Vertafore Insurance Podcast

Commercial Insurance Made Easy Oct 01, 2023

Becky Monfre, VP of Digital Accounts at Coterie Insurance, joins us to talk about how Coterie is making small commercial Insurance easier. She has been in the industry her entire career and understands the value of speed and efficiency for commercial insurance. As the head of digital distribution, she loves helping agents to embed small commercial insurance capabilities on their website.

Meet Becky and hear:

What is Coterie Insurance claim to fame?
How Coterie is able to help agencies get a bindable quote in 2 minutes
The importance of having a strong process for this hard market.
The impact of the Customer Journey
How Coterie helps you matian the vital relationship peice with your customers.

Click below to watch.

How To Increase Your Team’s Capacity Sep 24, 2023

Tom Parratt, Chief Operating Officer at Sheally Insurance Group, can tell you down to the second how long it takes for someone to answer and log a call. In fact, it was the time saved on this activity that brought them to Vertafore's My Personal Lines Suite. Listen as Tom shares how his background in professional soccer has helped him achieve operational excellence in a fast-growing North Carolina agency.

Meet Tom and hear:

How he ended up in insurance after his successful career in professional soccer
His philosophy around operational excellence
Why data is a carrot not a stick
How his Vertafore tech suite helps his team work 2.1X faster

Will blockchain ”Netflix” insurtech? Sep 10, 2023

Garrett Droege, SVP Director of Innovation at IMA Financial Group, is someone you can always count on to question the status quo. He researches and experiments with bleeding edge tech to help position his firm successfully for the next wave of adoption. That includes Virtual Reality, web3...and blockchain.

Meet Garrett and hear:

How he ended up researching the bleeding edge of insurtech
What is blockchain and how it helps decentralized data challenges
The evolution of The Smart Contract
Hurdles we must overcome to truly adopt blockchain tech
How to prepare your agency

#1 Way To Make Your Data More Reliable Aug 27, 2023

Zac Sutherland, Owner of Sutherland Insurance, joins us from Canada…eh! A few years ago, he become so frustrated with the inaccuracy and manual nature of his agency’s reporting that he took matters into his own hands. Fast forward, he now has a real-time look into his agency’s operations with just a few clicks. How’d he do it? Click play to find out.

Meet Zac and hear:

The story of Sutherland Insurance
The biggest challenges Zac faced around reporting
Mistakes he wish he wouldn’t have made on his data journey
How he built data visualization he trusts 100%
The KPI’s he watches every week

What is AgencyOne... Aug 20, 2023

Today, you'll hear from not one, but all three of our incredible Product VPs on the future of Vertafore. Imagine a world where your tech stack works seamlessly on the front-end and back-end. Goodbye excessive manual entry. Goodbye completely separate multiple interfaces and logins. Goodbye redundant data silos. That's the mission of AgencyOne.
You’ll walk away with:

What are the biggest tech challenges facing agencies right now
What is AgencyOne
How does AgencyOne solve for these challenges
How will our Product VPs work together to build AgencyOne

What can you expect this year and into 2024

End Your Sales/Service War Aug 13, 2023

David Foster, Founder of Three Arbor Insurance, is one of the most humble people you'll meet. You wouldn't guess he owns a successful multi-million dollar agency...that's still growing by leaps and bounds. Today, he shares why his focus on culture and process have been his secret weapons.
Tune in to meet David, plus:

Hear why David started a scratch agency
What it took to end the sales and service war behind closed doors
How he built a tech stack that truly empowers his people
- and more!

There’s a lot to unpack in this episode.

Meet Teresa Chia, Vertafore’s New CFO Aug 06, 2023

We are continuing to build an amazing team here at Vertafore. The newest addition to the Big Orange? Teresa Chia, our Chief Financial Officer. This CFO is one you should know. She hails from the insurance industry! Her perspective on insurtech acquisitions and mergers is not to be missed.

You’ll walk away with:

Who is Teresa Chia
Why in the world she chose the insurance industry
An inside look at the logistics of insurtech mergers and acquisitions
Why Vertafore is part of her long-term plan
Where she sees the insurtech M&A space headed in 2024

The ”Buy Button” Is Coming to PL Rating! Jul 30, 2023

Keith Savino, Managing Partner of PCF Insurance Services, is fondly known as The Godfather of The Buy Button....and for good reason. He has worked with multiple organizations over a decade to make this dream a reality. Now, with the help of Gordon Kendall, Director of Product Management for PL Rating, it's on our doorstep.

You’ll walk away with:

A short (and fascinating) history on rating (going back to the 80s, baby!)
Why The Buy Button is about more than 24/7 access
The 3 Myths about The Buy Button: online sales only, increased tech costs and commoditization
The impact of The Buy Button on the indie channel
The inside scoop on when and how this will be launched in PL Rating

Meet Our New Chief Revenue Officer Jul 23, 2023

First, what is the role of a CRO? CRO stands for Chief Revenue Officer, meaning they are responsible for every revenue-generating activity inside a company. Outside of product development itself, one could argue that quite of a bit of activity falls into this category - marketing, sales, customer experience - and one would often be right.
Gareth Walter, Vertafore's new CRO, brings 25 years of experience in technology-focused organizations. After successfully leading product teams in companies such as Salesforce and C3 AI, he is bringing his knowledge and passion for innovation into insurance. He's not here to smile and wave, that's for sure!
You’ll walk away with:

Who is Gareth Walter and why he chose Vertafore
Why he loves biking more than running
How he developed a "playbook" over 7 successful years at Salesforce
What he learned about leadership at C3 AI (an AI-powered CRM)
His first 30 days at Vertafore - show us the opportunities!
How he's thinking about the next year

How Indium is disrupting the “Networks” model Jul 16, 2023

Networks are a polarizing topic in the insurance industry. What value is worth giving up your entrepreneurial freedom for? Indie model purists would say….nothing! But the shrewd capitalist in many questions this. Kat Ternes, CEO of Indium, tackles this question head-on in her vision for the business. The model she’s building for this unconventional network is one to consider.

You’ll walk away with:

A high-level overview of the great Networks debate in 2023
Why Kat chose to lead Indium after a successful startup exit
Breaking down Indium’s unconventional model
Why this model will be successful in 2023 and beyond
Tackling the AMS vs CRM challenge

Why Midsize Vertafore Agencies Will Win in 2023+ Jul 09, 2023

Dana Pasquali, Vice President of Product Management, came into the insurance space with a drive to create real change. After successfully leading product teams in companies as young as an analytics-focused startup and as mature as General Electric, she is bringing her knowledge and passion for innovation into insurance. Keep an eye on her.

You’ll walk away with:

Who is Dana Pasquali and why she chose Vertafore
What makes a “successful” product team
Mastering the art & science of choosing the right problems to solve
Why data must be the foundation of any competitive product strategy
What’s to come for midsize agencies in 2023+

3 Ways To Use AI In Your Sales Process Today Jun 18, 2023

This week Dean Giem, Founder of Paradox Insurance, and Liri Halperin Segal, Founder of LeO, join us to talk about how to leverage artificial intelligence in your agency. This isn't The Future; it's here.

