Insurance Agency Success

Eddie Price

Welcome to the Insurance Agency Success Podcast — the go-to show for independent insurance agency owners who want to grow their business, streamline operations, and create a business they actually enjoy. Hosted by Eddie Price, founder of Jenesis Software and agency owner with over 30 years of experience, this podcast is packed with proven strategies, success stories, and real-world insights to help you build a high-performing agency that doesn’t burn you out. Eddie got his start in insurance back in 1989. Since then, he’s started, bought, sold, and scaled multiple agencies—and helped hundreds of other owners do the same. In 1999, he founded Jenesis Software, an agency management system designed specifically for independent insurance agents. Built by an agent, for agents, Jenesis helps you save time, simplify your workflows, and scale your business without sacrificing client service or quality of life. Each week on the podcast, you’ll hear from real agency owners and industry experts who are successfully navigating the same challenges you face: staffing, marketing, retention, automation, technology, profitability, and more. Whether you’re a solo agent or leading a growing team, this show is here to equip you with the tools and mindset you need to thrive. If you’ve ever asked yourself… How can I grow my agency without working longer hours? What systems do successful agency owners use to stay organized? How do I get my team to perform consistently? What should I automate vs. outsource? Which agency management system will truly support my goals? ...then you’re in the right place. Eddie’s approach is practical, no-fluff, and focused on helping you make smart, sustainable moves in your agency. His passion is helping agents succeed not just financially, but personally—because you deserve to enjoy the business you’ve built. Want to simplify your operations and scale with confidence? 👉 Visit jenesissoftware.com and click the orange button to book your free demo. See how Jenesis can help you work smarter, serve better, and finally feel in control of your business. Follow the Insurance Agency Success Podcast and get ready to grow your agency, increase your freedom, and build something you’re proud of.

  1. FEB 19 · VIDEO

    From Struggling Startup to Multi-Location Agency: Keys to Achieving Success and Profitable Growth | EP 13

    Starting an insurance agency during an economic downturn is one of the hardest ways to enter this industry—and it’s also where real operators are made.   "Start working where your feet are and work out, and it'll grow exponentially." -Johnny Ellis  In this episode, I sit downwith Johnny Ellis to talk about what it takes to survive the early years, keep the doors open, and grow into a multi-location agency. We get honest about patience, near-misses, and the moments that make you question everything, along with what actually turns the corner. If you’re in the grind right now or thinking about scaling, this conversation speaks directly to where you are.  Building an Agency That Lasts  Real agency growth doesn’t come from quick wins—it comes from staying in the game long enough for momentum to compound. In this episode, the conversation centers on how steady leadership, integrity, and community connection turn early struggles into lasting success.  Perseverance creates leverage. Slow seasons, financial pressure, and self-doubt are part of the path, but staying consistent through them is what separates agencies that survive from agencies that scale.  Putting clients first builds reputation. Saying no to bad business, being honest when a competitor has a better option, and leading with integrity creates trust that turns into referrals and long-term loyalty. Community drives real growth. Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, charities, and local involvement aren’t side activities—they’re powerful engines for visibility, relationships, and sustainable lead flow. Smart expansion multiplies results. Strategic acquisitions, strong systems, and disciplined operations allow agencies to grow faster without sacrificing service or culture.  Growth Through Integrity, Community, and Smart Expansion  Building a sustainable agency takes more than good sales. Real decisions, setbacks, and breakthroughs shape a lasting agency. These points trace how persistence, relationships, and smart decisions shape long-term growth.  (00:08:15) Learning the Hard Way  (00:11:17) How Relationships Drive New Business  (00:17:49) Expanding Business Through Strategy  (00:29:11) Balancing Leadership and Satisfaction  (00:39:27) When Telling the Truth Wins the Client  (00:40:51) Upholding Integrity in Tough Choices  (00:43:49) Why Service Beats Sales Every Time  Turning Hard Years into Long-Term Growth  Your agency doesn’t have to start strong to become strong. Growth comes from patience, steady leadership, and consistently putting people before commissions. Community involvement, referrals, and honest service create momentum that no marketing budget can replace. Strategic acquisitions, the right systems, and thoughtful staffing decisions compound that growth when the timing is right. This episode lays out how to build something that lasts—even through downturns, disasters, and the hardest seasons of ownership.  Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware  Connect with Johnny Ellis & Ellis Agency Insurance:  Email: johnny@ellisagency.net  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8OlgpjSihXW6f4U_WUOPbw/videos  Website: https://ellisagency.net/

