The Accel Advantage: Insurance and Financial Services

The Accel Group
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The Accel Advantage brings business owners and C-suite leaders behind the scenes with our experienced team, covering topics ranging from insurance for you or your business, retirement and financial planning, to group benefits. Discover insights, stories, and strategies - plus a fun look at the people and culture powering The Accel Group and Accel Wealth Management. That's the Accel Advantage!

  1. Jun 23

    The Hidden Risks in Your Property Portfolio (And How to Fix Them)

    In this episode of The Accel Advantage podcast, host Corey Rekers is joined by Accel real estate insurance advisors Dustin Toner and Kate Rahfeldt to uncover the hidden risks many property owners and portfolio managers overlook. They break down why having multiple brokers can actually hurt your leverage, how your reputation in the insurance marketplace impacts your outcomes, and why insurance should be viewed as a strategic investment—not just a cost. The conversation dives into today’s evolving insurance landscape, rising deductibles, and how factors like construction materials, risk management practices, and alignment between stakeholders can significantly impact your program. Dustin and Kate also share real-world examples, including how poor coordination can lead to underinsured properties and missed opportunities in the market. If you manage or invest in real estate, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you better structure your insurance program, reduce risk, and position your portfolio for long-term success. Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠TikTokYouTube Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dustin Toner and Kate Rahfeldt00:46 Backgrounds in Real Estate and Insurance03:57 The Biggest Mistake Portfolio Managers Make05:41 Why Multiple Brokers Can Hurt Your Leverage07:30 Real Example: When Too Many Brokers Go Wrong10:15 The “Jockey and Horse” Approach to Insurance11:21 How the Insurance Market Has Changed12:27 What Insurance Really Is (Reframing the Mindset)14:01 Taking a C-Suite Approach to Risk Management15:27 Customizing Insurance vs. Chasing the Lowest Bid17:07 Challenges Across Different Real Estate Asset Classes19:11 Case Study: Improving Risk Through Better Construction21:29 Understanding Loss Assessment Coverage23:13 Key Takeaways for Property Owners & Managers Keywords real estate insurance, property portfolio risk, riskmanagement, insurance strategy, multifamily insurance, property management, insurance marketplace, underwriting, loss assessment coverage, real estate investing, insurance costs, deductible strategies, risk transfer, assetprotection, commercial real estate

  2. May 26

    No Plan, Big Problems: Estate Planning for Real Life

    In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, Corey Rekers sits down with financial advisor Scott Durscher to break down the essentials of estate and succession planning, especially for business owners and farm families. From real-life stories growing up in rural Iowa to practical strategies using wills and trusts, Scott explains how poor planning can lead to costly delays, family conflict, and even the loss of a business. You’ll learn: The difference between a will and a trust Why probate can be expensive and time-consumingHow revocable trusts help avoid court involvementWhat business owners need to know about continuity planningHow to prepare for incapacity, not just death If you own a business, a farm, or simply want to protect your legacy, this episode will help you understand why having a plan in place is critical and how to get started.   #EstatePlanning #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessOwners #Trusts #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #FarmSuccession #SmallBusiness #LegacyPlanning   Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Accel Advantage 00:30 Meet Scott Durscher 02:15 Farm Roots & Real Estate Planning Stories 04:30 Who Needs Estate & Succession Planning? 05:45 Wills Explained: How They Work 07:45 The Downsides of Probate 08:45 Trusts 101: What Is a Revocable Trust? 09:45 Key Benefits of Trusts (Privacy, Speed, Control) 10:45 Business Continuity Planning Explained 11:30 Avoiding Family Conflict in Succession 12:20 Planning for Incapacity 13:05 Why Most People Delay Estate Planning 13:50 The Peace of Mind of Having a Plan 14:30 Final Thoughts & How to Get Started Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠and accelwealthmanagement.com Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ TikTok Youtube Accel Wealth Management Facebook Linkedin Instagram Youtube   Keywords: Estate & succession planning, Wills vs. trusts,  Probate, Revocable trusts, Business continuity planning, Family business transitions, Farm succession, Incapacity planning, Protecting legacy

