Description

Host: John Thompson

Guest: Madison Gilmartin

In this episode of Nurturing Success, John Thompson welcomes Madison Gilmartin of Goosehead Insurance to discuss the evolving landscape of home and auto insurance, particularly in California. Madison shares her journey from high-pressure medical device sales to building a thriving family-run insurance agency. They unpack the challenges of entering the market during wildfires, the rise of non-admitted carriers, and why education, empathy, and proactive service are essential to helping clients protect what matters most.

Madison also shares her approach to team building, the value of working with family, and how old-school tactics like office walk-ins are making a comeback.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• How Madison transitioned from surgical sales to independent insurance

• What's really happening with California's turbulent home insurance market

• The difference between admitted vs. non-admitted insurance carriers

• Why the Fair Plan may not be the "safe backup" many assume it is

• The role of reinsurance and what it means for policyholders

• Tips for working with family—and building a successful partnership

• Madison's step-by-step onboarding process for homebuyers and clients

• Why cold-calling and in-person visits are underrated in a digital world

• The power of kindness and patience in business

⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] John welcomes Madison and asks what she's grateful for in the new year
[01:30] Madison's background: from medical device sales to family insurance
[03:00] Lessons learned from high-stress environments—staying calm under pressure
[04:30] What property and casualty insurance really means and covers
[05:00] California's changing insurance landscape and wildfire impact
[06:30] What are non-admitted carriers—and why they matter in high-risk zones
[08:30] Risks and realities of the California Fair Plan
[09:30] Understanding reinsurance and how it protects consumers
[11:30] Working with family: building a business with her father and future plans
[13:00] Advice for financial pros considering hiring family members
[14:30] How Goosehead's national service model supports local agents
[15:00] Madison's client experience workflow—from discovery to close
[17:00] Old-school meets new: cold-calling and in-person networking
[18:30] Finding connection through family, law enforcement, and shared values
[19:30] AI in business: using ChatGPT to improve communication and creativity
[21:00] Madison's approach to liability management and client protection
[22:30] Why insurance must be part of the broader financial planning team
[23:30] Final thought: Kindness and patience in business and life

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Goosehead Insurance – Madison's independent insurance agency

• California Fair Plan – Last resort insurance option for high-risk areas

• Reinsurance – The safety net behind insurance carriers

• ChatGPT – Madison's go-to AI tool for business productivity

Connect with Us:
Please reach out to Madison with any questions or feedback. Contact with Madison here

Follow us on social media for the latest updates and additional insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Nurturing Success for more insights from industry leaders. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore successful financial strategies and practices. If you're interested in being our next guest, please reach out to jack@smplmortgage.com to schedule a time.