In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet, we sit down with Matt Cranney of M3 insurance to explore the unique approach behind their small commercial unit, M3 Elevate. Matt shares his journey from Liverpool to leading M3 Elevate, the strategies that turned an accommodation service into a thriving agency within an agency, and the intentional decisions that made it possible. From operational challenges to aligning leadership, this episode provides actionable insights for any agency looking to elevate its small business strategy. Stay tuned for a preview of our second session with Matt, where we’ll dive deeper into insurer tech and operational solutions.

Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction to the podcast and RiskProNet
00:19 Episode overview and guest introduction: Matt Cranney from M3 Elevate
00:51 Matt's personal journey from Liverpool to leading in Wisconsin
02:50 How Matt connected with M3 and started shaping the small business unit
05:04 The evolution of M3’s small business focus and the decision to create M3 Elevate
08:24 Establishing M3 Elevate as an "agency within an agency"
12:33 Aligning internal messaging and branding to gain leadership and team support
15:24 The operational effort behind launching M3 Elevate and early success stories
19:22 Closing remarks: Preview of the next episode with Matt Cranney

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Matt Cranney on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage" with RiskProNet, Cheryl Sanders from Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates in Houston shares her expertise on disaster recovery planning for insurance agencies, drawing from real-life experiences with major hurricanes like Katrina, Rita, and Harvey. Cheryl discusses the evolution from manual backup tapes to cloud-based systems, strategies for maintaining operations during crises, and the importance of staff safety and client communication. She also highlights the challenges posed by modern weather events, internet and cell service disruptions, and the growing need for cybersecurity preparedness. Packed with practical advice, this episode provides value for agencies looking to enhance their disaster recovery plans and better serve their clients.

Timecodes
00:00 Introduction – Welcome to "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage"
00:19 Episode Overview – Disaster recovery planning with Cheryl Sanders
00:44 The Challenge – Lessons from Hurricane Katrina and Rita
03:12 Disaster Recovery Evolution – Moving from manual backups to cloud-based systems
05:18 Modern Challenges – Houston’s increasing climate risks
06:06 Today’s Disaster Plan – Cloud reliance and unexpected hurdles
10:07 Communication Issues – Addressing cell and internet outages
12:18 Claims Reporting – Streamlining the process with proprietary tools
14:01 Staff Preparedness – Training and role clarity for disaster events
15:41 Client Touchpoints – Enhancing empathy and client communication
17:17 Budget Considerations – Allocating resources for disaster recovery
18:09 Cybersecurity – Safeguarding against evolving threats
20:12 Future Planning – Improving employee support during crises
24:45 Closing Remarks – Thank you for tuning in and staying prepared

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Cheryl Sanders on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we sit down with Matt Sasso, the new Executive Director of RiskProNet. Matt shares insights from his 40-year career in the insurance industry, his motivations for joining RiskProNet, and his vision for its growth. With experience spanning underwriting, marketing, and business development, Matt brings a unique perspective to the organization. He discusses the evolving role of independent agents, opportunities for collective growth, and his goals for RiskProNet's future. Listen in to discover how Matt plans to strengthen relationships within the insurance community while expanding the organization’s reach. 

Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage
00:19 - Introducing Matt Sasso, New Executive Director of RiskProNet
00:44 - Matt's Initial Impressions of RiskProNet
01:05 - Matt’s 40-Year Career in Insurance
02:20 - Insights from Carrier and Underwriting Experience
03:24 - The Shift in Insurance Brokerage and Independent Agents
05:25 - Matt’s Personal Journey to RiskProNet
08:23 - Vision and Goals for RiskProNet’s Future
11:39 - Enhancing Relationships with Carriers and Members
12:04 - Strategic Growth and Expanding RiskProNet’s Membership
14:19 - Personal Insights: Matt's Family and Hobbies
16:43 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we chat with Erik Vandermause from M3 Insurance, who leads the Applied Intelligence team focused on data analytics, digital solutions, and CRM strategies. Erik talks about Broker Pro, a data and insights platform built for brokers, detailing its role in enhancing client outcomes, transforming sales strategies, and optimizing operational efficiencies. He also discusses the impact of generative AI with Gen Pro and how these innovations are reshaping the insurance landscape. Join us to learn about the future of insurance brokerage and the shift toward a data-driven, AI-enhanced approach.

Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage
00:19 - Welcoming Erik Vandermause from M3 Insurance
00:45 - Erik’s Background: From Accenture to M3 Insurance
01:28 - The Development and Purpose of Broker Pro
02:35 - Scaling Analytics for Insurance Brokerages
03:45 - Transition from Relationship Selling to Data-Driven Strategies
06:26 - Implementing AI Tools like Gen Pro in Brokerages
09:12 - Overview of Benchmark Pro and Its Use in Client Outcomes
12:00 - Ensuring Data Security and Quality in Broker Pro
15:00 - Adoption and Training for Broker Pro Users
24:20 - Future Roadmap and Additional Data Products for 2025
34:41 - Closing Thoughts on Broker Pro’s Impact and Evolution

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we sit down with Jill Epstein, the Executive Director of IABCal (Independent Agents & Brokers of California), to discuss the ongoing property insurance challenges in California. Jill provides an in-depth look at how Proposition 103, regulatory delays, and reinsurance costs have shaped the current crisis. She shares how California's unique regulatory environment differs from other states and what the future holds for homeowners and insurance agents. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand the complex dynamics of California’s insurance market and how it affects both consumers and insurance companies.

Timecodes:
00:00 – Introduction to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage
00:19 – Introducing Jill Epstein of IABCal
00:45 – California's Regulatory Differences
02:00 – The Impact of Proposition 103 on California’s Insurance Market
03:20 – The Trifecta of California’s Insurance Regulatory Challenges
05:00 – Rate Delays and Public Participation in California
06:40 – Reinsurance and Historical Data Limitations
08:00 – Wildfire Crisis and Its Role in Insurance
09:02 – Understanding Reinsurance and Capacity
10:12 – State Farm’s Decision to Halt New Policies
11:41 – California Fair Plan: A Market of Last Resort
13:41 – Exposure Concerns and the Fair Plan
14:50 – The Importance of Allowing Adequate Rates
16:20 – Staffing and Operational Challenges in the Department of Insurance
18:04 – IABCal’s Coalition and Legislative Efforts
19:42 – What Does the Future Hold for California's Insurance Market?
21:43 – Final Thoughts on Industry Challenges and Moving Forward
30:02 – Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Jill Epstein on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with Risk ProNet," host Chip Arenchild continues his conversation with Brad Reitzner, Executive Vice President of Property and Casualty at M3 Agency, to discuss the transformative power of specialization. Brad discusses the impact of their Business Assurance Associates program, how they efficiently train and integrate new talent, and the cultural shift that has made specialization a winning formula at M3. Discover how M3’s focus on industry verticals and product specialization has not only driven growth but also set a new standard for client service in the insurance industry.

Timecodes
00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with Risk ProNet
00:19 - Brad Reitzner on Specialization and Practice Groups at M3 Agency
01:37 - The Business Assurance Associates Program: Training Future Specialists
02:57 - Aligning Talent with Industry Verticals: Finding the Right Fit
04:15 - The Value of Hands-On Experience in Developing New Talent
06:58 - Building Relationships and Expertise: The Importance of Industry
Associations
08:04 - Balancing Day-to-Day Responsibilities with Professional Development
09:54 - The Role of Development Plans in Talent Retention and Growth
11:11 - Ensuring Accountability and Clear Expectations in Practice Groups
13:20 - Setting New Business Goals and Sales Velocity Targets
14:42 - The Importance of Team Selling and Collaborative Growth
16:45 - The Cultural Shift: Embracing Specialization and Reciprocity
19:13 - Competing with Industry Giants: How M3 Stands Out
20:58 - Continuous Improvement: Looking Ahead at New Specializations
21:52 - Specializing in Small Business with M3 Elevate
23:17 - Product Specialization: Captives, Cyber, and Beyond
24:31 - Closing Thoughts: The Impact of Specialization on M3’s Success

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Brad Reitzner on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with Risk ProNet," host Chip Arenchild welcomes Brad Reitzner, Executive Vice President of Property and Casualty at M3 Agency, to discuss the transformative power of specialization. M3 Agency, a top 100 agency with 400 employees across eight offices, has successfully grown organically through a strategic focus on practice groups. Brad shares the agency’s journey from being generalists to specialists, highlighting the challenges and successes along the way. He delves into the structure and operations of practice groups, the importance of industry-specific knowledge, and how M3’s culture and ownership model support this specialized approach. Tune in to learn how M3’s innovative strategies can inspire your own agency’s growth.