Tune in to meet Dean and Liri, plus:

Hear why Dean started a scratch agency
Learn how to leverage rich 3rd party data to understand your prospects’ coverage gaps before walking in the front door
Learn how AI can help you ask the right clients for the right referrals
Understand how to create a smarter cross-selling strategy
and more!

Vertafore’s NEW Data Delivery Strategy Jun 04, 2023

We live in a data economy. Agency owners need better access to the gold in their backyard. They need to see a wholistic view of their team, clients and business. They need open architecture to power a tech stack without duplicate entry. They need insurance-specific AI-powered Next Best Action predictive intelligence. August Butterbrodt, Sr. Director of Product Management, explains how his data science team at Vertafore is tackling these challenges head-on.

Tune in to meet August and walk away with:

What has been Vertafore’s data delivery strategy in the past
2023 data challenges for every size agency
Why data is your jet fuel
How Vertafore is solving for agency data challenges
What to expect in 2023

Did Vertafore make the right bet on Amazon? May 21, 2023

Just over a year ago, big bets were made on modernization. Legacy tech debt was limiting faster and smarter innovation from happening within the walls of insurtech leaders. It was time to invest in the future. We saw partnerships in the headlines with big names that brought with them big promises. Today, the question is: now that bets have been placed, who is leading the race for modernization?

I’m joined by Jace Hopper, VP of Product Management; August Butterbrodt, Sr. Director of Product Management; Ralph Severini, Global Leader of Insurance Alliances for Amazon Web Services.

Together, we tackle:

What does “platforming” actually mean
What is Vertafore’s plan of attack for platforming
How is Vertafore re-engineering our data strategy
Why did we choose Amazon as our digital transformation partner?
What makes our partnership with Amazon unique?
What should agencies expect in 2023?

chatGPT EXPLAINED for insurance Apr 30, 2023

Mariah Gates, founder of Gates Insurance, loves being on the bleeding edge of technology. Time and again, she has experimented with success, even when she couldn’t at first see the true impact. Today, she defends her title yet again for Most Innovative Agent by dipping her toes into chatGPT’s waters.

Tune in to meet Mariah and walk away with:

How to overcome the challenges of being a female agency owner in a male dominated industry
How she gets buy-in from her team for new tech (it’s spicy)
How to measure service performance (and profitability) for the first time
What is chatGPT
6 crazy examples of bad actors using this tool nefariously
How Gates Insurance is eliminating low-value tasks with chatGPT
How Gates Insurance is supporting high-value tasks with chatGPT

This agent has over 1 million Tik Tok followers Apr 23, 2023

In 2008, Daniel Seong, founder of Great Park Insurance, lost everything. He and his wife had to shut down their business and, for a short period of time, live off food stamps with their 4 kids. It was during this time that Great Park Insurance was created. Today, 15 years later, the story of Great Park Insurance is one for the history books. And it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Tune in to meet Daniel and walk away with:

What is the makeup of a true entrepreneur
Do you have to have an ego to be an entrepreneur
Is success the result of fate or (free) will
The tech suite that powers 13 months of personalized communication in 1 month
How he saves his sales team 45 min during discovery/qualification
The secret to his 1 million Tik Tok followers

Should you sell your agency in 2023? Apr 16, 2023

They say: “timing is everything.” Is that true when it comes to selling your agency? Mark Crites, Partner at Reagan Consulting, tackles the ins and outs of this question. We take a hard look at buyer health in 2023 and help you understand how to identify which buyers are the best for you.
Tune in to meet Mark and walk away with:

New performance data points the Best Practices Study reviews in 2023+
Proof that niches still lead to riches
Is the fear of M&A activity killing main street America a ghost fear?
Should you sell your agency in 2023?
Who is the best buyer for you: private equity, public brokers or someone else?
(Just because) Some thoughts on Silicon Valley Bank

The CEO retires. What’s next for The Big I? Apr 09, 2023

This week Bob Rusbuldt, CEO at The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, joins us to share why he's retiring and a peek at the future of the national association. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love this one. You’ll walk away learning:

The #1 challenge indie agencies faced in 1986
Why Bob chose to become the Big I CEO instead of a fighter pilot
His first week as the CEO (PSA: he was in the white house bunker)
How the best leaders balance optimism with realism
The genesis of Trusted Choice
What's changed between 1986 and now for the indie agent
What's next for The Big I

Your onboarding experience is missing THIS. Apr 02, 2023

This week Krystal Buller, Learning & Development Specialist at Vertafore, joins us to talk about how to increase employee AND client retention through a great onboarding experience.
Tune in to meet Krystal, plus:

Why Krystal ended up in the Learning & Development field
How she's increased Vertafore's employee retention through a great onboarding experience
Onboarding Best Practices for insurance agencies to consider
The biggest "miss" when it comes to creating an amazing onboarding experience

Why Rating, Download & Zapier “connectivity” isn’t enough in insurance Mar 26, 2023

The independent model couldn’t survive without connectivity. When carriers and agencies must work closely together for the sake of the customer...and do so quickly...the health of our connectivity is unavoidable. When agencies are forced to weaponize speed as a competitive edge in their experience and operations, the quality of connectivity within their tech suites and into partners’ tech must be held to a high standard. Jamie Peers, VP of Business Development at Synatic, walks us through the death and rebirth of connectivity in insurance. You’ll walk away learning:

Why a South African insurtech launched in the U.S.
Why Zapier isn’t enough
The two fundamental tech “lies” you’re probably telling yourself
Not all API’s are equal; how do you know which ones should make the cut?
The difference between “Policy Download” and APIs
How “tech debt” holds us back from modern connectivity
Your data management matters – garbage in, garbage out
Getting the right data to the right person at the right time

How Ascend turns agency bill into direct bill Mar 19, 2023

Andrew Wynn, Founder of Ascend, started his professional career as an entry-level Levi Strauss employee. Today, he owns an insurtech startup looking to resolve the payment processing controversy in the independent channel. By the way, that startup just received a $30 million Series A. You’ll walk away from this episode learning more about Andrew and why he decided to take on this challenge, in addition to:

Why he swims the length of Lake Tahoe (12 miles!)
His early days at instacart (before it was suburban moms’ favorite app)
How to deal with imposter syndrome, the curse of every entrepreneur
Why his first...and second...startups were both in insurance
The Industry Problem Ascend solves
How Ascend turns direct bill into agency bill

Jess Butler: The New Face of Commercial Rating Mar 12, 2023

Jess Butler, VP of Product Management and Owner of Commercial Submissions, is taking over for the infamous Dave Acker, long-time champion of connectivity products here at Vertafore. Dave has been looking to retire, but needed to find the right person to whom he could pass the torch. That begs the question: Why Jess Butler? You’ll walk away from this episode learning more about Jess and why she said yes to leading Vertafore’s connectivity mission:

How Jess got started in insurance over 20 years ago

How she guided Travelers’ business strategy during rater adoption
Her decision-matrix for prioritizing the fewest questions during rating
Why she started a data analytics company in the mutual space
A discussion on whether Vertafore “made sense” as the right next step
A debate on whether the term “market connectivity” is outdated

IndieTech: The UnConference & an Air Force Vet’s Sales Process Mar 05, 2023

Jason Cass has many accomplishments under his belt already: successful agency owner, host of one of the most popular insurance podcasts, founder of BrainShare, a cutting-edge author and thought-leader in the insurtech space. But he’s not done. In 2023, he’s launching a new conference called “IndieTech.” In this episode, you’ll hear:

What is indietech? It’s not a conference. It’s not an event. It’s not a mastermind. It’s a live guided experience to help you vet the right and best tech for your agency.

