Insurance Agency Success

By Eddie PriceBusiness Management

Insurance Agency Success episodes

May 21Why Your Independent Insurance Agency Should Launch a People-First Podcast | EP 19
Podcasting might feel like one more thing on an already full plate, but when it’s done right, it becomes a practical way to strengthen relationships and stay visible. In my conversation with Virginia Elder, we talk through how agency owners can use podcasting to build credibility, stay connected to clients, and create marketing that feels personal more than polished.
The point here isn’t to just “start a podcast.” It’s understanding how a simple, sustainable content strategy can deepen trust, support retention, and help your agency stand out in a way that feels natural.
Using a Podcast to Strengthen Client Relationships
Podcasting works best when it’s treated as a relationship-building tool, not just another marketing channel.
Trust builds faster when people hear you consistently. A podcast gives prospects and clients a sense of how you think and communicate before they ever meet you.
Authenticity matters more than production quality. You don’t need a studio—clear, helpful conversations go further than overly polished content.
Your format should match your strengths. If you enjoy teaching, solo episodes work well. If you prefer conversations, interviews with clients or local business owners can create strong connections and referrals.
Consistency matters more than frequency. A realistic, steady schedule will outperform an aggressive start that’s hard to maintain.
When you stay consistent, a podcast becomes an extension of the trust you’ve already built in your agency.
Making Marketing Decisions That Fit Your Agency
Marketing only works when it aligns with where your business is right now—not where you think it should be.
(00:04:41) Entering the financial podcast space
(00:07:49) Building trust through podcasting
(00:14:42) The impact of hosting a show
(00:26:49) Creating a podcast for agency growth
(00:31:42) Helping locals through co-marketing
(00:32:50) Creating a local business podcast
(00:38:28) Prioritizing marketing for small businesses
(00:41:37) Considering podcasting in marketing strategy
(00:43:19) Investing for future returns
Where Podcasting Fits Into a Real Agency Marketing Plan
Ultimately, podcasting should support your agency, not pull you away from it. Before you add something new, make sure your core marketing is in place: your website, your online presence, and your reputation in the community. From there, this becomes a tool you can use to stay connected, share what you know, and keep your agency in front of the right people. It doesn’t have to be complicated—you just have to be consistent and intentional about how you use it.
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
About Virginia Elder:
Virginia Elder is the founder of Podcast Abundance, where she helps business owners use podcasting as a practical, relationship-driven marketing tool. Since 2019, she has guided clients through podcast strategy, launch, and production, with a focus on building authority, strengthening client loyalty, and supporting long-term business growth. With a background in financial auditing and project management, Virginia brings a structured, hands-on approach to helping agencies create sustainable, authentic content that connects with their audience and drives results.
Connect with Virginia and Podcast Abundance:
Website: https://podcastabundance.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiaelder/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastabundance/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastingforfinancialpros
Podcast: https://www.podcastingforfinancialprofessionals.com
49 min
May 07Practical Video Strategies Insurance Agency Owners Use to Stand Out and Attract Clients | EP 18
If you want your agency to stand out online, video is one of the simplest ways to build trust faster, plus you can get started by simply using your phone. In this conversation with Brad Harvey, we dig into how agencies are using video to strengthen client relationships, improve retention, and create a stronger local presence without overcomplicating the process. The biggest takeaway is that video does not have to be polished to be effective. What matters most is showing up consistently, answering real questions, and letting people see the human side of your agency.
