The Insurance Dudes©

The Insurance Dudes: Craig Pretzinger and Jason Feltman
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The Insurance Dudes is a weekly podcast for independent and captive P&C insurance agency owners, hosted by Craig Pretzinger and Jason Feltman, covering lead generation, sales scripts, DISC-based hiring, producer training, recruiting, automation, and the KPI tracking that scales an agency past $10 million in premium. Craig and Jason ran their own agencies blind for years. No read on contact rates, quote rates, or close rates. Just grinding, and blaming the leads when production stalled. Then they started tracking the numbers that actually move revenue, and production jumped without adding a single hour to the week. That shift became this show: 800+ episodes on what actually runs an agency. Real-time vs aged lead economics, how many dials a day a producer should be making, scripts for the rate-increase objection, how to leave a captive carrier and go independent, how to run an agency on a 4-day week, and how to value and sell an agency when you're ready to exit. No theory, no motivational filler. Just the math and the systems that took two agencies to over $10 million in new annualized auto premium. If you're wearing every hat in your agency and ready to stop, this show is built for you. Website: theidudes.com Built from the show: TeleDudes for outsourced overseas dialers, TeamIQ for DISC-based hiring, LineShield for phone reputation, and Insurance Agency Trader for buying or selling an agency. New episodes every week. Subscribe, and let's sell some policies.

  1. 6d ago

    Great Agencies Don’t Hire Salespeople, They Build Them

    Shoot Us A Message! Hiring insurance producers who actually write premium comes down to building a repeatable training system rather than searching for a unicorn salesperson. In this episode, we break down why relying on experienced talent often leads to high turnover and bad sales habits inside your agency. Learn how to recruit for coachability, structure daily producer onboarding, and run consistent sales training to ramp new hires to full quota faster. If you need a structured framework to evaluate role fit and streamline hiring producers across your team, check out TeamIQ. Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 Why hiring experienced insurance salespeople often fails 04:15 The cost of uncoachable talent versus raw potential 09:30 Structuring daily onboarding and producer training 15:45 Setting clear production benchmarks and activity metrics 21:10 Building repeatable sales processes for agency scale 26:20 Final takeaways on developing top producers in-house The Insurance Dudes Resources Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode. Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast Support the show Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe! And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible! Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage. We appreciate you! Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman The Insurance Dudes

  2. Sep 23

    Why Most Agents Fail the Exam

    Shoot Us A Message! How to help new insurance producers pass the licensing exam on their first attempt and reduce onboarding drop-off. Melissa, the Insurance Exam Queen joins us to break down why most candidates struggle with the insurance licensing exam and how agency owners can fix their preparation process. When bringing new talent into your agency, long study cycles and repeat test failures cost time and revenue. Structuring a clear study framework helps your new hires get licensed faster and onto the phones sooner.  For screening and hiring producers who fit your agency culture, check out TeamIQ. Connet with Melissa: insuranceexamqueen.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2-mT7QUl_jHYQRIaw0Ihpg https://www.instagram.com/insuranceexamqueen/ https://www.instagram.com/insuranceexamqueen/ Key Takeaways and Timestamps 0:00 Common reasons candidates fail the insurance exam 5:15 The cost of delayed licensing during onboarding 12:40 Structuring a daily study routine for new hires 21:10 Study retention strategies and practice testing 31:05 Moving newly licensed producers to the phones 38:20 Building a repeatable producer onboarding system The Insurance Dudes Resources Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode. Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast Support the show Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe! And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible! Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage. We appreciate you! Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman The Insurance Dudes

  3. Sep 16

    The Future of Insurance: Technology, Risk & Relationships

    Shoot Us A Message! How P&C insurance agency owners can adapt to modern technology, evaluate emerging risk, and strengthen client retention to scale their business. In this episode, we discuss the changing landscape of insurance technology, managing risk profiles, and maintaining strong relationship-driven service. Learn how to implement sustainable agency growth systems and streamline your operations in a shifting market. If you are looking to scale your agency systems and processes, check out the Agent Elite community and the Million Dollar Agency book. Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 The Unexpected Acquisition Journey 02:59 SageSure: A Deep Dive into the Company 05:56 The Path to Insurance: A Personal Story 08:59 Connecting Insurance and Financial Markets 11:58 The Birth of SageSure 14:53 Organic Growth and Strategic Decisions 17:47 Maintaining Momentum in a Competitive Market 21:10 Lessons Learned from Challenges 24:09 Investing in Technology for Growth 27:02 Understanding the Homeowners Insurance Market 30:35 Understanding the Cost of Capital in Insurance 36:06 The Role of Reinsurers in the Insurance Market 41:28 Challenges in the California Insurance Market 46:15 The Evolution of Insurance Agents and Technology 57:25 The Future of Insurance: Technology and Relationships The Insurance Dudes Resources Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode. Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast Support the show Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe! And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible! Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage. We appreciate you! Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman The Insurance Dudes

