ATO Podcast

SALT provides a solution to the problem that many insurance agencies face of manual data collection. Often times the tedious and time consuming process of gathering their data and sharing it with the insurance professional is a road block from those wanting to shop their insurance.  SALT is an Insuretech platform to streamline this process.  Casey Hege is Director of Sales and Marketing for SALT.  Casey was previously President of Box Insurance where Casey and her team created the SALT program to streamline their quote intake process. Casey & I shared a great conversation about a tech startup, difficulties of meeting the market demand, what the next digital solution is for SALT and methods SALT can make the insurance agent and insurance consumer operation much, much easier.    

https://saltinsure.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-hege/

🕒 0:01 - Insurance industry background and leadership transition.
🔍 Casey discusses his experience in the insurance industry and leadership transitions.

🕒 3:22 - Improving insurance industry with technology.
🛠️ Casey talks about the role of technology in enhancing the insurance industry.

🕒 9:16 - The origin and growth of a digital insurance agency.
📈 Casey shares insights into the beginnings and growth of a digital insurance agency.

🕒 12:45 - Streamlining insurance quote process for busy professionals.
🏎️ Casey discusses how Salt is simplifying the insurance quote process, catering to busy professionals.

🕒 19:10 - Integrating Salt with other tools for efficiency.
🔌 Casey talks about the integration of Salt with other tools to enhance efficiency in insurance processes.

🕒 22:52 - Streamlining data collection for insurance agencies.
📊 Discussion about how Salt streamlines data collection for insurance agencies.

🕒 28:44 - Gathering information for insurance quotes.
📋 Casey explains the process of gathering information for insurance quotes.

🕒 32:09 - Agency technology and process improvement.
🏢 The podcast delves into the use of technology in improving insurance agency processes.

🕒 39:36 - Marketing a product for independent insurance agencies.
📣 Casey discusses marketing strategies for products aimed at independent insurance agencies.

🕒 43:14 - Software development for insurance agents.
💻 Conversation about software development tailored to insurance agents' needs.

🕒 50:22 - Using Salt to streamline insurance sales and cross-selling.
🌐 Casey shares insights on how Salt is used to streamline insurance sales and cross-selling within the industry.

Jennifer Standish is the Founder and President of Prospecting Works to give professionals the power to cold call with confidence.  Jennifer brings a very unique methodology and mindset to this very necessary communication the producers in all industries can benefit from.  Jennifer also provides motivational coaching and speaking for events, conferences, podcasts, groups, etc.  Jennifer and I discussed her special talent of developing confidence in cold calling with women,  introverts, "wall-flowers", and those that are afraid to speak up.  Her message aligns very well with the insurance industry, specifically with commercial lines prospecting. If you can learn to effectively telemarket, you will never be unemployed.   Enjoy! 

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/jenniferstandish

Adam has a great perspective on the insurance industry and running an agency.  This is a great discussion.  After a career practicing law, Adam was looking to itch the entrepreneurial spirit.  He chose the insurance industry.  He saw an opportunity and a problem he planned to solve.  It is never easy to make this transition so we discussed Adams process, how he choose a Network to join and what agents should be looking at when joining a network, how he grew the agency, markets that he pursued.  This is great podcast for both those thinking of entering the insurance agent space and for those working on the company side of the fence.  Adam is one that we need to hear more of in this industry.   Enjoy!  

There are so many shiny tech objects in the insurance industry.  It can be hard to determine which tools to select, which tools are actually a good investment and which ones are an unused expense.  This episode is a discussion between two regular guys that are just willing to try new tech products to enhance and improve our agency process.  We discuss Agency Zoom, Donna, Neon, Leo, Weston Labs, SALT, Risk Advisor, Canopy Connect.  Tune In to hear a little about what these tech platforms are and how they are being used in our agencies.  

https://www.agencyzoom.com/
https://www.aureusanalytics.com/donna
https://www.batomic.com/
https://saltinsure.com/
https://riskadvisor.insure/
https://www.101westonlabs.com/
https://www.meetleo.com/

Margaret has a great story that is relatable to so many in the insurance industry.  Specifically to those that started or worked in a family agency.   It can be so difficult for the parents or other family members to let go to the next generation.  Margaret also shared a great story of the 2011 Joplin Tornado. To date it was the costliest tornado in US History.   With an office on main street in Joplin, Margaret's response to this disaster was inspiring.  We also discuss growing and running a multi location agency.  It was great to get to know Margaret.  You will enjoy her story!  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretrutherford/

https://www.4stateinsurance.com/

[email protected] 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-boldt-00318278/

Meg McKeen is founder of Adjunct Advisors LLC.  Meg advises Producers, Leaders, Teams, Organizations within the Insurance Industry.  Meg is a very talented writer, speaker, podcaster, listener.  She is really a part time therapist in the insurance industry.  We covered a wide variety of topics in our conversation from the journey in her business, to her consultative approach to the struggle that she is seeing and hearing within the insurance space.  This episode will keep you interested!  Enjoy!  

Dr. Billy Williams, President of Inspire A Nation Business Mentoring never disappoints.  In this episode, we get into the weeds on developing processes for Sales, Onboarding, Servicing and Renewals.  Dr. Williams gives you a roadmap build a solid foundation for your business.  These processes are not exclusive to the insurance business, they are interchangeable with any business.  I love Dr. Williams passion for business and mentoring.   He is very gracious with his time and constantly giving. 

https://inspireanation.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyrwilliams/

[email protected]

ameriguardinsurance.com 

Great conversation here with Kelly Donahue-Piro.  Kelly is the owner of Agency Performance Partners. As described, they are truly the best friend to the Independent Agency.  Kelly and her team are on top of the trends within the ever changing insurance market.  They provide support to Executives, Producers, Service staff.  We discussed the challenges of the insurance market and the challenges and growth of her own consulting business.  Kelly is a tremendous resource to the insurance community.   It was a pleasure to spend some time with her.   Enjoy!! 

I learned of Kenny Hendricks from my first Hawksoft National Convention a few years ago.  Many of the questions related to adding this feature or integrating with another tech company.  The answer was the same, ask Kenny.  Kenny Hendricks is the Director of Partner Integrations.  I had no idea how the doughnuts were made at a management system company.   As I paid attention more, I learned that there are many, many moving parts to a management system.  Features and systems need to be plugged in for consumers to be able to operate as efficiently as we can.  Kenny Hendricks is the person responsible for vetting these products to protect the company (Hawksoft) and the customer (Independent Agents).  As I learned from that first HUG convention, Kenny is a person in high demand.  He has to say No and Maybe to many needy insurance agencies and potential vendor partners.   I learned it's complicated.  More complicated that most of us operators understand.  When presented with the chance to interview Kenny, I jumped on it.  I learned A Lot.  I enjoyed this conversation a lot.  Kenny is a great guy, wicked smart, with a great sense of humor.  Hawksoft if lucky to have him.   Enjoy!!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethhendricks/

hawksoft.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-boldt-00318278/

This is a great small business story, specifically to the insurance industry.  From starting a scratch agency with no income and 2 employees to pay, to operating the business that cater to the standards of 2023, to growing relatively quickly, to developing as a leader and balancing family life.  I am so happy to have met Patrick and spent some time with him both on the podcast and off.  Patrick is a great guy, runs a great business and is someone the insurance industry will be hearing a lot more of in the years to come.  Enjoy!! 

Don't forget to like and share the show!! 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-j-mcbride/

https://www.themcbrideagency.com/