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Michael Jans

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The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastAI, Socks, and the Strategy Shift: 7 Questions Every Agency Must Answer NowWhat do a pair of socks, a red envelope, and artificial intelligence have in common? In this refreshingly candid episode, Michael Jans returns from vacation with bold clarity and delivers a straight-shooting message to independent agency leaders: AI is here. And if you don’t have a strategy, you’re already behind. From stories that date back to Agency Revolution’s early days to real-time warnings about cold outreach without credibility, Michael breaks down the 7 essential questions every insurance agency must answer before plugging AI into their business. If you want to scale smarte...
2026-02-1928 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastWhen the Front Door Moved: AI Enters Insurance DistributionLast week, something happened in insurance that many independent agencies will underestimate. Insurance quoting functionality appeared inside ChatGPT. Within one trading session, major publicly traded brokerages saw billions in market capitalization erased — not because earnings changed, but because the interface moved. This episode is not about AI writing emails or summarizing coverage forms. It is about distribution risk. In this briefing, Michael Jans breaks down: Why public brokerage stocks reacted immediately What it means when AI enters the discovery and quoting layer The rise of agentic AI and st...
2026-02-1815 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast44 Out of 45: How AI Is Rewiring the Insurance BrokerageAI isn’t coming — it’s already transforming insurance brokerages from the inside out. In this episode, Michael Jans sits down with Canadian insurance veteran and IBAC advisor Tom Reid, who shares what he’s uncovered after mapping 45 core brokerage workflows... and discovering AI can revolutionize 44 of them. 🔍 You’ll hear: – How quoting time dropped from 30 minutes to just 5 – Why 80% of agency phone calls are non-revenue-generating – What Canadian brokerages are testing right now – How AI could soon replace SEO as the primary way clients find you This is the strateg...
2026-02-1114 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastAgency 2030: How AI Will Reshape EverythingAgency 2030: How AI Will Reshape Everything 🎙️ with Michael Jans & Chris Tamm (AI Strategist + Former Agency Principal) What happens when AI goes beyond blog posts and into the beating heart of your insurance agency? In this eye-opening episode, Michael sits down with Chris—a 7x founder, agency veteran, and global AI implementation strategist—to unpack what really lies ahead for independent agencies. 🔥 Inside this episode: The 3 levels of transformation: Individual, Team, Organization Why waiting until 2028 is a dangerous trap What Microsoft’s CEO just predicted about SaaS (and why it matters) Real-world age...
2026-01-2150 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe End of Policy Renewal Sticker Shock? Inside Eventual’s 3-Year Premium LockHomeowners insurance is no longer “inflation + a little.” In many states it’s become volatile, uneven, and emotionally exhausting for consumers—and operationally painful for agents trying to retain clients through renewal shocks. In this episode, Michael sits down with Dylan DiMarchi, CEO of Eventual (the company behind Premium Lock), to unpack a simple but potentially disruptive idea: multi-year premium predictability. “Insurance pricing actually was more volatile than any other period in human history.” In this conversation, we cover: The real-world problem: why homeowners are burned out on surprise renewals How Premium Lock works (a supplement...
2025-12-1739 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe Wild Growth Story of a Tiny Oregon Agency Dominating 20+ StatesHow do you turn a tiny, rural, PC-10 agency into a multi-niche growth machine that closes six-figure accounts without traditional producers? In this episode, Michael Jans sits down with Cheri Martinen, Managing Partner of Bancorp Insurance, to unpack how her family’s small Oregon agency has grown 6–7x while being surrounded by national forest on three sides. You’ll hear how Cheri’s parents: Started by cross-selling their existing book Stumbled into their first contractor niche Then built out a portfolio of highly profitable specialties—from wildland firefighters to special water districts and Medicare Today, B...
2025-12-1148 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastAI Isn’t Tomorrow—It Was Yesterday: Proof from Klarna, Netflix, Aviva & MoreIn this episode, Michael pulls back the curtain on what AI actually did in 2025—far away from the hype, and deep in the real numbers. While most of the insurance world is still “thinking about AI,” other industries are already cashing in: A global fintech using AI to replace the work of ~700 people in 35 languages A major carrier cutting claim cycle times by weeks and slashing complaints by 65% A wealth management giant adding tens of billions in new assets with AI-assisted advisors Streaming, retail, and coffee brands using AI to quietly reduce churn and boost revenue This...
2025-12-1008 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow Gaya’s “Super Copy/Paste” AI Slashes Quote Time for Insurance AgenciesStill retyping the same client data into five different carrier portals? In this episode of The AI for IA Podcast, Michael talks with Carl, founder of Gaya, the browser-based tool built specifically for insurance agencies. Gaya sits on top of the systems you already use and turns painful, repetitive data entry into a few clicks. Instead of spending 10–15 minutes keying information into each carrier portal, agencies using Gaya often get it down to 4–5 minutes per carrier — without a single API integration. With Gaya, agencies can: Extract data from PDFs, images, AMS systems, and carrier portal...
2025-12-0211 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe Life Insurance Advantage: How Trae White Built a Retention Engine Inside His P&C AgencyMost P&C agencies want stronger retention, deeper client loyalty, and higher revenue per client — but overlook the one conversation that delivers all three. In this episode, Michael Jans talks with Trae White, multi-acquisition P&C agency principal whose agency was recognized as Top 10 nationally in life insurance performance, to break down the simple culture and system behind his success. Trae reveals how he built a life-insurance pipeline inside a P&C agency, why he believes discussing life coverage is a moral obligation, and how these deeper conversations create durable, long-term relationships that strengthen the entire book....
2025-11-2628 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastAI Reality Check: What Independent Agencies Must Do NowFeaturing Dale Steinke, Director at Agent for the Future Advisors, Liberty Mutual Insurance AI isn’t coming to independent agencies—it’s already inside them. In this fast, high-signal conversation, Michael Jans sits down with longtime industry friend Dale Steinke of Liberty to break down what agency owners are really feeling about AI today: the excitement, the confusion, the overwhelm, and the massive opportunity hiding in plain sight. Dale shares what he sees across hundreds of agencies: why most principals underestimate how much AI their teams are already using, the tools that are quietly reshaping daily...
2025-11-2511 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastFrom Zero to 5,700 Households: How One Agent Built a Relentless Marketing MachineIn this episode, Michael Jans sits down with South Florida agency owner Matt Livings, who grew his agency from absolutely nothing to more than 5,700 households—in one of the toughest, most volatile markets in the country. Matt reveals the simple but powerful systems he’s used for two decades, including: His 24,000-postcards-a-month direct mail engine The niche strategy that built his affluent book (hint: boats) Why he stopped selling policies 15 years ago—and grew faster How hurricane claims turned him into a local hero The referral playbook that keeps the pipeline full Carrier contingency tactics that added...
2025-11-2054 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe 7-Minute Insurance Industry Intelligence Briefing (6 Trends Every Agency Owner Must Know Now)In this fast, insight-packed 7-minute briefing, Michael Jans breaks down six forces reshaping the independent insurance agency world right now — from AI acceleration to PE consolidation, social inflation, compliance pressure, ENS growth, and the widening growth gap between digital agencies and everyone else. In this episode you’ll discover: ✅ Why InsurTech funding surged in October and what it means for Main Street agencies ✅ How private equity now controls 72% of all M&A — and what that means for valuation ✅ The new wave of social inflation driving casualty costs through the roof ✅ Why 21 s...