  4. Sep 9

    From Wild Claims to Agency Success: Michelle O'Connor's Journey

    Shoot Us A Message! Scale your P&C insurance agency by building repeatable operations, handling complex claims, and tightening your client acquisition process. In this episode, we sit down with agency owner Michelle O'Connor to break down the operational shifts required to build a sustainable book of business. We walk through navigating claims handling, transitioning into agency leadership, and setting up daily processes that protect retention while driving steady agency growth.  For frameworks on scaling systems and building long-term value, check out the Agent Elite community and the Million Dollar Agency book. Connect with Michelle O'Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellenagelioconnor/ Key Takeaways and Timestamps  00:00 Introduction to agency operations and claims handling  05:15 Lessons learned from early claims and operational challenges  14:30 Transitioning from individual producer to agency leader  26:45 Implementing daily operating systems for agency growth  38:20 Retention strategies and managing client relationships  49:10 Long term agency planning and building sustainable value  56:40 Final takeaways for P&C agency owners The Insurance Dudes Resources Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode. Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast Support the show Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe! And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible! Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage. We appreciate you! Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman The Insurance Dudes

  5. Sep 2

    The 15-Minute Meeting That Changes Everything

    Shoot Us A Message! Meetings: the overlooked habit that keeps an agency from falling apart This episode breaks down why daily meetings are the “glue” that keeps an insurance agency running smoothly. We explain how inconsistent check-ins create hidden problems, while short, focused meetings surface roadblocks, accountability gaps, and team momentum before the numbers slip. We discuss why meetings are often avoided, why that avoidance makes problems harder to fix, and how AI tools can help track team sentiment and patterns over time. Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 - The thing that disappears before agency numbers start dropping 02:36 - Why meetings are the uncomfortable habit owners avoid 06:03 - The simplest meeting agenda: targets, roadblocks, and fixes 09:06 - Set the meeting, forget the excuses 11:36 - Using AI note-taking to track daily team meetings 12:05 - Reading team sentiment and leading indicators with AI 15:40 - Why 15 focused minutes can replace scattered interruptions 16:44 - Surprises, accountability, and recognition in daily meetings The Insurance Dudes Resources Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode. Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast Listen to the Audio Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insurance-dudes/id1451888095 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2gVVPkZ2MWQ1orwdltdIAK Support the show Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe! And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible! Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage. We appreciate you! Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman The Insurance Dudes

  6. Aug 26

    $6 Million Non-Renewed - Then Everything Changed with Dan Kitajima

    Shoot Us A Message! Struggling to stay profitable when carriers change the rules on you overnight?  Dan Kitajima shares the brutal moment his captive agency lost $6 million of book in six months, right as he had just signed a $20,000-a-month office lease - and how that shock forced him to rethink everything. We pushed Dan into the numbers behind the move from captive to independent, from broker fees and comp plans to closing ratios, retention, and why hyper-specializing can beat trying to sell everything. You’ll hear how Dan retained most of the affected book, why charging $150 to $250 in broker fees can actually improve service, and how independence gave him more control over pricing, appetite, and client outcomes. If you’re a captive agent wondering whether the independent model is worth the leap, this conversation gives you the real-world pros, cons, and ramp-up lessons without the hype. Essential listening for agents who want more control, better margins, and a business built to survive the next market disruption. The Insurance Dudes Resources Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode. Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast Support the show Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe! And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible! Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage. We appreciate you! Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman The Insurance Dudes

