On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Scott Gray, owner of South Group Insurance Services in Meridian, Mississippi.

Gray entered the independent insurance industry in his mid-30s, when his father offered him a role at the family agency. By then, he had already built a reputation as a dedicated and hardworking salesman, learning the ropes the hard way.

Gray was honored with the Barney Burns Award at the 2025 Big “I” Legislative Conference. The award recognized his dedication, passion and leadership in advocating for the independent insurance agency system.

“Anytime you’re recognized for your work and your effort, it’s humbling,” he says. “I was speechless … and I’m not a speechless kind of guy.”

Throughout the episode, Gray shares his perspectives on selling insurance in 2026, the importance of advocacy, insights into the flood insurance market and his enthusiasm for joining hundreds of fellow Big “I” members at this month’s Legislative Conference in speaking with legislators through a unified voice.

Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

Gray was also featured in the April issue of Independent Agent. Check out his interview or read the full issue online.