Timecodes:
00:03 - Introduction and Welcoming Brad Reitzner
01:19 - Background on M3 Agency and Brad's Role
03:28 - Transitioning from Generalist to Specialist: The Beginning
05:23 - Initial Practice Groups and Early Challenges
06:54 - Success and Expansion Post-2005
08:24 - Brad’s Transition from a Generalist Agency to M3
09:55 - Aligning Operations and Service Teams with Practice Groups
12:30 - Structure and Efficiency within Practice Groups
14:22 - Benefits of Centralizing Expertise
17:03 - Managing Expectations and Accountability in Practice Groups
19:14 - Organizational Structure and Management Layers
23:36 - Role of Directors and Support Systems
26:51 - Compensation and Incentives for Directors
27:55 - Back to Basics: Focus for 2024

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Brad Reitzner on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with Risk Pro Net," host Chip Arenchild sits down with Kelsey Swingle-Robertson from Swingle Collins in Dallas, Texas. Kelsey shares her unique journey from working at JP Morgan to joining her family’s insurance agency. She discusses the importance of work ethic, the advantages of commission-based careers, and the value of women in the insurance industry. Kelsey also provides insights on how to attract young talent to the field, the benefits of work-life integration, and the critical role mentorship plays in developing successful insurance professionals. Tune in to learn about the diverse opportunities within the insurance sector and why it's a hidden gem for career seekers, especially women. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a rewarding career in insurance.

Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction and Kelsey's Background
01:16 - Kelsey's Early Career and Creative Networking
02:18 - Lessons from Banking Applied to Insurance
03:53 - Transition to Insurance and Work-Life Balance
06:00 - Commission-Based Careers and Advantages for Women
07:26 - Overcoming Gender Barriers and Role Models in Banking
10:44 - Confidence and Speaking Up in Male-Dominated Industries
14:08 - Cold Calling and Building Confidence in Sales
18:02 - Mentorship and Training at Swingle Collins
21:47 - Recruiting Women to Insurance and Building a Diverse Team
26:45 - Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Kelsey Swingle-Robertson on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of “Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage,” Chip Arenchild welcomes Adam Aguilar from Action Pharmaceutical Consulting to demystify the world of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). With healthcare costs rising, understanding PBMs is more critical than ever. Adam explains what PBMs do, why they impact your health plan costs, and how businesses can take control of their healthcare expenses. Whether you’re a broker or a business owner, this conversation provides actionable insights to help you navigate the complex landscape of pharmacy benefits and achieve significant savings.

Timecodes:
00:00 – Introduction and Guest Overview
00:47 – Understanding PBMs and Their Role in Healthcare
02:16 – Current Healthcare Cost Increases and Causes
05:36 – Market Share and Options in the PBM Industry
07:34 – Self-Funding and Cost Management Strategies
10:57 – Characteristics of Plans Suited for Self-Funding
12:15 – Customizing Pharmacy Benefits Plans
18:00 – Ongoing Management and Review Process
21:16 – Future of PBMs and Industry Transparency
23:11 – International Sourcing for Cost Savings
24:02 – Raising Awareness and Providing Options
25:03 – Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Adam Aguilar on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

Dive into the world of parametric insurance with Garrett Koehn, President of Executive Lines and Chief Innovation Officer at CRC. In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet," Garrett sheds light on the origins of parametric insurance, its evolution beyond weather-related events, and its growing applications in various sectors. From automatic triggers to social benefits and data-driven underwriting, discover how parametric insurance is revolutionizing risk management. Join the conversation to explore the intricacies of this innovative insurance approach and its implications for businesses and insurers alike.

Timecodes:
Introduction and Overview (00:00 - 01:00)
Exploring Parametric Insurance (1:00 - 3:19)
Benefits and Applications (3:19 - 0:05)
Marketplace Applications (5:05 - 7:43)
Data-Driven Underwriting (7:43 - 10:51)
Future Trends and Innovations (10:51 - 13:11)
Blockchain and Emerging Technologies (13:11 - 16:01)
Introduction of New Products (16:01 - 18:57)
Evolving Landscape and Broker Role (18:57 - 21:44)

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Garrett Koehn on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn