Keep Hustling

In this episode, Aaron Gordon is joined by guest Scott Howell, Principal of IProtect Insurance and Financial Services and the co-host of The Insurance Guys Podcast, to discuss the importance of grit and hustle in both personal and professional success. The episode delves into Scott's upbringing, love for sports, and the impact of his family's influence on his career. Scott shares insights into the challenges of starting an independent insurance agency, emphasizing the need for making great decisions and the lack of a safety net in the industry. The conversation also explores the importance of customer service, operational changes, and the pursuit of excellence within the insurance industry. Scott reflects on pivotal moments in his career, challenges in hiring, and his vision to make his agency the number one in the United States for customer service. Throughout the episode, Aaron and Scott stress the value of consistency, determination, and resilience in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. The show concludes with a note of gratitude to the listeners and an invitation for ongoing conversation and feedback on social media.

3 Key Episode Takeaways:

1. Embrace Grit and Consistency: Scott emphasizes the importance of grit, determination, and consistency in entrepreneurship. His story underscores the significance of endurance and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and reaching success.

2. Prioritize Customer Service Excellence: Scott's vision for elevating customer service in the insurance industry is inspiring. He aims to provide an "Amazon experience" through speed, accuracy, and a focus on pleasant phone interactions, highlighting the value of exceptional customer service standards in any industry.

3. Learn from Setbacks and Hiring Decisions: Scott openly shares the impact of hiring the wrong people for his agency and the setbacks it caused. His reflections on the hiring process and the importance of finding the right fit for company culture offer valuable insights for anyone managing or growing a team.

Get To Know Scott Howell Scott Howell is a highly accomplished insurance agent and owner from Huntsville, Alabama. He is also the co-host of the popular Insurance Guys Podcast, where he shares his insights and expertise with other insurance professionals. With a dual degree in Business Management & Marketing and four years of military service, Scott has a unique and diverse background that has contributed to his success in the industry. He is known for his mentorship and professionalism and is deeply dedicated to providing exceptional service to his clients. Scott's passion for empowering others and his strong reputation make him a respected figure in the insurance community. Follow and Keep Hustling with Scott Howell

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Insurance Guys Podcast

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Show Overview

01:00 Scott Howell is a great speaker, hire this man. 03:05 Hustle deep, inspire others, and show gratitude. 08:05 Passion for sports, strict upbringing, Marine Corps. 09:49 Hardship can lead to greater resilience and success. 15:09 Hiring right is crucial for long-term success. 17:46 Testing unknown for cultural fit in organization. 21:08 Obsessed with sales, audacity, and great team. 23:44 Transitioning to scratch agent required determination and adaptation. 26:41 Insurance agents left on their own, decisions. 29:55 Embrace challenges and keep pushing forward. 36:04 Director speaks, operations change, and improve customer service. 39:17 Answer the phone with a smile

In this episode, host Aaron Gordon engages in an insightful and inspiring conversation with guest Gabe Marans. The focus is on the importance of resilience and persistence in both the professional and personal spheres. Gabe shares his journey from an unexpected career path in real estate to becoming a Vice Chairman and a key figure in his company, Savills, over 15 years. He emphasizes the sequential relationship between curiosity and hustle, attributing much of his success to remaining curious and dedicated.

Aaron and Gabe delve into how passion and perseverance drive professional growth and the challenges of balancing personal and professional commitments. Gabe's personal anecdotes about the importance of being organized, taking calculated risks and the inspirational quotes that drive him further enhance the depth of the discussion.

The episode highlights Gabe's unconventional journey, highlighting his knack for taking calculated risks and betting on himself. The episode closes with the hosts encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through subscriptions, reviews, and social media connections.

Overall, this episode offers listeners a wealth of insights and inspiration to persevere and thrive in their careers and personal lives

3 Episode Key Takeaways - Embrace the Unexpected: Gabe's journey from intern to vice chairman at Savills underscores the value of getting involved and adding unexpected value. Consider how you can contribute in non-traditional ways to open doors.

- The Organizational Edge: Gabe's emphasis on organization and note-taking as a foundational element of success highlights the importance of structure in career growth. How can you improve your organizational skills?

- Risk & Reward: From successful stock market trades to taking calculated career risks, Gabe's story underscores the value of embracing risk while betting on oneself. What risks might you take to propel your own journey forward?

Know More About Gabe Marans Gabe Marans, is a Vice Chairman at Savills and advises occupiers on real estate strategy with a focus on multi-market evaluation, portfolio/lease optimization, site selection, labor analytics and deal structuring & negotiation. Gabe's dedication to providing exceptional client service is evident through his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

He, along with his family, helped establish The Judah Marans Memorial Fund to honor his brother and raise funds for the Judah Marans Music and Art Center at Yavneh Academy. Gabe also serves as chairman of the board of the NYU Bronfman Center and is a member of JFNA's National Young Leaders Cabinet.