Videos That Build Trust, Retention, and Reach
Video works best when it feels useful, visible, and personal. Google says there is a 50x greater chance of being in the top three (business profiles listed) if you have video on your site.
Start with simple content people already want. FAQ videos, owner introductions, and short explanations of common coverage questions are easy ways to build trust and improve client communication.
Use testimonials and team content to deepen connection. Client stories create credibility, and culture videos help both prospective clients and future hires understand who you are.
Post where it compounds. YouTube, your agency website, and social media all play different roles, but together they strengthen SEO, increase visibility, and give your content a longer shelf life.
The agencies getting the most out of video are not waiting for perfect production—they are creating consistent content that helps people feel informed and connected.
Showing Up on Camera and Online
Video helps agency owners shift from interruption-based marketing to trust-based marketing, and the strongest results usually come from consistency over polish.
(00:07:07) Push vs Pull marketing shift
(00:17:59) Finding help for customer testimonials
(00:21:29) Importance of video for retention
(00:24:25) Answering FAQs on social media
(00:28:20) Using testimonials to build relationships
(00:32:29) Using video to boost SEO
(00:38:30) Team reactions after acquisition
(00:42:10) Creating company culture content
(00:46:33) Discussing AI and human creativity
(00:48:22) Using influencers to sell
(00:51:04) Connecting with niche communities
Using Video to Make Your Agency More Memorable
The strongest agency video strategy is usually the simplest one: show up, be helpful, and keep going. Clients respond to clarity and authenticity, whether that comes through a quick FAQ video, a testimonial, or a short introduction to your team.
Video also supports more than marketing. It improves retention, strengthens agency branding, helps with recruitment, and gives your website content that continues working long after it is posted. As your agency grows, you can always increase production quality later—but the real advantage comes from getting started and staying visible.
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 Brad Harvey & Brad Harvey Creative:
Website: https://www.bradharveycreative.com/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 419-202-9920
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brad-Harvey-Creative-202528056449463/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-harvey-599ab240/
57 min
April 16 Find, Acquire, and Sell Agencies Like a Pro: Guidance You Didn’t Know Was Available | EP 17
Building a successful agency doesn’t mean doing everything on your own. There are resources available that most agency owners either overlook or never hear about—and they can make a meaningful difference in how you grow, operate, and plan ahead.
One of those resources is the Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC). It offers confidential, no-cost support across marketing, financials, hiring, and even acquisitions. If you’re trying to make better decisions, improve profitability, or prepare for your next move, this is the kind of outside perspective that can sharpen how you run your agency.
Why Most Agencies Overlook Valuable Outside Guidance
Many agency owners rely on their own experience or internal team, but that approach can miss opportunities where outside perspective would save time and money. The reality is, there are experts—often available at no cost—who can help you evaluate financials, refine marketing, and make better growth decisions, yet most agencies overlook them due to lack of awareness or prioritization. Consistent, objective input helps you catch blind spots earlier and improve performance across areas like profitability, client targeting, and operations. The real value isn’t just the advice—it’s having someone challenge your thinking before small issues become costly mistakes.
Lessons From Leveraging External Expertise
Consistent growth comes from making better decisions, not just working harder—and that often requires input beyond your own four walls.
(00:05:12) SBA & SBTDC: Supporting Businesses
