Consumer Permissioned Data: The Future of Insurance Verification | Connected Conversations

In this episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance, host Ray Huang interviews Tolga Tezel, CEO of Canopy Connect. They explore the origins and evolution of Canopy Connect, a platform that uses consumer permission data to streamline insurance verification. Learn about the company's journey, the impact of accurate data, and how their solutions are transforming industries like insurance, automotive, and mortgage lending. Tolga shares insights on building a company focused on positive societal impact and discusses the importance of integrating high-quality data with AI and other tools to improve customer service and operational efficiency.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:36 Tolga Tezel's Journey to Canopy Connect

02:12 The Birth of Consumer Permission Data0

3:43 Challenges in the Insurance Industry

05:04 Building Canopy Connect07:11 Expanding Canopy Connect's Reach

12:54 Use Cases Beyond Insurance

20:46 Mortgage and Lending Solutions

30:29 ITC Conference Insights

39:00 Conclusion and Season Finale

David Carothers on Building a Successful Insurance Agency | Connected Conversations

In this episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance, host Nick Berry welcomes David Carothers of Florida Risk Partners. David, known for his diverse experiences and deep commitment to his family, shares his journey from retail to insurance, highlighting his transition and success in middle market commercial insurance. The discussion delves into David's entrepreneurial approach, his creation of the 'Killing Commercial' community, and the unique 'Producers in Paradise' event, emphasizing the importance of relationships and innovation in the insurance industry. Tune in to learn more about David's perspective on building a successful insurance agency and the impact of technological advances like AI on the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:45 Personal Background and Values

02:17 Challenges and Family Life03:58 Career Journey into Insurance

10:15 Starting and Growing Florida Risk

15:43 Technology and Innovation in Insurance

21:47 The Importance of Vendor Relationships

22:28 Producers in Paradise: A Unique Event

23:36 The Value of Informal Networking

26:04 Experiential Marketing and Relationship Building

27:50 The Evolution of Producers in Paradise

33:11 The ROI of Relationships

38:43 The Origins and Growth of Producers in Paradise

40:48 Connecting with David

Connected with David:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrcarothers/

Killing Commercial: https://killingcommercial.com/davidcarothers/

Charles McDade's Origin Story & Success in Insurance In this episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance, host Ray welcomes Charles McDade, owner of McDade Insurance Brokerage Group. Charles shares his unique journey into the insurance industry, marked by resilience and a sprinkle of spite, eventually leading to the establishment of his own agency. They discuss the importance of relationships with carriers, the value of joining an agency network, and the challenges of navigating a hard market. Charles also talks about his recent election to the board of the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston, making history as its first African American member. The episode concludes with a fun, superhero-themed discussion, exploring which heroes embody the qualities of an insurance agent. Charles also provides insights into his tech stack and emphasizes the importance of balancing AI with human connections.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:42 Meet Charles McDade

02:11 Charles' Insurance Origin Story

04:04 Starting McDade Insurance

04:53 Joining Premier Group Insurance

08:01 Challenges with Small Carriers

09:25 Historic Board Election

15:11 Superhero Fun

20:46 Tech Stack and Innovations

25:31 Final Thoughts and Sign Off

Connect with Charles:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmcdade/

Website: https://www.mcdadeins.com/

Building a Bold Insurance Brand with Ciara Gravier In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Nick Berry sits down with Ciara Gravier, the founder of The Bunker Insurance and Risk Management. Ciara shares her 20-year journey in the insurance industry, her experiences with rebranding, and the challenges of building a boutique commercial insurance agency in South Florida. The conversation dives into the significance of branding and how creating a memorable and bold brand can differentiate an agency in a competitive market. Tune in for insights on branding, marketing strategies, and overcoming industry challenges.00:00 Introduction to Connected Conversations00:45 Meet Ciara: Insurance Veteran01:30 Challenges in the Florida Insurance Market06:24 The Importance of Branding in Insurance06:54 Lessons Learned from Rebranding10:30 Successful Insurance Brands12:23 Branding vs. Brand: Key Differences16:09 Visual Identity and Target Audience17:41 Bold Visuals and Presentation Style18:52 The Power of Color in Branding20:02 Standing Out in the Insurance Industry22:51 Effective Use of Social Media Channels24:08 The Importance of Authentic Content27:41 Learning and Improving Content Creation32:43 Connecting and Modernizing Insurance Agencies