How he automated his entire sales process – thanks to a US AirForce Veteran (Jason’s COO)
Insurtech predictions for 2023....and maybe 2024/2025.
A bold, new...and maybe, crazy....idea for starting a scratch agency.

The 2023 Vertafore Vision Feb 26, 2023

James Thom, Vertafore’s Chief Product Officer, candidly shares the challenges and opportunities for one of the largest tech providers in insurance. You’ll walk away from this episode with a better grasp on the insurtech conversation and how Vertafore plans to dominate it in 2023:

What are the biggest challenges facing any insurtech in 2023?
Which of those challenges is Vertafore facing head-on?
Why data islands are killing efficiency
Why our Amazon bet was the right move
Why API development is a priority
How we plan to win the commercial rating game
What the best Canadian candy bar is

Learn from Clark Griswold’s mistake, with Chris Cline Jun 30, 2022

You know the scene from the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation movie. Clark Griswold has spent hours affixing a superfluous amount of flashy Christmas lights to his house only to have none of it illuminate when he plugs it in.

VIP guest Chris Cline, executive director of Agents Council for Technology, says this iconic movie moment can be compared to a common issue insurance companies face when they don't take the time to carefully strategize.

Chris believes you can buy every shiny tech option available, but if you don’t have a good strategy for putting it together, you won’t be successful—and no, the lights won’t turn on.

How can you balance your InsurTech aspirations with solid results? Listen now.

Pumping iron, with Jessica Jeffress Jun 23, 2022

In this episode, we are joined by Jessica Jeffress, chairwoman at NetVU and current associate vice president at Peel & Holland.

During this episode, Rick and Jessica talk through:

Building the planning muscle; learning to execute a plan, from start to finish
Using the “relationship continuation” method to build loyalty with clients
The specific ways she builds company culture through training & jam sessions

InsuRant: Getting fit for the feeding frenzy Jun 16, 2022

In 2021, there were over 1,000 insurance agency mergers and acquisitions in the U.S.—up 30% from 2020. This high activity is expected to continue in 2022, so if you’re an agency owner or hoping to be one day, Rick says it’s time to start planning for the day when it might be time to sell.

To make their business worth the most when the feeding frenzy comes, agencies need to be doing everything they can NOW to get fit and maximize value.

This episode is a super-informative listen for current agency owners and aspiring owners alike!

Striking data gold at your agency, with Liri Halperin Segal and Michael LaBella Jun 02, 2022

In this episode, we have AI and data experts Liri Halperin Segal and Michael LaBella joining us from InsurTech LeO, where Liri is the co-founder and CEO, and Michael is the vice president of sales.

During this episode, Rick, Liri, and Michael talk through:

The importance of creating new data to improve sales (11:00)
Why agencies don’t need to hire a data analyst if they have the right tools (14:22)
The missing piece in self-service offerings at many agencies (17:20)
Measuring the effectiveness of your tech. If employees aren’t using it, it’s a waste. (25:20)

Happy listening!

Running away from bad tech, with Syd Roe May 19, 2022

In this episode, we have the one and only Syd Roe joining us on the podcast, and she’s got some insights about tech and insurance you need to hear:

Changes Syd wants to see in the industry
How Syd envisions those changes coming
The importance of an effective tech stack
When to run—not walk—away from bad tech

Enjoy the episode!

InsuRant: Who handles the tech at your agency? May 12, 2022

Imagine you’re an agency owner, and you’ve just decided to invest in new technology to improve your business. That’s a crucial first step, but have you ever thought about the steps that come immediately after?

This topic has come up a lot lately, so we’re breaking down what you need to know.

During this episode, Rick shares his playbook to help you get ahead in the tech implementation game. Want to watch the episode instead? Check it out on YouTube.

InsuRant: Unwinding what-ifs May 05, 2022

If you’re a business owner, you’ve likely had thoughts and questions like these:

I wish we would’ve done ____three years ago.
Where would we be now if we had done _____ instead?

In this episode, we’re getting a bit introspective and talking about what would happen if we could go back in time and unwind some of the choices we made for our business. Of course, we don’t have the power to change the past, but we do have the power to change something today that will help you in the future.

Tune in to hear Rick’s perspective on what decisions you need to be making today for a better tomorrow—and why you should NEVER make fast decisions or band-aid decisions.

Breaking glass ceilings, with Sarah Muniz Apr 21, 2022

In this episode, Rick Fox is joined by Sarah Muniz, a long-time producer and author of the book, Undiscovered Voices: Unlocking the Potential of Women in Insurance.

Sarah’s voice is one you need to hear in this industry as she shares her valuable perspective working her way up from CSR to producer, and the many lessons she learned along the way as she navigated bias in the workplace.

A must-listen for everyone, hear why there is still a leadership gap in insurance, navigating unconscious biases, why more diversity in leadership roles helps companies make more money, and much more.

InsurRant: Keeping up with the InsurTech glow-up Apr 14, 2022

For this week’s episode, Rick Fox is talking all about the technology glow-up in the insurance industry. When it comes to keeping up with the expectations of customers and employees in 2022, industry leaders and professionals are sure to learn about:

The advancing independent agent model as more and more captive agents switch over
The competition created by tech-focused start-up agencies and why there are fewer barriers than ever to starting your own agency
Why being data-driven is more important than ever at agencies

A live video panel at Accelerate Apr 07, 2022

For this week’s special episode, the VIP recorded live at Accelerate, powered by NetVU, with a panel of insurance experts. Joining Rick Fox on the panel was Syd Roe, Vertafore’s director of agency marketing, Jessica Jeffress, chairwoman of NetVU, and Michael Lebor, CEO of InsuranceGiG.

During this live video recording, the panel dove into all things InsurTech, including where we stand in 2022, why independent agencies are not dead or dying, and what agencies can look forward to as they navigate the unlimited tech choices at their fingertips.

See the video of the episode here!

InsuRant: Get, be, stay curious Mar 03, 2022

In this episode, Rick talks about ways a curious mindset can help if you’ve fallen victim to ‘mud season’ - that yuck period between beautiful snowfalls and the fresh start of spring, when you can feel a bit stuck.

