Agency Intelligence: The Insurance Podcast Network

Agency Intelligence
  • 4.7 (50)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED DAILY

The Agency Intelligence Podcast Network is the top insurance podcast network with many unique series that let you hear from both insurance agency owners and insurance industry influencers. Learn from real insurance agents in real insurance agencies, get the latest and greatest that thought leaders in the insurance industry have to offer, and more!

  1. Millionaire Insurance Producer: Convincing Your Prospects to Only Get Quotes from You

    4D AGO

    Millionaire Insurance Producer: Convincing Your Prospects to Only Get Quotes from You

    In this episode of the Millionaire Insurance Producer Podcast, host Charles Specht discusses the challenges insurance agents face in prospecting and securing exclusive access to markets. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the insurance buyer's perspective, the necessity of Micro-Niching to stand out, and the common issue of agents presenting only one quote in their proposals. Charles advocates for positioning yourself as a "multiple quote option producer" to build trust and ultimately win clients' business through exclusivity. TAKEAWAYS: Prospecting can be frustrating when clients seek multiple quotes. Insurance buyers often don't understand the process or the agents. Micro-Niching helps agents stand out and build trust. Agents should present multiple options to clients. A strong marketing summary is crucial for success. Positioning is key to winning clients' trust. Clients prefer agents who show them multiple options. Understanding the client's perspective is essential. Agents need to change the perception of their role in the market. The Permission Producer School offers valuable training for agents. Moreover, the next cohort of the "PERMISSION PRODUCER SCHOOL" will be starting on February 16, 2026. Find out more information by visiting: www.PermissionProducerSchool.com You won't want to miss out on this one! Produced by PodSquad.fm

    31 min
  2. Rough Notes Front Cover, February 2026: Andrew Cowan and Dave Taylor, FirstMark Insurance Group

    5D AGO

    Rough Notes Front Cover, February 2026: Andrew Cowan and Dave Taylor, FirstMark Insurance Group

    In this episode of Front Cover: A Rough Notes Podcast on the Agency Intelligence Podcast Network, Jason Cass sits down with Andrew Cowan and Dave Taylor of FirstMark Insurance Group, the agency featured on the February 2026 front cover of Rough Notes Magazine.  Key Topics: From Farmers agents to independent: Andrew and Dave's leap into FirstMark in 2013 Bootstrapping for seven years and choosing people over profit to fuel growth Transitioning to 100% remote operations after COVID showed it could work Four guiding principles: positive attitude, confidence, pursuit of excellence, and thoughtful and kind Choosing ideal clients who value advice and coverage over cheap pricing Teaching agents to reframe price conversations around the three things clients deserve Three-tier training system: foundation agents, journeymen, and tenured producers Using Microsoft Teams, EZLynx, and Sales Center for remote coaching and pipeline management Building a leadership team and moving to EOS with a COO as integrator Service model that frees agents to grow by adding client care teams to relationships Reach out to: Andrew Cowan Dave Taylor Jason Cass Visit Website: FirstMark Insurance Group Rough Notes Magazine Produced by PodSquad.fm

    30 min
  3. Stuff About Money: Episode 101: King Cake and the Seasons of Money

    JAN 28

    Stuff About Money: Episode 101: King Cake and the Seasons of Money

    In this solo episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, reflects on King Cake season in New Orleans, an annual reminder that some things are wonderful precisely because they don’t last forever. Between questionable calorie intake and the collective sugar coma that sweeps the city, Erik is grateful that King cake is a season, not a lifestyle. That rhythm sparks a bigger conversation about money and how so much of our financial stress comes from forgetting that money, too, has seasons. Erik breaks down the three financial seasons he most often discusses with clients: laying the foundation, building on that foundation, and eventually spending down and distributing assets. Each season comes with different demands, priorities, and emotional pressures, and many “bad” financial decisions are only bad because they’re made in the wrong season of life. He also explores how these seasons show up for business owners, from startup to growth to exit. If money feels tight, confusing, or heavier than expected, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and a reminder that you’re probably not doing it wrong. You may just be in a different season. If it resonates, follow the show and share it with someone who could use that reminder. Episode Highlights: Erik discusses three financial phases: laying a foundation, building on it, and spending down your accumulated assets. (04:15) Erik shares his biggest financial mistake: trying to accumulate in five years everything that took his parents decades to build. (05:35) What makes a financial decision bad isn't always the decision itself, but making it in the wrong season of life. (07:45) The foundation-laying season is characterized by tight margins, high demands, and competing financial priorities like homeownership, transportation, and student loan repayment. (09:25) Erik explains that restraint doesn't mean selling yourself short, but preparing yourself for the future, and making hard decisions early makes transitions easier. (12:50) Regardless of income level, clients face a common challenge: people tend to spend or tie up their money in proportion to what they earn. (16:10) Not spending every dollar isn't a sign of missing out on life; it's good stewardship and wise money management. (18:30) Erik mentions that most small businesses fail not because they're bad ideas, but because they run out of cash. (22:00) Financial seasons have beginnings and endings, making it valuable to pause and reflect on where you currently are in your money journey. (24:50) Erik discusses the value of working with a financial planner who understands your values and the season of life you're in. (26:10) The reality that seasons are temporary makes having trusted guidance in your financial life incredibly valuable. (27:15) Key Quotes: “Restraint doesn't mean that you're selling yourself short. You're preparing yourself for the future.” - Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC® “Making good decisions that are in alignment with your values, that are in alignment with the season that you're in. It's important.” - Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC® “I love the fact that more and more people aren't just quitting or retiring completely, that they recognize they have something still to give. There's meaning, and there's purpose in working.” - Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC® Resources Mentioned: Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

