Insurance agency growth, customer retention, agency culture, and relationship-driven sales are at the heart of this episode of Insurance Agency Success. Eddie Price sits down with Chris Helms to unpack how long-term success in insurance isn’t built on discounts or shortcuts—but on trust, empathy, consistency, and honest service. From door-to-door beginnings to leading a thriving independent agency, Chris shares what actually creates loyal clients, stable teams, and sustainable profitability in today’s challenging market.
How People-First Agencies Create Loyalty, Referrals, and Stability
In this conversation, Eddie and Chris break down what it really looks like to build an insurance agency that people stay with—for years, and even generations. The focus isn’t flashy tactics. It’s doing the fundamentals well, consistently, and with intention.
You’ll hear practical insights on how to:
Create memorable customer experiences that lead to long-term retention Use simple personal touches to stand out in a crowded market Build a team culture that supports both growth and stability Invest in marketing and reputation without chasing quick wins This episode is especially valuable for agency owners who want growth that lasts, not growth that burns out their team or erodes trust.
When Relationship-Driven Service Fuels Insurance Agency Growth
(00:04:33) Going Independent for More Policy Opportunities for Customers
(00:12:27) Driving Value Through Personal Touch and Treating Everyone with Respect
(00:14:13) New Business and Retention with Marketing and Responsiveness
(00:17:12) Establishing a Messaging “Tone” Across All Communications
(00:22:05) Two Steps to Establish Trust by Simply Being There and Caring Deeply
(00:25:13) When Real People Answer the Phones and Manage Calls
(00:28:25) Creating Unexpected Experiences at Customer Touch Points
(00:42:09) Prioritizing Marketing Starting with Google Reviews and SEO
Action Steps Insurance Agency Owners Can Take Now
5 moves you can make this week or this month:
Audit your customer experience at key touchpoints
Call your own agency as a prospect. Time how quickly the phone is answered and evaluate the tone. Decide one specific improvement to implement immediately.
Add one personal touch to your retention strategy
This month, choose one repeatable action—birthday messages, handwritten notes, or follow-ups after policy changes—and systemize it for every client.
Refocus hiring around culture and trust
Before your next hire, write down the values and behaviors that matter most in your agency. Hire for alignment first, then train for skill.
Commit to visible digital credibility
Ask five happy clients for Google reviews this month. Make it simple. This is one of the fastest ways to improve trust and discoverability.
Lead your team with empathy, not just metrics
Schedule regular check-ins that aren’t performance-based. Retention improves when people feel seen as humans, not just producers.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable Agency Growth
This episode is a reminder that the strongest insurance agencies are built slowly, deliberately, and with people at the center. Growth comes from showing up consistently, investing in relationships, and doing the right thing—even when it’s harder or takes longer. When you combine genuine service, thoughtful hiring, and steady marketing investment, you create an agency that clients trust, employees stay with, and communities remember.
If you’re aiming to grow your business without sacrificing culture or integrity, this conversation will give you a clear path forward.
Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddierprice/
The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insurance-Agency-Changes-Success/dp/0578485753
Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/
Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/request-demo-2/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JenesisSoftware
Connect with Chris Helms and Curtis Helms Insurance Agency:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helmsinsurance/
Curtis Helms Insurance: https://curtishelmsinsurance.com/
Email Chris: [email protected]