In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode, Scott sits down with Dan Collison, a former pastor turned agency owner, community builder, and passionate educator. With a unique background in ministry, tech, and small business ownership including a tech startup and an escape room, Dan shares how his life’s calling has always centered around serving others. Now, he brings that same mission into the world of insurance in Carlisle, Pennsylvania - where he’s redefining what it means to be a trusted advisor.

From building trust in a brand-new town to mentoring high school students and serving on the board of a transitional housing nonprofit, Dan’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. He shares practical insight into creating a referral-worthy customer experience, why minimum coverage isn’t truly protective, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind: someone who tells the truth, walks beside people, and always leads with heart.

🎯 What you’ll learn:

• How Dan went from pastor to agency owner—and why insurance was the right next chapter
• Why “Insurance SOS” is more than a tagline—it’s a relational approach to risk
• How showing up (literally) became Dan’s competitive advantage in a new town
• Why investing in the next generation through education lights Dan up
• The myth of minimum coverage—and how he uses “Page 8” to debunk it

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Show & Dan Introduction
(0:55) - Carlisle Pennsylvania
(3:00) - Dan's Unique Background
(6:15) - Getting Into Insurance
(9:05) - Surprises Starting Out
(10:45) - Early Community Help
(12:15) - Creating Unique Experiences
(14:30) - Insurance SOS
(16:15) - Price vs. Value
(17:45) - Community Involvement
(20:05) - Educating Future Generations
(23:30) - Future Oriented Strategist
(25:20) - Debunking Insurance Myths
(28:00) - Legacy



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Dan Collison's Links:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/CarlisleInsuranceGuy
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancollison
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carlisleinsuranceguy

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates