What mindset and actions do you think are most important when launching an agency from the ground up?   Mike McDaniel, owner of McDaniel Insurance Agency, began from a kitchen table with a single phone and family support led him toward a multi-million-dollar agency serving thousands today.  Longevity, authenticity, and a deep commitment to service play pivotal roles in developing a reputation strong enough that most new clients arrive through word-of-mouth referrals and personal recommendations rather than just traditional marketing methods.   Don’t overlook the power of asking for referrals, tracking how clients discover your agency, and leveraging automation and modern website tools to streamline lead capture—while continuing to deliver a personal touch. Hiring staff who complement strengths and investing in community involvement sets agencies apart in competitive markets, while maintaining a healthy balance between hard work and personal fulfillment ensures sustainability and genuine enjoyment of agency ownership.  Overcoming Challenges in Insurance: Carrier Access, Referrals, and Building a Trusted Brand  (00:06:42) In the Weeds and Hustling Hard from Scratch  (00:17:28) Building a Referral Pipeline Beyond Incentives  (00:24:13) Challenges of Staying Competitive  (00:27:40) Unexpected Satellite Office Expansion  (00:38:14) Work-Life Balance: Agency Ownership Plus Fitness and Family  (00:43:11) Prayer, Ministry, and Insurance  “What I mean by visible is, I take a lot of my commercial policies, instead of mailing them, I take them and hand them to people. Sometimes they say, how in the world can you do that being an eight-million-dollar agency? Well, believe this or not, I get up at 5 o' clock every morning, I'm here at my office by 6 o' clock every morning, and I work to sometimes 6 and 7 at night, you know, and some people may not want to hear that." - Mike McDaniel  Building a People-First Insurance Agency: Lessons From a 27-Year Journey  The real definition of success for an independent insurance agency—and why reputation matters more than size.  The biggest challenges new agency owners face (like finding carriers and getting customers) and how to overcome them.  The role of genuine relationships, referrals, and customer service in driving long-term, sustainable growth.  Why work-life balance, faith, and loving what you do are just as important as traditional business strategies.  Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware  Connect with Mike McDaniel:   Email: mike@mcdanielinsuranceagency.com  McDaniel Insurance Agency: https://www.mcdanielinsuranceagency.com/ 

Curious if you should go 100% remote or have physical locations?  Unsure how much emphasis should be put on Google reviews and staff training?   Reputation management, the impact of physical locations on agency credibility and visibility, and the broad skill set (and constant improvement of those skills) required of agency owners are all pillars of discussion on today’s episode.  (00:28:00) "I think now people have to, when they start out, I believe they've got to invest some money in marketing for the long run. I think if you just sit tight for too long and then don't invest any money in growth, then that's what you're going to get. You're not going to get any growth." - Eddie Price  Alex Hernandez has been in the insurance business for 45 years and is now the owner of 3 locations of “The Insurance Shop” in Texas. He highlights the importance of his local presence through brick-and-mortar locations for his insurance agency offices, citing that his customers prefer face-to-face interactions.   The Power of Agent Training and Face-to-Face Interactions  Being an agency owner requires a diverse skill set encompassing insurance knowledge, marketing, hiring, training, and customer interaction. Eddie and Alex discuss the importance of having a wide range of skills to succeed in the insurance business, including not just insurance knowledge but also business management, marketing, and employee training.  Both agree that running multiple locations can be beneficial for growth, but it comes with challenges such as staffing and maintaining consistency. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of being an agency owner and the skills required to navigate the industry successfully.  Tap Into the Growth Potential for Your Insurance Agency  (00:00:02) Face-to-Face Interactions in Insurance Agency Growth  (00:10:00) Strategic Growth through Local Establishments and Presence  (00:16:33) Enhancing Online Presence Through Google Reviews  (00:20:17) Comprehensive Training for Insurance Agency Success  (00:21:22) Navigating the Complexities of Agency Ownership  (00:25:02) Shift from Instant to Long-Term Insurance Marketing  Business Strategy & Takeaways for Insurance Agency Owners:   Despite the trend toward 100% remote operations, physical locations enhance your local presence and can bolster your agency’s reputation and attract clients  Google reviews can make a big impact on your agency’s credibility and viability, so focus on providing excellent customer service to encourage positive reviews and manage your online reputation effectively.  Whether you’re starting a new agency or expanding an existing one, prioritize training for yourself and your team. Consider starting with a captive agency for structured training programs that cover both insurance knowledge and business operations.  Being a successful agency owner requires a diverse skillset beyond insurance expertise, so as you focus on improving your skills in marketing, business management, employee management, and training others, your likelihood of long-term success and growth improves.  Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware  Connect with Alex Hernandez:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hernandez-3ab57759/  The Insurance Shop: https://insuranceshoptx.com/   

