In this episode of the Level Up Claims Podcast, Galen Hair sits down with Sonny Grappone, co-founder of Precision Accounting Consulting, to break down how contractors and small business owners can gain financial clarity through job costing, strategic tax planning, and fractional CFO guidance.

Highlights:

• Why 70–80% of contractors don't know their true profit margins

• The difference between bookkeeping and strategic financial planning

• How job costing can dramatically increase profitability

• Why relying on your bank balance is dangerous

• The real risks of workers' comp and insurance audits

• How wellness tax programs can reduce payroll tax burdens

• When it's time to hire a fractional CFO

• Why alliances and strategic partnerships create long-term growth

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Sonny Grappone

• https://www.pivotandedge.com/about/

• Connect with Galen M. Hair

• https://insuranceclaimhq.com

• [email protected]

• https://levelupclaim.com/

In this episode of the Level Up Claims Podcast, host Galen Hair sits down with EA Clarke, founder of Pivot + Edge, to unpack why most hiring strategies fail—and how storytelling, culture alignment, and employer branding can completely change the way companies attract and retain talent.

Highlights:

• EA Clarke's background in startups and high-growth companies
• Why traditional recruiting models are broken
• Employer branding and storytelling as a hiring strategy
• Hiring people who run toward opportunity, not away from problems
• The true cost of bad hires across sales, marketing, and leadership
• Culture fit vs. resume fit
• How Pivot + Edge attracts aligned talent through storytelling
• The role—and limits—of AI in modern recruiting
• Ghost hires, identity swaps, and hiring fraud risks
• Building trust and alignment in the hiring process
• What it really means to "level up" recruiting

Episode Resources:

• Connect with EA Clarke
• https://www.pivotandedge.com/about/
• Connect with Galen M. Hair
• https://insuranceclaimhq.com
• [email protected]
• https://levelupclaim.com/

In this episode of the Level Up Claims Podcast, host Galen Hair sits down with Dennis "DM" Meador, owner of the Legal Podcast Network, to break down how professionals—especially attorneys—can escape commoditization, build real authority, and attract better clients through strategic podcasting.

With decades of experience in legal marketing and positioning, DM explains why many professionals struggle with being reduced to price comparisons and how authority-based content shifts conversations from "How much do you charge?" to "How do I work with you?" He shares why podcasting is one of the most powerful evergreen marketing tools available, how it outperforms short-term ad spend, and what it takes to create content that drives trust and long-term results.

Highlights:

• Dennis Meador's entrepreneurial journey and marketing background
• Why attorneys and professionals are being commoditized
• The real reason prospects ask "how much" first
• Authority positioning vs. PPC and paid lead generation
• What an "authority podcast" actually is
• How podcasting builds trust before the first call
• Evergreen marketing vs. disposable ad spend
• Making podcasting simple, scalable, and sustainable
• Production value, storytelling, and entertainment in modern content

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Dennis "DM" Meador
• https://www.thelegalpodcastnetwork.com/about
• Connect with Galen M. Hair
• https://insuranceclaimhq.com
• [email protected]
• https://levelupclaim.com/

In this episode of the Level Up Claims Podcast, host Galen Hair sits down with Matthew Carlyon, attorney at Insurance Claim HQ, to explore the intersection of ethics, communication, and effective case management in property insurance claims.

Matthew brings a rare perspective to the conversation, drawing from his background as a former State Bar ethics prosecutor, insurance defense attorney, and now policyholder advocate. Together, Galen and Matthew break down why communication failures—not legal mistakes—are the number one reason attorneys face disciplinary complaints, and how simple systems can prevent major problems.

This episode dives deep into what ethical advocacy actually looks like in practice, why legal writing and storytelling matter more than courtroom theatrics, and how consistent file management protects both clients and professionals. Whether you're an attorney, public adjuster, or claims professional, this conversation offers practical guidance on operating with integrity while delivering strong results.

Highlights:

• Matthew Carlyon's path from fiction writing to law and legal ethics
• Why most ethics complaints stem from poor client communication
• The importance of touching every case at least every two weeks
• How documentation protects attorneys and firms
• Legal writing as storytelling—and why it wins cases
• Lessons from prosecuting attorney misconduct for the State Bar
• Ethical advocacy vs. cutting corners in property claims
• The impact of climate change on Midwest property claims
• Systems that reduce chaos and increase accountability
• What "leveling up" really means in a legal career

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Galen M. Hair
• https://insuranceclaimhq.com
• [email protected]
• https://levelupclaim.com

In this episode of the Level Up Claims Podcast, host Galen Hair sits down with Austin Holmes, CEO of Signal Raptor and President of Publicity for Good, to break down how storytelling, earned media, and authentic communication help businesses stand out in an increasingly noisy, AI-driven world.

Austin shares how his background in the military shaped his leadership and communication style, why most business owners struggle to build trust at scale, and how PR can be transformed from a vague expense into a predictable growth tool. From scaling a seven-figure PR agency while raising a family on the road to building systems that replace "hope-based PR," this conversation delivers a practical, no-fluff framework business owners can apply every day.

