The Independent Agent

Jordan Goodman & Justin Goodman

We're 3rd generation insurance agency owners, and also brothers. In 2018, we launched our 2nd company, Total CSR, with the aim of reducing new-to-industry onboarding time frames from 2 years, to 2 months. Since then, we’ve traveled the country speaking to thousands of agencies owners and their teams. The Independent Agent Podcast is our attempt to provide helpful answers to your most difficult questions - anonymously of course.

  1. 10/26/2020

    Season 1 Finale

    Beverage – Whiskey Smash Part 1: What do you do when you suspect a client is being dishonest? Part 2: How can an agency find stability with a carrier despite frequent underwriter turnover? In this episode, Justin and Jordan discuss the importance of not jumping to conclusions but rather being an advisor to clients if you suspect they are towing a line that may jeopardize their coverage. They also share insight on how to manage the relationship with a key carrier that is constantly assigning new underwriters to the agency.

    33 min

  2. 10/19/2020

    Can You Teach an Old Agency New Tricks?

    Beverage – Gin & Tonic Part 1: How do you bring an agency into 2020? Part 2: What do employees need to develop leadership skills? In this episode, Justin and Jordan share steps needed for an agency to consistently modernize operations and avoid backsliding back into their comfort zone. They also discuss the tools and trainings agencies need to provide to develop the next generation of leaders in the organization.

    20 min

  3. 10/12/2020

    Which Niche is Which?

    Beverage – The Gimlet Part 1: What does an agent need to know when choosing a niche? Part 2: What qualities are most important in leader? In this episode, Justin and Jordan share their thoughts on the most important factors to developing a niche focus. They also provide insight on the characteristics an owner should look for when the need arises to bring another person in to help with management responsibilities in the agency.

    18 min

  4. 10/05/2020

    What Options Are There for An Employee Who Regrets Taking a Promotion?

    Beverage – The Aperol Spritz Part 1: How does a new employee make the most of an abundance of downtime? Part 2: What should a new manager do when they find themselves struggling with new responsibilities? In this episode, Justin and Jordan give some helpful advice to a new-to-the-industry on making the best use of idle time. They also provide thoughts on steps a new manager can take to overcome hurdles they are experiencing in their new role.

    18 min

  5. 09/28/2020

    Is There a Fair Way to Distribute the Accounts of a Retiring Producer?

    Beverage – French 75 Part 1: How do you make a judgement call on whether a lead is good or bad? Part 2: What should agency leaders consider when splitting up a book of business? In this episode, Justin and Jordan debate what makes an account a less than desirable risk for the agency and what role data plays when determining if incoming leads require more effort than they are worth. They also discuss what factors matter most when an agency needs to transition accounts from a producer who is nearing retirement.

    13 min

  6. 09/21/2020

    How Do I Transition Accounts Out of My Book That I No Longer Have Time to Work With?

    Beverage – A Brandy Daisy Part 1: When does it make sense for a producer to remove accounts from their book of business? Part 2: How do I build rapport with an underwriter who doesn’t trust the agency? In this episode, Justin and Jordan discuss what agency owners and producers should evaluate to determine when and how ongoing involvement and service needs will be handled for small accounts. They also provide insight into how a producer can work through resentment issues between an underwriter and the agency and build a better working relationship going forward.

    17 min

  7. 09/14/2020

    How Do Agencies Build Valuable Experience for Interns?

    Beverage – The Martinez Part 1: Should an agency eliminate perks that no longer serve their intended purpose? Part 2: What should agencies include when creating an internship program? In this episode, Justin and Jordan discuss the factors agency leaders should review when considering whether or not to maintain certain perks for producers that no longer appear to generate revenue. They also give helpful advice to an agency struggling with what to do when interns arrive at the office each year.

    17 min

  8. 09/07/2020

    What Are The Potential Consequences of Consolidating Locations?

    Beverage – Vodka Quarantine Part 1: Will closing a location cost an agency business? Part 2: What options do employees have when required to handle extra duties around the office? In this episode, Justin and Jordan debate the importance of having a local presence and the impact it can have on revenue. They also discuss the struggle agency staff face when they assume the responsibilities of a former employee.

    15 min
See All (50)

4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

We're 3rd generation insurance agency owners, and also brothers. In 2018, we launched our 2nd company, Total CSR, with the aim of reducing new-to-industry onboarding time frames from 2 years, to 2 months. Since then, we’ve traveled the country speaking to thousands of agencies owners and their teams. The Independent Agent Podcast is our attempt to provide helpful answers to your most difficult questions - anonymously of course.

Information

  • Creator
    Jordan Goodman & Justin Goodman
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2020
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Independent Agent