Sales and marketing strategies are the bread and butter of any successful business. Without a solid plan in place, your products or services may struggle to reach your target audience.  Building relationships during sales calls, being genuine, and having a passion for the product are critical for success. Over the past nine years, Jenesis Software has experienced substantial growth, with increased sales, team members, and services, driven by an emphasis on genuine customer engagement and effective sales strategies, thanks to Jenna Kleiber, Christy Alaimo, and Joe Gauger.  Improving Sales Processes to Build Strong Client (and Potential Client) Relationships  Prioritize genuine conviction in the product being sold  Focus on problem-solving and helping customers rather than chasing monetary gains  Maintain team connectivity and accessibility for a supportive sales environment  Build relationships during sales calls to enjoy the process  Be genuine and authentic when engaging with customers in a sales role  Celebrate sales success and goal achievement to boost morale  Have conviction in the product being sold and provide good service for successful outcomes    Listen in to learn their advice to guide your team to increase sales and build your customer list. Balancing sales calls and account management tasks requires a blend of responsibilities, such as handling emails, managing accounts, and conducting demos to engage potential clients.  Mastering the Art of Sales Calls and Follow-Up  (00:11:26) Strategies for Juggling Sales and Account Management  (00:15:18) Prioritizing Genuine Conviction in Sales Practices  (00:20:37) Building relationships for successful software sales calls  (00:23:32) Passion and Conviction in Sales Process  (00:30:32) Fulfillment and Motivation through Sales Success  (00:32:15) Exponential Expansion and Service Diversification  (00:42:26) Authenticity Over Profit: Selling with Conviction    Want to cut to the chase? Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of honesty, transparency, and treating clients how you would want to be treated. Building genuine relationships, focusing on problem-solving rather than just chasing profits, and creating wow moments during demos are crucial for success. Agency owners can benefit from prioritizing client needs, maintaining a genuine passion for their product or service, and staying focused on day-to-day tasks while also keeping an eye on strategic growth opportunities.    Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware     

If you’ve been wondering how to integrate your faith into every aspect of life, especially in the realm of agency management, this episode is for you! The C12 organization is a unique blend of business acumen and faith-based principles, creating a space where leaders can come together to support and challenge each other. Eddie has been a member for a few years and reveals personal and professional “wins” because of the fellowship.  "Your prayer life is a real reflection as to how much you really believe you're good and you don't need God." - Doug Fincannon    Business Growth and Stewardship Community Networking  (00:09:09) Integrating Discipleship Values for Business Success  (00:12:30) Collaborative Business Growth through C12 Meetings  (00:26:23) Faith-Based Monthly Business and Ministry Learning  (00:30:01) 360 Insightful Assessment for Personal and Professional Growth  (00:33:07) The Divine Purpose of Human Work  (00:36:53) Transforming Work Through Spiritual Passion  (00:42:00) Personal Growth through C12 Experiences    Serving Others: Fulfilling God's Purposes Through Business Practices  Doug Fincannon views discipleship as the cornerstone of C12, believing that integrating one's Christian faith into all aspects of life, including business, is essential. As a C12 chair, Doug facilitates peer advisory groups that prioritize transparency, vulnerability, and a selfless attitude, allowing members to collectively learn and grow. His approach underscores the importance of running businesses with intentionality and purpose, fostering a community where professional and personal development go hand in hand, all while serving others and fulfilling a greater mission.  Business Strategy & Takeaways for Insurance Agency Owners:  Integrating faith into business practices can lead to personal and business growth.  Joining a peer advisory group like C12 can provide a platform for sharing experiences and seeking advice from like-minded individuals.  C12's curriculum combines devotional and business education, fostering a faith-based approach to business management and personal development.  Utilizing tools like the 360 feedback process can provide insights into both professional and personal aspects of life, promoting a balanced and purpose-driven existence.  Emphasizing the integration of faith and work can help business owners understand that work should serve others and fulfill God's purposes.  Community support and resources from organizations like C12 can be valuable for business owners seeking to align their business practices with their faith.    Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware      Connect with Doug Fincannon:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-fincannon-65229214/    C-12: https://www.joinc12.com/   

Noting today’s hardened insurance market and contrasting it with the number of new, younger agency owners finding success, this episode highlights the weight carried by a family name and reputation, the power of acquiring other businesses over time, and the importance of building a network. Most of all, however, this week’s guest touts the importance of family and personal time above all.     "Without the work-life balance, all the rest of it means nothing." - Todd Johnson    Every insurance agency owner has to navigate the complexities of insurance markets, increased deductibles, reduced coverage, and rising premiums. Beyond that, Todd says the greatest challenge is finding and retaining great employees whose values align with your agency’s goals and the reputation you intend to build (which he’s been successful at).   It's no secret that the insurance industry is highly competitive, with companies constantly vying for market share and customer loyalty. To stay ahead in this environment, one must be prepared to adapt, innovate, and constantly strive for excellence.    Time Well Spent: Carrying Your Family Name and Business Reputation  (00:08:57) Building a Family Business and Upholding Reputation  (00:22:17) Impact of Hardening Insurance Markets  (00:25:09) Thriving Amid Insurance Industry's Competitive Landscape  (00:30:03) Johnson's Political Career Highlights  (00:33:09) Helpful Association & Group Memberships      Building a Family-Centered Business in the Insurance Industry  Todd Johnson, Owner of Johnson Insurance in North Carolina, built his insurance agency from scratch, thanks to his father’s guidance and the acquisition of agencies along his 25-year career. You’ll find value in his perspective on achieving work-life balance and building a cohesive team that shares common values and mindset. Johnson attributes much of his success to a commitment to technological advancement, a principle passed down from his father, which has been pivotal in enhancing the growth and efficiency of his agencies.          Business Strategy & Takeaways for Insurance Agency Owners:  Starting any business from scratch is tough. Accept guidance and advice from those who have already done it and remain open to acquisition opportunities to get “over the hump.”  Blocking your calendar (and respecting those calendar blocks) for personal, spiritual, and family time is a useful strategy to ensure all of your energy isn’t consumed by the agency.  Hiring and retaining team members that share your values and align with the agency’s goals is top priority when building a business.  Pursue opportunities to learn from others – associations, conferences, networking, and even political affiliations or memberships can provide connections, help you implement best practices, and ensure your drive for innovation.   One of the best ways to keep your finger on the pulse of industry-related legislation is to get active in your local community and government.       Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware      Connect with Todd Johnson & Johnson Insurance:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-johnson-96827138/  Johnson Insurance: https://johnsoninsurance.org/  Email Todd: todd@johnsoninsurance.org  North Carolina’s Senator of the 35th District email: todd.johnson@ncleg.gov      Video editing & podcast management by www.podcastabundance.com