    50 min
  2. FEB 5 · VIDEO

    Why Relationship-Driven Insurance Agencies Grow Faster Than Price-Focused Ones | EP 12

    Insurance agency growth, customer retention, agency culture, and relationship-driven sales are at the heart of this episode of Insurance Agency Success. Eddie Price sits down with Chris Helms to unpack how long-term success in insurance isn’t built on discounts or shortcuts—but on trust, empathy, consistency, and honest service. From door-to-door beginnings to leading a thriving independent agency, Chris shares what actually creates loyal clients, stable teams, and sustainable profitability in today’s challenging market.  How People-First Agencies Create Loyalty, Referrals, and Stability  In this conversation, Eddie and Chris break down what it really looks like to build an insurance agency that people stay with—for years, and even generations. The focus isn’t flashy tactics. It’s doing the fundamentals well, consistently, and with intention.  You’ll hear practical insights on how to:  Create memorable customer experiences that lead to long-term retention  Use simple personal touches to stand out in a crowded market  Build a team culture that supports both growth and stability  Invest in marketing and reputation without chasing quick wins  This episode is especially valuable for agency owners who want growth that lasts, not growth that burns out their team or erodes trust.  When Relationship-Driven Service Fuels Insurance Agency Growth  (00:04:33) Going Independent for More Policy Opportunities for Customers  (00:12:27) Driving Value Through Personal Touch and Treating Everyone with Respect  (00:14:13) New Business and Retention with Marketing and Responsiveness  (00:17:12) Establishing a Messaging “Tone” Across All Communications  (00:22:05) Two Steps to Establish Trust by Simply Being There and Caring Deeply  (00:25:13) When Real People Answer the Phones and Manage Calls  (00:28:25) Creating Unexpected Experiences at Customer Touch Points  (00:42:09) Prioritizing Marketing Starting with Google Reviews and SEO  Action Steps Insurance Agency Owners Can Take Now  5 moves you can make this week or this month:  Audit your customer experience at key touchpoints  Call your own agency as a prospect. Time how quickly the phone is answered and evaluate the tone. Decide one specific improvement to implement immediately.  Add one personal touch to your retention strategy  This month, choose one repeatable action—birthday messages, handwritten notes, or follow-ups after policy changes—and systemize it for every client.  Refocus hiring around culture and trust  Before your next hire, write down the values and behaviors that matter most in your agency. Hire for alignment first, then train for skill.  Commit to visible digital credibility  Ask five happy clients for Google reviews this month. Make it simple. This is one of the fastest ways to improve trust and discoverability.  Lead your team with empathy, not just metrics  Schedule regular check-ins that aren’t performance-based. Retention improves when people feel seen as humans, not just producers.  Final Thoughts on Sustainable Agency Growth  This episode is a reminder that the strongest insurance agencies are built slowly, deliberately, and with people at the center. Growth comes from showing up consistently, investing in relationships, and doing the right thing—even when it’s harder or takes longer. When you combine genuine service, thoughtful hiring, and steady marketing investment, you create an agency that clients trust, employees stay with, and communities remember.  If you’re aiming to grow your business without sacrificing culture or integrity, this conversation will give you a clear path forward.  Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware    Connect with Chris Helms and Curtis Helms Insurance Agency:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helmsinsurance/  Curtis Helms Insurance:  https://curtishelmsinsurance.com/  Email Chris: chris@helmsins.com

    57 min
  3. JAN 15 · VIDEO

    Transform Your Agency’s Culture with Chaplain Services as Part of Your Care Team | EP 11