(00:08:57) Business Compliance and Commercialization Support
(00:16:33) Agency Startup and Marketing Help
(00:17:32) Journey Guidance & Accountability Partner
(00:21:13) Objective Advice for Business Owners
(00:31:00) Exploring Acquisition Opportunities
(00:33:25) HR, Hiring, Acquisitions in Agencies
(00:41:23) Services for Legal American Businesses
The agencies that improve the fastest are the ones willing to step outside their day-to-day operations and get clear, objective feedback.
Building a Smarter, More Supported Agency
Strong agencies don’t just react to problems—they build systems that help them stay ahead of them. Leveraging outside expertise gives you a clearer view of your financials, your marketing, and your operational gaps before they become costly.
The key is treating this kind of support as part of how you run your business, not something you reach for only when things go wrong. Whether you're refining your current operation, exploring acquisitions, or thinking about long-term value, having consistent, informed input changes the quality of your decisions.
When you combine that perspective with execution, you build an agency that’s more resilient, more efficient, and better positioned for whatever comes next.
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 Joel Harper and SBTDC:
Website: https://sbtdc.org/
Email: [email protected]
**The SBTDC serves North Carolina. However, this is available nationwide. Search for your state’s Small Business Development Center Network online.
46 min
April 02 Building From Ground Zero: The Work That Drives Growth | EP 16
Building a profitable insurance agency today requires more than opening an office and waiting for walk-in traffic. Consumer behavior has changed, marketing has evolved, and the agencies that thrive are the ones willing to adapt.
Focusing on a clearly defined market, building real relationships with clients, and using modern tools to communicate coverage clearly can dramatically improve both retention and closing ratios. As Marty Karriker often says, the formula is simple: “Never give up. Fight.”
Modern Marketing and the New Agency Growth Model
The traditional walk-in model that many agencies relied on decades ago has largely disappeared. Growth now depends on visibility where clients spend their time: search engines, social platforms, and niche communities.
Strong SEO, influencer partnerships, and disciplined digital advertising can create a steady flow of qualified leads. The key is tracking return on investment and adjusting spending based on performance. Agencies that treat marketing like a measurable system—not a guessing game—gain a significant advantage.
Another lesson Marty emphasizes is transparency. Sharing strategies with other agency owners doesn’t create competition—it raises the level of the entire industry. In the end, execution and work ethic matter far more than keeping ideas secret.
Lessons From Building a Specialized Insurance Agency
Agencies that grow consistently combine niche positioning, disciplined marketing, and a willingness to evolve with the industry.
(00:03:52) The Early Expansion of a P&C Agency
(00:13:29) Why Specialization Drives Growth
(00:20:10) Success Comes From Effort, Not Tricks
(00:23:21) The Business Impact of Google Reviews
(00:32:07) Measuring ROI on Marketing Spend
(00:39:00) The Reality of Starting Over After Selling
(00:44:36) Software Built by Insurance Professionals
Building an Agency That Adapts and Endures
A successful insurance agency isn’t built on shortcuts or temporary tactics. It grows through consistent effort, strong client relationships, and the ability to adapt as the industry changes.
Marty’s career illustrates how agencies evolve—from local walk-in operations to digital-first businesses serving specialized markets nationwide. Focusing on a clearly defined market creates authority and attracts better prospects. Pairing that expertise with clear client education and personalized service strengthens retention and referrals.
The larger lesson is simple: agencies that stay curious, measure what works, and outwork the competition continue to grow no matter how the market shifts.
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 Marty Karriker and The RV Insurance Shop:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-karriker-34433926a/
Website: https://www.rvinsuranceshop.com/about/
Email: [email protected]