Feeling stuck in the mud? Ready to spring into action? Rick spells out the three pillars of curiosity and how they can help you start winning again in business and in life.

Ron Berg talks about the future of commercial lines Feb 24, 2022

During this week’s episode, Rick is joined by Ron Berg, a legend in the insurance industry who has served as Executive Director of the Agents Council for Technology since 2013.

Listen in as Rick and Ron dive into data security (insurance is a bigger target than ever!), workflows, and how Vertafore is solving one of the biggest headaches in insurance with the launch of Commercial Submissions (starting at 8:42).

Vertafore’s Commercial Submissions is the insurance industry’s first all-in-one solution to automate the commercial submissions process. They talk about how this game-changing tool will help support collaboration between the end-insured, agencies, and carriers, and streamline the complexity and uniqueness of small commercial lines quoting and submissions.

Learn more about Vertafore Commercial Submissions here or see it LIVE at Accelerate, powered by NetVU, in Denver March 28-31.

Becoming more likeable, with Brian Ahearn Feb 10, 2022

During this week’s episode, Rick is joined by Brian Ahearn, an international speaker, coach, and consultant who has spent over 30 years in the insurance industry. The author of Influence People, Brian breaks down how psychology can be applied to the insurance sales process.

Learn more about the art of listening, buying styles, and a simple hack Brian leverages to become more likeable (and sell more, as a result).

Anyone looking to sharpen their sales skills will benefit from this episode!

InsuRant: Being a client champion Feb 03, 2022

In this episode, Rick dives into the power of personal relationships and what that means for your business. Relationships are everything in the insurance industry, and the definition of those relationships has changed a lot in the past 10-15 years. Get ready to take notes as Rick shares tips for how to be a champion for today’s modern consumer—and it's more than just being nice on the phone.

InsuRant: Level up during the Great Resignation Jan 27, 2022

This week’s episode is all about the million-dollar question we’re asking right now:

"How can we beat the Great Resignation blues with better recruiting?”

We recently ran an online poll asking this question, so we have new insights to share! Tune in to learn concrete ways the insurance industry can be proactive and find solutions to combat a worker shortage.

It’s more than a sales buzz phrase, with Kat Ternes Jan 20, 2022

In this week’s episode we welcome guest Kat Ternes, an expert on sales for independent agencies. Rick and Kat talk about analysis paralysis, something all producers get caught up in—and Kat knows the way out. Plus, she gives guidance on how agencies can be embracing sales tools to help them get more done, talk to more clients, and do an overall better job.

The key to this? Sales enablement.

InsuRant: Let’s do this, 2022! Jan 13, 2022

Ready to get hyped? This high-energy episode is jam-packed with everything you need to plan for a successful 2022. From setting realistic expectations to navigating curveballs, Rick outlines a step-by-step strategy for crushing all your goals in the New Year.

Press play and let’s do this!

Women and insurance, with Kim Beach Jan 06, 2022

In this week’s episode we welcome special guest Kim Beach. Kim is the founder and CEO of InsureWomen, an independent agency created in early 2021 to educate, empower, and service the insurance needs of all women.

Kim shares her journey to launch InsureWomen, an idea ignited by the recognition that women are often unheard and unseen when it comes to getting the right insurance options. Kim and Rick also discuss the importance of recruiting more women in insurance, reasons to start your own business today, and more.

2021 time capsule: Part 2 Dec 16, 2021

In the second and final episode of our time capsule series, we’ve got more never-before-heard content from our incredible guests in 2021.

Listen as more VIP guests share what their biggest piece of advice would be for the insurance industry. Some of their answers might surprise you!

Bill Pieroni, ACORD (1:08-2:48)
Kelly Byrom, Vertafore (2:55-3:10)
Brett Allen, BOSS Social (3:16-4:26)
Dimitrios Argitis, Vertafore Canada (4:33-4:58)
Michael Freilich, Renaissance Alliance (5:05-7:24)
Shawn Michael Walker, Premier Group Insurance (7:34-8:23)
Charles Specht, Permission Network Insurance Agency (8:32-10:46)
Kelly Lennon, USI Insurance Services (10:54-11:17)
Pete Tessier, BSI Insurance (11:27-13:02)
Matt Masiello, SIAA (13:12-14:08)

InsuRant: How will your business be better in 2022? Dec 09, 2021

It’s the last InsuRant of 2021, so we’re in goal-setting mode for 2022. Rick believes agencies needs to figure out what “itches” they need scratched to improve their business in the new year—whether that's automating the sales process, optimizing efficiency, or even enhancing the way they celebrate high-performing employees.

Rick also shares more about Vertafore’s recent AgencyZoom acquisition and its potential impact on our industry.

2021 time capsule: Part 1 Dec 02, 2021

Today we're traveling back in time for our special “time capsule” episode with never-before-heard content from our 2021 guests.

For this part 1 episode, hear what beliefs about the industry some of our guests have in common:

Jason Walker, Agency InsurTech (1:23-2:48)
Crystal Ware, Empower Benefits &Insurance Group (2:50-4:00)
David Carothers, Florida Risk Partners, LLC (4:01-6:20)
Ashley Fitzsimmons, Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc. (6:22-8:22)
Peter van Aartrijk, Aartrijk (8:24-9:00)
Tyrre Burks, Player’s Health (9:01-10:05)
Wyatt Stewart, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (10:07-11:29)

Asking the right questions, with Pete Tessier Nov 11, 2021

Today on the episode, we welcome Pete Tessier, vice president of sales and marketing at BSI Insurance and host of The Insurance Podcast. Pete shares why asking “what if?” is the key to helping an agency remain successful in the long term.

Rick and Pete dive into how addressing hypothetical questions help agencies be more agile and prepared for the unexpected. Also, learn one of Pete’s favorite hacks he uses during brainstorming sessions that will help your team feel included and improve company culture.

Rick or Treat: Things that go bump in the night Oct 28, 2021

Listen all you gals and ghouls,

We've got a spooky show for you.

Grab your candy and take a seat,

It's time for a special "Rick or Treat!"

What's your fear, your worry, your fright?

Which problems lurch and go bump in the night?

Whatever haunts you or freezes your veins,

Let's bury the hatchet and dig its grave.

There's something for everyone,

Listen if you dare.

But enter with caution,

Cause you might get scared.

Pro-football turned pro-insurance, with Tyrre Burks Oct 21, 2021

Today on the episode, we welcome Tyrre Burks, founder and CEO of Player’s Health, to talk about insurance in the world of sports. Tyrre is a former football pro whose career-ending injury forced him to pivot career paths before landing in insurance. He eventually founded Player’s Health, a risk services and insurance firm that protects that supports over 10 million athletes.

Listen in as Tyrre and Rick dive into topics, including how the USA Gymnastics scandal made a lasting impact on insurance, Tyrre’s thoughts on the NIL (name, image, and likeness) debate in the NCAA, and more.

