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. Sep 22

    Workers’ Compensation 101: Managing Claims, Reducing Risk & Getting Employees Back to Work

    Workers’ compensation can be one of those areas of running a business that only gets attention when something goes wrong. But having the right processes in place before an injury happens can make a big difference. In this episode of the Accel Advantage podcast, Corey Rekers sits down with Ashley Buck, Accel’s Director of Claims and Risk Management, to break down what business owners should know about managing workers’ compensation claims. They discuss how to prepare employees for workplace injuries, when to use urgent care vs. the emergency room, the difference between medical-only and indemnity claims, and why having a return-to-work or light-duty program can benefit both employers and employees. Corey and Ashley also talk about experience modification factors, why open claims and reserves matter, how workers’ compensation claims can affect contractors working with larger GCs, when employers need to involve OSHA, and how resources like nurse triage can help simplify the claims process. Whether you’re a business owner, HR leader, manager or simply responsible for workplace safety, this episode offers practical reminders for managing workers’ compensation more effectively. In this episode: • Preparing employees for workplace injuries • Medical-only vs. indemnity workers’ compensation claims • Return-to-work and light-duty programs • Experience modification factors and open claims • Managing reserves and closing claims • Workers’ compensation and contractor requirements • OSHA reporting requirements • Nurse triage and carrier resources • Building a stronger relationship with your insurance carrier Learn more about The Accel Group at acceladvantage.com. Subscribe to the Accel Advantage podcast for more conversations about the decisions business owners face every day around risk, money and growth. Chapters 00:00 Intro: Workers’ Compensation for Business Owners 00:43 Ashley Buck’s Career in Claims 01:52 Preparing Employees for Workplace Injuries 03:10 When to Use Urgent Care vs. the ER 04:21 Medical-Only vs. Indemnity Claims 05:52 Building a Return-to-Work Program 06:49 How Return-to-Work Can Help Employers 07:58 Experience Mods, Reserves & Open Claims 09:17 Workers’ Compensation & Contractor Requirements 10:17 When Employers Need to Report to OSHA 11:58 Building a Strong Relationship With Your Carrier 12:59 How Nurse Triage Can Simplify Claims 13:22 Final Takeaways workers compensation, workers compensation insurance, workers comp, workers comp claims, workers compensation claims, workers comp for business owners, workers compensation Iowa, workplace injury, workers comp insurance, claims management, risk management, return to work program, light duty work, experience modification, experience mod, OSHA, OSHA reporting, workplace safety, business insurance, insurance for business owners, workers comp for contractors, nurse triage, employee safety, Accel Group, Accel Advantage Podcast

  2. Sep 8

    Off Script: What Happened to Being Bored?

    What happened to being bored? In this Off Script minisode, Tyler McAndrew, Director of Business Systems and Technology and Mitch Graybill, Director of Property and Casualty Operations, take a trip down memory lane and talk about the things kids today might never experience. Technology has made life easier in a lot of ways, but has it also taken away some of the freedom, disappointment, and random adventures that came with growing up in the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s? No insurance talk. No big business lesson. Just two Accel teammates shooting the breeze about growing up, raising kids, and the things they kind of miss. Welcome to Off Script! Where our team gets to step away from the day job and just be themselves. Keywords what happened to being bored, childhood nostalgia, growing up in the 80s, growing up in the 90s, growing up in the early 2000s, 80s kids, 90s kids, early 2000s nostalgia, technology and childhood, kids today, insurance bros, parenting, raising kids, parenting in the digital age, childhood memories, growing up without technology, life before smartphones, life before social media, Blockbuster, VHS, riding bikes as a kid, summer as a kid, small town Iowa, childhood freedom, nostalgia podcast, funny podcast, workplace podcast, employee stories, company culture, Accel Group, The Accel Group, Off Script podcast, Accel Advantage podcast, insurance professionals, humanizing insurance, behind the scenes, employee culture, boredom, screen time, kids and technology, childhood then vs now, parenting today, digital childhood, 80s vs 90s childhood 00:00 – Welcome to Off Script 00:27 – What Will Our Kids Miss About Growing Up in the ’80s & ’90s? 01:05 – When You Couldn’t Just Google Everything 01:50 – Dating Before Texting 02:25 – Picking a Movie by the VHS Cover 03:05 – The Freedom of Growing Up Without a Cell Phone 04:05 – Calling Your Parents at Work 04:50 – Pay Phones, Collect Calls & Long Distance 05:35 – Kids Today Don’t Know How to Use the Phone 06:20 – Back to Work

    Off Script: What Happened to Being Bored?