  7. Aug 19

    The Hiring Mistake That Costs Visionary CEOs Their Best People with Mandy Keene

    Shoot Us A Message! Hiring for insurance agencies requires a specific strategy to avoid turnover and protect your company culture. This episode covers the common hiring mistakes that lead visionary CEOs to lose their best talent and how to implement better agency systems for long term retention. Mandy Keene, a specialist in helping business owners align their team with their vision, joins us to discuss role fit and leadership. Learn how to identify the right candidates for your P&C agency and keep them engaged. If you are struggling with hiring or culture, check out TeamIQ to find the right role fit for your next producer. Connect with Mandy Keene: mandykeene.com/transformative-coaching Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 - Why self-awareness is now a business necessity 01:59 - Mandy Keene’s path from bullied student to coach 04:14 - 25 years of coaching and using assessments 05:16 - What separates grounded high achievers from destructive ones 09:45 - Why misalignment creates struggle and suffering 11:29 - The penguin in the desert metaphor 14:14 - Jason’s turning point from proving to performing 18:14 - How calm and relaxed became the new standard 21:53 - What understand.me is and why Russell Brunson created it 25:20 - Why assessments reduce hiring risk 27:26 - Hiring by personality fit instead of hiring “more of you” 30:27 - Why sales hiring often goes wrong 32:08 - How assessments reduce interview and hiring BS 35:22 - Enneagram, DISC, and different entrepreneurial styles 40:30 - Why the “integrator” is often really two or three roles 44:43 - Visionaries need a manager so they can stay in the cave and create 47:57 - Why EOS is useful but oversimplified for many founders 50:04 - The rock star analogy for leadership and energy management 53:21 - The Beatles example: staying in the creative lane 56:34 - What to look for in sales and service roles 60:13 - How to keep top performers by meeting their top values 62:55 - Where to find understand.me The Insurance Dudes Resources Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode. Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast Support the show Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe! And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible! Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage. We appreciate you! Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman The Insurance Dudes

  8. Aug 12

    How $500 Became a 50-Employee Insurance Empire

    Shoot Us A Message!  Struggling to grow when your best move feels too risky to make? We discuss how to scale a P&C agency from scratch. The episode focuses on the transition from a small startup to a 50 employee operation by implementing specific outbound dialing processes and hiring the right producers. Guest Dan Garzella, owner of The Garzella Group, explains his journey of building an agency empire starting with only 500 dollars. If you are looking to scale your outbound efforts and improve lead generation, check out TeleDudes / Telefunnel. Connect with Dan Garzella: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-garzella-87944510 Key Takeaways and Timestamps 0:00 Introduction to scaling a P&C agency 2:45 Starting an agency with 500 dollars 7:12 The reality of outbound dialing for growth 12:35 Hiring producers and building a 50 employee team 18:50 Systems for consistent lead generation 25:10 Managing agency valuation and long term scaling The Insurance Dudes Resources Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode. Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast  Support the show Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe! And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible! Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage. We appreciate you! Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman The Insurance Dudes

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About

The Insurance Dudes is a weekly podcast for independent and captive P&C insurance agency owners, hosted by Craig Pretzinger and Jason Feltman, covering lead generation, sales scripts, DISC-based hiring, producer training, recruiting, automation, and the KPI tracking that scales an agency past $10 million in premium. Craig and Jason ran their own agencies blind for years. No read on contact rates, quote rates, or close rates. Just grinding, and blaming the leads when production stalled. Then they started tracking the numbers that actually move revenue, and production jumped without adding a single hour to the week. That shift became this show: 800+ episodes on what actually runs an agency. Real-time vs aged lead economics, how many dials a day a producer should be making, scripts for the rate-increase objection, how to leave a captive carrier and go independent, how to run an agency on a 4-day week, and how to value and sell an agency when you're ready to exit. No theory, no motivational filler. Just the math and the systems that took two agencies to over $10 million in new annualized auto premium. If you're wearing every hat in your agency and ready to stop, this show is built for you. Website: theidudes.com Built from the show: TeleDudes for outsourced overseas dialers, TeamIQ for DISC-based hiring, LineShield for phone reputation, and Insurance Agency Trader for buying or selling an agency. New episodes every week. Subscribe, and let's sell some policies.

Information

  • Creator
    The Insurance Dudes: Craig Pretzinger and Jason Feltman
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    815
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 iDudes, LLC, The Insurance Dudes, Teledudes, Telefunnel™Agency Growth System, TeamIQ, Agency Trader, and Lineshield
  • Show Website
    The Insurance Dudes©

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