Does your agency's growth strategy focus on expanding its physical presence through acquiring new locations and team members?   Miles Butler of Able Insurance Agency highlights the advantages of multiple locations, including improved accessibility for clients, more opportunities for customer service, and enhanced online visibility through local SEO.     Able Insurance’s Journey Through the Generations:   (00:10:37) Enhancing Accessibility Through Local Agency Office Locations  (00:13:18) Ensuring Reliable Team Members Across Multiple Offices  (00:18:09) Specialized Staffing and Carrier Acquisition Challenges  (00:21:09) Dynamic Marketing Investments for Insurance Agencies  (00:28:57) Enhancing Customer Experience Through Technology Adoption  (00:38:00) Ethical Customer Relationships in Insurance Industry  (00:38:30) Ethical Customer-Centric Business Strategies    Overcoming Obstacles in the Insurance Industry: Team, Carriers, and Communication  Although Miles has been working and growing the business full-time over the past 10 years, he credits his grandfather and father for establishing a strong initial footprint for the family business. With multiple locations, several brand names beginning with “A”, and a book worth $35MM in premium, he says attracting qualified team members, securing the right carriers, and maintaining effective communication, particularly in coastal areas with unique insurance needs are ongoing challenges.   Able Insurance’s marketing strategies are diverse, combining traditional advertising with SEO efforts, and Miles advises patience and consistent investment over a long period of time before evaluating whether one tactic is working or not.  The agency remains committed to a customer-centric approach, prioritizing long-term relationships and moral integrity over short-term gains, and leveraging technology to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.  "You have to meet them where they are. You have to understand their needs. Their ability to pay or not to pay is not something that the majority of people are making that conscious decision. They're out there doing their best." - Miles Butler    Advice & Strategy For Insurance Agency Owners:  Additional locations provide an improved local presence and more opportunities for customer service  Maintain reliable team members in each office to handle unexpected emergencies  Invest in marketing strategies like billboards and online advertising for effective lead generation, they all work cohesively to establish your agency as top-of-mind  Leverage technology to streamline processes and enhance customer experience  Prioritize customer satisfaction and retention over short-term gains  Reject policies that do not align with the customer's best interests to maintain moral integrity  Build trust and positive relationships with customers by treating them with empathy and respect        Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware      Connect with Miles Butler of Able & Atlantic Coast Insurance Agencies:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miles-butler-379038206/  Atlantic Coast Insurance Agency: https://atlanticcoastautonc.com/  Able Insurance Agency: https://ableautoinsurance.com/        Video editing & podcast management by www.podcastabundance.com

While rapid growth may seem appealing, slow and steady business growth often leads to long-term success. By focusing on sustainable growth strategies, businesses can build a strong foundation, establish a loyal customer base, and weather economic downturns more effectively. That’s exactly how Deirdre Rushin has methodically grown Imperial Insurance and Financial Solutions of Durham, NC.     Imperial Insurance’s Evolution & Growth Blueprint:   (00:02:48) Remote-Driven Evolution in Insurance Business  (00:08:06) Relationship-Based Expansion Marketing Approach  (00:12:29) Team Alignment in Business Scaling Challenges  (00:16:28) Sustainable Growth Through Methodical Progress  (00:24:03) Referral-Based Business Growth through Strategic Partnerships  (00:33:14) Narrowing Business Focus for Strategic Growth    From Monoline to Multifaceted: The Path to Sustainable Insurance Agency Expansion  Deirdre Rushin founded the company in 2018 with a focus on monoline home and auto insurance. From buying a book of business (life insurance) and working to serve those clients in other areas, she successfully expanded into the commercial insurance sector, offering Workers’ Comp., Group Health, General Liability, Commercial Auto, and International Business Insurance.   She’s used Jenesis Software as her agency management system from the start. Having implemented it back in 2016 at her then day-job, she knew it was the perfect fit for her own agency.  Book your Demo of Jenesis Software today.  In 2022, Deirdre transitioned her agency to a fully remote operation, adapting to the post-Covid way of doing business. This allowed for reduced overhead costs and increased flexibility in servicing her clients. With a firm belief in the importance of a strong support system and a methodical approach to growth, she continues to leverage her prior experience and digital platforms to maintain client relationships and drive success in the ever-evolving insurance industry.  "If I had to give advice, I would start by saying that it's so important to have a support system, first of all, because it's rough starting any business from scratch, be it insurance or grocery store or a hair salon." - Deirdre Rushin    Business Strategy & Takeaways for Insurance Agency Owners:   Transitioning to a 100% remote work model saved on overhead costs and increased flexibility  Focus on leveraging existing relationships, referrals, and partnerships to generate clients without traditional marketing campaigns  Ensure team members align with the agency's goals to scale the business effectively  Prioritize slow and steady growth at a rate of 10-15% annually for long-term success  She’s primarily relied on referrals and building relationships to acquire clients instead of traditional marketing methods  Maximize time and profits by focusing on a specific area of business     Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/  The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753  Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/  Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware      Connect with Deirdre Rushin and Imperial Insurance and Financial Solutions:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdre-rushin-9b2a1325/  Imperial Insurance: https://imperial-ins.com/      Video editing & podcast management by www.podcastabundance.com

Want to grow your insurance agency, streamline operations, and scale with confidence? Host, Eddie Price—founder of Jenesis Software and agency owner for 30+ years—shares real strategies from top agency owners and industry pros to help you build a business you love. Ready to simplify your systems? Visit jenesissoftware.com to book a demo.