In 2015, Gabe was named the Real Estate Board of New York's 'Most Promising Commercial Salesperson of the Year' – an award that recognizes current and potential professional achievement, as well as high moral character and ethical professional behavior. He is regularly acknowledged as an industry 'Power Player' and contributes thoughtful content through widely followed social media accounts.

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Show Overview

04:50 Fascination with consistency in intellectual curiosity.

09:22 Encouragement for young career professionals to persevere.

12:03 Senior partner admitted envy; highlighted advantages of freedom.

13:23 Rejecting work-life balance, focusing on presence.

16:44 Unexpected opportunity leads to personal and professional growth.

19:55 Consistent, reliable worker with positive impact.

24:50 Inspiring journey from intern to vice chairman.

25:53 Greatness becomes boring fast; love for company.

31:30 Perseverance and inspiration lead to success.

32:22 Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" quote.

In today's episode, host Aaron Gordon talks with David Carothers. In this insightful conversation, Carothers shares his journey from the supermarket industry to obtaining top certifications in record time. He dives deep into founding his thriving insurance agency while navigating personal challenges such as raising a blended family and advocating for his son with special needs. From overcoming childhood struggles to fit into finding his passion in the insurance industry, Carothers' story is one of determination, perseverance, and unwavering support from loved ones. Join us as we delve into the life and experiences of David Carothers and discover the power of embracing the hustle, facing adversity, and finding success on your own terms.

Get To Know David Carothers

David Carothers is an experienced entrepreneur and insurance professional from Valrico, FL. With a degree in Management and Marketing from Birmingham Southern College, David has spent nearly two decades in the Insurance and Risk Management industry. He is the Principal of Florida Risk Partners, LLC, Game Changers Marketing, LLC, Catalyst Funding Solutions, LLC, and the founder of Killing Commercial Insurance Training. David is also a keynote speaker and breakout session presenter at conferences and associations and has written multiple best-selling books. Though busy, David makes it a priority to spend time with his wife and five children.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Embracing Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Adversity: David Carothers's tireless hustle propelled him from a difficult divorce and agency ownership challenges to founding his successful insurance agency. His inspiring journey underscores the power of resilience in overcoming adversity.

2. Support is Crucial in Achieving Success: Throughout our conversation, David emphasized the pivotal role of supportive relationships, especially with his wife, Andrea. Her unwavering encouragement led him to pursue his true passion in the insurance industry, showcasing the profound impact of supportive relationships on achieving success.

3. Purpose-Driven Hustle: David Carothers' unwavering determination and heart for advocacy shone through as he spoke about his son Ethan's neurological challenges. His story embodied how a deep sense of purpose drives a relentless hustle, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and pursue their passions.

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Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Keep Hustling! In today's episode, our host, Aaron Gordon, sits down with the incredible Carey Wallace. Carey has truly overcome it all with a non-linear career that spans a tech startup, being a stay-at-home parent, and a successful insurance career. She made the challenging decision to put her career on hold to be a full-time parent, not knowing yet about her daughter's special needs. But this decision ultimately led to a deeper understanding of advocacy for her daughter. Carey returned to the workforce and founded Agency Focus, a business consulting firm focused on helping independent insurance agencies grow and maximize their value. Join us as Carey shares her journey, the ups and downs of going public with a company, the importance of trust and family in the workplace, and how her early experiences shaped her ability to read people. Get ready for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation. Let's dive in!

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. The power of making difficult decisions: Sometimes, we must make tough choices that go against expectations. Carey made the decision to be a stay-at-home parent despite the pressure to prioritize my career. It turned out to be the best decision for her daughter's well-being and advocacy. Trust yourself and do what feels right for you and your loved ones.

2. Adapting and evolving: Our career paths are not always linear, and that's okay. Carey embraced various roles, from tech startups to insurance, and eventually started my own business to address a gap in the industry. The key is to keep hustling, continuously learning and growing, and finding ways to do what you love on your own terms.

3. The importance of genuine connections: Carey's upbringing as an army brat taught her the value of forming connections quickly while constantly moving. It sharpened her ability to read people and build authentic relationships. Trust and genuine connections are vital for success in both personal and professional life. Learn More About Carey Wallace >>> Carey Wallace is an army brat whose upbringing has played a significant role in shaping who she is today. As a child, Carey and her family moved every 18 months.. This constant relocation taught Carey the value of forming friendships quickly, getting involved in new communities, and being able to adapt to change. Although it was initially challenging to continually uproot their life, Carey learned to segment their experiences and adapt to new environments. This ability to embrace change has greatly benefited Carey throughout their life. She is the founder of Agency Focus and is a renowned speaker in the insurance industry and beyond.