    Employee care isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s one of the smartest growth decisions an insurance agency owner can make.  In this episode, I sit down with our corporate chaplain to talk about how intentional employee support transforms agency culture, strengthens team retention, and directly impacts business profitability. At Jenesis, investing in people has never been separate from growing the business—and this conversation explains why.  "If you go somewhere and you actually feel like somebody cares about me, like I'm not just a number, like I'm a name and I'm a face and they know me personally and they know about my life and my family, and it's so rare that it actually becomes this huge, attractive thing for your company to be that." - Jayme Himmelwright  Whether you run a three-person shop or manage a fully remote team, creating a people-first agency changes how employees show up, how long they stay, and how connected they feel to your mission.  Increasing Agency Happiness and Profits with Employee Support Strategies  (00:03:46) What Taking Care of Your Employees Means  (00:09:52) How a Corporate Chaplain Provides Safe Support  (00:11:10) Accessing Support and Someone Who Listens  (00:19:32) Opening Meetings with Prayer  (00:22:38) Faith Transforms a Troubled Life  (00:27:21) What it Takes to Become a Corporate Chaplain  (00:31:26) Caring Rooted in Generosity  (00:34:50) Most Requested Book Giveaway  (00:36:42) Valuing Employees Builds Loyalty  (00:39:45) Year-End Appreciation and Planning  Caring for Employees: The Hidden Key to Scaling Your Insurance Agency  This episode is for agency owners who want to grow their business without burning out their people—and who understand that caring well is smart leadership. Here are some action steps you can take right away to initiate a more supportive agency culture:  Audit how supported your team actually feels.  This week, ask one simple question in a 1:1 or anonymous survey: “If something personal or stressful came up, would you know where to go for support?” The answer will tell you more than any engagement score.  Explore outside care support instead of carrying it all yourself.  This month, research corporate chaplain or care coach services that support small teams. Many programs are affordable, scalable, and designed for agencies with fewer than 10 employees.  Create a consistent care touchpoint.  Choose one rhythm you can maintain—monthly check-ins, optional office hours, or quarterly team care conversations. Consistency matters more than frequency.  Make employee care visible, not assumed.  Update your internal handbook, onboarding process, or team Slack with clear language about available support resources so employees know help exists before they need it.  Tie retention to care, not compensation.  Look at the last person who left your agency. Ask yourself honestly: Did they feel valued, heard, and supported? Use that insight to shape your hiring and leadership strategy going forward.  Decide what kind of agency you want to be known for.  This month, define one sentence that describes your culture (ex: “We are a people-first agency that supports our team through work and life”). Let that sentence guide decisions moving forward.  Agencies don’t need to be large to have a care team or a corporate chaplain. Teams of three or four people often see just as much impact as larger organizations. When employees know someone genuinely cares, it changes everything—from culture to performance to loyalty.  Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware   Connect with Jayme Himmelwright:   Learn more about the Care Team at Jenesis: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/care-program/  Corporate Chaplains of America: https://chaplain.org/

    43 min
  4. JAN 1 · VIDEO

    Niche Markets and Community Engagement: Keys to Scaling Your Insurance Agency | EP 10

    Building an insurance agency from the ground up is a journey marked by continuous learning, adaptability, and prioritizing authentic relationships within both the agency and the wider community. Jarette Sampson of Dial Insurance in North Carolina shares his path from starting as a newcomer to becoming a highly respected agency with enduring staff and a reputation for expertise.   He shared strategies that worked for him such as immersing himself in collaboration, learning from experienced professionals, and being open to sharing knowledge, all of which contributed to his long-term growth. Jarette credits much of his success to finding and establishing a niche and maintaining a diversified approach, which has allowed him to serve broader markets while mastering specialized segments.  AI, Technology, and Relationships: The Modern Insurance Agency Roadmap  Agency growth is accelerated by a people-first mindset that values team longevity, active community involvement, and continual skill development, rather than chasing fast results. Jarette’s advice for hiring great team members is to prioritize cultural fit and goal orientation rather than direct industry experience. Supporting new team members with a library of training videos is equally important – Listen in to hear how Dial’s training library is structured (so you can do this for your team!).   Prioritizing client needs, being genuinely helpful, and staying visible within the market builds a reputation that attracts referrals—even from other agencies. AI is on everyone’s mind lately, so researching AI tools and implementing solutions one department at a time, is one strategy to stay efficient and competitive.   From Solo Agent to Aggregator: Real Strategies from 19+ Years of Experience   (00:08:15) Technology's Impact on Daily Life  (00:13:05) National Marketing Campaign Recognition  (00:16:33) Making Industry Secrets Not So Secret  (00:26:47) Make Everyday Count  (00:37:06) Decisive Endings and Hiring Tips  (00:38:51) Quarterly AI Adoption Strategy  (00:44:30) Becoming the Go-To Expert  (00:48:52) Experienced Team, Exceptional Service  5 Key Takeaways for Insurance Agency Owners from this Episode:  Build genuine connections within your community and industry. Becoming “the go-to” in your market means being active, helpful, and consistently visible. Attend local events, serve on community boards, and always help others—even competitors—when you can.    Focus on finding team members who are goal-oriented, eager to learn, and share your vision for growth, rather than just hiring for insurance experience. Long-term team success comes from investing in the right people and supporting their growth over time.    Carving out a niche, such as public sector or specialized commercial lines, sets your agency apart and can attract carrier partnerships and recognition (e.g., Jarette Sampson’s work with Travelers). Identify and pursue specialized markets where you can demonstrate unique value.      Use new tools like AI chatbots and automated services to streamline operations but stay focused on people-first service. Explore technology in a way that supports your agency’s goals, and don’t be afraid to let others lead the way before you commit to major tech changes.    If scaling your agency or accessing better markets is a goal, consider joining or building an aggregator with like-minded peers. Jarette Sampson discussed the value of collaborating with other agencies to write large, complex accounts and grow together as a group. Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware    Connect with Jarette Sampson and Dial Insurance (NC):   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarette-sampson-62027238/  Dial Insurance Services: https://dialinsurancenc.com/  Email Jarette: jarette@dialinsurancenc.com