Slow down to speed up, with David Carothers Oct 14, 2021

This week, insurance expert David Carothers joins the VIP to discuss ways to supercharge sales with better processes and habits. One of the big influencers in the insurance space, David shares why his secret sauce for success has everything to do with developing good habits (for him, time blocking is KEY).

In the world of sales, simply working hard and fast might seem like the quickest path to success, but in the words of David, sometimes you have to “slow down to speed up.”

If you’re looking to build better habits, this episode is for you.

Ask Rick: The “Great Resignation,” cybersecurity, and tech investments Oct 07, 2021

We’re back with another Ask Rick episode! Today Rick is answering your burning industry questions about cybersecurity, investing in tech, and steps you can take to overcome the “Great Resignation” transforming the job market.

Be sure to check out this article Rick mentions in the episode, written by Vertafore Chief Revenue Officer Cassidy Smirnow, which discusses how the insurance community can find and keep great people in this industry.

Remember, if you have a question you would like answered, you can submit your own questions to podcast@vertafore.com.

Getting curious, with Kelly Byrom Sep 30, 2021

This week we welcome Vertafore’s VP of Platform and Experience Design Kelly Byrom to talk about the power of design to impact people, business, and everyday experiences.

In this episode, Kelly shares why curiosity is essential for fostering more inclusive design, and why there is a big opportunity for the insurance industry to use this thinking to attract younger generations in the workforce.

Hear real-life stories of the serious implications of design, including why poor design led to women being 47% more likely to be seriously injured in a car crash.

Ready to get curious? Push play and enjoy the episode!

InsuRant Roundtable: The power of choice in insurance Sep 23, 2021

In this special episode of the VIP, Rick is joined by two Vertafore colleagues for our very first InsuRant Roundtable. You’ve probably heard of our guests before: Dylan Braun is a producer of the show, and Justin Lair recently joined Vertafore as director of networks and associations.

Justin, Dylan, and Rick share their individual perspectives on the industry and marketplace right now. Justin believes that NOW is the most exciting time to be in insurance, and it has something to do with the sheer number of choices agencies have at their fingertips. Stick around for some fun rapid-fire questions at the end (with a few surprising answers), and we hope you enjoy this week’s episode!

Change your mindset, up your sales, with Charles Specht Sep 16, 2021

Charles Specht joins us this week to talk about the life-altering power of this simple act: changing your mindset. Charles is President and CEO of Permission Network Insurance Agency, Inc., and he has firsthand experience with how agents can transform both their professional and personal lives by developing a growth mindset.

Charles believes that mindset is 90% of the sales game, and the most successful professionals will fully embrace this technique to close more deals. He lays out the best ways to get started to grow a healthy mindset, and why time-blocking is one of the most valuable tools for building confidence.

InsuRant: Good data, great relationships Sep 09, 2021

In this week’s episode, Rick is digging into a recent survey sharing how carriers are currently using data at their companies and how that impacts agencies. He uncovers opportunities for carriers to lean on data to make better business decisions, as well as areas where carriers are already heavily investing in data to unlock value for their clients.

Find out how carriers are using data to differentiate their business and guide decisions on client satisfaction, actuarial pricing, cybersecurity, vendor management, and more.

Insurance is an industry run by data, so tune in to learn more about how carriers (and agencies, too!) are optimizing it to make their businesses run better.

Sharpening your saw, with Shawn Michael Walker Sep 02, 2021

Shawn Michael Walker joins us this week to talk about “sharpening your saw.” Shawn is SVP at Premier Group Insurance, and he talks with Rick about how agencies can get ahead of the curve as the industry goes through rapid changes.

Shawn believes that the most successful agencies in five years will be the ones who are educating themselves now. He lays out his favorite ways to get educated and how to best prepare for the future, plus his go-to websites and other resources to get ahead of the game.

InsuRant: Building better agency-carrier relationships Aug 26, 2021

In this week’s episode, Rick talks about how agencies and carriers can strengthen their relationships. Rick dives into data from a recent survey from Celent, a leading research and advisory firm that polled hundreds of agencies to find out what they need for an optimized experience with carriers and InsurTech.

Find out what agencies are saying about why they choose one carrier over another (hint: it’s not always price), how agencies feel about portals, what different generations of agency employees think about technology, and more.

Tune in to hear Rick’s three main takeaways that apply to both agencies and carriers in a time of increasing channel complexity.

You can download a copy of Celent’s report, “Optimizing the Independent Agency Experience,” from our website.

Do less and make more money, with Jason Walker Aug 19, 2021

We’re back from summer break with a new guest episode, new music, and a new look. This week we welcome guest Jason Walker, a heavy hitter in the insurance world who helps agencies modernize and, in his words, “Do less and make more money.”

Jason is Founder and CEO of Agency InsurTech, where he eliminates “business as usual” and delivers simple growth strategies and solutions.

In this episode, Jason details his unique four-step approach to helping agencies implement tech. No two agencies are alike, and Jason’s approach is unique because from step one it’s all about creating a snowball effect of positivity throughout the process.

This is the perfect episode to kick off the rest of 2021, and we hope you enjoy the episode as much as we do.

Rerun: Creating a job you love, with Tim Wilson-Humphries Aug 12, 2021

Today on the show we have Tim Wilson-Humphries, an independent agent who specializes in health, life, and Medicare.

We’ve heard a lot of “how I got here” stories on the podcast, but Tim chose the insurance industry for a reason we haven’t heard yet: PTO. Tim and Rick discuss the challenges of starting out as an independent agent as well as the positives that eventually come, how to find an ideal demographic, and the importance of adaptability.

Tim taught us all something about finding a niche and creating a job you love, and we hope it will teach you something as well.

Rerun: Get comfortable with discomfort, with Torey Maerz Aug 05, 2021

Our guest for this episode is Torey Maerz, Founder and CEO of Rocket Referrals. Torey is here to remind us that we can do hard things, and 2021 is going to be a year of adjustment for insurance. In this episode, listeners get a dose of tough love from a guy who knows what it takes to build strong and lasting relationships with clients to build success in times of change.

Rerun: Just press record, with Kelly Lennon Jul 29, 2021

We are taking a 3-week summer break from producing new episodes while we book new guests, revamp our brand, and get a little R&R.

We encourage you to listen to this episode from earlier this year with guest Kelly Lennon, vice president and risk advisor for technology at USI Property and Casualty. Kelly and Rick Fox talk about innovative sales and marketing tools, including different ways to use video to your advantage. She’s also here to remind us that it’s okay to try new things (and then try them again if they don’t work).

InsuRant: Ready or not, here tech comes Jul 22, 2021

There are three types of insurance agencies out there:

”Tech-forward” agencies that fully embrace and leverage technology to improve all aspects of their business.
“Tech-friendly” agencies that use technology at a baseline level.
”Tech-opposed” agencies that are averse to implementing any new technology.

During this week’s episode, Rick breaks down why technology is so essential for enhancing the customer experience and why it will be impossible to grow without it—because, ready or not, tech has already changed everything.

No matter which of the three camps you fall into above, we think you’ll learn something valuable in this episode. Enjoy!

Building a more powerful agency brand, with Peter van Aartrijk Jul 15, 2021

We’ve heard time and time again that insurance is strictly a “referrals business,” but that’s no longer the case in a digital, post-pandemic world. More than ever, insurance agencies need to invest in their brand to keep up with customer expectations and make their presence known in the market. But where to begin?

Today on the episode, Rick talks to insurance marketing expert Peter van Aartrijk about the essential toolkit agencies need to build their brand the right way. Learn how agencies can harness the power of their brand to form emotional connections with clients and employees, and make sure you have a pen ready when Peter shares his top three tips for brand-building!

InsuRant: Real-deal sales training Jul 08, 2021

Listen in to this week’s podcast for a dive into all things sales training. As Rick says, “Sales is a sport, and we need to compete to win.” Rick shares everything you need to be a sales champion, including his top sales techniques that range from how to stay connected with customers on a deeper level to how to be ready to adapt your strategy at any time.

Ready to get your head in the sales game?

Being the “Beyoncé of Insurance”, with Ashley Fitzsimmons Jul 01, 2021

Remember those memes from years ago that compare what people in your life think you do and what you actually do? We’re getting into that today—the expectation versus reality of being an insurance agent. And, what exactly does Ashley mean when she calls herself the “Beyoncé of insurance”?

In this episode, Rick and Ashley discuss the perception of an independent agent versus the reality, and how agents can transform from a frustrated paper-pusher to a trusted risk advisor.

Don’t be like Joan Jett Jun 24, 2021

Joan Jett may not care about her reputation, but that was back in the 80s and the world has changed. Do you care about yours? You should, because no matter the size of your company or what part of the industry you represent, a good reputation is vital—and how reputations are formed and maintained is not like it used to be. This week we are talking about how to create a positive reputation online, how to maintain it, and why it’s so important. Rick talks reviews, including how to generate more from your clients and how to respond, plus how reviews can impact other areas of business like hiring.

This is a topic that doesn’t get a lot of attention in our industry, but your “digital storefront” deserves a close look, and Rick has tips and tricks to help listeners avoid common mistakes in reputation management.

Becoming future-ready with Dimitrios Argitis Jun 17, 2021

This week on the podcast we welcome Dimitrios Argitis, VP & GM of Vertafore Canada. He and Rick discuss how to create a robust and tech-driven company and how corporate strategy and tech strategy are essentially indistinguishable at any future-ready company.

Dimitrios has broken down four separate strategies for becoming future-ready: digital-first, cloud at the core, investment in the right relationships, and data-driven decision-making.

Listen in as he expands on these four strategies and shares what he’s learned when it comes to the insurance industry and technology.

InsuRant: Insurance from a Millennial perspective Jun 10, 2021

You’ve heard Rick talk about him, you’ve probably heard about his mullet, and today you get to hear from him: Dylan Braun, producer of the show, joins Rick this week to rant about hiring, company culture, and keeping employees happy post-pandemic.

Dylan's been at Vertafore for three years, and he shares what he’s learned about the industry from a Millennial’s perspective and how he hopes it evolves and changes.

Do work with Millennials? Are you a Millennial yourself? This episode is for you.

Becoming an expert social seller, with Brett Allen Jun 03, 2021

This week we have social extraordinaire Brett Allen, owner and creator of BOSS Social. He has intensely focused on how to utilize social media in insurance without compromising relationships, expectations, or agency identity. Brett sees social selling as an opportunity to create better trust and relationships with customers.

Brett lays out five social hacks he’s found to be most effective, including content creation, how to drive LinkedIn traffic, and gathering more leads.

Brett is full of information on this topic, and he is sharing three bonus items with VIP listeners here. We hope you enjoy this episode and are inspired to implement these social sales hacks into your sales strategy.

100th Episode Reflections May 27, 2021

We’ve made it to 100 episodes! Today Rick takes a look back on the last couple of years and all we’ve learned together. Namely: this industry still is, and always will be, about relationships. Since the beginning, we’ve all been proud to be in this industry and amazed at all the wonderful people we’ve connected with.

Listen in as we share some of our greatest hits from the last 100 episodes, including what we’ve validated, what we’ve learned, and what we’re thankful for. And, most importantly, thank you to our listeners for tuning in each week, contributing, and allowing this podcast to happen.

We’ll see you for the next 100!

Creating a job you love, with Tim Wilson-Humphries May 20, 2021

Today on the show we have Tim Wilson-Humphries, an independent agent who specializes in health, life, and Medicare.

We’ve heard a lot of “how I got here” stories on the podcast, but Tim chose the insurance industry for a reason we haven’t heard yet: PTO. Tim and Rick discuss the challenges of starting out as an independent agent as well as the positives that eventually come, how to find an ideal demographic, and the importance of adaptability.

Tim taught us all something about finding a niche and creating a job you love, and we hope it will teach you something as well.

Ask Rick: Sales, MGAs, and hiring young talent May 13, 2021

We’re back with an Ask Rick session! Today I’m talking about the importance of good listening, MGA/MGU market trends, and attracting young talent.

I think you’ll get a lot out of today’s episode from years of Rick’s industry knowledge. Remember that you can submit your own questions to podcast@vertafore.com.

Plus, it's time for Accelerate, powered by NetVU! Find out about this multi-month conference and register today.

Dreaming up the future, with SIAA CEO Matt Masiello May 06, 2021

In this episode, we welcome special guest Matt Masiello. Matt is the author of Insurance Agency 4.0 and is the current CEO of SIAA. As he puts it, “The future for the independent agency is bright.”

Matt has looked at what the future holds for the independent agency from all angles: commercial lines vs. personal lines, generational changes, upcoming threats, opportunities, and yes, of course, technology. Matt and Rick agree that no two agencies are the same, and therefore the future looks different for everyone. So, rather than giving specifics on what to “do,” Matt focuses on a path to follow.

This episode is packed with Matt’s knowledge and wisdom, and there’s a lot for listeners to take with them.

It's time for Accelerate, powered by NetVU! Find out about this multi-month conference and register today.

InsuRant: Getting all the way engaged Apr 29, 2021

In this episode, Rick is talking about getting engaged in the insurance industry—and not just a little bit engaged, but full, all-in engagement with networks, peers, and user groups. All-in engagement is a great way to improve professionally and personally, and it’s a sure way to take your career to the next level.

Rick spells out the three pillars of engagement and the top three engagement hacks for industry professionals across the ecosystem. This episode is great for all our listeners, from the carrier space to the agency space at all levels of the organization.

Talking generational change, with Crystal Ware Apr 22, 2021

This week we welcome guest Crystal Ware, Chief Risk Strategist at Empower Benefits & Insurance Group. Crystal is passionate about solving a huge problem in insurance: the talent gap that has emerged as more insurance professionals retire without enough younger people to replace them.

Rick and Crystal discuss how to attract the best and brightest talent via office environment, culture shift, and technology. Plus, Crystal shares the questions she thinks are missing in most interviews that would help make better hiring matches from both sides of the table.

