
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

Apr 19, 2024 • 40min
E149: Beaux Pilgrim On Carrying The Flag Forward
In this episode, James talks with Beaux Pilgrim, Owner of Reed Insurance. To learn more about Reed Insurance, visit https://www.reedinsla.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:
Beaux Pilgrim's introduction to the insurance industry through family connections
The evolution of Beaux's career from commercial lines to agency owner
Navigating the dynamics of working with family in the business
Strategies for adapting and growing an insurance agency in a rural setting
The significance of building relationships with municipal clients and the community
Launching a remote staffing company to address industry-wide challenges in talent acquisition
Insights into maintaining work-life balance while managing multiple ventures

Apr 12, 2024 • 37min
E148: Ryan Englund On Freedom Jumping With Family
In this episode, James talks with Ryan Englund, Founder of Englund Insurance Group. To learn more about Englund Insurance, visit https://www.englundins.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:
Ryan Englund's early career and the pivotal decision to enter the insurance industry
The evolution of Ryan's career from captive to independent agent
Challenges and triumphs of transitioning in the insurance industry
The impact of technology and personal relationships on business growth
Ryan's advice for insurance professionals considering a similar transition
The importance of family support and team collaboration in achieving business success
Ryan's vision for the future of his agency and the insurance industry

Apr 5, 2024 • 36min
E147: Nathan Hirsch On Finding Balance
Nathan Hirsch, co-founder of TrioSEO, shares his entrepreneurial journey from dropshipping to building successful businesses like FreeUp and Outsource School. He emphasizes the importance of hiring Filipino virtual assistants and starting new ventures like TrioSEO and e-commerce accounting. The podcast also discusses balancing work and personal life in entrepreneurship and the importance of delegation and personal branding.

9 snips
Mar 29, 2024 • 47min
E146: Brett Young On Culture Building In The Sunshine State
Brett Young, CEO of Erb and Young, discusses mentorship in network marketing, creating positive team culture, transitioning to insurance, personal development, and leveraging technology for growth in the insurance industry.

Mar 22, 2024 • 49min
E145: Taylor Garcia On Playing With The Beat
In this episode, James talks with Taylor Garcia, President of Jackson & Jackson Insurance. To learn more about Jackson & Jackson Insurance, visit https://jjinsurance.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/agencyfreedom Email us at podcast@jamesjenkins.com with ideas, requests, complaints or suggestions for how we can make the show better.Key Topics:
Taylor Garcia's unique transition from musician to insurance professional
The importance of content creation and personal branding in the insurance industry
Navigating generational shifts within a family-owned insurance agency
Strategies for maintaining the legacy of a longstanding agency while injecting new, innovative ideas
The role of authenticity and personal interests in connecting with clients and building lasting relationships
Leveraging creative skills to offer additional value to clients and the community
Adapting to changes within the industry and embracing new opportunities for growth

Mar 15, 2024 • 44min
E144: Ben Criss On Winning The Hard Reset
In this episode, James talks with Ben Criss, Owner of Strong Insurance. To learn more about Strong Insurance, visit https://www.stronginsuranceinc.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:
Introduction of Ben Criss and the backstory of his family-owned insurance agency
Challenges and strategies in transitioning to commercial insurance
Importance of knowing your numbers and financial literacy in executing a business pivot
The role of market access and rebranding in aligning with new business objectives
Insights on building a supportive team and fostering a shared vision for the future
The significance of specializing and finding your niche in the insurance industry

Mar 8, 2024 • 48min
E143: Kody Houk On Being Both A Player And Coach
In this episode, James talks with Kody Houk, Senior Sales Advisor at Premier Strategy Box/PADI. To learn more aboutPremier Strategy Box/PADI, visit: https://www.mystrategybox.com/premier-institute. 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 impact of specialization in the insurance industry
Ethical considerations and honesty in policy representation
The significance of continuous learning for insurance agents
The role of comprehensive training and resources for professional development
Building a community for collaboration and knowledge sharing
The importance of underwriter relationships
Strategies for handling a hard market in insurance

Mar 1, 2024 • 41min
E142: Peter Covill On Building Community
Peter Covill, owner of Humphrey, Covill & Coleman Insurance Agency, discusses leveraging social media for agency growth, personalized client interactions, adapting to market changes, automation, and building a solid foundation for aspiring agency owners.

Feb 23, 2024 • 45min
E141: McKlane Bobbitt On Perspectives Of A Real Estate Investor
In this episode, James talks with McKlane Bobbitt, Owner of Lone Star Equity. To learn more about Lone Star Equity, visit http://www.txlonestarequity.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:
The entrepreneurial journey of McKlane Bobbitt from medical device sales to becoming a professional real estate investor
An in-depth look at wholesaling as a stepping stone in the real estate investment world
The importance of insurance policies in closing real estate deals and how they influence investor decisions
Strategies for navigating the current real estate market, with insights into flipping properties and timing investments
The critical relationship between real estate investors and their vendor partners, highlighting the significance of customer service in the insurance industry
Tips for insurance professionals on connecting with real estate investors, emphasizing the value of understanding the investor's business model and needs
McKlane's personal approach to selecting investment opportunities, balancing business needs with market conditions

Feb 16, 2024 • 49min
E140: Keenan And Jessica On Farm And Freedom
In this episode, James talks with Jessica Holder, and Keenan Rice, Owners of Eclipse Insurance Agency. To learn more about Eclipse Insurance Agency visit https://www.eclipseinsure.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:
The backstory of Jessica and Keenan's entry into the insurance industry
The pivotal moments that led to their decision to start an independent agency
Challenges faced during the transition from captive agents to independence
The importance of niche specialization
Strategies for navigating a hard market and maintaining client relationships
The role of technology and processes in scaling an insurance agency
Future growth plans and the potential for acquiring other agencies