In this episode, James talks with Michael Wark, CEO of Trimline.To learn more about Trimline, visit https://trimline.co.Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.Episode Highlights: Transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurship The importance of understanding business numbers for successful management Challenges faced by founders and business owners at different stages of growth The concept of hiring a virtual or fractional CFO and its benefits Strategies for business owners to transition out of being the primary revenue driver Effective delegation and management techniques for business growth Understanding and navigating the 'founder's trap' The role of planning and goal setting in business success

In this episode, James talks with Randel Bennett, Principal Consultant at Qixent.To learn more about Qixent, visit https://qixent.com/.Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.Episode Highlights: The unique journey of Randall Bennett in the insurance industry. Insight into Quickset, Bennett's company specializing in insurance product development. The process and importance of insurance innovation and product creation. Exploration of the non-standard auto insurance market targeting the Hispanic community. Discussion on the role of technology in insurance and the balance between tech and human interaction. Challenges and strategies for independent insurance agents in the current market. The concept and potential of parametric insurance in various sectors.

In this episode, James talks with Trent Warner, Managing Director of Strategic Brand Builders.To learn more about Strategic Brand Builders, visit https://strategicbrandbuilders.com.Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.Episode Highlights: Exploring the journey from blogging to strategic marketing in the insurance sector The importance of strategy over tactics in marketing Examining the challenges and misconceptions in insurance marketing The role of trust and customer experience in branding and marketing The advantages of independent insurance agencies over big carriers in marketing Discussing the impact and future of AI in marketing The importance of starting small and practical with AI integration in marketing

In this episode, James talks with Andrew Filar, Co-founder of Next Call Club.To learn more about Next Call Club, visit https://nextcallclub.com.Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.Episode Highlights: The evolution of Andrew Filar's career in the insurance industry. Insights on transitioning from a captive to independent insurance agency. Strategies for outbound calling and lead acquisition. Discussion on the variable compensation plan in insurance agencies. The impact of agency size on agent attitudes and strategies. The role of brand equity in the insurance industry. The launch and services of Next Call Club. Perspectives on purchasing internet leads and dealing with lead companies.

In this episode, James talks with Andrea Olson, Founder of Andrea Olson Coaching.To learn more about Andrea Olson Coaching, visit https://onamission.bio/andreaolson. Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.Episode Highlights: Andrea Olson's transition from corporate HR to entrepreneurship The importance of doing the uncommon thing consistently in business Building a team and onboarding structure in a non-traditional business model The role of personal branding and innovation in business success Strategies for customer retention and creating a personalized experience Leadership in a multi-level marketing context The significance of adapting and evolving business strategies over time

In this episode, James talks with Jim Harris, International Bestselling Author and Principal at Strategic Advantage.To learn more about Strategic Advantage, visit https://jimharris.com/Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.Episode Highlights: Discussion on disruption, generative AI, and evolving customer expectations in the insurance industry. Insights into the power and potential of generative AI in enhancing customer service and business efficiency. Exploration of innovative strategies for improving insurance services, such as automating processes and utilizing AI. Examination of the impact of technology trends on the insurance industry and how companies can adapt. Discussion of the importance of constant innovation and incremental improvements in the insurance sector. Analysis of the balance between personalized customer service and automation in insurance.

In this solo episode, James shares three key points for how RiskWell is going to win in 2024.Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.

In this solo episode, James shares reflections on a very challenging 2023.This is a two-part episode that continues next week with the RiskWell plan for winning in 2024.Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.

In this episode, James talks with Jarid Beck, Co-Founder of Risk Management Advisors.To learn more about Risk Management Advisors, visit https://www.riskmgmtadvisors.com.Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.Episode Highlights: Jarid discusses the focus of Risk Management Advisors which is to provide creative and multifaceted insurance solutions to businesses in various industries to help them better manage their risks and outperform their competition. (3:00) Jarid mentions that in a competitive insurance market, the key to success lies in providing excellent service and finding creative ways to differentiate oneself from other providers. (8:01) Jarid explains that captive managers provide valuable services in setting up and administering captives, but they do not handle the full range of services and policy placements that traditional brokers do. (16:06) Jarid mentions that captives can be a viable solution for existing property exposures, but they are not suitable for covering catastrophic losses due to the high premiums and long recovery time. (21:28) Jarid mentions that the key to success in implementing a comprehensive insurance program is to start building gradually and not try to have everything at once. (39:30) Key Quotes: “We got into corporate financial planning strategies, retirement plans, defined benefit plans, deferred comp, you name it, executive benefits. And in the process of doing this and doing some planning for some, some prospects and clients, we saw captive insurance companies cropping up, more and more it was becoming something either business owners had, or they wanted to see or wanted to learn more about.” - Jarid Beck “We like to do things in phases, you know, hey, let's phase one, phase two, phase three, and let's tackle it over, you know, over a period of months or years, and then you know, have a smooth glide path, then you get down the road and you're like now we've got a program that does everything we want” - Jarid Beck

In this episode, James talks with Caden Braly, Business Development Manager at Braly Insurance Group and CEO of Innovative Risk.To learn more about Braly Insurance Group, visit https://bralyinsurance.com.To learn more about Innovative Risk, visit https://www.innovativerisk.io.Visit our website to join our email list, get the scoop on our LIVE coaching calls and never miss an episode: https://www.agencyfreedom.comConnect with Agency Freedom Podcast on Facebook at the Agency Freedom Podcast group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencyfreedomEmail us at podcast@agencyfreedom.com with ideas, questions, complaints or your favorite grilling recipe.Episode Highlights: Caden discusses Braly Insurance Group's proactive approach to preparing customers for insurance policy renewals, including contacting them ahead of time, educating them about potential price increases, and providing resources to explain market conditions. (3:45) Caden mentions that agents are diversifying their portfolios by shifting towards large-scale GL, and commercial auto, and expanding into other states to reduce their reliance on property and personal lines in Texas. (12:14) Caden shares that he has extensive experience in vetting and testing various technology companies in the insurance industry, allowing him to offer credible recommendations to his clients. (16:13) Caden explains that Innovative Risk is an insurance consulting firm that acts as a buyer's agent, helping customers navigate the complex world of insurance and holding agents accountable for their work to ensure the best coverage and pricing for the customer. (24:15) Caden discusses Braly Insurance Group's specialization in providing excellent insurance services for contractors, auto service, non-commercial construction, and lessors risk, while also partnering with Innovative Risk for larger scale and manufacturing accounts. (32:13) Caden believes that the insurance industry needs to be held to a higher standard and that consultants with experience and knowledge in the industry are the best option for clients. (36:21) Caden mentions that it is important to consider alternative options and compare offers when it comes to mergers and acquisitions, as some agencies and firms will purchase your business without requiring a lengthy buyout period or strict maintenance of the book of business. (40:30) Key Quotes: “One of the things that we started doing in the last couple of months is a proactive shopping of insurance. So, we get to the customer, even before the renewal comes out, and prepare them for what's to come.” - Caden Braly “Insurance technology is not hard to become an expert in it. It's not very advanced, I say this with all kindness in the world to all of our tech partners out there. The technology and understanding other industries is far more advanced and more difficult to learn and to grasp.” - Caden Braly “We do a full breakdown of an agency before we even get to the point of offering any sort of technology solution.” - Caden Braly