David Carothers on Building a Successful Insurance Agency | Connected Conversations
In this episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance, host Nick Berry welcomes David Carothers of Florida Risk Partners. David, known for his diverse experiences and deep commitment to his family, shares his journey from retail to insurance, highlighting his transition and success in middle market commercial insurance. The discussion delves into David's entrepreneurial approach, his creation of the 'Killing Commercial' community, and the unique 'Producers in Paradise' event, emphasizing the importance of relationships and innovation in the insurance industry. Tune in to learn more about David's perspective on building a successful insurance agency and the impact of technological advances like AI on the industry.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:45 Personal Background and Values
02:17 Challenges and Family Life03:58 Career Journey into Insurance
10:15 Starting and Growing Florida Risk
15:43 Technology and Innovation in Insurance
21:47 The Importance of Vendor Relationships
22:28 Producers in Paradise: A Unique Event
23:36 The Value of Informal Networking
26:04 Experiential Marketing and Relationship Building
27:50 The Evolution of Producers in Paradise
33:11 The ROI of Relationships
38:43 The Origins and Growth of Producers in Paradise
40:48 Connecting with David
Connected with David:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrcarothers/
Killing Commercial: https://killingcommercial.com/davidcarothers/
Charles McDade's Origin Story & Success in Insurance In this episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance, host Ray welcomes Charles McDade, owner of McDade Insurance Brokerage Group. Charles shares his unique journey into the insurance industry, marked by resilience and a sprinkle of spite, eventually leading to the establishment of his own agency. They discuss the importance of relationships with carriers, the value of joining an agency network, and the challenges of navigating a hard market. Charles also talks about his recent election to the board of the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston, making history as its first African American member. The episode concludes with a fun, superhero-themed discussion, exploring which heroes embody the qualities of an insurance agent. Charles also provides insights into his tech stack and emphasizes the importance of balancing AI with human connections.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:42 Meet Charles McDade
02:11 Charles' Insurance Origin Story
04:04 Starting McDade Insurance
04:53 Joining Premier Group Insurance
08:01 Challenges with Small Carriers
09:25 Historic Board Election
15:11 Superhero Fun
20:46 Tech Stack and Innovations
25:31 Final Thoughts and Sign Off
Connect with Charles:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmcdade/
Website: https://www.mcdadeins.com/
Building a Bold Insurance Brand with Ciara Gravier In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Nick Berry sits down with Ciara Gravier, the founder of The Bunker Insurance and Risk Management. Ciara shares her 20-year journey in the insurance industry, her experiences with rebranding, and the challenges of building a boutique commercial insurance agency in South Florida. The conversation dives into the significance of branding and how creating a memorable and bold brand can differentiate an agency in a competitive market. Tune in for insights on branding, marketing strategies, and overcoming industry challenges.00:00 Introduction to Connected Conversations00:45 Meet Ciara: Insurance Veteran01:30 Challenges in the Florida Insurance Market06:24 The Importance of Branding in Insurance06:54 Lessons Learned from Rebranding10:30 Successful Insurance Brands12:23 Branding vs. Brand: Key Differences16:09 Visual Identity and Target Audience17:41 Bold Visuals and Presentation Style18:52 The Power of Color in Branding20:02 Standing Out in the Insurance Industry22:51 Effective Use of Social Media Channels24:08 The Importance of Authentic Content27:41 Learning and Improving Content Creation32:43 Connecting and Modernizing Insurance Agencies
Connect with Ciara:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunkeryourrisk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaragravier/
The Bunker: https://www.bunkeryourrisk.com/
Steve Anderson on Embracing AI in Insurance & Overcoming Tech Frustrations | Connected Conversations
In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Ray Huang of Canopy Connect welcomes Steve Anderson, an experienced insurance professional, co-founder of Catalyit, and author of The Bezos Letters. Steve shares his journey in the insurance industry, his firsthand experiences with early tech solutions, and his insights on embracing AI in the insurance sector. He discusses the common frustrations agencies face with tech adoption, the importance of risk-taking, and the transformative potential of AI. Steve also provides practical advice for agencies looking to start leveraging AI to improve efficiency and stay competitive.