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On this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with insurance entrepreneur Bradley Flowers, who shares his insights on how he has built his businesses and the challenges he's encountered along the way. We dive deep into various topics, including the foundations of his ventures, the importance of recurring revenue, and the lessons he's learned from being a limited partner, investor, and husband. Bradley opens up about his experiences with different businesses and how he ultimately settled on the insurance industry. We also discuss the significance of legacy and the unique challenges of running a family business. Stay tuned as Bradley shares valuable advice for entrepreneurs and invites us to peek into his journey of growth and success. Prepare to be inspired, and always keep hustling!

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Legacy and Hustle: We delved into the significance of leaving a lasting legacy through entrepreneurship. Building a successful business requires a relentless hustle and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

2. Timing is Everything: Choosing the right career path during prime time is crucial. The years 2007 and 2008 taught us the value of recurring revenue, which provides stability and consistency, unlike contract-to-contract work.

3. Entrepreneur Spousal Support: The support of a spouse can make or break an entrepreneurial journey. I shared how my spouse's emotional and financial support played a pivotal role in my success, enabling me to navigate financial struggles and overcome doubts.

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On this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with entrepreneur Mario "The Monk" Trotta to discuss his journey of entrepreneurship, re-entering the mortgage industry, and the value of collaboration. Mario shares his experience of bootstrapping his previous company and the challenges he faced while doing everything himself. When he decided to return to the mortgage business, he thought his referral partners would welcome him back with open arms, but it didn't go as planned. Mario also talks about attending a self-discovery program called Landmark, which brought new perspectives and mentors into his life. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the impact of defining roles in partnerships on friendships. Mario shares his plans to help others with exercises for self-awareness, highlighting its importance for excelling in one's craft. As a content creator, he also discusses the need for a clear target audience to achieve a successful return on investment. Don't miss this conversation for more insights from Mario on collaboration, self-discovery, and content creation.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Hustle Through Failure: Facing rejection and setbacks is a part of the hustle. Keep going, learn from your failures, and use them as stepping stones to success. It's not always easy, but perseverance pays off.

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Collaboration is key to achieving great things. Clearly define roles in partnerships, leverage each other's strengths, and prioritize maintaining a supportive and honest relationship. A strong team can achieve more together than as individuals.

3. Know Your Strengths and Hone Your Craft: Understanding your strengths is crucial for success. Take the time to explore and refine your skills, whether through self-reflection exercises or seeking mentorship. Develop a clear understanding of your target audience and community before diving into content creation.

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In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with Daniel Seong on his focus on the importance of his hustle, overcoming challenges, and appreciating the sacrifices made by previous generations. The episode emphasizes the value of each individual's unique story and the significance of learning from one another. Daniel shares his own experience of coming to America at a young age, already knowing a different language, and feeling a sense of pressure to succeed due to his parents' sacrifices.

The discussion also delves into the dynamics of marriage and the notion of love. Aaron discusses that no relationship is perfect and encourages listeners to embrace the challenges and difficulties that come with it, as they are essential for growth and character development.

The episode concludes with Aaron expressing his appreciation for Daniel's military service and sharing his own immigrant background. The conversation highlights the determination and resilience required to achieve success and acknowledges the sacrifices made by immigrant families for the betterment of future generations.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Everyone has a unique story of hustling: We all face challenges, but it's our individual journeys and how we overcome them that truly define us.

2. Learn from each other: Daniel's experience as an immigrant shaped his perspective and taught him the value of hard work. We have so much to gain by learning from the diverse stories of those around us.

3. Love and hustle in marriage: Daniel shares his insights on the importance of working through challenges together in a marriage. True love is nurtured during tough times and is what strengthens our relationships.

Get To Know More About Daniel Seong SeongLife Podcast SeongLife Youtube Instagram

Its time to start hustling. Welcome to Keep Hustling with Aaron Gordon. In this episode, Aaron introduces himself and shares his journey of hustle and success. As the second-generation representative of his family's insurance agency, Aaron's hustle is deeply ingrained in his daily life. He is also a proud father and husband, finding inspiration from his wife and five beautiful children. But the most impactful figures in his life are his late father and his incredible mother, who he works with every day. Aaron's New York City upbringing and the energy of the streets have fueled his hustle. This podcast aims to dive deep into the stories of successful individuals who have overcome challenges through their relentless hustle. Aaron promises to have the difficult conversations and explore the true essence of what it means to keep hustling. So join us on this fantastic journey as we uncover the secrets to achieving personal and professional success through hustle. Buckle up, and let's get ready to hustle!

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Hello and The Difficult Conversations: We won't shy away from discussing the tough topics. Success isn't always smooth sailing, and we'll explore how our guests have navigated through the hard times.

2. Inspiration from Family and Friends: In the beginning, you'll hear from close friends, family members, and professional acquaintances who have played a significant role in my own hustle. As the podcast evolves, we'll feature a diverse range of guests, ensuring you receive fresh perspectives and lessons.

3. Embracing Your Identity: The key to keeping your hustle alive is embracing your unique identity. We'll explore how authenticity and embracing who you are can drive your success.