nuggets of wisdom in this engaging episode!To get your agency on the path to more success like EHD, visit www.sitkins.com/bookacall

Oct 1, 2024 • 34min
The Journey from $6 Million to $33 Million: Insights from Ed McGrath
How did Ed McGrath lead BancFirst Insurance Services from $6 million to an astounding $33 million in revenue? Discover the secrets behind this monumental growth as Ed, the President and CEO, sits down with us to discuss the pivotal strategies and leadership decisions that made this transformation possible. You'll hear about the importance of an independent operational approach, the power of investing in new agents, and the unique leadership style that has driven their success.This episode promises valuable takeaways for any agency leader aiming to elevate their business and achieve ambitious goals. Join us for a conversation that could redefine your approach to growth and leadership in the insurance world.To learn more about programs that helped boost BancFirst's growth, visit www.sitkins.comTo order your copy of our Best Version Possible book visit www.sitkins.com/bvp

Sep 24, 2024 • 42min
Transforming Challenges into Growth with Bart Straka
Unlock the secrets to agency growth and leadership success with Bart Straka, President and CRO of TRICOR Insurance. Discover how Bart transformed from a producer to a leader at one of the top 100 agencies in the country.
Learn how the agency has expanded to 32 locations and 310 employees, with an impressive projected revenue of $58 million, and the pivotal role a strong agency culture plays in this remarkable journey.Highlights include:(00:01) Agency Growth and Leadership Success(06:34) Building Success Through Growth and Development"(17:14) Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Insurance(29:14) Optimizing Agency Efficiency and Growth(40:14) Impactful Relationships in Professional Growth
Delve into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the insurance industry, such as talent acquisition, market unpredictability, and the lag in technology adoption.
Hear Bart's perspective on transforming these hurdles into growth opportunities through proactive strategies and ensuring the right people are in the right roles for maximum efficiency.
With personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Bart underscores the significance of meaningful relationships in achieving both personal and professional growth, rounding off an episode filled with lessons for agency leaders and industry professionals alike.To learn more about how you can transform your agency like TRICOR, visit www.sitkins.com

Sep 17, 2024 • 49min
Planning Your Purpose After Perpetuation with Mark Rollins
In this episode, Brent Kelly is joined by Mark Rollins, a former highly successful insurance agency leader and current founder of Retirement Transformed.
Mark, also the author of The Evolving Man, shares insights that go beyond the usual financial aspects of perpetuation. Together, they explore the emotional and spiritual journey leaders face when transitioning from agency ownership, diving deep into vulnerability, authenticity, and the personal impact of retirement.
Rollins reflects on his own agency success, while emphasizing the importance of identity, purpose, and staying active in retirement. Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to rethink how you approach both your professional legacy and personal growth.To learn more about Mark's company visit https://retirementtransformed.com/To book your agency assessment with one of our coaches visit https://www.sitkins.com/bookacall