Tune in for valuable insights on technology, AI strategy, and the future of the insurance industry.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:55 Steve Anderson's Journey into Insurance
01:51 Early Technology Adoption in Insurance
02:43 Consulting and Technology Evolution
04:46 Challenges in Technology Adoption
12:13 The Role of AI in Insurance
14:04 Practical AI Tools for Agencies
22:21 Overcoming Resistance to AI
26:16 Future of AI in Agency Management
28:00 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
29:53 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Connect with Steve Anderson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetn/
The Bezos Letters: https://thebezosletters.com/
Website: https://steveanderson.com/about/
Canopy Connect: https://www.usecanopy.com/agencies
Mariah Gates on Automating Insurance Agencies & Embracing Tech | Connected Conversations
In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Nick Berry from Canopy Connect interviews Mariah Gates, founder of Accelerated Automation. Mariah discusses her journey from an insurance agent to a tech consultant, highlighting her use of CRM tools like Agency Zoom to revolutionize operations. She shares insights on the challenges and benefits of adopting automation in the insurance industry, including client education, organizational efficiency, and the importance of personalized communication. Mariah also emphasizes the significance of change management and flexible communication methods to enhance customer and staff experience. Tune in for valuable tips on implementing technology to streamline insurance business operations.
00:00 Introduction to the Insurance Industry
00:22 Meet Mariah Gates: From Insurance Agent to Tech Consultant
00:42 The Birth of Accelerated Automation
01:40 Life in Idaho: Technology and Lifestyle
02:31 Challenges and Solutions in the Insurance Industry
04:33 Implementing CRM and Automation in Agencies
11:42 Best Practices for Technology Adoption
18:41 The Importance of Client Education and Personal Touch
32:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Connect with Mariah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-gates-61459b277/
Accelerated Automation:
https://acceleratedautomation.net/Canopy Connect: https://www.usecanopy.com/agencies
Davie Holt on Virtual Employees in Insurance Industry | Connected Conversations
In this episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance, host Nick Berry welcomes Davie Holt, president of Virtual Intelligence. Davie shares insights on the role of virtual employees (VEs) in the insurance industry, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of proper training and integration. The conversation covers best practices for hiring VEs, the challenges and benefits of outsourcing service tasks, and the broader economic factors driving the adoption of VEs. Davie also discusses how Virtual Intelligence ensures cybersecurity and compliance while providing high-quality staffing solutions to insurance agencies. Tune in to learn about the human element of virtual employees and how they can enhance efficiency and growth in insurance operations.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Frustrations
00:39 Guest Introduction: Davie Holt
02:05 Reframing Virtual Employees
04:58 Economic Realities and Outsourcing
09:18 Challenges and Misunderstandings in the Industry
13:14 Best Practices for Hiring Virtual Employees
24:17 Addressing Staff Concerns and Misconceptions
26:16 Overcoming Objections to Virtual Employees
26:49 The Economics of Labor in Agencies
28:07 Maximizing Efficiency with Virtual Employees
28:42 The Role of AI in Insurance29:17 Challenges in Agency Operations
29:49 The Importance of Automation
31:49 Real-World Examples and Case Studies
33:15 The Future of Virtual Employees
38:37 Ethical and Practical Considerations
47:53 Conclusion and Contact Information
Connect with Davie Holt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davieholt/Virtual Intelligence: https://virtualintell.com/Canopy Connect: https://www.usecanopy.com/agencies
Leveraging Social Media for Insurance: A Conversation with Matt Layson
In this episode of 'Connected Conversations in Insurance,' host Ray Huang interviews Matt Layson, an insurance advisor and operations manager at Calrose Insurance. They discuss Matt's journey to becoming an insurance agent, his family's long-standing presence in the industry, and his pivot from being a professional musician to focusing on insurance. Matt shares insights on his social media strategy, specifically his use of TikTok and Instagram to educate the public and improve his communication skills. Despite initial challenges, his dedication to creating engaging and informative content has paid off, winning him clients and followers. They also touch on the importance of translating complex insurance jargon into plain English and the benefits of consistency in content creation. Matt offers practical advice for agents looking to start their own social media ventures, emphasizing simplicity, persistence, and the broader value of improved communication.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:55 Matt Layson's Origin Story
03:53 Agency Overview and Focus
06:28 The Journey into Video Content
15:09 Content Creation Process
23:55 Handling Feedback and Trolls
26:10 Advice for Aspiring Content Creators
29:20 Conclusion and Contact Information
Connect with Matt Layson:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewlayson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlayson/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalRoseIns
CalRose Insurance: https://calroseins.com/CalRose on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calroseinsurance
Landry Fields on AI's Transformative Impact on the Insurance Industry | Connected Conversations
In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Nick Berry from Canopy Connect welcomes Landry Fields, the founder and CEO of Nova Insurance. They discuss the integration of AI in the insurance industry, the potential to streamline operations, and the future possibilities for AI-assisted services. Landry emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and how it can act as a force multiplier for businesses, making tasks easier for both agency owners and customers. He also highlights the importance of adapting to new technologies and preparing for the significant changes expected in the coming years.