Connect with Ciara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunkeryourrisk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaragravier/

The Bunker: https://www.bunkeryourrisk.com/

Steve Anderson on Embracing AI in Insurance & Overcoming Tech Frustrations | Connected Conversations

In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Ray Huang of Canopy Connect welcomes Steve Anderson, an experienced insurance professional, co-founder of Catalyit, and author of The Bezos Letters. Steve shares his journey in the insurance industry, his firsthand experiences with early tech solutions, and his insights on embracing AI in the insurance sector. He discusses the common frustrations agencies face with tech adoption, the importance of risk-taking, and the transformative potential of AI. Steve also provides practical advice for agencies looking to start leveraging AI to improve efficiency and stay competitive.

Tune in for valuable insights on technology, AI strategy, and the future of the insurance industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:55 Steve Anderson's Journey into Insurance

01:51 Early Technology Adoption in Insurance

02:43 Consulting and Technology Evolution

04:46 Challenges in Technology Adoption

12:13 The Role of AI in Insurance

14:04 Practical AI Tools for Agencies

22:21 Overcoming Resistance to AI

26:16 Future of AI in Agency Management

28:00 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

29:53 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Connect with Steve Anderson:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetn/

The Bezos Letters: https://thebezosletters.com/

Website: https://steveanderson.com/about/

Canopy Connect: https://www.usecanopy.com/agencies

Mariah Gates on Automating Insurance Agencies & Embracing Tech | Connected Conversations

In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Nick Berry from Canopy Connect interviews Mariah Gates, founder of Accelerated Automation. Mariah discusses her journey from an insurance agent to a tech consultant, highlighting her use of CRM tools like Agency Zoom to revolutionize operations. She shares insights on the challenges and benefits of adopting automation in the insurance industry, including client education, organizational efficiency, and the importance of personalized communication. Mariah also emphasizes the significance of change management and flexible communication methods to enhance customer and staff experience. Tune in for valuable tips on implementing technology to streamline insurance business operations.

00:00 Introduction to the Insurance Industry

00:22 Meet Mariah Gates: From Insurance Agent to Tech Consultant

00:42 The Birth of Accelerated Automation

01:40 Life in Idaho: Technology and Lifestyle

02:31 Challenges and Solutions in the Insurance Industry

04:33 Implementing CRM and Automation in Agencies

11:42 Best Practices for Technology Adoption

18:41 The Importance of Client Education and Personal Touch

32:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Mariah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-gates-61459b277/

Accelerated Automation:

https://acceleratedautomation.net/Canopy Connect: https://www.usecanopy.com/agencies

Davie Holt on Virtual Employees in Insurance Industry | Connected Conversations

In this episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance, host Nick Berry welcomes Davie Holt, president of Virtual Intelligence. Davie shares insights on the role of virtual employees (VEs) in the insurance industry, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of proper training and integration. The conversation covers best practices for hiring VEs, the challenges and benefits of outsourcing service tasks, and the broader economic factors driving the adoption of VEs. Davie also discusses how Virtual Intelligence ensures cybersecurity and compliance while providing high-quality staffing solutions to insurance agencies. Tune in to learn about the human element of virtual employees and how they can enhance efficiency and growth in insurance operations.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Frustrations