We think this is a great episode to listen to, as all of us in insurance are quickly approaching a huge shift in industry demographics.

Getting political, with Wyatt Stewart and Big “I” Apr 15, 2021

In this episode the Vertafore Insurance Podcast welcomes Wyatt Stewart with the Big “I”. Rick and Wyatt discuss the 2021 Big “I” Legislative Conference plus the importance of being politically active in the insurance industry. Wyatt gives listeners a glimpse of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to advocate for the independent agent on Capitol Hill.

No matter what side of the political aisle you’re on, this episode details legislative matters up for consideration in the near future that will affect the insurance industry at large. While the conference itself ends on April 16, the matters at hand will continue and it’s crucial that insurance professionals understand how politics affect the success of their business.

The independent agent’s continued success, with Michael Freilich Apr 08, 2021

This week on the podcast we have Michael Freilich, CTO of Renaissance Alliance. Michael started in the industry twenty years ago and explains that even when he started there was a narrative that “the independent agent is going away.” Like many of us, he recognized this wasn’t true—but what he saw was true is that the independent agency is always evolving.

Throughout his career, he’s facilitated that evolution and studied ways to ease the process. Rick and Michael chat about his four big pillars for the independent agent: scale, skill, scope, and access to capital. Michael explains how he sees the independent agent being a data company in the future and how the leaders of an agency create the culture around change.

March Madness 2021 Apr 01, 2021

This month we hit the one-year anniversary of our world turning upside down, and basketball is back. Rather than the normal industry news and knowledge we typically cover in this podcast, this week we are pausing and reflecting.

From last March to this March, we’ve adapted and changed. We’ve learned to be our own tech support, take a zoom meeting in the only quiet corner in the house, and collaborate remotely. Despite all the hardships and challenges we faced, we’ve come a long way as an industry and as people. Listen in as Rick discusses some of the silver linings of the past year and what he is most excited for right now: basketball and a slow return to something close to normal.

The ROI of insurance digitization, with Bill Pieroni Mar 25, 2021

We’ve got a VIP on the VIP podcast for this episode! Listen in as I talk with Bill Pieroni, CEO of ACORD. He has spent his entire career in the insurance industry and is interested in the value of industry digitization (and how sometimes we get it wrong).

Bill and I break down his research on digitization ROI. Bill has created five digitization categories, and he defines what each can expect going forward. We discuss if digitization is worth it and how to gauge technology investment ROI from several angles.

I learned a ton from chatting with Bill about his research, and I know it will prove valuable for gaining a better understanding of InsurTech investment.

Want to see the research for yourself?

ACORD Distribution and Digitization

ACORD Whitepapers

Ask Rick: Drowning in tech options Mar 18, 2021

This week we dive into questions submitted by you, the listeners. Rick shares expertise on technology, client relationships, and managing employees.

All of the questions on today’s show were based on the subject of the evolving agency and what "keeping up” looks like. Rick discusses how to find technology that works for you (hint, trust your network!), how to encourage employees while adapting to modern practices, and how to continue personal relationships with your clients and use technology.

Got a question that you would like answered on the show? Get in touch – podcast@vertafore.com

80% service 20% sales, with Bradley Flowers Mar 11, 2021

This week, we welcome Bradley Flowers of the Insurance Guys podcast and founder of Portal Insurance, and we’re talking about sales versus service.

Bradley shares with us his philosophy on service, and how that has made all the difference when it comes to his agency’s success. Sales are important, but service should take the spotlight when it comes to growth and retention.

Rick and Bradley discuss the steps agencies can take to make service center-stage and better compete with direct-to-consumer companies. And Bradley gives his take on what agencies can learn from big box companies even when they don’t see eye-to-eye.

InsuRant: Survey says… Mar 04, 2021

If you like stats, this episode is for you. Rick shares highlights from our annual insurance agency workforce whitepaper that details findings from a survey of more than 1,000 independent insurance professionals in the U.S. In this episode, Rick digs into how the industry reported on their feelings surrounding InsurTech and agency modernization and what this means for agencies looking to grow and thrive in 2021.

(3:30) Feelings on InsurTech in general
(6:45) The difference between using tech and embracing it
(12:15) The problem with time
(16:30) Getting real results from real change

White Page.

Get comfortable with discomfort, with Torey Maerz Feb 25, 2021

Our guest for this episode is Torey Maerz, Founder and CEO of Rocket Referrals. Torey is here to remind us that we can do hard things, and 2021 is going to be a year of massive change and adjustment for insurance when the world opens back up. It's time to get comfortable with discomfort, and it's time to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit for the explosion of changes coming.

In this episode, listeners get a dose of tough love from a guy who knows what it takes to build strong and lasting relationships with clients and build success in times of change.

Ask Rick: Answering questions from across the industry Feb 18, 2021

This week, we're adding a new episode format to the podcast: Ask Rick. Rick gets all kinds of questions from people across the insurance industry. In this episode, Rick answers some questions that people across the industry can relate to, and we invite listeners to submit their questions to podcast@vertafore.com to be answered by Rick in a future Ask Rick episode.

Just press record, with Kelly Lennon Feb 11, 2021

In this episode we welcome Kelly Lennon, Vice President and Risk Advisor for Technology at USI Property and Casualty. Kelly is an insurance professional who also has a background in sales and marketing, and she is talking to us about the power of video for reaching end-insureds.

Kelly uses video to engage with the industry and her clients, and she's giving listeners tips and tricks on how to effectively incorporate amateur video into daily processes. She's also here to remind us that it's ok to try new things (and then try them again if they don't work).

Video can be a great way to differentiate yourself in the market, and this episode will give you a place to start if you haven't already. If you're already using video in your sales and marketing efforts, she offers some great tips and tricks to make it even better.

(6:30) Using video to cut through the clutter
(9:30) Growing business online using video
(11:00) Repurposing video for the biggest impact
(14:30) Embedding video as an active engagement strategy
(16:30) Getting started

InsuRant: No excuses, play like a champion Feb 04, 2021

No matter your role in an insurance organization, you've got goals, projects, and dreams. It can be easy to fall behind and veer off course in your pursuit of a win no matter who you are or what the end goal is. In this episode, we're talking about a no-excuses approach to reaching your goals with a little inspiration from a silly but great movie, Wedding Crashers, and this applied to everything in your life—insurance-related or not.

InsuRant: The word of the year is "retention" Jan 28, 2021

A happy, loyal client is worth their weight in gold. We all know keeping an existing client is easier than finding a new one, but it's time to stop paying lip service to retention and start digging into the whys and hows of a great strategy to keep clients in your book of business.

In this episode, Rick outlines the top three reasons why retention is so important and provides a 3-step playbook for how to implement a winning retention strategy.

Sharpening the agent's superpowers, with Tyler Asher Jan 21, 2021

Tyler Asher believes that independent agents can turn their competitive advantage into superpowers in the market, and he’s here to tell us how. As President of Independent Agent Distribution at Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance, Tyler is a treasure trove of information and he’s hitting us with some high-impact knowledge in this episode.