52 min
March 19Proven Strategies to Build a Profitable, People-First Insurance Agency | EP 15
Steady growth doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode, we break down how one local insurance agency evolved from a traditional operation into a focused, growth-driven business generating 15% annual growth with 90% retention.
The shift wasn’t flashy. It was strategic. By committing to specialized niches, investing in systems that scale, and building a culture rooted in accountability and relationships, Chamberlain Insurance Agency created momentum that compounds year after year. It’s a testament that sustainable growth isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about building infrastructure that supports the long view.
Sustainable Growth Comes from Discipline, Not Luck
Long-term agency growth isn’t accidental — it’s engineered through structure, focus, and consistent execution. My conversation with Mike Totaro down the operational decisions that turned steady performance into measurable, repeatable expansion.
Niche specialization builds authority. Leaning into contractors during a downturn created differentiation, expertise, and long-term client loyalty in an underserved market.
Systems make growth manageable. Integrating both an AMS and CRM streamlined renewals, pipelines, and communication — supporting 15% annual growth without operational chaos.
Retention requires structured communication. Automated touchpoints and proactive outreach helped sustain a 90% retention rate and compete with direct writers.
Team buy-in drives accountability. Written goals, measurable targets, and staff involvement in planning aligned performance across the organization.
When discipline, systems, and people alignment work together, growth becomes sustainable instead of stressful.
Moments That Strengthen the Foundation
Growth at this level requires clear metrics, defined roles, and systems that remove friction from daily operations — especially when scaling commercial books of business.
(00:05:58) Closing Ratios vs Total Sales
(00:13:58) Supporting Contractors During Struggles
(00:23:40) Team Dynamics Drive Success
(00:30:34) Customizable Industry Insights Delivery
(00:38:35) Pipeline Revolutionizes Customer Communication
(00:41:13) Systems Over Skills in Business
(00:44:47) Dividing Roles in Business Partnerships
(00:54:50) Value People, Hire Wisely
Boost Your Insurance Agency’s Growth with Strategic Goals, CRM Mastery, and Automated Systems
Intentional specialization, operational systems, and disciplined goal-setting transformed a traditional agency into a consistent growth engine. Leaning into a niche during a difficult market created differentiation and referral momentum. Investing in both technology and people ensured that growth didn’t outpace infrastructure. Clear accountability and measurable targets kept the entire team aligned.
The larger takeaway is simple: agencies that prioritize structure, communication, and long-term thinking create profitability that lasts.
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 Mike Totaro and Chamberlain Insurance:
Website: https://www.chamberlaininsurance.com/
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chamberlain-insurance-agency/
Mike Totaro email: [email protected]
58 min
March 05 What it Takes to Build a $10 Million-Dollar Insurance Agency: Hiring, Referrals, and Business Systems | EP 14
Starting from zero and building a $10 million insurance agency sounds extraordinary—but what you’ll hear in this episode makes it feel grounded, methodical, and achievable.
Tobiaz and I walk through what it really takes to grow from nothing: hiring before you feel ready, putting clients at the center of every decision, and building systems that can actually support scale. Instead of chasing shortcuts, this conversation focuses on the quiet, consistent work that creates trust, culture, and momentum. If you’re building—or rebuilding—an agency, this episode shows what sustainable growth really looks like.
“Getting the right employees in place is obviously very important...to really get the growth, I think you have to be able to hire maybe more people than you can, almost than you can afford, at least than the business can afford. But at the same time, you continue the growth because you get the right people." -Tobiaz Johannson
Secrets to Boosting Retention and Referrals to Achieve Growth
Building a successful agency from scratch starts with mindset and people. Tobiaz’s story shows that you don’t need a perfect résumé or a massive book of business to grow—you need persistence, business-savvy team members, and a willingness to invest in others before the numbers fully justify it.
When you focus on client relationships instead of quick wins, high retention and referrals become natural byproducts of how you operate. Strong systems and clear processes give that growth somewhere to land, turning chaos into something scalable and repeatable.
Over time, that combination creates a business that can survive change, whether it comes from market shifts, new technology, or ownership transitions. When your agency is built on people, process, and long-term thinking, it becomes easier to grow without burning out—or becoming the bottleneck yourself.
Moments That Move the Needle
Every agency story has a few inflection points—the decisions and realizations that quietly change everything. These moments are where the conversation gets especially honest about what it really takes to build something that lasts.
(00:08:59) Bittersweet Business Acquisition

