The Insura-Preneur Podcast

Industry Cybersecurity Expert Exposes New Risks

Brad Ruben, President, Archway Computer

 

You may be surprised by some of the advice delivered by insurance technology and cybersecurity expert Brad Ruben, President of Archway Computer—but you may be more surprised by some of his predictions. Brad delivers practical advice every insurance agency principal and IT support person should listen to immediately. 

 

Listen to this episode to learn:

 

• Real examples of agencies that were struck by ransomware, and which actions would have protected them
• Why phishing attacks went up 600% during the pandemic, and simple steps to protect your agency
• Brad’s “cool tools” to pump up your zoom game, take better notes, provide better protection, and more

 

These days cybersecurity should be part of day-to-day operations. Make this conversation a priority for the safety of your agency, your team, and your customers. 

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.

 

The Next Wave of Insurtech

When Zenefits ran into one of the largest compliance crises in the industry, they turned to Niji Sabharwal. He learned two important lessons. One—in his own words—brokers aren’t going anywhere. Two, they really need help with compliance. So a new insurtech was born. Rapid traction in the marketplace, $36 million in Series A funding, and 61 employees later, Niji, as CEO of AgentSync, sees a new wave of insurtech heading our direction.

 

Niji and podcast host Michael discuss:

 

• Why agents and brokers aren’t going anywhere, and how they’ll look different in the future
• How the next wave of insurtech will affect the independent agency channel
• The steps agency principals should take when considering new technology

 

If you want a window into the future of the agency world, do not miss the insights from this tech pioneer. 

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.

 

A Modern Insurance Marketing Strategy

Jeffery Arnold, President, Rightsure Insurance Group

In this podcast, President of Rightsure Insurance Group, Jeffery Arnold delivers practical advice based on real-world experience for a robust conversation that will open your eyes to modern insurance marketing. 

 

Jeff and podcast host Michael discuss:

 

• The three most important technologies to add to your agency
• How the role of agency leadership has changed in recent years
• How to be enabled and forward-thinking about tech without being shackled to it

 

If you’re looking for proven strategies to grow your insurance agency, don’t miss this podcast. 

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.

 

The Current Property and Commercial Insurance Transition

In some niches, premiums are on the rise. Today’s agency principals and producers need a plan. For this discussion, podcast host Michael Jans turned to someone who spends his time in the midst of this turbulence. Former CEO of Bigfoot Insurance—one of the fastest growing MGA’s in the U.S.—and now a Managing Director for One80 Intermediaries, Martin Burlingame describes today’s insurance pricing as the perfect storm. 

 

In this podcast, Martin pulls back the curtain on: 

 

• How the last four years of natural disasters have changed the way underwriters assess risk
• What drives some consumers to stop buying insurance
• How the most successful agencies are planning for the future

 

If you work in commercial lines or personal property insurance, the future of the product you sell is in transition. Listen to this discussion to learn how to navigate this change and bring your customers on board. 

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.

 

What the Best Commercial Lines Producers Are Doing Differently

Scott Knowles, CEO, Modgic

Scott Knowles, CEO of Modgic, works with commercial lines producers every day. His warning may be familiar—step up to the modern age of insurance—but his advice is practical and proven in the real world of commercial lines sales. 

 

In this fast-paced podcast, Scott shares his insights on:

 

• What “super-producers” do differently than most commercial lines producers
• How to get your prospects to focus on the long term when they think of your agency
• The simple method great commercial lines producers use to make themselves irreplaceable

 

With new tech, new behaviors, and new consumer expectations, commercial lines is changing fast. If commercial lines insurance is part of your agency, make this conversation a priority. 

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.

 

Practical Strategic Advice from a Top Industry Leader

Tony Caldwell, Co-Founder, Chairman, CEO, One Agents Alliance

 

Why is Tony Caldwell’s new book, The UnCaptive Agent, a #1 Amazon new release and bestseller? Because it reveals his practical approach to success in the independent agency system. Tony moves over $500 million in premium and oversees 185 agencies in his network, OAA, and runs the largest master agency in SIAA. 

 

In this conversation, Tony and podcast host Michael discuss:

 

• The declining role of geography for independent agencies
• Why agencies need to focus on maximum customer lifetime value
• A practical action plan for success for independent agency principals

 

Tony declares that the agency system will thrive, but that it’s an open question of who will win and who will lose. If you’re serious about growing your agency, make this discussion a priority.

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.

 

CEO of SIAA on the Future of Independent Agents

Matt Masiello, CEO, Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance

With $9.5 billion in premium, almost 5,000 agents in his network across 48 states, CEO of SIAA, Matt Masiello has a unique perspective on the independent agent. Matt might negotiate a multi-million dollar contract with a national carrier in the morning and advise a from-scratch mom-and-pop agency in the afternoon. 

 

In this podcast, Matt shares his perspective on:

 

• The shifting market share between the captive, direct, and independent channels
• Amazon’s introduction to the small commercial insurance market—and how the industry needs to respond
• How today’s agents can win the right insurance consumers for their agency

 

Make this conversation a priority. Matt holds nothing back in this thoughtful and practical discussion.

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.

 

How to Increase Your Agency’s Valuation

As private equity firms flood the market, agency valuations are rising higher and higher. How can today’s agency principal take advantage of these conditions?

 

In this practical and informative podcast, Michael Mensch discusses how to navigate the turbulent and fast-moving acquisition market, and how agency principals can boost their valuation for the biggest payoff. Michael Mensch, President of Agency Brokerage Consultants, has assisted in over 200 M&A transactions and over 1000 agency valuations.

 

In this conversation, Michael Mensch and podcast host Michael Jans discuss:

 

• The sweeping trends that are changing the acquisition landscape for agencies
• Possible changes in tax laws that agents must keep their eyes on today
• Practical steps any agent can take to increase their agency’s valuation

 

Listen now to learn the steps you can take to determine your ultimate valuation. If you’re an agency principal, make this conversation a priority. 

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.

 

Insurance Agency Data Breakthrough

Agents have dreamed of rich customer data for years. Alan Ringvald, CEO of Relativity6, is making that dream a reality. When you combine that data with artificial intelligence and automation, you protect customers better, keep them longer, and create deeper relationships. 

 

In this discussion, Alan and podcast host Michael discuss:

 

• How blending internal and external data reveals easily missed insights
• The critical aspects of the customer relationship agency management systems miss
• How good data helps agents maximize customer lifetime value

If you’re seeking stronger customer relationships, don’t miss this discussion. 

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.

 

Kevin Callahan, Chairman, CEO, Renaissance Alliance

Kevin Callahan took Allstate public, was CEO of Allianz, Partner at Accenture, and Head of Global Sales at Marsh. In other words, Kevin knows P&C insurance. Now, as CEO of Renaissance Alliance, he is dedicated to helping agents get to the next level with tools, technology, strategy, and resources. 

 

In this discussion, Kevin shares his perspective on:

 

• Why agents are the most important part of the P&C value-chain
• The key drivers of organic growth in the modern insurance landscape
• How independent agents can compete for growth against other channels and other agents

 

Develop your agency’s strategic direction and learn tips to achieve fast growth when you listen to this discussion. 

 

Presented by Agency Revolution, the Connected Insurance Podcast provides weekly opportunities for listeners to dive deep into the trends affecting insurance agents and brokers today and to gain proven strategies and tactics for agency growth. Our hosts facilitate thoughtful panels and 1:1 conversations with a variety of prominent thought leaders, with a focus on how to streamline and drive operational efficiency for your independent agency through the intelligent use of technology.