2025-11-1306 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe Agencies That Will Thrive, Survive, or Dive in the Age of AIArtificial Intelligence isn’t another wave—it’s a tsunami. In this episode, Michael Jans breaks down how AI will separate the winners from the walking dead in the independent agency world. From the Niche Master who dominates their vertical… to the Complexity Specialist who thrives on sophisticated risks… to the Platform Powerhouse scaling like Geico on steroids—Michael reveals the six types of agencies that will define the next decade. You’ll learn: ✅ Why strategy means “thriving in the world as it is” ✅ What separates the green zone agencies from the red zone wreckage
2025-11-1242 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast20% More Policies in 4 Weeks: AI Agents for Agencies🎙️ How AI Agents Are Revolutionizing Insurance with Terry Walby of Open Dialog In this episode, Michael sits down with Terry Walby, co-founder and CEO of Open Dialog, to explore how AI agents are transforming the insurance industry—far beyond the limitations of chatbots. Terry breaks down the real-world impact of AI agents on improving quote conversions, reducing friction in online policy applications, and even predicting buyer behavior. With Open Dialog’s footprint now extending from the UK to the U.S. (and soon, Canada), this conversation is a must-listen for insurance leaders looking to stay ahead.
2025-11-1116 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast6 Industry Shifts Every Insurance Agency Leader Must Track in 2025The independent agency channel is changing fast—and the firms that see the shifts early will take the lead. In this episode, Michael Jans breaks down six critical developments reshaping growth, profitability, risk, client expectations, and agency valuation in the next 6–18 months. You’ll hear what the data actually says about AI adoption, why cyber insurance growth is both a financial and ethical imperative, how top agencies are driving organic growth even in tough markets, and the new frontier of AI-driven claims fraud. If you’re an agency principal, marketing leader, or someone responsi...
2025-11-0705 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast5-Step AI Playbook to Future-Proof Your AgencyThere’s a trillion-dollar wave of capital chasing AI in insurance. The question is — will your agency ride it or get rolled by it? In this episode, Michael Jans lays out the 5-Step AI Playbook for Insurance Agencies: Know – What’s real and what’s noise Grow – Where AI actually drives revenue Integrate – How to blend humans + automation Buy – Smart investment decisions in tech Scale – Building a system that compounds Straight talk. No hype. Just a clear path from overwhelm to opportunity. Subscribe, listen, and get your agency ready for the AI age.
2025-11-0648 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe AI Compliance Trap: What Independent Agencies Must Know NowAI is accelerating faster than any technology in history — doubling in power every four to seven months. What does that mean for the independent insurance agency system? Michael Jans sits down with Marc Lanzkowsky, founder of Lanzko AI and 30-year veteran of the insurance world — attorney, carrier exec, and IT innovator — to explore how AI is reshaping compliance, claims, and operations. You’ll hear: The biggest AI compliance traps agencies are walking into right now Why “free” AI tools might expose your client data to model training What smart agencies are doing to integrate AI safely an...
2025-11-0514 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastFrom Frustration to AI Innovation: How One Agent Built the Tool the Industry NeededWhen you’ve spent decades inside the independent agency system, you know the pain of underwriting chaos — juggling dozens of carriers, appetites, and rules that never seem to match up. That frustration drove Trace Meek, a third-generation agency owner, to build something extraordinary: Ask Fetch — an AI-powered underwriting and quoting platform that cuts hours of manual work down to under 90 seconds. In this episode, Trace shares: How he turned a daily headache into a nationwide insurtech. The “21x MIT Rule” that proves speed wins every time. Why 400,000 industry veterans leaving the business will make AI essenti...
2025-10-2807 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe 7-Minute Insurance Bulletin with Michael JansOnce a week, Michael Jans — founder of the Society of Insura-Preneurs and one of the most trusted voices in insurance marketing — drops into your world for seven focused minutes of high-impact insight. Each episode packs six real-time bulletins on the forces shaping our industry: carrier performance, underwriting trends, tech disruption, and what it all means for your agency’s growth. From profit margins to AI breakthroughs, you’ll get the data, context, and strategic edge to stay informed, stay sharp, and stay ahead. 🎙️ Subscribe now and make seven minutes the most profitable part of your week.
2025-10-2305 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastMarketing in the Messy Middle — How to Win the Modern Buyer (and Grow Your Agency Faster)The buyer’s journey isn’t a funnel anymore — it’s chaos. Google calls it the Messy Middle… and they’ve got the data to prove it. In this episode, Michael Jans breaks down Google’s landmark behavioral-science study Decoding Decisions — and shows independent insurance agencies how to use the six psychological biases that actually drive buying behavior: ✅ Social Proof ✅ Authority ✅ Scarcity ✅ Power of Now ✅ Power of Free ✅ Category Heuristics You’ll learn how to stack these triggers, eliminate friction, and meet buyers where they loop — on LinkedIn...
2025-10-2240 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe One Question That Saves You from Bad AI Decisions — with Frank SentnerIn this 10-minute episode, Michael Jans sits down with tech pioneer Frank Sentner, who’s been building technology for the insurance industry since 1976 — long before most agents knew what a modem was. Together they trace the path from the first digital ACORD forms to modern-day AI. You’ll hear: Why “Bad Data. Bad AI.” is the new truth every agency must face Real-world examples of AI that augment people — not replace them The single smartest question to ask before buying any AI tool If you’ve ever wondered how to separate the gold from the garbage in tod...
2025-10-2111 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastSix Bullets in Seven Minutes: Tesla Insurance Trouble, AI Money Flood, and the Margin Shield Most Agents MissedInsurance agency owners don’t have time for fluff — so here’s your seven-minute intelligence briefing from the trenches. This week, Michael Jans fires off six rapid-fire insights you need to know: 🚗 Tesla gets busted (and proves agents are still the smart money 😉) 📉 Commercial lines soften — but not all markets 🤝 Networks gain power — and access is everything 🤖 57% of InsurTech deals now flow to AI-first firms 💰 Carrier investments quietly become the new margin shield ⚡ AI doubles every 4–7 months — and you cannot afford to sit this one out When tech moves this fa...
2025-10-1608 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow Smart Agency Owners Buy AI (Without Getting Burned)Every week, a new AI company shows up promising to revolutionize your agency. Most will vanish before your next renewal cycle. The problem isn’t too few tools — it’s that most agency owners don’t have a system for buying them. In this episode, Michael Jans lays out his 8-Point AI Buyer’s Filter — the same framework he uses to separate the brilliant from the bogus. You’ll learn how to evaluate: Real business fit (not hype) Whether the tech uses the right kind of AI The team’s domain knowledge and credibility Data security an...
2025-10-1538 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastSix Bullets in Seven Minutes: AI, Growth & What Agency Owners Must Know NowIn just seven minutes, Michael Jans cuts through the noise and delivers six powerful bullets every insurance agency owner needs to know right now: slowing premium growth, looming soft market conditions, new AI tools (and red flags), carrier adoption pitfalls, and the single biggest missed play in the industry. If you’ve been wondering how to separate hype from opportunity, this briefing is your shortcut. Get the signal without the noise—then decide how you’ll lead your agency into growth while others stumble.