(00:12:15) Building a Sellable Business

(00:14:05) Client-Focused Commercial Insurance Expertise

(00:26:05) Mastering the System Together

(00:32:49) Hiring for Growth and Sustainability

(00:40:59) Embracing AI: Adapt or Lag

(00:44:09) Appreciation for a Valued Partner
Smart Scaling Strategies for an Agency That Lasts
Tobiaz Johansson unpacks what it really looks like to build a $10 million agency from the ground up. Persistence, people-first leadership, and having enough financial runway are what make growth possible when the early years feel tight and uncertain. Decisions around hiring, acquisitions, and technology either strengthen or strain your ability to scale, and this conversation doesn’t shy away from the trade-offs.
You’ll hear what went wrong, what finally worked, and how strong systems and long-term team members create stability over time. The result is a grounded look at how an agency becomes profitable, sustainable, and able to outlast any one person.
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 Tobiaz Johanneson and America’s Insurance:
Website: https://amerinsure.net/
Email: [email protected]

46 min
February 19From Struggling Startup to Multi-Location Agency: Keys to Achieving Success and Profitable Growth | EP 13
Starting an insurance agency during an economic downturn is one of the hardest ways to enter this industry—and it’s also where real operators are made.
"Start working where your feet are and work out, and it'll grow exponentially." -Johnny Ellis
In this episode, I sit downwith Johnny Ellis to talk about what it takes to survive the early years, keep the doors open, and grow into a multi-location agency. We get honest about patience, near-misses, and the moments that make you question everything, along with what actually turns the corner. If you’re in the grind right now or thinking about scaling, this conversation speaks directly to where you are.
Building an Agency That Lasts
Real agency growth doesn’t come from quick wins—it comes from staying in the game long enough for momentum to compound. In this episode, the conversation centers on how steady leadership, integrity, and community connection turn early struggles into lasting success.
Perseverance creates leverage. Slow seasons, financial pressure, and self-doubt are part of the path, but staying consistent through them is what separates agencies that survive from agencies that scale.
Putting clients first builds reputation. Saying no to bad business, being honest when a competitor has a better option, and leading with integrity creates trust that turns into referrals and long-term loyalty.
Community drives real growth. Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, charities, and local involvement aren’t side activities—they’re powerful engines for visibility, relationships, and sustainable lead flow.
Smart expansion multiplies results. Strategic acquisitions, strong systems, and disciplined operations allow agencies to grow faster without sacrificing service or culture.
Growth Through Integrity, Community, and Smart Expansion
Building a sustainable agency takes more than good sales. Real decisions, setbacks, and breakthroughs shape a lasting agency. These points trace how persistence, relationships, and smart decisions shape long-term growth.
(00:08:15) Learning the Hard Way
(00:11:17) How Relationships Drive New Business
(00:17:49) Expanding Business Through Strategy
(00:29:11) Balancing Leadership and Satisfaction
(00:39:27) When Telling the Truth Wins the Client
(00:40:51) Upholding Integrity in Tough Choices
(00:43:49) Why Service Beats Sales Every Time
Turning Hard Years into Long-Term Growth
Your agency doesn’t have to start strong to become strong. Growth comes from patience, steady leadership, and consistently putting people before commissions. Community involvement, referrals, and honest service create momentum that no marketing budget can replace. Strategic acquisitions, the right systems, and thoughtful staffing decisions compound that growth when the timing is right. This episode lays out how to build something that lasts—even through downturns, disasters, and the hardest seasons of ownership.
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 Johnny Ellis & Ellis Agency Insurance:
Email: [email protected]
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8OlgpjSihXW6f4U_WUOPbw/videos
Website: https://ellisagency.net/
51 min
February 05Why Relationship-Driven Insurance Agencies Grow Faster Than Price-Focused Ones | EP 12
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]
57 min
January 15Transform Your Agency’s Culture with Chaplain Services as Part of Your Care Team | EP 11
Employee care isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s one of the smartest growth decisions an insurance agency owner can make.
In this episode, I sit down with our corporate chaplain to talk about how intentional employee support transforms agency culture, strengthens team retention, and directly impacts business profitability. At Jenesis, investing in people has never been separate from growing the business—and this conversation explains why.
"If you go somewhere and you actually feel like somebody cares about me, like I'm not just a number, like I'm a name and I'm a face and they know me personally and they know about my life and my family, and it's so rare that it actually becomes this huge, attractive thing for your company to be that." - Jayme Himmelwright
Whether you run a three-person shop or manage a fully remote team, creating a people-first agency changes how employees show up, how long they stay, and how connected they feel to your mission.
Increasing Agency Happiness and Profits with Employee Support Strategies
(00:03:46) What Taking Care of Your Employees Means
(00:09:52) How a Corporate Chaplain Provides Safe Support
(00:11:10) Accessing Support and Someone Who Listens
(00:19:32) Opening Meetings with Prayer
(00:22:38) Faith Transforms a Troubled Life
(00:27:21) What it Takes to Become a Corporate Chaplain
(00:31:26) Caring Rooted in Generosity
(00:34:50) Most Requested Book Giveaway
(00:36:42) Valuing Employees Builds Loyalty
(00:39:45) Year-End Appreciation and Planning
Caring for Employees: The Hidden Key to Scaling Your Insurance Agency