Rick and Tyler discuss:

Digital transformation and online presence (5:30)
Turbocharging sales (13:30)
The talent problem (and solution) (21:00)

InsuRant: Six ways to slay your sales in 2021 Jan 14, 2021

It’s a new year with new goals and a fresh start—making it the perfect time to talk about taking your sales to the next level. Whether you are a natural seller or not, this episode is for you. In this episode I outline six proven strategies for slaying your sales goals in 2021.

Tech must-haves for 2021, with James Thom Jan 07, 2021

We put a bow on 2020 and welcome the new year with James Thom, Chief Product Officer at Vertafore. James' industry knowledge runs wide and deep, and he's offering great, unvarnished advice for success in 2021.

Last year brought numerous challenges and opportunities to adapt and pivot, and with that came a surge in tech-enabled solutions throughout the industry. This year is about capitalizing on that surge of technology and making the best of it long-term.

Rick and James talk about:

Big takeaway from 2020 (3:50)
Themes and trends for agencies in 2021 (10:30)
The 3 most important tech solutions for any agency (20:00)

InsuRant: A year in review Dec 10, 2020

Wow! It's hard to believe that we're already at the end of 2020. Time has simultaneously flown by and gone by slowly, but we made it through. In this week's rant, Rick recaps the year for us here at the #VIPodcast. He takes you through 2020 month by month chatting about all we got up to. Tune in to reflect on the year with us!

We're all in this together, with Elizabeth Schenk Dec 03, 2020

As we wrap up the year and look forward to 2021, Rick is excited to welcome Elizabeth Schenk, CEO of Agency Network Exchange (ANE), to the podcast! Elizabeth has a deep understanding of the independent agency and of the insurance industry and has some great advice we can all learn from.

What is the most common thing she hears from the agencies in ANE about the state of the industry this year? People's concerns are all different, but one common theme: wanting support to navigate through challenging times. It's hard to be a lone wold, but you don't need to be when there are so many networks across the industry there to help you out.

In this episode Rick and Elizabeth talk about:

The state of the industry from a network perspective (7:30)
What exactly is an agency network? (14:30)
What to look for in an agency network (22:00)

InsuRant: Rick's six buckets of thankful for 2020 Nov 19, 2020

2020 has been a hard year all around, but Rick reminds us in this week's episode that we all still have a ton to be thankful for. Tune in to hear Rick's 6 buckets full of thanks for those that have made an impact on his year.

Building a better leader, with Nicole Smith Nov 12, 2020

This week on the VIP we are excited to welcome Nicole Smith, founder & CEO of JMS Creative Leadership Solutions and author of 20 Leadership Golden Nuggets: Practical leadership lessons to use today.

Nicole is an expert on all things leadership. She has built her career around helping others develop the tools they need to succeed and lead teams better. In this episode Rick and Nicole discuss:

Understanding leadership (5:30)
Emotional intelligence (9:35)
Self-awareness (21:00)
Affinity bias (26:50)

InsuRant: The time to plan is NOW Nov 05, 2020

It's planning season! The holidays are right around the corner, so it's time to start planning for 2021. Now is the time to define business goals and make changes to accomplish them! Rick has six categories to think about for successful business planning:

Staff (4:56)
Sales (7:45)
Service (9:57)
Diversification (13:40)
Technology (17:14)
Culture (24:15)

2020 COVID-19 insurance insights and trends Oct 29, 2020

As 2020 winds down we're evaluating lessons learned and planning for 2021! Rick's guest is Tom Super, vice president of insurance at J.D. Power, the nation's leading insurance customer intelligence and CX advisory company whose partnerships extend to the top 20 P&C carriers in the U.S. Tom shares insights into:

COVID-19 initiatives for premium relief (9:15)
Customized advice: Why agents are more important than AI and bots in this crisis (13:59)
The impact of declining customer income (16:25)
The benefits of carriers integrating agents into their digital processes (23:46)
Key factors about today's consumers that independent agents should know (29:15)

This episode is full of insights to help you make informed plans for the upcoming year.

Re-energize in Q4 and finish the year on fire! Oct 22, 2020

Q4 is when most people slow down and plan for the holiday season. How about doing it a little differently this year and end on a fantastic note? In this rant, Rick challenges us to re-energize, seize the moment, and end the year strong! Rick suggests:

Sales: Set audacious goals, plan how to meet them, crush Q4, and set yourself up for an even better 2021 (4:06)
Customer Service: Connect with your customers, work on surpassing your renewals goal, clear up your backlog, and finish this year strong (8:43)
Leaders/Owners: Re-energize your staff, modernize your agency, and enter 2021 with a jump start (12:59)

Market connectivity in the insurance distribution channel Oct 08, 2020

Market connectivity is a big topic of conversation in the insurance industry right now. The pandemic brought it to the forefront when members of the insurance distribution channel scrambled to find ways to connect when stay-at-home orders were in place. In this week's rant, Rick breaks down insurance market connectivity and gives tips on how you can start and modernize your connectivity processes.

Protect your WFH office from cybercriminals Oct 01, 2020

Many of us are working from home because of the pandemic. We feel safe, locked away in our offices, or secure office space in our homes. We don't think about the cybercriminals who are hunting for prey 24-hours a day. They're waiting for a tiny mistake or oversight to pounce and wreak havoc on our business.

Today's guest, Brad Schrum of Wingman Insurance—a cybersecurity expert with 25+ years of experience—is going to talk through some simple steps we can take to secure our data and explain why cybersecurity insurance is necessary for all insurance businesses.

Commercial Submissions: The future is almost here! Sep 24, 2020

The insurance industry is very excited about new technology that will revolutionize commercial submissions for the independent agency. Rick's guest — Sharmila Ray, who leads Vertafore's carrier solutions strategy — shares valuable insights into how close we are to having this technology. Sharmila's insurance industry expertise spans more than 15 years, including 12 years with McKinsey & Company where she worked with carriers on growth and distribution strategy.

Sharmila shares insights on:

What customers in the small commercial lines of business really want (7:40)
Why the independent agent model is here to stay (10:50)
How carriers are preparing their systems for technology that will provide real-time quote and bind (11:45)
How InsurTech companies, including Vertafore, are investing in commercial submissions technology for small and medium agencies (15:15)

Being on the brink of transformative technology is very exciting. Listen as Sharmila also shares how her commercial lines prediction from five years ago is on the verge of being realized.

Surety Bonds made easy, with Aaron Steffey Sep 17, 2020

Insurance agents often shy away from selling surety bonds because they are difficult and time consuming to write. In this episode, Aaron Steffey — managing partner of Steffey Insurance Agency, and co-owner of Propeller Insurance — joins Rick to share exciting news on how to write surety bonds in minutes and how to empower your customers to complete the process online at their convenience. Listen as Aaron tells Rick how automating the surety bond distribution process can bring you new business opportunities.

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