Chuck shares with Dave about his long career with Safeco Insurance Company and Liberty Mutual Insurance and how he started the Customers for Life workshop program. Now that he has retired from Safeco, Chuck has authored his book "The Remarkable Insurance Agency" and explains how 11 successful independent agencies took their business to the next level.
Episode Highlights:
Chuck shares his experience of starting as an independent agent, starting from scratch, and building his agency through face-to-face marketing and prospecting. (3:56)
Chuck explains that independent agents offer choice, knowledge, and personal relationships, making them a better option than exclusive agents, but they can improve by showing more personality, getting involved in the community, and demonstrating their care for clients to increase market share. (17:57)
Chuck discusses the importance of retention in the insurance industry and how it can significantly impact revenue. (32:57)
Chuck mentions that his book: The Remarkable Insurance Agency, covers the importance of proactive and personalized outbound communication to engage clients and build relationships. (41:59)
Chuck explains the importance of not criticizing and instead focusing on taking action to improve your agency's market share by implementing basic strategies like staff bios, regular communications, and social media presence, while also tracking and evaluating the effectiveness of these efforts. (47:13)
Key Quote:
“I am hugely bullish on the future of the independent agent channel…They offer choice, they offer great knowledge, they offer wonderful advice, and they’re local which means I can have a relationship with them.” - Chuck Blondino
Resources Mentioned:
Chuck Blondino LinkedIn
Reach out to Dave Jackson