    31 min
  4. Unlocking Insurance Accounting: Insights From Industry Experts

    JAN 27

    Unlocking Insurance Accounting: Insights From Industry Experts

    In this episode of the Agency Intelligence Podcast, host Jason Cass welcomes guests Daniel Garzella, CEO of Darkhorse Insurance Brokers and Jason Massey, Vice President of Finance and Accounting at Insurance Accountants to discuss the unique challenges of insurance accounting. Daniel shares his journey from running a retail brokerage to founding an insurance accounting company, highlighting the difficulties he faced in finding suitable accounting solutions tailored to the insurance industry. Jason Massey, with a background in corporate accounting at American Express, joins Daniel to provide insights into how their firm addresses the specific needs of insurance agencies, emphasizing the importance of understanding agency management systems and the complexities of insurance accounting. The conversation delves into the significance of accurate financial reporting and the common pitfalls that insurance agents encounter, such as not knowing their numbers and the challenges of scaling their businesses. Both guests stress the importance of leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance efficiency and accuracy in accounting processes. As they prepare for the upcoming Indy Tech event, they express excitement about connecting with independent agencies and sharing their expertise in solving the industry's accounting challenges. Key Topics: The Journey to Founding an Insurance Accounting Company Understanding the Unique Needs of Insurance Accounting The Importance of Technology in Accounting Common Mistakes Made by Insurance Agents Transitioning from Captive to Independent Insurance Leveraging AI in Insurance Accounting Key Financial Metrics for Agency Success Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead to IndieTech Reach out to: Daniel Garzella Jason Massey Jason Cass Visit Website: Insurance Accountants Darkhorse Insurance Brokers  Garzella Group Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

    34 min
  5. Celebrating The Life Of Walt Gdowski

    JAN 20

    Celebrating The Life Of Walt Gdowski

    This episode of the Agency Intelligence Podcast is a heartfelt tribute to Walt Gdowski, a significant figure in the insurance industry and the former CEO of Rough Notes.  Jason Cass and Roger Sitkins reflect on Walt's life, his contributions to the industry, and the personal memories they shared with him. They discuss his leadership style, his commitment to community service, and the high standards he set for the industry. The conversation highlights the importance of relationships in business and the lasting impact Walt had on those around him. Key Topics: Walt Gdowski was a pivotal figure in the insurance industry. He modernized Rough Notes, making it a trusted resource. Walt was known for his generosity and mentorship. He believed in the power of relationships in business. Walt's leadership style combined authority with influence. He launched the Rough Notes Community Service Award in 2000. Walt was an avid golfer and a licensed pilot. He had a significant impact on independent agents and brokers. Walt's legacy is a high standard for the industry. He was a gregarious and fun-loving individual who cared deeply about others. Reach out to: Roger Sitkins Jason Cass Visit Website: The Rough Notes Company Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

    29 min
  6. Millionaire Insurance Producer: Things Highly Successful Insurance Producers Do (and don't do)

    JAN 19

    Millionaire Insurance Producer: Things Highly Successful Insurance Producers Do (and don't do)

    There are definitely things that the most highly successful insurance producers do in order to ensure victory when selling insurance. Some are easier than others, but almost all of them can be done by new(er) producers as well. If you want to build a $1,000,000 or more Book of Business, you need to begin implementing these things the most successful producers do. What are these things, you ask? Well, that's what host Charles Specht will teach you about in this podcast episode. Moreover, be sure to check out www.PermissionProducerSchool.com as the next cohort will begin on February 16, 2026. Go to www.PermissionProducerSchool.com to learn more and get registered for the upcoming cohort for producer school (virtual sales training). And, be sure to pre-register before all of the spaces are gone. Happy prospecting! Key Topics: How successful producers generate business through referrals and centers of influence instead of cold prospecting Why top producers only work through broker of record letters and never blind quote The importance of being micro-niched to know which carriers you need to be competitive Pre-qualifying accounts by calling underwriters before meetings to avoid wasted time and market blocks Three essential guardrails for the quoting process: securing markets, defining savings thresholds, and preventing quote sharing Using the Broker Of Record letter request in first meetings to measure relationship strength Permission Producer School training for building a million-dollar book through the permission sales framework Reach out to  Charles Specht Visit: Permission Producer School Permission Network Produced by PodSquad.fm

