In this episode of Referrals Done Right, host Scott Grates sits down with powerhouse agency owner Ashley Himes to discuss what it takes to build a thriving business, an unstoppable team, and a referral-based growth engine. Ashley shares her incredible journey—from despising the insurance industry to becoming a leader in it—along with the game-changing strategies that have propelled her agency to the top.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Climber vs. Camper Mentality: Why Ashley only hires people who want more out of life and how that mindset fuels a winning culture.
• The Secret to Recruiting Top Talent: How she attracts high-performing employees by aligning compensation with their personal dreams and goals.
• Mastering Community-Based Marketing: The innovative ways Ashley’s agency builds brand loyalty, generates organic referrals, and makes the phone ring without buying leads.
• The Power of Giving Back: How her agency’s 12 Months of Giving initiative not only impacts the community but also fuels exponential business growth.
• Breaking Down Big Goals into Daily Actions: The exact system Ashley uses to track numbers, improve close rates, and scale her agency’s success.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, culture, and client-focused growth. If you want to learn how to build a business that runs on referrals—and a team that’s as motivated as you are—this is a must-listen! 🚀

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Intro
(0:40) - Show Start
(1:25) - Ashley's Unexpected Path to Insurance
(5:10) - The Power of Personal Experience in Sales
(8:05) - It Starts with You Mindset
(11:00) - Shift to 4 Day Work Week
(15:15) - Leadership Through Mindset & Wellness
(16:30) - Wellness Wednesdays & Point Systems
(19:30) - Retaining Employees
(22:30) - Addition by Subtraction
(23:15) - Climber's Mentality
(27:00) - Starts with Recruiting Process
(30:15) - Goals & Accountability
(33:50) - Ashley's Referral Strategy
(34:30) - 12 Months of Giving
(37:15) - Top of Mind Awareness
(39:20) - Google Reviews
(41:30) - One Last Takeaway & Chunking Goals Down
(46:00) - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Ashley

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
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
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

Ashley's Links:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyHimesSF
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleyhimessf
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-himes-182202117