2025-10-0908 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast5 Proven Strategies to Boost Revenue Per Client (and Valuation)Most agencies underestimate the single biggest lever for growth: revenue per customer. In this episode, Michael Jans reveals why just a $200 bump in average revenue per client compounds into millions of dollars in income, higher retention, richer EBITDA, and premium valuation. You’ll discover: The 5 strategies every agency must execute to raise revenue per client. How multi-policy households can quadruple retention rates. Why “Defensive AI” only saves pennies… while “Offensive AI” creates exponential growth. Plus, Michael shares free resources — including the Client Optimizer Tool and the AI Divide Report — to help you move from wondering and waiting to l...
2025-10-081h 02The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe 6 Signals Shaping Agency Growth, Valuation & AI in 2025Every week, Michael Jans cuts through the noise to deliver six signals that matter for independent agency owners. In this 7-minute briefing: Why slowing premium hikes point to an impending soft market 📉 M&A trends: fewer deals, bigger valuations 💰 California’s wildfire model shift — and what it could mean for the nation 🌲🔥 AI’s overlooked growth power (hint: it’s not cost-cutting) 🤖 Cyber coverage: new capacity, low penetration, big opportunity 🔐 Record profitability… but is it real? 📊 Plus: who got bought this week, and why niches always win. 👉 Subscribe for your weekly dose of growth intelligence — fast, focused, and built for Insura-
2025-10-0207 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe 7 Laws of Influence That Drive Agency GrowthIn this episode, Michael Jans unpacks Robert Cialdini’s timeless Influence and reveals how the 7 principles of persuasion shape every decision your prospects make. From reciprocity to scarcity (and the surprising “eighth” principle of unity), you’ll hear research, stories, and field-tested applications you can put to work immediately in your agency. Discover why some agencies grow in leaps while others drop money on the way to the bank — and how to stop leaving half your growth behind. Plus: a behind-the-scenes look at Michael’s own career breakthroughs and the simple tactics you can steal today.
2025-10-0253 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast7 Minutes of Insurance Power: Profits, Commissions, Cat Losses & AI GovernanceInsurance News Brief with Michael Jans In less than 7 minutes, Michael Jans delivers the week’s must-know news for serious Insura-Preneurs. Underwriting profit triples in 2025. UnitedHealthcare slashes Medicare agent commissions. Global cat losses surge to $80B. AI governance shifts from optional to mandated (24 states onboard). Liability costs continue their relentless climb. M&A activity heats up with World, Duffy, and Everpeak on the move. Short. Timely. Actionable. Stay future-proof in a fast-changing industry.
2025-09-2504 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastRed Flag Alert: 10 AI Mistakes That Put Your Agency at RiskAI is the fastest-adopted technology in history—and it’s splitting the insurance industry in two. Some agencies are systematizing AI to drive growth, while others are dabbling and drifting into danger. In this episode, Michael Jans sounds the alarm on 10 red flags that put your agency at risk—from the “expensive hobby” trap to the compliance catastrophe—and shows how to avoid them. You’ll discover: Why AI can’t just be a side project The 5 elements of an AI governance framework How AI impacts EBITDA, growth, and valuation The difference between efficiency gains and expone...
2025-09-2437 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast7 minutes. The week’s biggest stories. For agency leaders who want the edgeInsurance News Brief with Michael Jans A fast, 7-minute roundup of the biggest stories shaping the insurance industry — delivered straight to independent agency leaders who want to stay sharp without wasting time. In this week’s brief: 📈 Health benefit costs set to climb 6–7% by 2026 💰 Valuations holding nearly 20% above the 10-year average 🤖 1 in 3 agencies already using AI — with principals leading adoption 🧭 Why AI may soon decide product “winners and losers” 🚗 Personal auto shows recovery, but claim severity still bites 📰 This week’s agency acquisitions… Stay informed. Stay competitive. Each Thursday, get the industry brief that helps you move faster, grow s...
2025-09-1800 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow to Install a Growth Ritual in Your AgencyEvery agency owner says they want growth. Few actually ritualize it. In this episode, Michael Jans pulls back the curtain on the simple but powerful “Growth Ritual” that keeps agencies on track month after month. You’ll discover: Why your P&L is a lagging indicator—and what you should track instead. The Rule of 50 (and why it’s the ticket into premium valuation lanes). How to use the Four Tributaries of Income (referrals, retention, revenue per customer, and new customers). The ACOR framework—Attract, Convert, Optimize, Retain—and how to use it as a monthly diag...
2025-09-1752 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastUp-Market, High-Margin, Built to Last: Lessons from Pasadena InsuranceWhen you peel back the layers of most “successful” agencies, you find mediocrity hiding behind luck and inertia. Not here. In this episode, Michael Jans sits down with longtime Mastermind member Frank Karkowsky to reveal the real drivers of a Rule of 50 agency—where growth, margins, and valuation stack up in the top tier of the industry. Here’s what you’ll discover: The deliberate decision to move up-market—and why Pasadena Insurance rejected the “small account ceiling.” How adding benefits and high-value personal lines created handcuffs that lock in retention. The “agency-within-an-agency” approach that turns every department int...
2025-09-1040 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow the Right Niche Can Add 30% to Your Agency’s ValuationIn this episode, Michael Jans reveals the most overlooked growth lever for independent insurance agencies — and why agencies that master this one move consistently grow faster, make more per client, and sell for 15–30% higher multiples. You’ll discover: Why niching down accelerates revenue, retention, and profitability The math behind a 60%+ income difference between two markets Michael’s Bullseye Market Selector — a 10-factor framework for choosing your ideal client profile How your market choice impacts valuation (with real numbers!) Where AI and niche authority intersect to create lasting competitive advantage 📥 Want the Bullseye Market Selector Tool free? Email m...
2025-09-0432 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow to 27X Your Email Results: The Science, the Campaigns, the AI EdgeMost agencies are leaving money on the table—and they don’t even know it. In this episode, Michael Jans reveals the 10 science-backed optimization levers that can take your email results from “meh” to 27X better. You’ll discover: The core campaigns every agency must run to attract, convert, optimize, and retain clients Why “event triggered campaigns” beats manual campaigns by 260% How AI-powered GPTs make “done-for-you marketing” possible The “Social Proof Bomb” that accelerates conversion rates instantly If you’ve ever wondered why some agencies dominate while others stall… this is the episode that answers it. 🎧 Listen now an...
2025-08-281h 05The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe 4 Levels of AI Mastery for Independent Insurance AgenciesAI isn’t coming — it’s here. And for independent insurance agencies, it’s not optional anymore. In this episode, Michael Jans breaks down the 4 Levels of AI Mastery that separate agencies that soar from those that vanish. Inside, you’ll discover: Why “Traditional Tom” will lose to “AI-Enabled Sarah” every time How agencies are using AI to double growth while working fewer hours The simple framework to assess your agency’s AI maturity today Why mastering Advanced Prompt Engineering (APE) is a game-changer What it will take to become an AI-Native Agency in the next 24–36 months Whether you...
2025-08-2145 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast5 Strategies to Boost Revenue per CustomerIn this episode, Michael Jans walks you step-by-delicious-step through 5 powerful ways to dramatically increase revenue per customer—boosting retention, profitability, and ultimately, agency valuation. You’ll learn how to turn service calls into money calls, run account reviews like a business unit, and future-proof your agency against AI-powered competitors. Plus: Michael shares a sneak peek into the tools being built for the AI Growth Academy, including the Email Genius GPT, Website Wizard GPT, and more. If you're serious about growth, this is your playbook. 
2025-08-0648 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastStrategy: The 7 Decisions That Will Shape Your Agency’s FutureIf you’re the principal of an independent insurance agency, there’s one role only you can play: strategist. In this episode, Michael Jans breaks down why strategy—not tactics—is the single most powerful lever for growth, profitability, and ultimate valuation. Discover: The 3 historical phases of agency strategy Why AI adoption and niche focus are now mandatory The 7 strategic decisions every agency principal must make If you’re serious about growth, legacy, and peak valuation, this episode is your roadmap.
2025-07-3050 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastWhy Most Agencies Blend In—And How to Stand Out for GoodMost agencies are “just another insurance option.” Not you. In this episode, Michael Jans reveals the true origin and power of the Unique Selling Proposition—drawing on lessons from advertising legends, Dan Kennedy’s 7-point framework, and decades spent guiding agencies to top-tier growth, margin, and valuation. You’ll learn: The real reason most agencies get ignored—and how to never blend in again How Rosser Reeves and Madison Avenue created the original USPs (and why they still work) Kennedy’s 7 secrets for a USP that builds your business from the inside out The single question every client i...
2025-07-231h 05The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe AI Divide: Why the Future of Insurance Belongs to the BoldAI isn’t coming. It’s crashing—right now—into the heart of the independent insurance agency. In this episode, Michael Jans breaks down the most transformational shift the industry has ever seen: the rise of artificial intelligence and how it’s rapidly separating tomorrow’s winners from the agencies that will vanish. You’ll learn: Why “using” AI isn’t enough—why mastery is the new competitive edge The four pillars of AI-powered agency advantage (with actionable examples) What top industry research says about the AI arms race—and what agile agencies are doing right now to seize first-mover...
2025-07-1647 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe Soft Market Is Coming — Are You Ready?This isn’t your typical evergreen episode. In this urgent briefing, Michael Jans dives deep into the 2025 midyear reinsurance negotiations—and what they mean for you. If you're running an agency, you must prepare now for the shifting market dynamics. You’ll get: Key signals pointing to an impending soft market Strategic advice on expense discipline, AI, and sales culture What smart agencies are doing now to engineer growth and valuation Plus: Michael shares updates on killer new resources—like AI for the IA University, the 2025 Valuation Playbook, and the Soft Market Prep Kit. 👉 Don’...
2025-07-0937 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastAre You Making These Mistakes? Part 2 of 33 Growth Killers for Insura-PreneursWhat if the reason your agency isn’t growing isn’t what you lack—but what you’re still doing wrong? In this episode, Michael Jans continues his eye-opening list of the 33 Deadly Marketing Mistakes made by Insura-Preneurs. This is Part 2—and it’s packed with real-world insight, hard-earned lessons, and straight-up advice for growth-focused agency owners. If you want to stop wasting time, stop leaking leads, and start making smarter marketing moves—this episode is for you.
2025-07-0251 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastAvoid These 13 Marketing Mistakes That Are Costing Insurance Agencies MillionsWhat’s killing your marketing results—slowly, silently, and profitably? In this episode, Michael Jans reveals the first 13 of 33 deadly marketing mistakes he’s seen insurance agencies make over decades in the trenches. If you’re serious about growth, valuation, or even just getting leads that actually convert, this episode will change how you think. You’ll get practical insights, candid stories, and field-tested fixes from one of the industry's top strategic minds. Don’t just fix your marketing—transform it.
2025-06-2556 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast10 Big Shifts That Could Hit Your Agency Like a Freight Train (And Why Preparing Now Is the Only Smart Move)This isn’t a tactics episode. If you’re looking for better subject lines or how to get more likes on your next post… wrong time, wrong episode. This one’s big picture. Strategy. CEO-to-CEO. Michael steps back and scans the landscape of the insurance industry — and the wider economy — to highlight 10 major shifts that could dramatically impact your agency in the months and years ahead. Some are obvious. Some are subtle. All of them are real. From AI-powered direct-to-consumer models to valuation cliffs, from producer droughts to internal cost-cutting with AI, this epi...
2025-06-1843 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe $10 Million Question: Are You Engineering Your Agency’s True Value — or Just Earning a Living?Most agency owners are asking the wrong question. They’re stuck on “What’s my agency worth today?” But the real question — the $10 million question — is this: Are you deliberately engineering its value… or just hoping for the best? In this hard-hitting solo episode, Michael Jans throws open the strategic vault and lets you in on the 12 critical levers that drive value — not someday, but right now. You’ll discover: ✅ Why two nearly identical agencies can sell for 4X… or 13X — and what makes the difference ✅ The silent killer of valua...
2025-05-2835 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast🛠️ Peak Valuation Masterclass – Build, Scale, Sell.🚀 Ready to dominate 2025? Whether you’re thinking of selling in 2 years or 20, the path to a peak valuation starts NOW. 💥 🔥 In this episode, Michael Jans – the mind behind The Society of Insura-Preneurs, dives deep into: 💥 The seismic shifts shaking the industry in Q1 2025 🏆 Why niche-focused agencies command a premium 💡 The 5-step blueprint to engineer your agency’s true worth 🗝️ How to shift into the premier lane of buyers ⚡ If you’re serious about building something of lasting value, this is THE podcast you can’t afford to miss. Listen in and level up! 🎧💰
2025-05-211h 02The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastBreaking the Mold: How Bobby Touran Is Reshaping InsuranceForget what you thought you knew about insurance. In this episode, we sit down with serial entrepreneur and Rainbow CEO Bobby Touran to unpack: 🍽️ Why insuring restaurants is way more complex (and profitable) than it looks 🧠 How Bobby built two breakout companies without writing a line of code 📉 Why most agencies stay average—and what the exceptional few do differently 💥 The real impact of private equity rollups on independent agents (and how to win anyway) 🏗️ How specialization + smart tech = the new moat for modern agencies This isn’t theory. It’s boots-on-the-ground strat...
2025-05-1453 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow Mike Mathisen Built a $100M Agency And How You Can Too.🚀 From $6M to $100M+ in Premium – How Mike Mathisen Built the Fastest-Growing Insurance Agency Mike Mathisen scaled his agency from $6M to over $100M in premium with 95% retention and next-level profitability. Now, before stepping away from the industry, he’s revealing exactly how he did it—and how you can apply these strategies to grow faster. 🔹 The hiring strategy that changed everything 🔹 The marketing + sales formula behind his explosive growth 🔹 How to win in a hard market 🔹 The #1 growth driver for agencies in 2025 🔥 Listen now and learn how to scale smarter, retain mo...