    54 min
  5. 12/18/2025 · VIDEO

    Staff Training, Retention Tips, and Expansion Strategies to Grow a Multi-Location Agency | EP 9

    Starting with a single insurance agency and expanding to seven locations and 21 team members, Lee Pridgeon of AllCare Insurance emphasizes the importance of meeting staff where they are, offering flexibility, and putting team member success at the center of the business model.  She shares how acquisitions helped her grow faster, which metrics she tracks to ensure healthy growth, and what she and her team did to streamline training for new hires.  “We record our training. And so when someone says, oh, I don't recall that, or I didn't hear it, we're like, go back to this training video. You can see, you can rehear it and it helps them to get back." - Lee Ann Pridgeon  Hiring and retaining talent is her biggest challenge now. Her strategy? Meet people where they are. Accept not everyone will reach the same level, but support and develop staff within their abilities, while still encouraging growth.  How All Care Insurance Built a Thriving Team and Seven Locations with People-First Strategies  (00:03:59) Post-COVID Workplace Reinvention  (00:06:53) Leadership Through Staff Success  (00:13:56) Systematize and Act Now  (00:19:34) Workplace Commitment Concerns  (00:20:58) Insurance Fraud and Compliance Issues  (00:23:42) Accountability in Client Service  (00:28:30) Peer Review and Incentives Analysis  (00:32:18) Keeping Office Locations Connected  (00:37:29) Building Collaborative Business Relationships  Secrets to Growing Your Insurance Agency and Retaining Staff for Over 20 Years  Building a thriving insurance agency isn’t just about numbers – it's about people and adaptability. In this episode, you’ll discover how to build a successful, people-first insurance agency with a focus on systems, employee satisfaction, and maintaining connection between teams across multiple locations. Here are key takeaways for insurance agency owners:  How to scale your insurance agency from one location to multiple offices and team members  Secrets to keeping staff engaged and loyal for 15+ years  Innovative, video-based training methods for new hires  Approaches to managing workload, premium volume, and client count  Tips for tackling current challenges, including team recruitment and the homeowners market  Agency Management That Works: Training, Cross-Selling, and Keeping Employees Engaged  Growth has mostly come through acquisition, but cross-selling and retention are always in focus. Incentives for cross-sales help—plus peer-to-peer reviews for honest feedback and identifying unsung internal leaders. Lee Pridgeon's open-door policy, semi-annual social outings, and a company calendar keep her seven offices connected. Regular meetings and instant messaging nurture a team that genuinely wants to help each other.  Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware    Connect with Lee (Ann) Pridgeon and AllCare Insurance:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-ann-g-34952866/  AllCare Insurance Services: https://goallcare.com/  Email Lee: lee.pridgeon@goallcare.com

    39 min
  6. 11/20/2025 · VIDEO

    Doing Business How Customers Want:125% Revenue Growth as an Independent Insurance Agency | EP 8