  3. Apr 28

    2026 Business Trends: What Every Leader Needs to Know About Risk, AI, Growth & More

    Welcome back to The Accel Advantage, powered by TheAccel Group and Accel Wealth Management. In this special one-year anniversary episode, host Corey Rekers is joined by Co-President Josh Budke and a panel of Accel leaders to break down the biggest trends shaping businesses in 2026. From cybersecurity and AI risks to shifting insurance markets, rising healthcare costs, and evolving retirement strategies, this episode delivers a comprehensive look at what business leaders need to know right now. The team also shares actionable insights on employee benefits, financial planning, and how organizations can stay resilient in an increasinglycomplex environment. Whether you're navigating insurance renewals, exploring AIin your operations, or planning for long-term financial success, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make smarter decisions for your business. Check out our websites:⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠accelwealthmanagement.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media for more tips, insights, andupdates! Chapters 00:00 Celebrating One Year of The Accel Advantage00:58 Navigating Business Risks in 202605:52 Understanding Insurance Market Rate Changes12:05 Preparing for Insurance Renewals12:50 The Impact of AI on Business13:59 Emerging AI Risks & Security Concerns15:01 Managing Business Risk with AI18:40 Practical Uses of AI in Business20:48 Trends in Personal Lines Insurance22:03 Why Personal Insurance Costs Increased23:34 Ways to Save on Home & Auto Insurance25:55 Navigating Employee Benefits Challenges26:10 Key Employee Benefit Trends for 202630:07 Funding Strategies for Employers31:53 Understanding Employee Needs in Benefits34:19 The Future of Workplace Benefits36:03 Retirement Plan Trends & Innovations44:10 Personal Investing & Financial Planning Trends46:52 Market Outlook for 202647:52 What Investors Should Focus On48:35 Advice for Young Investors51:09 Key Takeaways & Business Strategy Insights52:51 Outro Keywords business trends 2026, artificial intelligence, cybersecurityrisk, insurance market trends, commercial insurance, personal insurance,employee benefits, healthcare costs, self-funding, retirement planning,financial planning, investing strategies, wealth management, businessresilience, risk management, employee retention, workplace benefits, AI inbusiness, economic outlook, leadership strategy

  4. Mar 24

    Dealerships: Building Risk Strategy, Not Just Buying Insurance

    In this episode, dealership insurance experts Ethan Thompson and Kaleb Admire share their insights on insuring car dealerships, risk management strategies, market trends, and innovative tools like parametric insurance to help dealers protect their assets and optimize their insurance programs. Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00 – Introductions to Ethan and Kaleb 03:45 – Breaking the “Price-Only” Dealer Stereotype 04:44 – Insurance as Capital Protection (Not a Commodity) 10:20 – State of the Insurance Market (2026 Outlook) 13:01 – Property Trends & Weather Risk in the Midwest 15:13 – Rising Deductibles & Risk-Sharing Shift 20:26 – EV Charging Stations & Hidden Property Risks 21:56 – Parametric Insurance Explained 27:13 – Emerging Threat: Transport Fraud 34:27 – Umbrella Policies & Nuclear Verdict Risks 39:27 – Driver Controls & MVR Best Practices 42:22 – Final Advice for Dealership Owners Keywords: auto dealership insurance, risk management,market trends, parametric insurance, garage insurance, wind-hail deductibles, transport fraud, driver control, umbrella coverage, insurance strategies

  5. Feb 24

    Under the Hard Hat: Insurance for Contractors

    In this episode of The Accel Advantage podcast, host Corey Rekers welcomes special guest John Tatum, VP – Construction Business Unit Lead from UFG Insurance, to discuss insurance insights for contractors. Corey and John are also joined by Accel business insurance advisors Chandler Lamm and Jonathan Patterson. They dive into a market update on the construction industry, key attributes of a strong construction company, the importance of choosing a specialist broker, and more. With real-life stories and scenarios, this episode is filled with great tips and knowledge from some of the best in the business! Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠Check out UFG’s website: ufginsurance.com Chapters 00:00 Introductions toJohn, Chandler, and Jonathan 05:32 Market Update inthe Construction Industry 11:59 Attributes of aStrong Construction Company 12:51 Building aCulture of Safety 14:34 Stories for theInsurance Company 17:30 The Two Cs:Communication and Complacency 19:27 Choosing theRight Broker or Advisor 21:14 Story:Specialization Changing the Game 25:39 Key Takeaways forContractorsKeywords: construction industry, risk management, insurance, market update, safety, underwriting, data centers, insurance for contractors, business insurance