2025-03-131h 05The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastMike Becker: The PIA former CEO Speaks FranklyNo Spin, No Fluff—Just the Raw Truth from the Top. Mike Becker, former CEO of the *National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA)*, steps up to the mic for an unfiltered, tell-all conversation about the industry, its future, and what’s holding agents back from explosive growth. **In this no-holds-barred episode, you’ll hear:** - Becker’s take on the *real* challenges independent agents face in today’s shifting landscape. - His insights into the evolving role of technology, legislation, and industry consolidation. - What he wishes he could have told every agency owner during his tenure—and why it matte...
2025-01-2859 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe 5-Step Blueprint to Fast Growth & Peak Valuation*Unlocking Valuation Trends & Maximizing Acquisition Potential* PLUS: The 5-Step 30% Growth Blueprint Revealed** Join us as we dive into the latest *valuation and acquisition trends* reshaping the insurance industry. Learn how to position your agency as the clear leader in a competitive market while avoiding the common traps that can sink your valuation. Then, discover the **5-Step 30% Growth Blueprint**—a proven system to boost organic growth, maximize profit margins, and pave the way for your agency’s next-level success. This isn’t just theory—it’s your opportunity to adapt cutting-edge strategies to your agency and achieve ex...
2025-01-151h 04The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastMarketing that Works Dale SteinkeHow do you cut through the noise, capture attention, and drive results in a crowded insurance marketplace? Dale Steinke, a marketing powerhouse, joins Michael Jans on The Insura-Preneur Podcast to share the insider strategies that make marketing actually work. In this must-listen episode, you’ll discover: ✅ Proven tactics to stand out in an industry where everyone looks the same. ✅ The secret to crafting marketing campaigns that not only attract leads but convert them into loyal clients. ✅ How to turn your agency’s unique strengths into a magnet for growth. Dale’s ins...
2025-01-151h 07The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastJay Mueller Running a Successful Agency from SpainEver dreamed of running your agency from a sun-drenched balcony overlooking the Mediterranean? 🌍✈️ Jay Mueller isn’t just dreaming it—he’s living it. In this jaw-dropping episode, Jay reveals how he built a thriving insurance agency while trading office stress for the vibrant lifestyle of Spain. 🇪🇸 Discover the secrets behind his bold leap, including: ✅ The systems and strategies that keep his agency firing on all cylinders from thousands of miles away. ✅ How to attract dream clients who value your expertise (and not just the lowest price). ✅ The mindset shift that turns "impossible" into i...
2025-01-151h 01The Mnemonic Memory Podcast
The Mnemonic Memory PodcastMichael Jordan - Top 6 Achievements Memory MnemonicWebsite:  https://www.themnemonictreepodcast.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/themnemonictreepodcastMichael Jordan - Top 6 Achievements Memory Mnemonic·         Intro·         Wikipedia Summary·         Mnemonic·         Five Fun Facts·         Three - Question Quiz·         Word of the Week
2024-12-0116 minBPM360 Podcast - Covering Every Angle
BPM360 Podcast - Covering Every AngleKicking Off Season 2 with Michael Schank: Unveiling the Blueprint for Digital Transformation SuccessIn the first episode of BPM360's second season, hosts Caspar and Russell welcome Michael Schank, the esteemed author of Digital Transformation Success, to discuss his journey, insights, and the critical elements of effective digital transformation. Here are the 10 key takeaways:Process Inventory as the Foundation: Schank emphasizes the importance of creating a comprehensive process inventory to serve as the backbone of any digital transformation effort, ensuring alignment and reducing chaos.The Role of Business Architecture: Understanding that business capabilities must connect to processes is essential; processes are where the abstract becomes tangible and...
2024-09-0657 minRisiko Radio
Risiko Radio102: Er din virksomhed klar til DORA? Jan Jans fra Finanstilsynet giver statusI dette afsnit besøger Risiko Radio Finanstilsynet for at tale med Jan Jans om aktuelle problemstillinger og den seneste status på arbejdet med DORA. LINKSEU cyberlovpakken i EU-tidende (DORA forordningen, NIS2 direktivet, DORA-følgedirektiv og CER direktivet): EUR-Lex - L:2022:333:TOC - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)Vedtagne retsakter under DORA Digital Operational Resilience Regulation - European Commission (europa.eu)Kommissionens tidslinje Cyber resilience - European Commission (europa.eu)Offentlig høring...
2024-03-141h 01The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastTransform Your Agency’s Email into a Goldmine with Marketing’s Top Email Guru"Is Your Agency's Email Marketing Striking Gold, or Striking Out?" Unlock the secrets of high-ROI email strategies in this electrifying podcast episode with Jay Schwedelson, the wizard of email marketing. As an independent insurance agency, it's time to stop blending in and start standing out. The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) reveals a staggering $43 return for every dollar invested in email marketing - but the real magic lies in mastering the craft. Join us for this riveting podcast master class, meticulously tailored for independent insurance agencies. Jay Schwedelson, the genius behind subjectline.com uncovers the covert...
2023-11-201h 04The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastTexas Agency Uses Simple Step-by-Step System for 20% Annual GrowthMike Alexander started his agency in a crisis. The ‘Great Texas Mold Crisis’ was sending agencies all over the state into a death spiral. He just purchased a small book with 400 clients. One of his early - and critical - insights was that it wasn’t going to be enough to do a good job at insurance. He’d have to do a good job at marketing. Fast forward to today. 4000 customers. 20% annual growth. Listen as Mike unravels the secrets to his insurance marketing success, including: How Mike fixed his agency’s ‘leaky bucket’ and created a...
2023-11-0646 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastFrom $1.5 to 110 Million: The Ultimate Agency Success StoryArguably, the fastest growing family owned agency in America. Now, revealing the juicy secrets that have become insurance industry legend. Meet Mike Mathisen. He bought a teeny agency with a few hundred customers, stepped on the gas and never hit the brakes. 30% growth for over a decade. Reliable, profitable - and, if you love growth yourself, deserving of your close attention. In this podcast, Mike reveals the secrets of how he ‘did the impossible:’ The system he uses to absolutely JAM his marketing funnel with sizzling hot leads! The processes he has in to earn...
2023-10-1945 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastFrom NFL Dreams to Insurance GiantHow This $10 Million Agency Doubled in One Year Just as his college career ended, Michael DeLaGrange tragically lost his father. And gained an insurance agency. A small, one-man shop that mostly sold financial products. Fast forward to today. That small agency now has 50 employees. Five stores. And $20 million for expansion. In this episode, Michael shares: His “opposite” approach to a common industry trend—and why he went full boar on an unusual approach to a bricks ‘n mortar agency The reverse thinking he applied to the customer experience and how he made customers love buying insurance The unus...
2023-08-101h 06The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastRevolutionize Your Commercial Lines Growth: Unleash the Power of Marketing and Sales Working Together! 🚀A different kind of podcast. This time, our host - and ‘marketing guru’ - Michael Jans joins in on the conversation. Michael is joined by commercial insurance sales expert and trainer, Randy Schwantz. This unique blend of expertise will reshape your insurance business. Get ready for talent acquisition secrets, revenue-boosting strategies, and content marketing mastery. Elevate your game, attract top producers, and position yourself as a problem-solving expert. Don't miss out on the transformative insights that serious insurance agents need to hear! 1️⃣ Talent Acquisition Reinvented: Master the art of finding the perfect talent with tai...