Tune in to learn how AI is set to revolutionize the insurance landscape and what steps businesses can take to stay ahead.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:55 Landry Fields on AI and Insurance
02:04 The Evolution of AI in Business
03:59 AI Tools and Their Impact
05:49 Future of AI in Insurance
07:41 Practical AI Applications
09:06 AI in Customer Service
17:19 AI and Data Management
27:37 Conclusion and Contact Information
Winning on Social Media: Strategies for Insurance Agents with Nicholas Sakha | Connected Conversations
In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Nick Berry of Canopy Connect engages in an insightful dialogue with Nicholas Sakha, owner of a fast-growing Allstate Insurance Agency. Nicholas shares his inspiring journey from banking and pizza delivery to successfully running a $22 million insurance agency with locations in Vegas and Oregon. The conversation highlights the importance of social media in attracting talent, building relationships, and growing business. Nicholas also emphasizes the need for genuine engagement, documenting processes, and leveraging social media as a free tool for personal branding.
Tune in to learn how to create impactful content, engage meaningfully with your audience, and stand out in the competitive world of insurance.
00:00 The Importance of Being Social on Social Media
00:34 Introduction to Connected Conversations
00:57 Nicholas Sakha's Journey into Insurance
02:17 Using Social Media to Attract Talent
04:34 Creating Engaging Content
07:11 Balancing Content Creation with Business
10:24 The Power of Documenting Your Journey
12:50 Navigating Corporate Guidelines and Personal Branding
18:50 The Future of Social Media and Personal Branding
21:48 Final Thoughts and How to Connect
Kevin Spann on Modernizing the Insurance Industry & The Power of Community | Connected Conversations
In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Ray Huang of Canopy Connect welcomes Kevin Spann, a seasoned insurance professional and owner of five Allstate Insurance agencies in Queens, New York. Kevin shares his journey from a life underwriter trainee to agency ownership, emphasizing the importance of digital innovation, community involvement, and mentoring. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running multiple agencies, the role of technology in modernizing operations, and the significance of community and networking in achieving success. Kevin also talks about his podcast 'Wind Down with Kev,' where he connects with insurance agents across the U.S. Tune in for valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the insurance industry and learn how Kevin leverages technology and community engagement to stay ahead.
Connected Conversations in Insurance: Embracing Technology and Marketing StrategiesJoin Nick Berry and Heath Shearon, the 'Mayor of Insurance Town,' in this insightful episode of Connected Conversations and Insurance. They discuss the apprehensions of insurance agents towards technology, the evolution and current trends in InsureTech and marketing, and the importance of understanding what technology fits best for your agency.
From marketing on legacy media, direct mailers, to optimizing digital presence through websites and social media, this episode covers various strategies that have proven success. They also touch upon the significance of attending industry conferences and events, sharing personal anecdotes and professional advice. Stay tuned for practical tips and relatable experiences from two industry insiders.
Discovering Passion Through Insurance and Gardening: A Conversation with Michael Overstreet | Connected ConversationsIn this episode of Connected Conversations and Insurance, host Nick Berry talks with Michael Overstreet, the CMO of Heritage Insurance Agency and creator of the 'gardening nerd' YouTube channel. Michael shares his unique journey into insurance, his transition to a CMO role, and the importance of creating engaging content. He emphasizes the significance of having a personality in marketing and how his passion for gardening has enhanced his insurance business. Discover how Michael has successfully integrated his hobbies into his professional life, creating a crossover that enhances both his personal brand and his business reach.Follow MichaelInstagram: the_garden_nerdYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGardenNerdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdoverstreetCanopy Connect: https://www.usecanopy.com/agencies
How Mastering Niches and Content Marketing Can Transform Your Insurance AgencyIn this episode of Connected Conversations and Insurance, host Nick Berry interviews Ron Wadley, founder of Insurance for Texans, about his insurance agency's transformation and success. Ron explains how his agency shifted from primarily personal lines to a dominant commercial line focus, revealing the strategies and decisions that led to this change. The discussion delves into the importance of selecting a niche, such as church and educational opportunities, and creating targeted content to attract and retain clients. Ron also shares valuable advice on leveraging technology and maintaining effective marketing efforts. This episode is filled with practical insights for insurance professionals looking to grow their business through specialized services and content marketing.
Boosting Insurance Sales with LeadForce360: An Interview with Founder Kelby Steele
In this episode of Connected Conversations on Insurance, Ray Huang from Canopy Connect sits down with Kelby Steele, founder of LeadForce 360, to discuss efficient lead generation and sales automation for insurance agencies. Kelby shares detailed insights into how LeadForce 360 automates and streamlines the recruiting, sales, and service processes in the insurance industry. He elaborates on the advantages of creating exclusive, non-shared leads and integrating seamlessly with various CRMs like AgencyZoom. Kelby also emphasizes the importance of sales technique and niching down to become an expert in specific fields. Offering free resources, training, and even a trial lead, LeadForce360 aims to transform the way insurance agents handle leads and generate business.
