
Agency Freedom
Agency Freedom Podcast exists to help insurance agency owners and sales professionals make the jump from the captive world to the independent side of the industry. We then equip you in every topic imaginable to help you dominate your market once you’re FREE. We deliver authentic, actionable and audacious content and hard-hitting interviews from the best former captives in the country. Make your Freedom Jump with Agency Freedom Podcast.
Latest episodes

Nov 29, 2024 • 21min
E176: The Time And Money Equation
In this episode, James reflects on the podcast's purpose, shares personal insights, and invites listener feedback to shape its future in 2025. https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed.Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.Key Topics:
Reflecting on the purpose and challenges of solo podcasting.
Plans to pause in December to reassess direction and content for 2025.
Insights on balancing time, money, and freedom in business and life.
Delegating, using systems, and leveraging technology for sustainable growth.
Honest discussion about mental health, self-care, and finding equilibrium.
Gratitude for listener support and a call for feedback to guide the podcast’s future.

Nov 15, 2024 • 20min
E175: Lessons From Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed.Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.

Nov 8, 2024 • 22min
E174: Niches And Real Estate Insurance
In this episode, James discusses how RISKWELL became a top provider of real estate insurance nationwide. Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed.Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.Key Topics:
Ideal number of niches for agencies (3-5) to balance focus and market stability.
Criteria for choosing a niche: industry knowledge, sufficient prospects, and revenue potential.
Key revenue drivers: building ownership, workforce, vehicles, tools/equipment, and liability needs.
Importance of content creation and building credibility as a thought leader.
Effective market entry strategies: live events, webinars, and partnerships.
Challenges of serving real estate investors and the need for deep industry expertise.
Emphasis on continuous learning to prevent E&O claims and build client trust.

Nov 1, 2024 • 18min
E173: How To Break Into Commercial
In this episode, James talks about breaking into commercial insurance, focusing on actionable steps and insights drawn from his own experience. Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed.Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.Key Topics:
Breaking into commercial insurance offers far higher revenue potential than personal lines
Choose a single niche to focus on and develop expertise in that industry
Network with thought leaders and decision-makers to build credibility
Use empathetic, client-focused communication instead of typical sales pitches
Create SEO-optimized content targeted to your chosen industry niche
Leverage industry partnerships to secure relevant carrier contracts
Next week: James will cover how his agency dominated the real estate insurance niche

Oct 25, 2024 • 18min
E172: What To Do When You're Attacked
In this episode, James covers how to handle attacks on your business, whether from negative reviews, social media comments, or competitors. James shares his experience and offers tips on maintaining credibility and improving processes to prevent future issues.Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed.Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.Key Topics:
The importance of closing the loop in every client process
Learning valuable lessons from difficult or unreasonable clients
Why proactive communication is key to preventing attacks
How to handle attacks while maintaining professionalism
Extracting additional revenue by targeting low-hanging fruit within existing relationships
The role of accountability in minimizing mistakes and misunderstandings

Oct 18, 2024 • 17min
E171: Getting Ready For Innovation
In this episode, James explores how to prepare for innovation in your business. Learn how to identify areas for improvement, address bottlenecks, and implement effective systems to stay ahead of the competition.Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed.Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.Key Topics:
Understanding the need for innovation and how to get ready for it
The importance of identifying what’s working and what needs improvement
Breaking down bottlenecks vs. pain points
Using a roadmap to plan future innovations
Evaluating and embracing new technology strategically
Internal accountability and continuous improvement

Oct 11, 2024 • 17min
E170: We Suck At Storytelling

Oct 4, 2024 • 16min
E169: What Now?
In this episode, James introduces a fresh format for the Agency Freedom Podcast. He reflects on the podcast’s journey and shares plans for more concise, value-packed episodes moving forward.Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed.Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.Key Topics:
How the podcast started by helping agents transition from captive to independent
Expansion to cover a wider range of topics like sales, marketing, and operations
The shift from long interviews to shorter, more focused episodes
Future episodes will feature real-life examples, lessons, and practical advice
The new format will feature 10-20 minute episodes focused on delivering quick, actionable insights
Encouraging audience input to shape future topics
Preview of the next episode: “We Suck at Storytelling.”

Sep 27, 2024 • 42min
E168: Elis Umana On Al Scripting And Staying Scrappy
In this episode, James talks with Elis Umana, Insurance Specialist at Conexion Insurance Agency. To learn more about Conexion Insurance Agency, visit https://www.conexionins.com. Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed.Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.Key Topics:
Elis's start in the insurance industry at 18, working in her father’s agency, and later launching her own agency.
How online communities and Facebook groups helped Elis adopt new technologies, like AI, to grow her business.
Implementation of GAIL, an AI voice technology, and Elis’s role in helping other agencies customize and utilize it.
Educating Hispanic contractors on proper insurance coverage using real-world claim scenarios to overcome cultural barriers.
The influence of Elis’s father on her business approach and the value of networking.
The importance of continuing education, such as pursuing the CIC designation, in professional growth.
The growing presence of younger professionals and women in the insurance industry, and the impact of diversity on innovation.

Sep 13, 2024 • 46min
E166: Maverick Pitchford On Leaning In To Pressure
In this episode, James talks with Maverick Pitchford, Principal Agent at Bison Ridge Insurance. Visit https://www.jamesjenkins.com/podcasts/agency-freedom/ to join our email list and catch up on episodes you may have missed.Connect with Agency Freedom on Facebook at the Agency Freedom group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.Key Topics:
Maverick's transition from a captive agent to launching his independent agency.
The unique branding philosophy of Bison Ridge and its commitment to tackling challenges head-on.
Discussion on the importance of community involvement and how personal relationships influence business operations.
Maverick’s approach to customer service and adapting to clients' needs in a modern digital landscape.
The role of technology and AI in enhancing the efficiency and reach of insurance services.
Challenges faced in maintaining growth momentum and strategies for continuous personal and professional development.
The impact of mentorship and community support in navigating the complexities of the insurance industry.
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