2023-06-161h 06The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastJeff Teschke, Leading Agency Tech Developer Speaks to Agents About Achieving SuccessJeff Teschke was the founder & CEO of Forge3, the top website developer for independent agents - until it’s recent sale to Agency Revolution. In this podcast, Jeff reviews key lessons for agents, learned over his 18+ years serving the industry. He shares his insight on: The value of ‘niching down’ for agencies How the industry has changed (and what agents should do to keep up with that change) The importance of ‘social proof’ to earn trust in the marketplace Why agents should be careful not to ‘hide’ behind tech and lose their humanity in the marketplace His insights on the ideal ‘...
2023-06-0154 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow to Create Maximum Valuation for Your Agency Regardless of When You Want to Sell or How Old You AreYour insurance agency makes money two ways. Now, as income. And later, when you sell. Here’s the magic. The decisions you make now create the value you get later. Few people know that better than our podcast guest, Michael Mensch, CEO of Agency Brokerage Consultants. Michael has assisted in over 400 M&A transactions and over 1,700 valuations of insurance agencies and brokerages in the US for privately-held businesses and lenders including Live Oak Bank, Westfield Bank, Crestmark Bank, ReadyCap Lending, and Oak Street Funding. Those few but critical decisions can mean millions of do...
2023-05-2453 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastFormer Safeco Agency Advocate Shares Secrets of Reliable, Long-Term Agency GrowthChuck Blondino, Author, The Remarkable Insurance Agency    He was Safeco and Liberty Mutual’s Director of Agency Capabilities and Programs. He’s walked through the front door of thousands of agencies. He’s taught reliable methods of growth to agency principals from coast-to-coast.    Chuck Blondino is a rare three-time encore interviewee because he always brings the goods. This time, Chuck shares the inside story of 11 actual agencies, actual steps to growth, and actual, real-world results. Drawn from his long, practical background and the extensive research he has done for his new book, The Remarkable...
2022-12-2057 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastSix Game-Changing Lessons for Independent AgentsMichael Jans, Co-Founder, Agency Revolution, Principal, Michael Jans.  A message from our host, Michael Jans: “I’ve interviewed over 225 top leaders in the insurance industry. I want to share the most important things they’ve said to me. I’ve analyzed those conversations. And as I organized them, some critical themes and messages were very clear, and they were all connected to six areas the serious insura-preneur must pay attention to…    Strategy Technology The Modern Consumer Marketing & Communication Entrepreneurship The Rapid Change of Pace   This episode will show you the lessons I’ve learned i...
2022-11-171h 04The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastWhy Agencies Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Embrace ChangeEric Ayala, Senior Vice President, U.S. Market General Manager, Novidea   Our guest today is a long-time venture capitalist, tech pioneer, and sales leader who sees the insurance industry as the ideal marketplace for entrepreneurs. Eric Ayala, SVP and GM for Novidea says “It’s big and it’s ripe for disruption.”   When the industry is constantly changing, understanding the forces driving new change can make all the difference. Listen to this episode for Eric’s insights on:    Why the line between “tech companies” and any other is disappearing The difference between...
2022-10-2035 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHere’s an Insurance Agency That Doesn’t Look Like Any OtherMatheus Riolfi, Co-Founder, CEO, Tint   What does a modern insurance agency look like? It might not be what you’d think. Today’s podcast guest, Matheus Riolfi, is Co-Founder and CEO of Tint—one of these “modern agencies.” Like other agencies, Tint sits between consumers and carriers. Where things get interesting, though, is how Matheus’ company embeds insurance into its tech platform.    In this discussion, Matheus shares his insights on:    Why carriers will support embedded insurance Why more and more companies will embed insurance into their product The direction embedded insurance is movi...
2022-10-0539 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow Agency Tech Increases Growth & MarginsKabir Syed, Founder, CEO, Ennabl   When Kabir Syed was a Managing Director at Marsh, he was given a little data project that generated millions of dollars and opened his eyes to just how much money agencies leave on the table.    This seasoned insurance professional and entrepreneur said, “I’m not really that good at technology, but I LOVE data.” That’s why he built a team of engineers to handle the technology for him while he showed them where to mine and how to polish the wealth of data hidden within every single agency toda...
2022-09-2249 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastAgency Marketer Reflects on Past SuccessesJohn Jackson, Insurance Copywriter, SME, Agency Revolution   Every agency is seeking growth, and many are turning to professional marketers to help. This jam-packed episode turns to a seasoned agency marketer for insight. John Jackson, formerly the marketer at Alliance Insurance Services in North Carolina is now a copywriter and content creator for Agency Revolution clients. John looks back at his success at Alliance and shares what worked.    Whether you have a marketer on your team, are thinking of hiring one, or are a marketer yourself, you’ll want to hear John’s insights on:...
2022-08-2651 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastJ.D. Power Reveals Trends Agents Must Monitor and UnderstandMarty Ellingsworth, Executive Managing Director, P&C Insurance Intelligence, J.D. Power   Over his many years of observing and working in the insurance industry, Martin Ellingsworth has created innovation at almost every link in the P&C value chain. Now Marty holds a birds-eye view of the entire industry in his position as Executive Managing Director of P&C Insurance Intelligence at J.D. Power.    In this important podcast, Marty directs his attention toward the independent agency channel and the trends that are changing their very business:   What’s causing the ha...
2022-08-101h 21The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThree Secrets About the Self-Scaling Insurance AgencyMichael Jans, Co-Founder, Agency Revolution, Principal, Michael Jans Advisory   Our host, Michael Jans, takes the mic to answer the question “Can an insurance agency grow by itself?” The Co-Founder and former CEO of Agency Revolution serves as a growth advisor to many of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies and insurtechs in North America.   In this podcast, Michael pulls back the curtain on how his own fast-growth client agencies grow 25-40% or more per year. He openly shares insights on:    Why a few key growth systems sky-rocket top-line revenue when ins...
2022-07-221h 01The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastWhat 80,000 Insurance Consumers told Bain & Company About Our IndustryDarci Darnell, Partner, Global Head of Customer Practice, Bain & Company   You know insurance is changing. So do consumers—and it shouldn’t surprise you that they want it to change. They don’t want it to be slow, frustrating, or confusing.    Few people know the insurance consumer better than our gest, Darci Darnell, Partner and Global Head of Customer Practice at Bain & Company. Bain’s insight on the relationship between the industry and the modern consumer is legendary.    In this conversation, Darci reveals insights on critical issues the savvy agent must ad...
2022-07-0652 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHead of IBM Insurance Shares Important ResearchMark McLaughlin, General Manager - Insurance, IBM Market forces continue to shift and agents who want to thrive in the future must be ready for change as the market demands it. Our guest, Mark McLaughlin, IBM’s General Manager of Insurance, reveals the direction their research shows the wind is blowing—and the response agency principals must have today. Listen to this discussion for Mark’s powerful insight:  What 12,000 insurance execs reported as the top driver affecting their business How the customer experience across other industries is forcing insurance to play catch-up Why more consumers are judging...