  3. Aug 25

    What Great Benefits Management Actually Looks Like

    What does great employee benefits management actually look like and what should business leaders expect from their benefits team? In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, host Corey Rekers sits down with members of Accel’s Employee Benefits team, Jamie Harken, Spencer Blair, and Tori Douglas, to take a closer look at what happens behind the scenes to help employers and their employees navigate the complexities of benefits. From claims and prior authorizations to open enrollment, employee communication, compliance, and benefits administration, the team shares how proactive account management can make a meaningful difference in both the employer and employee experience. They also discuss one of the biggest mistakes employers can make: taking a “set it and forget it” approach to benefits. The conversation explores why ongoing communication, employee education, advocacy, and strategic support are just as important as the benefits themselves—and how the right resources and technology can help employers create a more efficient and effective benefits experience. Whether you're a business owner, HR leader, or someone responsible for managing employee benefits, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what great benefits management should look like and why having a true partner in your corner matters. Key takeaway: Great benefits management is about more than renewing a plan once a year. It's about being proactive, solving problems, supporting employees, and building a benefits strategy that works for both your people and your business. ________________________________________ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview 00:38 – Meet the Employee Benefits Team 03:54 – What Makes Benefits Account Management Rewarding 04:42 – What Great Benefits Management Actually Looks Like 05:46 – The Employee Experience & Benefits Navigation 06:27 – The “Set It and Forget It” Approach to Benefits 07:04 – Why Proactive Benefits Management Matters 08:24 – How Account Managers Support HR Teams 09:15 – A Real-World Claims Success Story 10:24 – HR Resources: Mineral 11:24 – Simplifying Benefits Administration with Employee Navigator 11:57 – Supporting Clients Beyond Implementation 13:09 – Improving Employee Communication with TruHu 15:22 – What Makes Every Client Experience Different 16:38 – Transforming the Benefits Enrollment Experience 17:39 – The Impact of Great Benefits Management 18:01 – Closing Thoughts & Outro ________________________________________ Keywords: employee benefits, benefits management, employee benefits strategy, benefits administration, employee experience, HR strategy, benefits communication, employee engagement, benefits account management, benefits broker, employee advocacy, benefits enrollment, open enrollment, health insurance navigation, claims assistance, HR support, benefits technology, Employee Navigator, TruHu, Mineral HR, workplace benefits, employee retention, business strategy, benefits education, proactive benefits management, HR resources, employer benefits, employee communication, benefits strategy, business leadership

  4. Jul 28

    What Top Talent Actually Wants in 2026

    What do top employees really want in today’s workplace andwhy are so many leaders still getting it wrong? In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, host CoreyRekers sits down with Chief People Officer Tina Miller to unpack what’s changed in the talent landscape and what it means for business leaders in 2026. While compensation and flexibility still matter, they’re no longer enough to attractand retain top performers. Tina shares practical, real-world insights from over twodecades in HR, breaking down what employees actually value today from autonomy and clarity to leadership quality, growth opportunities, and a healthy work environment. They also explore where companies tend to miss the mark (hint:it’s not about perks) and how these missteps can quietly impact turnover, engagement, and long-term business performance. If you’re a business owner, leader, or hiring managerlooking to build a stronger, more engaged team, this episode offers simple, high-impact ways to better align with what talent expects now. Key takeaway: Top talent isn’t just choosing a job, they’rechoosing an experience. The question is: are you building one worth staying for? Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview00:32 – Meet Tina Miller: Background & HR Experience02:12 – The Gap Between What Leaders Think vs. What Talent Wants03:08 – What’s Changed in the Workforce (Awareness, Choice, Mindset)04:34 – The Post-COVID Shift in Work Expectations05:04 – Why Compensation Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore06:10 – What Talent Wants Beyond Pay: Flexibility & Autonomy07:11 – The Importance of Clear Expectations07:51 – Leadership’s Impact on Employee Experience08:20 – Growth, Development & Career Progression09:13 – The Role of Purpose at Work10:01 – Why a Healthy Work Environment Matters10:41 – Common Mistakes Leaders Make11:35 – Why Perks Don’t Fix Core Issues12:11 – Business Impact of Misalignment (Turnover, Burnout, Reputation)13:28 – Practical Ways to Better Align with Talent Expectations15:20 – One Key Takeaway for Leaders16:00 – Closing Thoughts & Outro Keywords:talent retention, human resources, HR, employee expectations 2026, hiring trends, HR strategy, leadership development, workplace culture, employee engagement, talent acquisition, flexible work, work-life balance, management training, employee experience, business growth, organizational culture, recruiting strategy, retention strategies, modern workforce, HR insights, leadership mistakes, workplace trends

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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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