    34 min
  7. Stuff About Money: Episode 100: Caring for Aging Parents: Why Waiting Is the Most Expensive Option

    JAN 14

    Stuff About Money: Episode 100: Caring for Aging Parents: Why Waiting Is the Most Expensive Option

    In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Xavier Angel, CFP®, is joined by Shannon Mehaffey Ory, Owner and Senior Care Consultant at Avila Senior Advisors, for an honest conversation about something every family will face but few feel prepared for: caring for aging parents. Whether care needs change slowly or arrive overnight after a fall, hospitalization, or diagnosis, Xavier and Shannon unpack why families often find themselves making major financial and care decisions under stress, emotion, and time pressure, usually without a plan. With over a decade of experience across senior housing, memory care, home care, and mission-based work with the homebound and aging, Shannon brings clarity to a confusing and emotionally charged process. Together, she and Xavier walk through six essential things families need to understand about long-term care, including why crisis-based decisions are the most expensive, why Medicare assumptions can be dangerous, and how understanding care options like assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing changes everything. At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful truth: early planning gives families options, peace of mind, and the ability to honor their loved one’s wishes. If you have aging parents, or hope someone will one day advocate well for you, this is a conversation worth starting now. If this episode resonates, follow the show and share it with someone who needs to hear it before life forces their hand. Episode Highlights: Shannon shares her background in Health Administration with a concentration in senior housing and her experience working across multiple states in assisted living, memory care, and sitter agencies. (03:04) Shannon explains how care needs can change overnight with an example of a healthy client whose wife fell after a medication change. (07:50) Shannon discusses the differences between sitter agencies and private independent sitters, recommending getting names ahead of time through church or friends. (13:30) Shannon describes dementia as a journey and explains factors that determine whether someone should stay home or move to memory care. (18:42) Shannon explains independent living retirement communities, including buy-in fees and how residents can lock in monthly rates as their needs increase. (22:01) Shannon defines activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, hygiene, feeding, and transfers. (26:36) Xavier discusses the importance of aligning care needs with financial ability and how crisis-based decisions become the most expensive. (32:42) Shannon discusses how clients discover VA benefits they had no idea they had access to, making senior living possible. (37:22) Shannon shares her main takeaway that there are options available for aging parents, including resources not widely known to the public. (42:48) Key Quotes: “Every family is unique in what they're experiencing and what their needs are, and they do need accompaniment through that to figure out what is available for them specifically.” - Shannon Mehaffey Ory “A lot of people forget what their long-term care insurance policies included, and adult children have no idea their parents have this, and finding that out means a whole world is possible to them that the children didn't know was possible.” - Shannon Mehaffey Ory “The benefit of independent living is you don't have any maintenance. You probably can pay an extra fee for housekeeping. You have a ton of social opportunities, lovely dining. People go on trips together in independent living communities all the time.” - Shannon Mehaffey Ory Resources Mentioned: Shannon Mehaffey Ory Avila Senior Advisors Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

    52 min
  8. Grow Your Book with a New Workers’ Comp Program in Ohio!

    JAN 9

    Grow Your Book with a New Workers’ Comp Program in Ohio!

    In this episode of Insurance Shop Talk, host Eric Stein introduces a game-changing workers’ compensation opportunity for P&C agents in Ohio and surrounding states. With Ohio’s monopolistic system long limiting agent participation, a newly approved Alternate Employer Organization (AEO) program now allows agents to earn ongoing commission while delivering meaningful cost savings and improved claims management for their clients. Eric breaks down how the program works, who it’s best suited for, and—most importantly—the practical sales strategy agents can use to position it with existing clients and prospects. From pay-as-you-go billing and simplified claims handling to real-world savings examples, this webinar offers a clear roadmap for agents looking to unlock new revenue and strengthen client retention in a competitive market.

    40 min
See All (1.9K)

4.7
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

The Agency Intelligence Podcast Network is the top insurance podcast network with many unique series that let you hear from both insurance agency owners and insurance industry influencers. Learn from real insurance agents in real insurance agencies, get the latest and greatest that thought leaders in the insurance industry have to offer, and more!

Information

You Might Also Like