  6. Jan 27

    Local Business Insurance 101

    Welcome back to The Accel Advantage Podcast! This one’sfor all the entrepreneurs and hustlers. In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Rachel Lee, Director of Commercial Lines PBU at The Accel Group, to discuss essential insurance coverages for local and Main Street business owners. Racheland host Corey Rekers explore common misconceptions about business insurance, share real-world stories, and chat about specific tips and tricks for various industries. Tune in now, and if you own a local business, reach out to pbu@acceladvantage.com for your quick, no-pressure review! Follow us on social media for more tips and tricks! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Accel Wealth Management: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Main Street Business Insurance 02:15 Understanding Common Insurance Misconceptions 05:32 Myth #1: Debunking General Liability Myths 09:43 Myth #2: I Don't Need Cyber Liability 13:42 Myth #3: Auto Liability 16:19 Myth #4: Workers' Compensation - 1099 vs.Independent Contractors 18:49 Real-World Example 22:29 Myth #5: Professional Liability 24:56 Final Thoughts and Resources for Local BusinessOwners   Keywords: business insurance, Main Street business, localbusiness, insurance misconceptions, general liability, cyber liability, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, professional liability, small business owners, insurance coverage

  7. 12/30/2025

    Overcoming Financial Trauma: How To Heal and Move Forward After Setbacks

    In this episode, Stacie Brass and Michele Krueger discuss moving forward after emotional financial trauma and setbacks, particularly in the context of divorce and loss. They emphasize the importance of budgeting, rebuilding financial safety nets, acknowledging the reset, and the need for preparation and planning. The conversation is an important one that highlights practical steps for recovery and support. Thank you for listening! If you’re searching for a financial advisor to help you through a tough time financially, visit accelwealthmanagement.com or give us a call at 319.365.8611. Check out our websites: ⁠⁠https://www.accelwealthmanagement.com/⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠https://acceladvantage.com/⁠ Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! Accel Wealth Management: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ The Accel Group: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Navigating the Loss of a Spouse 06:31 Avoiding Hasty Financial Decisions 09:00 Divorce & Financial Trauma 11:29 The Financial Reset After Divorce 14:04 Rebuilding Financial Independence 16:31 Preparation, Takeaways, and Ongoing Support 18:13 Conclusion & Disclosures Keywords: financial trauma, divorce, financial recovery, financial trauma healing, wealth management, financial planning, emotional support, financial advisor, financial independence, budgeting

  8. 11/25/2025

    Unlocking the Power of Employee Engagement

    Welcome back to another episode of The Accel Advantage, powered by The Accel Group and Accel Wealth Management. Today, host Corey Rekers, Partner and President of Property & Casualty Insurance, and Taylor Bierl, Employee Engagement Specialist, discuss the critical importance of engagement and company culture. They explore the definition of employee engagement, challenges and barriers, and actionable strategies for leaders to implement. No matter the industry or size of your company, this episode is a must-listen to enhance employee satisfaction and retention at your organization! Check out our websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠accelwealthmanagement.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Accel Wealth Management: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:21 Taylor's Journey into Employee Engagement 03:00 Engaging Employees in Remote Work Environments 06:04 Keeping Top Talent Engaged 07:38 Investing in Leadership 08:29 Trust, Autonomy, Purpose, and Core Values 09:54 Why Employee Engagement Matters 13:03 Barriers to Creating an Engaged Culture & How To Drive Results 15:14 Leadership Buy-In for Engagement Initiatives 16:38 Quiet Quitting & Signs of Disengagement 18:06 Practical Steps for Employee Engagement 18:48 Feedback Mechanisms 21:03 Future Trends 22:15 Encouragement for Employers & Conclusion Keywords: company culture, employee engagement, remote work, leadership, employee feedback, trust, employee retention, engagement strategies, organizational success

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The Accel Advantage brings business owners and C-suite leaders behind the scenes with our experienced team, covering topics ranging from insurance for you or your business, retirement and financial planning, to group benefits. Discover insights, stories, and strategies - plus a fun look at the people and culture powering The Accel Group and Accel Wealth Management. That's the Accel Advantage!

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