    Thinking about how to grow your insurance agency for long-term success, without sacrificing happiness or work-life balance? In this episode, Eddie Price sits down with Keith Kiser to share real lessons from decades in the business.  Here's what you'll learn:  How Keith Kiser transitioned from a family-run, captive agency to thriving as an independent agent  The impact of adding multiple carriers and modern management systems on agency growth  Strategies for balancing customer service, personal life, and business growth  Tips for hiring and retaining strong team members in a small agency environment  Why perseverance, authenticity, and treating clients right are keys to building a sustainable insurance business  Key steps included adapting to market shifts, embracing independence when given the opportunity, and choosing technology partners tailored to the agency’s real needs rather than flashy features. Throughout, prioritizing customer relationships, staying resilient through hard markets, and learning from both successes and failures set the stage for Kiser Insurance Agency’s sustainable growth.  (00:22:29) “We're not going to represent a company that we would not place our own insurance with.”  - Keith Kiser  52 Years Strong: The Secrets Behind a Lasting Independent Insurance Agency  Actionable strategies for agency owners include focusing on genuine customer service—such as meeting clients where they’re most comfortable, providing flexibility in communications, and maintaining after-hours support when truly needed. Keith notes that patience is required and that new agency owners must ‘pay their dues’ as in making the calls, working the long hours, and showing up consistently over a long period of time, building referrals and reputation.   You’ll find emphasis throughout this episode on the importance of balancing personal and professional life, including the pursuit of hobbies and family time to avoid burnout. Building the Right Team by Hiring for Heart and Training for Skill   Although hiring is identified as a major challenge, Keith’s advice is to seek candidates that fit the agency culture and train them for skill, rather than prioritizing prior insurance experience. While much of the insurance world might still feel outdated, the presence of apps, chatbots, and e-signature software has made it possible to operate with less staff members than in the 90’s since many important steps are taken automatically, thanks to technology. Adapting quickly to integrate the technology is just as important as setting aside the budget for the team training needed for each new app or tech opportunity.   Boosting Agency Efficiency and Client Retention with Jenesis Software  When Kiser Insurance Agency transitioned from being an exclusive Nationwide agency to an independent one in 2019, he evaluated several agency management systems but ultimately chose Jenesis for its simplicity and reliability, likening it to a “Honda Accord” that provided all the essential features without unnecessary complexity or cost. Since then, Kiser is also using their website service and Jenesis’ reputation management system, which helped them go from 3 to 17 Google reviews in just 30 days.  Keith praises the Jenesis support team’s responsiveness and persistence in solving issues and highlights their ongoing commitment to improvement and personalized service—qualities he believes make Jenesis an ideal fit for agencies seeking practical, people-oriented technology solutions.  Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware  Connect with Keith and Kiser Insurance Agency:   Website: https://kiserinsuranceagency.com/  Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063670235016#

    43 min
  7. 10/16/2025 · VIDEO

    From 0 to $8 Million Putting People First to Generate Referrals | Mike McDaniel | Ep 7

    What mindset and actions do you think are most important when launching an agency from the ground up?   Mike McDaniel, owner of McDaniel Insurance Agency, began from a kitchen table with a single phone and family support led him toward a multi-million-dollar agency serving thousands today.  Longevity, authenticity, and a deep commitment to service play pivotal roles in developing a reputation strong enough that most new clients arrive through word-of-mouth referrals and personal recommendations rather than just traditional marketing methods.   Don’t overlook the power of asking for referrals, tracking how clients discover your agency, and leveraging automation and modern website tools to streamline lead capture—while continuing to deliver a personal touch. Hiring staff who complement strengths and investing in community involvement sets agencies apart in competitive markets, while maintaining a healthy balance between hard work and personal fulfillment ensures sustainability and genuine enjoyment of agency ownership.  Overcoming Challenges in Insurance: Carrier Access, Referrals, and Building a Trusted Brand  (00:06:42) In the Weeds and Hustling Hard from Scratch  (00:17:28) Building a Referral Pipeline Beyond Incentives  (00:24:13) Challenges of Staying Competitive  (00:27:40) Unexpected Satellite Office Expansion  (00:38:14) Work-Life Balance: Agency Ownership Plus Fitness and Family  (00:43:11) Prayer, Ministry, and Insurance  “What I mean by visible is, I take a lot of my commercial policies, instead of mailing them, I take them and hand them to people. Sometimes they say, how in the world can you do that being an eight-million-dollar agency? Well, believe this or not, I get up at 5 o' clock every morning, I'm here at my office by 6 o' clock every morning, and I work to sometimes 6 and 7 at night, you know, and some people may not want to hear that." - Mike McDaniel  Building a People-First Insurance Agency: Lessons From a 27-Year Journey  The real definition of success for an independent insurance agency—and why reputation matters more than size.  The biggest challenges new agency owners face (like finding carriers and getting customers) and how to overcome them.  The role of genuine relationships, referrals, and customer service in driving long-term, sustainable growth.  Why work-life balance, faith, and loving what you do are just as important as traditional business strategies.  Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware  Connect with Mike McDaniel:   Email: mike@mcdanielinsuranceagency.com  McDaniel Insurance Agency: https://www.mcdanielinsuranceagency.com/