00:39 Guest Introduction: Davie Holt

02:05 Reframing Virtual Employees

04:58 Economic Realities and Outsourcing

09:18 Challenges and Misunderstandings in the Industry

13:14 Best Practices for Hiring Virtual Employees

24:17 Addressing Staff Concerns and Misconceptions

26:16 Overcoming Objections to Virtual Employees

26:49 The Economics of Labor in Agencies

28:07 Maximizing Efficiency with Virtual Employees

28:42 The Role of AI in Insurance29:17 Challenges in Agency Operations

29:49 The Importance of Automation

31:49 Real-World Examples and Case Studies

33:15 The Future of Virtual Employees

38:37 Ethical and Practical Considerations

47:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Davie Holt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davieholt/Virtual Intelligence: https://virtualintell.com/Canopy Connect: https://www.usecanopy.com/agencies

Leveraging Social Media for Insurance: A Conversation with Matt Layson

In this episode of 'Connected Conversations in Insurance,' host Ray Huang interviews Matt Layson, an insurance advisor and operations manager at Calrose Insurance. They discuss Matt's journey to becoming an insurance agent, his family's long-standing presence in the industry, and his pivot from being a professional musician to focusing on insurance. Matt shares insights on his social media strategy, specifically his use of TikTok and Instagram to educate the public and improve his communication skills. Despite initial challenges, his dedication to creating engaging and informative content has paid off, winning him clients and followers. They also touch on the importance of translating complex insurance jargon into plain English and the benefits of consistency in content creation. Matt offers practical advice for agents looking to start their own social media ventures, emphasizing simplicity, persistence, and the broader value of improved communication.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:55 Matt Layson's Origin Story

03:53 Agency Overview and Focus

06:28 The Journey into Video Content

15:09 Content Creation Process

23:55 Handling Feedback and Trolls

26:10 Advice for Aspiring Content Creators

29:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Matt Layson:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewlayson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlayson/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalRoseIns

CalRose Insurance: https://calroseins.com/CalRose on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calroseinsurance

Landry Fields on AI's Transformative Impact on the Insurance Industry | Connected Conversations

In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Nick Berry from Canopy Connect welcomes Landry Fields, the founder and CEO of Nova Insurance. They discuss the integration of AI in the insurance industry, the potential to streamline operations, and the future possibilities for AI-assisted services. Landry emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and how it can act as a force multiplier for businesses, making tasks easier for both agency owners and customers. He also highlights the importance of adapting to new technologies and preparing for the significant changes expected in the coming years.

Tune in to learn how AI is set to revolutionize the insurance landscape and what steps businesses can take to stay ahead.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:55 Landry Fields on AI and Insurance

02:04 The Evolution of AI in Business

03:59 AI Tools and Their Impact

05:49 Future of AI in Insurance

07:41 Practical AI Applications

09:06 AI in Customer Service

17:19 AI and Data Management

27:37 Conclusion and Contact Information

Winning on Social Media: Strategies for Insurance Agents with Nicholas Sakha | Connected Conversations

In this episode of the Connected Conversations in Insurance podcast, host Nick Berry of Canopy Connect engages in an insightful dialogue with Nicholas Sakha, owner of a fast-growing Allstate Insurance Agency. Nicholas shares his inspiring journey from banking and pizza delivery to successfully running a $22 million insurance agency with locations in Vegas and Oregon. The conversation highlights the importance of social media in attracting talent, building relationships, and growing business. Nicholas also emphasizes the need for genuine engagement, documenting processes, and leveraging social media as a free tool for personal branding.

Tune in to learn how to create impactful content, engage meaningfully with your audience, and stand out in the competitive world of insurance.

00:00 The Importance of Being Social on Social Media

00:34 Introduction to Connected Conversations

00:57 Nicholas Sakha's Journey into Insurance

02:17 Using Social Media to Attract Talent

04:34 Creating Engaging Content

07:11 Balancing Content Creation with Business

10:24 The Power of Documenting Your Journey

12:50 Navigating Corporate Guidelines and Personal Branding

18:50 The Future of Social Media and Personal Branding

21:48 Final Thoughts and How to Connect