2022-06-0947 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastWhere Insurtech is Taking AgenciesJames Benham, CEO, Co-Founder, JBKnowledge   Savvy agents know they need to make critical decisions now to thrive in the future of this fast-changing industry. James Benham, CEO, and Co-Founder of the leading insurtech, JBKnowledge, freely shares insight and surprises he’s found from over 20 years of creating and distributing insurtech that’s used every day throughout the insurance industry.   In this conversation, James reveals insights on:    Major emerging trends in insurtech, including AI, big data, cloud computing, and more Steps agents can take today to improve their clients’ experience dramatically in the fut...
2022-05-1840 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastCyber Expert Predicts Emerging Threats and Opportunities Jack Kudale, Founder, CEO, CowbellThere’s a looming cybersecurity threat over small and medium business clients. Jack Kudale, Founder & CEO of Cowbell—a leader in cyber insurance for SMBs—has the bird’s-eye view on the critical trends in cyber risks.   His company monitors 23 million US based businesses for cyber threats (for perspective, that means nearly 3 out of every 4 of your commercial lines clients). And Jack doesn’t like what he sees.    In this podcast, Jack shares his remarkable insights on cyber threats and insurance, including:   The key factors that are forcing huge spikes in...
2022-04-2750 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow Agents Can Sell More VirtuallyFor the insurance producer, COVID claimed a reliable marketing tool—in-person meetings. Agents were forced to communicate online; some figured it out, some hated it, and many were in-between.    Now, a series of best practices can make online selling a high-leverage (and easy-to-use) avenue that saves time and boosts conversion rates.    In this workshop-style episode, Amazon best-selling author, international sales trainer, and Founder and CEO of The Authority Factor, Steve Brossman, shares his method for the mastery of online selling:    What to do before an appointment to boost the “buy...
2022-04-0649 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastMaking Insurance Better for the CustomerJeff Harris, Co-Founder, CEO, Appulate   Years ago, this tech entrepreneur groaned at the sight of the insurance application process. So he decided to do something about it. 250,000 users later, Jeff Harris, Co-Founder, and CEO of Appulate can claim some progress. Founded 17 years ago, Appulate is one of the industry’s earliest insurtechs and one of the most widely distributed today.    In this important essential discussion, Jeff shares insights on:   What parts of the insurance process can be fixed by pushing buttons, and the parts that should be reserved for the human...
2022-03-2357 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastCould This be the Future of the Insurance Agency?Aaron Gordon, Vice President, Gordon Companies Insurance Services   Our guest Aaron Gordon is a second-generation insurance agent with 11 years in his family’s agency in Manhattan—and is rapidly becoming a leading voice for millennials in the insurance industry. Aaron has something to say to boomers as well as younger generations: “The future is bright.” However, there’s a big “but” attached to that optimism.    Listen to hear Aaron share insights on:    What to know about recruiting and retaining talent today Why Gen X and millennials are saying “Thank you” to the boomer generatio...
2022-03-0951 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastNational PIA Survey Reveals Major Agency TrendsMike Becker, CEO, National Association of Professional Insurance Agents   The Industry is changing, consumer behavior is changing, and so are agencies. But how well are today’s agents keeping up with market trends? What about your agency?    Our guest, Mike Becker, CEO of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents will help answer this question and share the results from the just-release 2022 Annual Independent Agent Survey. PIA and National Underwriter worked together to ask thousands of agents the questions we need to get our finger on the “state of the agency” today.   
2022-02-1652 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastWhat Agents Must Know About Cybersecurity CoverageKingsley Flynn, Head of Insurance, Sayata   A client shows up at their office at 8 am, turns on their computer… and sees a ransom demand. After breaking out in a cold sweat, they call you. What do you say?   This scenario doesn’t “only happen in movies” anymore, it could happen to any agency, as it already has for others. And protecting, advising, and guiding a client’s cyber decision-making is quickly becoming an agent’s job.   Our guest, Kingsley Flynn, Head of Insurance at Sayata brings 46 years of insurance experience—from...
2022-01-2739 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur Podcast7 Predictions for Insurance Marketing in 2022Michael Jans, Co-Founder, Agency Revolution, Principal, Michael Jans Advisory   In recent years we’ve seen a dizzying pace of change, a steady stream of new tech, and constant changes in consumer behavior. Against a backdrop like this, how should an agency grow in 2022?   Our podcast host, Michael Jans, dives into that very question and delivers 7 predictions for insurance marketing, including:    What fast-growth agencies are doing differently than average agencies How will the agency tech stack look different in 2022 How hungry agencies can rise above the noise and command their market  
2022-01-1234 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe Insurance Agency Leadership ChallengeJim Kouzes, WSJ Best-Selling Author, The Leadership Challenge Whether you’re recruiting talent or guiding your agency to new strategies, your business demands the clarity, vision, and direction of a strong leader. In this conversation, Jim Kouzes delivers straight talk to agency principals. Jim is the author of The Leadership Challenge, a WSJ Best-Seller and Fast Company’s Best Business Book of the year. Jim was declared one of the twelve best educators in the U.S.    In this eye-opening discussion, Jim shares:   A 5-step model to becoming a stronger, better, and more re...
2021-12-221h 00The Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastSimplifying Life for Agent and Customer AlikeNobody is a fan of the insurance application process, especially not your busy customers. Peter MacDonald, Cofounder, and CEO of Wunderite sees a better way to do things—where technology handles the heavy lifting to make life simpler for agents and customers alike.    In this robust discussion, Peter and Michael discuss:   How agencies can recruit and retain talent in a competitive job market What agents are doing now to simplify the application process Understanding the key triggers that drive people to purchase insurance How agency principals should structure their technology buying process  
2021-12-0253 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow This Agency Gew from $1.5 Million to $100 MillionMike Mathisen, CEO, Owner, Colorado Insurance "I bought a small, $1.5 million premium book. We had an 85% retention rate. Now, we're pushing $100 million in premium with a 93% retention." Mike Mathisen, President, Colorado Insurance, made a few key, strategic decisions in the year 2000. 21 years and almost $99 million in new premium later, Mike looks back and shares key insights to the secrets of super-high Organic Growth:   The method Mike uses to keep his team focused on key growth indicators Mike’s strategy to achieve high retention on a super-sized book of business His twist on the traditional structure to tur...
2021-11-1852 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow Tech Enhances the Human TouchLuis Pino, CEO, Founder, Agentero Many insurance agents push back on new technologies in fear of losing the human touch. Luis Pino, CEO & Founder of Agentero and former Analyst at McKinsey & Co., believes the right use of tech will do just the opposite, freeing you up for more human touches and supporting you where expertise is most needed.    Luis shares insights on the fast-moving world of agency distribution and technology:    How to use new tech to enhance the agent’s role as a trusted advisor Simple ways tech will free your time so you...
2021-10-2742 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow This Agency Grew Their Top Niche 30% YoYMarc Petersen, President, American Advantage - Petersen Group How did Marc Petersen, President of American Advantage - Petersen Group, pull off such fantastic growth results? Most agencies do it by “hiring more producers,” but for this agency, the secret to success was a robust communication strategy.  In this revealing podcast discussion, Marc openly shares his strategy for rapid and reliable growth: Why building the right content for your audience changes everything Marc’s strategy for nurturing his growing leads list and converting them into clients How the content strategy de-emphasizes insurance to get the conversation started If or...