    54 min
  8. 09/18/2025 · VIDEO

    Maximizing Agency Credibility with Physical Locations and Reputation Management Services | EP 6

    Curious if you should go 100% remote or have physical locations?  Unsure how much emphasis should be put on Google reviews and staff training?   Reputation management, the impact of physical locations on agency credibility and visibility, and the broad skill set (and constant improvement of those skills) required of agency owners are all pillars of discussion on today’s episode.  (00:28:00) "I think now people have to, when they start out, I believe they've got to invest some money in marketing for the long run. I think if you just sit tight for too long and then don't invest any money in growth, then that's what you're going to get. You're not going to get any growth." - Eddie Price  Alex Hernandez has been in the insurance business for 45 years and is now the owner of 3 locations of “The Insurance Shop” in Texas. He highlights the importance of his local presence through brick-and-mortar locations for his insurance agency offices, citing that his customers prefer face-to-face interactions.   The Power of Agent Training and Face-to-Face Interactions  Being an agency owner requires a diverse skill set encompassing insurance knowledge, marketing, hiring, training, and customer interaction. Eddie and Alex discuss the importance of having a wide range of skills to succeed in the insurance business, including not just insurance knowledge but also business management, marketing, and employee training.  Both agree that running multiple locations can be beneficial for growth, but it comes with challenges such as staffing and maintaining consistency. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of being an agency owner and the skills required to navigate the industry successfully.  Tap Into the Growth Potential for Your Insurance Agency  (00:00:02) Face-to-Face Interactions in Insurance Agency Growth  (00:10:00) Strategic Growth through Local Establishments and Presence  (00:16:33) Enhancing Online Presence Through Google Reviews  (00:20:17) Comprehensive Training for Insurance Agency Success  (00:21:22) Navigating the Complexities of Agency Ownership  (00:25:02) Shift from Instant to Long-Term Insurance Marketing  Business Strategy & Takeaways for Insurance Agency Owners:   Despite the trend toward 100% remote operations, physical locations enhance your local presence and can bolster your agency’s reputation and attract clients  Google reviews can make a big impact on your agency’s credibility and viability, so focus on providing excellent customer service to encourage positive reviews and manage your online reputation effectively.  Whether you’re starting a new agency or expanding an existing one, prioritize training for yourself and your team. Consider starting with a captive agency for structured training programs that cover both insurance knowledge and business operations.  Being a successful agency owner requires a diverse skillset beyond insurance expertise, so as you focus on improving your skills in marketing, business management, employee management, and training others, your likelihood of long-term success and growth improves.  Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware  Connect with Alex Hernandez:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hernandez-3ab57759/  The Insurance Shop: https://insuranceshoptx.com/

    30 min

About

Welcome to the Insurance Agency Success Podcast — the go-to show for independent insurance agency owners who want to grow their business, streamline operations, and create a business they actually enjoy. Hosted by Eddie Price, founder of Jenesis Software and agency owner with over 30 years of experience, this podcast is packed with proven strategies, success stories, and real-world insights to help you build a high-performing agency that doesn’t burn you out. Eddie got his start in insurance back in 1989. Since then, he’s started, bought, sold, and scaled multiple agencies—and helped hundreds of other owners do the same. In 1999, he founded Jenesis Software, an agency management system designed specifically for independent insurance agents. Built by an agent, for agents, Jenesis helps you save time, simplify your workflows, and scale your business without sacrificing client service or quality of life. Each week on the podcast, you’ll hear from real agency owners and industry experts who are successfully navigating the same challenges you face: staffing, marketing, retention, automation, technology, profitability, and more. Whether you’re a solo agent or leading a growing team, this show is here to equip you with the tools and mindset you need to thrive. If you’ve ever asked yourself… How can I grow my agency without working longer hours? What systems do successful agency owners use to stay organized? How do I get my team to perform consistently? What should I automate vs. outsource? Which agency management system will truly support my goals? ...then you’re in the right place. Eddie’s approach is practical, no-fluff, and focused on helping you make smart, sustainable moves in your agency. His passion is helping agents succeed not just financially, but personally—because you deserve to enjoy the business you’ve built. Want to simplify your operations and scale with confidence? 👉 Visit jenesissoftware.com and click the orange button to book your free demo. See how Jenesis can help you work smarter, serve better, and finally feel in control of your business. Follow the Insurance Agency Success Podcast and get ready to grow your agency, increase your freedom, and build something you’re proud of.