This episode is for agency owners who want to grow their business without burning out their people—and who understand that caring well is smart leadership. Here are some action steps you can take right away to initiate a more supportive agency culture:
Audit how supported your team actually feels.
This week, ask one simple question in a 1:1 or anonymous survey: “If something personal or stressful came up, would you know where to go for support?” The answer will tell you more than any engagement score.
Explore outside care support instead of carrying it all yourself.
This month, research corporate chaplain or care coach services that support small teams. Many programs are affordable, scalable, and designed for agencies with fewer than 10 employees.
Create a consistent care touchpoint.
Choose one rhythm you can maintain—monthly check-ins, optional office hours, or quarterly team care conversations. Consistency matters more than frequency.
Make employee care visible, not assumed.
Update your internal handbook, onboarding process, or team Slack with clear language about available support resources so employees know help exists before they need it.
Tie retention to care, not compensation.
Look at the last person who left your agency. Ask yourself honestly: Did they feel valued, heard, and supported? Use that insight to shape your hiring and leadership strategy going forward.
Decide what kind of agency you want to be known for.
This month, define one sentence that describes your culture (ex: “We are a people-first agency that supports our team through work and life”). Let that sentence guide decisions moving forward.
Agencies don’t need to be large to have a care team or a corporate chaplain. Teams of three or four people often see just as much impact as larger organizations. When employees know someone genuinely cares, it changes everything—from culture to performance to loyalty.
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 Jayme Himmelwright:
Learn more about the Care Team at Jenesis: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/care-program/
Corporate Chaplains of America: https://chaplain.org/
44 min
January 01Niche Markets and Community Engagement: Keys to Scaling Your Insurance Agency | EP 10
Building an insurance agency from the ground up is a journey marked by continuous learning, adaptability, and prioritizing authentic relationships within both the agency and the wider community. Jarette Sampson of Dial Insurance in North Carolina shares his path from starting as a newcomer to becoming a highly respected agency with enduring staff and a reputation for expertise.
He shared strategies that worked for him such as immersing himself in collaboration, learning from experienced professionals, and being open to sharing knowledge, all of which contributed to his long-term growth. Jarette credits much of his success to finding and establishing a niche and maintaining a diversified approach, which has allowed him to serve broader markets while mastering specialized segments.
AI, Technology, and Relationships: The Modern Insurance Agency Roadmap
Agency growth is accelerated by a people-first mindset that values team longevity, active community involvement, and continual skill development, rather than chasing fast results. Jarette’s advice for hiring great team members is to prioritize cultural fit and goal orientation rather than direct industry experience. Supporting new team members with a library of training videos is equally important – Listen in to hear how Dial’s training library is structured (so you can do this for your team!).
Prioritizing client needs, being genuinely helpful, and staying visible within the market builds a reputation that attracts referrals—even from other agencies. AI is on everyone’s mind lately, so researching AI tools and implementing solutions one department at a time, is one strategy to stay efficient and competitive.
From Solo Agent to Aggregator: Real Strategies from 19+ Years of Experience
(00:08:15) Technology's Impact on Daily Life
(00:13:05) National Marketing Campaign Recognition
(00:16:33) Making Industry Secrets Not So Secret
(00:26:47) Make Everyday Count
(00:37:06) Decisive Endings and Hiring Tips
(00:38:51) Quarterly AI Adoption Strategy
(00:44:30) Becoming the Go-To Expert
(00:48:52) Experienced Team, Exceptional Service
5 Key Takeaways for Insurance Agency Owners from this Episode:
Build genuine connections within your community and industry. Becoming “the go-to” in your market means being active, helpful, and consistently visible. Attend local events, serve on community boards, and always help others—even competitors—when you can.

Focus on finding team members who are goal-oriented, eager to learn, and share your vision for growth, rather than just hiring for insurance experience. Long-term team success comes from investing in the right people and supporting their growth over time.

Carving out a niche, such as public sector or specialized commercial lines, sets your agency apart and can attract carrier partnerships and recognition (e.g., Jarette Sampson’s work with Travelers). Identify and pursue specialized markets where you can demonstrate unique value.

Use new tools like AI chatbots and automated services to streamline operations but stay focused on people-first service. Explore technology in a way that supports your agency’s goals, and don’t be afraid to let others lead the way before you commit to major tech changes.

If scaling your agency or accessing better markets is a goal, consider joining or building an aggregator with like-minded peers. Jarette Sampson discussed the value of collaborating with other agencies to write large, complex accounts and grow together as a group.
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 Jarette Sampson and Dial Insurance (NC):
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarette-sampson-62027238/
Dial Insurance Services: https://dialinsurancenc.com/
Email Jarette: [email protected]
54 min

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Insurance Agency Success is for independent insurance agency owners who want to build a stronger, more profitable agency without creating a business that depends on them for everything.

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