The Insurance Guys Podcast

Scott Howell & Bradley Flowers
  • 4.8 (202)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Insurance Guys podcast is dedicated to agents by agents. Scott Howell and Bradley Flowers discuss all aspects of becoming an insurance agent and give real life examples of their experiences in all aspects of hiring, sales and the day-to-day reality of running your own successful insurance agency.

  1. How CJ Hutsenpiller Crushes AI

    4D AGO

    How CJ Hutsenpiller Crushes AI

    In this episode of the Insurance Guys Podcast, Scott Howell and Bradley Flowers dive into the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in the insurance industry, joined by recurring guest CJ Hutsenpiller. The trio discuss how AI, specifically tools like Claude and ChatGPT, are transforming agency operations, from streamlining workflows to integrating with agency management systems. They highlight tangible use cases such as automating prospecting, remarketing analysis, and calculating true costs of service. The hosts also address the challenges legacy management systems face in keeping up with new AI capabilities and urge agencies to embrace these advances to stay competitive. They touch on market trends, including advertising in the insuretech space and current agency buying and selling climates, noting the impact of rate cycles. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how insurance professionals can start leveraging AI by simply asking the tools for implementation instructions, and emphasizes that taking action is key to staying relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. Show Overview 00:00 Gaining advertisers during COVID 05:55 Encouraging product trial for listeners 09:23 Mastermind event in Phoenix 11:08 Preparing an AI presentation 16:29 Explaining efficient policy updates 18:51 Using CLAUDE for daily prospecting 21:18 Legacy insuretechs evolving with APIs 26:00 Challenges in buying home insurance 27:05 AI enhancing online insurance buying 33:01 AI-driven premium adjustment tool 34:32 Tracking service costs with Claude 38:15 Using AI tools for learning 41:18 AI fear affecting agency owners 45:23 Timing insurance sales in hard market 47:55 Podcast closing and contact info

    50 min
  2. Invest In Your Community, Your Community Will Invest In You

    APR 29

    Invest In Your Community, Your Community Will Invest In You

    In this episode of the Insurance Guys podcast, host Scott Howell and co-host Bradley Flowers sit down with Kevin Panter, a 37-year insurance industry veteran and president of Kevin Panter Insurance. Kevin shares insights on transitioning from captive to independent agencies, emphasizing ethics and proper preparation. He discusses building community involvement as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, growing his agency network SNA, and mentoring his children entering the business. Kevin offers advice for agents feeling stuck, stressing self-investment, continuous education, and community engagement as keys to long-term success. Bullet Points - Transitioning from captive to independent insurance agencies - The importance of community involvement and personal branding - Experiences and stories from the insurance industry - Advice for new agents and those considering a career in insurance - The role of ethics in the insurance profession - The significance of networking and collaboration among agencies - Family dynamics and legacy in the insurance business - Strategies for agency growth and overcoming stagnation - The impact of personal investment in community relationships - Insights on industry challenges and opportunities for agents

    51 min
  3. The Untold Stories of Wholesalers and Brokers

    APR 22

    The Untold Stories of Wholesalers and Brokers

    In this episode of The Insurance Guys Podcast, hosts Scott Howell and Bradley Flowers welcome Max from Novella to discuss trends and challenges in the insurance industry. The conversation covers wholesaler processes, the evolving role of brokers, and the impact of technology and surplus lines on the market. Max shares insights from his time at Lemonade and his journey founding Novella. The episode features industry anecdotes, including a humorous story about Bradley dropping his visitor badge in a toilet at Progressive HQ, and highlights the importance of relationships and adaptability in insurance. Bullet Points - Personal anecdotes and humorous stories related to the insurance industry. - Introduction and background of a new participant, Max, and his company, Novella. - Examination of the relationship between retail brokers and wholesalers. - Challenges faced by new entrants in the wholesaler market. - The evolving landscape of insurance technology and its implications. - Trends in property and casualty insurance, particularly regarding surplus lines. - The importance of independent brokers in providing tailored insurance solutions.

    55 min
  4. Run Your Agency Like A Football Team

    APR 15

    Run Your Agency Like A Football Team

    In this episode of the Insurance Guys Podcast, host Scott Howell is joined by Kelly and Bradley Flowers for a lively discussion on the shifting insurance market and effective account manager compensation. The group explores strategies for navigating a soft market, emphasizes the importance of client retention, and shares insights on agency leadership, training, and culture.. The episode blends practical advice with humor and candid reflections on the realities of running a successful insurance agency. Bullet Points - Current state of the insurance market, focusing on the transition from a hard market to a soft market. - Implications of market changes for insurance agents and agencies. - Importance of client retention and effective communication in a competitive market. - Challenges faced by agencies in managing client relationships and remarketing strategies. - The significance of product knowledge among agents and its impact on client interactions. - Leadership dynamics within insurance agencies and the need for clear hierarchy and accountability. - Strategies for optimizing existing business and improving retention rates. - The importance of proactive prospecting and maintaining a growth mindset in agency operations.