Unlocking SEO and Local Search: Tips for Insurance Agents with Chris LangilleIn this episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance, host Nick Berry sits down with Chris Langille, founder of Advisor Evolved, to discuss the dynamic landscape of SEO and local search for insurance agencies. Chris delves into the complexities of Google's ever-changing algorithms, the impact of AI on organic search results, and the importance of a well-optimized Google Business Profile. He offers actionable advice on the significance of Google reviews, leveraging paid ads, and how insurance agents can stand out locally. Tune in to gain valuable insights that could revolutionize your approach to digital marketing and organic search.Advisor Evolved: https://advisorevolved.com/Canopy Connect: https://www.usecanopy.com/
In this episode, Nick Berry sits down with Austin Moorhead from Lava Automation to discuss the power of virtual assistants (VAs) and remote hiring in the insurance industry. They dive into the challenges agencies face when integrating offshore staff, from workflow creation to hands-on training and communication.
Austin breaks down common misconceptions about VAs and explains how they can handle unlicensed tasks, freeing up licensed agents for more complex work. He shares best practices for onboarding, daily check-ins, and using tools like Tango and Loom to document workflows effectively. The conversation also highlights TurboDial, a new phone system integrated with AgencyZoom accounts, designed to improve remote communication. Austin offers insights into Lava Automation’s hiring process and how they help agencies find the right candidates for their teams.
If you're considering VAs or expanding remote operations, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you get started!
In this episode ofConnected Conversations in Insurance, Nick Berry sits down with Roberto Salinas to explore the transformative role of AI in the insurance industry. Roberto introduces Gail, an AI tool developed by Lula to streamline customer interactions and enhance agency efficiency. Originally built to manage Lula’s high volume of customer calls, Gail is now helping insurance agencies optimize their workflows without replacing human expertise.
Nick and Roberto discuss the real-world impact of AI on customer experience, data management, and operational efficiency. They also tackle the challenges of tech adoption in insurance and why it’s crucial to focus on solving problems rather than just implementing solutions.
From automating routine tasks to enabling personalized customer interactions and targeted advertising, this episode dives deep into how AI is shaping the future of insurance.
- How AI can free up agents for high-value tasks
- Overcoming resistance to tech adoption in insurance
- The future of AI-powered customer interactions
If you're curious about the role AI can play in your agency, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
How to Supercharge Your Insurance Lead Gen with Contests | CJ Hutsenpiller
In this episode, Nick sits down with CJ Hutsenpiller, a second-generation insurance agency owner, to discuss a game-changing lead generation strategy: using contests!
If you’re tired of low-quality leads from vendors and want a more effective way to build your client base, this is the episode for you.CJ shares why contests work wonders for lead generation, how to structure your own contest, and the key to promoting it for maximum results. We’ll dive into the numbers behind his strategy and why even “no” responses aren’t wasted. Plus, get CJ’s top tips for following up and converting contest entrants into customers.
Key Takeaways:
- Why traditional lead generation methods may be failing you
- How contests can generate high-quality leads and engage your community
- Simple steps to run your own contest
- The importance of follow-up and nurturing leads for future sales
Ready to take your lead generation to the next level? Tune in for all the details on how contests can work for you!
Podcasting for Impact – Insights from James Jenkins
In this episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance, we sit down with James Jenkins, host of the Agency Freedom Podcast and founder of RiskWell Insurance, to discuss his journey into podcasting and the strategies that have made him successful. James shares how he initially resisted starting a podcast but ultimately found it to be a powerful platform for sharing his transition from captive to independent agent—and beyond.
James dives into the key elements of a successful podcast, including defining your audience, tailoring content, and distinguishing between industry-focused and hyperlocal podcasts. He explains how hyperlocal podcasts, like hisMcKinney Podcast, can create meaningful connections within a community, even if growth is slower.
From pre-planning content and booking guests to setting up efficient systems, James offers practical advice for anyone looking to launch a podcast—whether to engage industry peers or build local relationships. If you’ve ever considered starting a podcast, this episode is packed with insights on making it both impactful and sustainable.
🎙️ Trailer: Connected Conversations in Insurance 🎙️
Get ready for Connected Conversations in Insurance—the podcast where insurtech meets industry leaders to spark real change!
Join hosts Ray Huang and Nick Berry as they sit down with some of the sharpest minds in insurance, including Austin Moorhead, C.J. Hutsenpiller, Ron Wadley, and James Jenkins. From agency innovators to insurtech disruptors, these conversations dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and game-changing ideas shaping the future of insurance.
New episodes drop every Tuesday, starting next week—so hit subscribe and don’t miss a single conversation that’s shaping the industry. 🔥 #ConnectedConversations #Insurtech #InsuranceInnovation