2021-10-1336 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe Near Future of InsurtechAgents who are serious about the growth of their agency need to know what the future looks like. And if anyone has a crystal ball, it would be Susanne Chishti. Editor of The Insurtech Book, CEO of FINTECH Circle, and Investment Week’s “Social Media Influencer of the Year,” Susanne is a leading insurtech investor, and winner of too many awards to list here.  In this robust conversation, Susanne shares her perspective on: What insurtech will likely look like in the near and midterm future for agencies Changes coming to personal and small commercial lines markets The thr...
2021-09-2952 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThought Leadership: 9 Steps to Stand OutThe internet gave everyone a megaphone. Every business is a communications business, and the airwaves are full of noise, clamor, and confusion. How can your agency stand out from the crowd? To be the one your market listens to, respects, and follows? Michael Jans shares his journey for finding the answer with thought leadership marketing. Listen now to hear Michael share: The 4 building blocks of thought leadership marketing A step-by-step method to earn the attention that becomes long-term loyalty Why thought leadership marketing generates high-quality leads and earns maximum customer lifetime value If marketing with...
2021-09-1552 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastA Commercial Desk BreakthroughCommercial lines producers know the desk can be chaos—making it harder to provide clients with a great experience without getting overworked. Erik Mitisek, CEO of Highwing believes he’s solving that problem with a multi-carrier and multi-line platform that slashes time and cuts out the confusion.  In this conversation, Erik shares his perspective on what today’s agency must know and do:  Why “the biggest currency is speed” and how agencies can move faster than their competitors with the right tools How to use data to make the right decisions to grow your agency How agencies can...
2021-08-1835 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastWhat Agents Need to Know TodayLucas Jans, VP, Product, Agency Revolution   Technology has been changing everything from consumer behavior to carrier strategy to agency operations. Lucas Jans, VP of Product at Agency Revolution, has been building tech solutions for insurance agencies for more than 20 years. With one of the industry’s largest tech teams, he oversees a constant stream of updates, product innovations, and new technologies with the goal of making tech useful and easy for agents to use.    In this important podcast, Luke and Michael discuss the future of the insurance agency with insights on:   Why...
2021-08-0636 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastInstant Insurance from Independent AgenciesSteve Lekas, Co-Founder, CEO, Branch Insurance   Branch Insurance has convinced some of the top investors that it’s cracked the code on “instant insurance” for independent agencies—and it’s convincing more and more consumers of the same. How? By asking fewer underwriting questions. Name and address don’t just get you a quote, it gets you one click from binding insurance.    In this episode, Branch Insurance Co-Founder and CEO shares insights and secrets on:   How public data is transforming the client acquisition process What consumers have declared they wish would change abo...
2021-07-2141 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastCOO Describes How Agency Skyrocketed GrowthWhitney Norcup, COO, Columbia Insurance & Wealth Management   Whitney Norcup, COO of Columbia Insurance & Wealth Management tells the “before and after” story of her company. How they went from a small, stagnant agency trying to figure out the modern insurance landscape to a fast-growth agency with deeper customer relationships and a bright new future. When Whitney joined her family-run agency, she brought experience from outside the industry with her and was able to see different ways of doing business.    In this podcast Whitney readily shares secrets to her agency’s success:   What the a...
2021-07-0745 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastHow to Never Sell on Price AgainYou might think your customer only wants the lowest price—but that isn’t the case for independent insurance agencies. Selling on price kills profits and brings bad customers. But when today’s customer hears about saving money on insurance all day long, how do you avoid selling on price?   On this episode we have one of the nation’s top pricing experts, Reed Holden, Founder and Coach at Holden Advisors and author of Pricing with Confidence: Ten Ways to Stop Leaving Money on the Table. With articles published by Harvard Business Review, The Journal of Busine...
2021-06-2345 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastLending Tree Enters Insurance. Here’s What They See.Jeff Hogue, Director - Insurance, Agent Sales, QuoteWizard    When the loan giant, Lending Tree, entered the insurance industry by acquiring QuoteWizard, they gained powerful data about how people shop for insurance. Last month, they received 1,000,000 online quotes, 50,000 inbound phone calls, and thousands of conversations with insurance agents.    Jeff Hogue, Director of Insurance and Agent Sales at QuoteWizard shares his unique perspective on:   The turbulence in the captive agency market, and what that means to the independent channel How the industry turned pain points from the pandemic into a benefit How indep...
2021-06-0941 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastWhat 60 Million Policyholders Taught Us About Customer RelationshipAnurag Shah, CEO, Co-Founder, Aureus Analytics   Anurag Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of Aureus Analytics has been studying how customers feel about their insurance providers. First with carriers around the globe, and most recently with independent insurance agencies. After processing management systems and interaction data across more than 60 million policyholders, Anurag has crafted a way to measure customer loyalty en masse and down to the individual level.    In this eye-opening podcast, Anurag shares his perspective on:   How agency-customer relationships degrade over time—and how to fix it  Why you need to dig pas...
2021-06-0244 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastJ.D. Power Reveals What Insurance Consumers WantTom Super, Head of P&C Insurance, J.D. Power   Tom Super, Head of P&C Insurance at J.D. Power, returns to the podcast with the latest research and insights on the modern insurance consumer. The pandemic pushed already changing consumer expectations farther and faster than ever. Don’t let your agency fall behind the curve.    In this important discussion, Tom shares research on:   How the pandemic changed insurance shopping, and what’s different after one year Market segments and demographics best suited for the independent agency channel What insuranc...
2021-05-2643 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastIndustry Cybersecurity Expert Exposes New RisksBrad 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...
2021-05-1940 minThe Awoken Athlete
The Awoken AthleteDr Michael Klaper - Eat your GreensIn episode #13 I sit down with Dr Michael Klaper. A physician, consultant and educator, helps clients and patients around the world on their journey to health and well-being.Specifically we cover:> Importance of chewing your food> Why we need to eat more greens> Fasting> Why Dairy is scary> Fibre and why its importantWant to support the show?The single best way you can support the show is by leaving a review on Apple podcast app - it only takes a few minutes...
2021-05-171h 15Uncaptive Agency: The Future of Insurance
Uncaptive Agency: The Future of InsuranceEP 22 | Client Relations and Retention for Agency Growth with Michael JansJoin me as I discuss how client relations and retention are a game changer for agency growth with Michael Jans, insurance pro and founder of the Next Level Organic Growth Program.Michael Jans has been a force in marketing and consulting to the independent insurance agency force for the last 25 or 30 years, and he is still coming up with fresh ideas to stay ahead of the market.He talks with me about his approach to organic growth based on a good inbound sales funnel and a strong focus on retention and building customer loyalty. Times...
2021-05-1350 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe Next Wave of InsurtechWhen 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...
2021-05-1243 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastA Modern Insurance Marketing StrategyJeffery 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 t...
2021-05-0534 minThe Insura-Preneur Podcast
The Insura-Preneur PodcastThe Current Property and Commercial Insurance TransitionIn 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 underwrite...
2021-04-2844 min