    48 min
  5. Starting An Agency At 18 Years Old

    APR 8

    Starting An Agency At 18 Years Old

    In this episode of The Insurance Guys Podcast, host Scott Howell and Bradley Flowers interview Hunter Nelson, who started his own insurance agency at just 18. He shares his unconventional journey, from door-knocking for leads in high school to specializing in trucking insurance. The discussion covers challenges of being a young agent, fraud prevention, strategic hiring, and the importance of grit and continual learning. Bradley and Scott swap stories about client service, underwriting, and managing risk, offering practical advice for agency growth. The episode is both insightful and inspiring, highlighting innovation and determination in the insurance industry. Bullet Points - The journey of a young insurance agency owner who started at 18 years old. - The importance of customer experience and exceptional service in the insurance industry. - Strategies for recruiting and hiring experienced agents from other agencies. - Challenges faced by young agents in a traditionally older industry. - The significance of networking and involvement in industry organizations for securing carrier appointments. - The impact of fraud in the trucking insurance sector and the importance of secure certificate issuance. - Underwriting practices and client selection criteria for trucking insurance. - Financial risk management related to commission chargebacks in insurance policies. - The role of talent and team culture in accelerating business growth. - The importance of persistence and grit in overcoming challenges in the insurance business.

    53 min
  6. Build Your Own Tools: The Smart Way To Cut Costs In Insurance Operations

    APR 1

    Build Your Own Tools: The Smart Way To Cut Costs In Insurance Operations

    In this episode of the Insurance Guys Podcast, Scott Howell and Bradley Flowers sit down with Mick Hunt, visionary business leader and host of the Mick Unplugged podcast, to discuss how insurance agencies can leverage technology and AI to modernize, streamline operations, and stay competitive. The conversation dives deep into building custom tools, rethinking traditional agency management systems, and why usage-based pricing is changing the insurtech landscape. Mick shares insights from high-profile podcast guests, the importance of “skin in the game” consulting, and practical ways agencies can utilize AI for prospecting, sales, and efficiency. The hosts and Mick tackle the myth of AI replacing insurance agents, emphasizing that while AI will enhance productivity and alter hiring patterns, the advisory role will remain crucial, if agents continue to up their game. From advice on balancing video and audio branding to stories about using AI for negotiation and workflow automation, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for forward-thinking insurance professionals. Tune in to hear how building your own tools and embracing innovation can help your agency thrive in the age of AI. Show Overview 00:00 Podcast introduction and host welcome 04:52 Highlighting Mick's podcast journey 07:05 Starting the podcast journey 11:56 Changing the consulting model 13:57 Growing an AI brand with podcast 16:18 Impact of modern AI trends 19:40 AI's shift to usage-based pricing 24:18 Confidence in product and pricing 28:04 Using AI for lead research 31:47 Cold calling versus cold outreach 34:28 Using AI for business efficiency 36:49 How agents handle carrier issues 41:15 Tech layoffs blamed on AI 42:42 AI streamlining insurance processes

    49 min
  7. Can Insurance Agents Build Effective Referral Partnerships?

    MAR 25

    Can Insurance Agents Build Effective Referral Partnerships?

    In this episode of the Insurance Guys Podcast, Scott Howell and Bradley Flowers welcome Chris Huebner, 2025 Agent of the Year, to discuss innovative strategies for building referral partnerships in insurance. They share insights on moving beyond traditional marketing, leveraging social media, hosting educational events, and creating personalized client experiences. The conversation highlights the power of thoughtful, individualized gestures over generic gifts, and offers practical tips for agents to deepen relationships with clients and referral partners, ultimately driving business growth in a competitive industry. The episode blends humor, real-world examples, and actionable advice. Bullet Points - Recognition of Chris Huebner as the 2025 Agent of the Year by the Insurance Journal. - Strategies for building effective referral partnerships in the insurance business. - The shift from traditional marketing tactics to developing referral partnerships. - Innovative approaches to providing continuing education (CE) classes for realtors. - Importance of personalized marketing and thoughtful gift-giving to strengthen client relationships. - Engagement tactics for networking and building familiarity with referral partners. - The role of follow-up communication in converting leads into referral partners. - Insights on creating memorable experiences and differentiating oneself in a competitive market.

    47 min
  8. How Can AI Revolutionize Sales Coaching for Insurance Agents?

    MAR 18

    How Can AI Revolutionize Sales Coaching for Insurance Agents?

    In this episode of the Insurance Guys Podcast, host Scott Howell welcomes Bradley Flowers and Michael Weaver for a lively discussion on insurance agency management and innovation. Bradley shares stories about Mardi Gras in Mobile and agency life, while Michael details the growth of Agency Coach AI, an AI-powered sales coaching platform for insurance agents. The conversation explores how AI-driven role play, call analysis, and flexible service platforms are transforming sales training, operational efficiency, and customer engagement, highlighting the importance of data-driven strategies and ethical, customer-friendly business models in the evolving insurance industry. Episode Highlights - The introduction and development of Agency Coach AI, an AI-driven coaching platform for insurance agents. - The benefits of AI technology in sales training, including real-time feedback and role-play simulations. - Common challenges faced by insurance producers in sales conversations and how to overcome them. - The importance of rapport building and effective communication in closing sales. - The economic considerations and pricing models for AI software in the insurance industry. - The integration of AI tools with existing phone systems and their impact on agency management. - The contrast between traditional sales training methods and innovative AI-driven approaches. - The ethical considerations of contract practices in the insurance technology space.

    1h 8m
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4.8
out of 5
202 Ratings

About

The Insurance Guys podcast is dedicated to agents by agents. Scott Howell and Bradley Flowers discuss all aspects of becoming an insurance agent and give real life examples of their experiences in all aspects of hiring, sales and the day-to-day reality of running your own successful insurance agency.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Howell & Bradley Flowers
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    425
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©2017 The Insurance Guy
  • Show Website
    The Insurance Guys Podcast

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