Highlights

· Austin Holmes' journey from military leadership to scaling PR companies

· Why authenticity and storytelling are essential in modern marketing

· How AI has increased noise—and why story cuts through it

· Turning your customer's story into a trust-building asset

· Why "hope-based PR" doesn't work for growing businesses

· Earned media vs influencers vs advertising: what actually matters

· How Austin grew his company more than 50x with mentorship and systems

· Building a business while traveling full-time with a growing family

· Why systems—not hustle—create sustainable growth

· Breaking down the COMPARE framework for business communication

· The importance of omnipresence across platforms

· Using earned media as third-party validation

· How relationships and engagement drive long-term visibility

· Preparing your brand for AI and LLM-based search

· Austin's definition of leveling up: never settling and always growing

Episode Resources

· Connect with Austin Holmes

· https://signalraptor.com

· https://publicityforgood.com

· Connect with Galen M. Hair

· https://insuranceclaimhq.com

· [email protected]

· https://levelupclaim.com/

In this episode of the Level Up Claims Podcast, host Galen Hair sits down with Marie Torossian, CPA, former CFO, and founder of The Profit Lab, to discuss how business owners can scale smarter, increase valuation, and build systems that attract investors.

Marie explains why true business modernization goes far beyond technology and into mindset, leadership, and financial strategy. She breaks down value-based pricing, financial projections, process documentation, and why clean financials are non-negotiable for growth, private equity interest, and long-term scalability.

This conversation is packed with practical insights for firm owners and entrepreneurs who want to reduce owner dependency, create predictable growth, and build a business that can operate—and sell—without chaos.

Highlights:

• Marie Torossian's journey from CPA and CFO to scaling strategist
• Why modernization is about mindset—not just tech stacks
• How value-based pricing increases profitability and confidence
• Common financial red flags that hurt valuation
• Why clean books are essential before scaling
• The role of financial projections in strategic growth
• What investors look for in scalable businesses
• Systems and processes that reduce owner dependency
• Identifying chaos vs. structure inside your organization
• Leadership habits that drive long-term growth
• What it really means to "level up" as a business owner

Episode Resources:

· Connect with Marie Torossian

· https://marietorossiancpa.com

· Connect with Galen M. Hair

· https://insuranceclaimhq.com

· [email protected]

· https://levelupclaim.com/

In fast-moving industries like insurance, legal services, and contracting, clear communication is often the difference between growth and dysfunction. In this episode of the Level Up Claims Podcast, host Galen Hair sits down with Ben Baker—author, public speaker, podcast host, and communication strategist with 25+ years of experience—to unpack what truly makes internal and external communication work.

Ben explains why most mission statements fail, how leaders unintentionally sabotage trust, and why employees believe actions more than words. He introduces powerful frameworks for aligning mission, vision, and values, shows how storytelling turns teams into brand advocates, and explains why leaders must communicate the why, not just the what.

Highlights

· Why "values are lived, not laminated"

· The biggest communication traps leaders fall into

· How storytelling helps teams internalize change

· Why internal podcasts outperform emails and meetings

· A real-world case study that saved millions in onboarding costs

· How employee belief directly impacts customer experience and brand value

· Practical ways to measure whether your communication is actually working

Episode Resources

· Connect with Ben Baker

· https://iambenbaker.com/

· Connect with Galen M. Hair

· https://insuranceclaimhq.com

· [email protected]

· https://levelupclaim.com/

As we ready for the new year, tune into this special episode of the "Level Up Claims Podcast" with host Galen Hair, featuring powerful insights from industry experts. Whether it's embracing technology, enhancing personal growth, or championing justice, find out what it truly means to "level up." Perfect for anyone in the storm restoration industry ready to embrace new challenges!

Highlights

• Continuous learning.

• Building potential.

• Keep moving forward.

• The importance of self-discovery.

• Tackle daily challenges.

• Holistic problem solving.

• Maintaining personal goals.

• Take community action.

• Growing business value.

• Taking a step back.

• Staying curious and intentional.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Galen M. Hair

• https://insuranceclaimhq.com

• [email protected]

• https://levelupclaim.com/

In this episode, host Galen Hair sits down with creative entrepreneur and author Aurora Winter to explore the power of storytelling in business, leadership, and sales. Aurora explains why expertise alone is no longer enough in a crowded, AI-driven world—and how the right message can dramatically multiply impact and revenue.

Drawing from neuroscience, real-world case studies, and her book Turn Words Into Wealth, Aurora breaks down how stories bypass resistance, build trust, and drive decision-making. From crafting irresistible hooks to leveraging books as powerful business assets, this conversation offers a clear framework for turning your experiences into influence and income.

• Aurora Winter's journey as a creative entrepreneur and author

• Why most professionals underinvest in their message

• How one simple messaging shift led to $3M in sales

• The neuroscience of communication and the three-step persuasion framework

• Why stories sell better than data alone

• Pattern interrupts and hooks that cut through content noise

• The role of status, authority, and social proof in messaging

• How AI can help—and where it falls short in storytelling

• Using books as lead magnets rather than products

• Aurora's $250,000 case study from a single book funnel

• The 27x value multiplier created by adding meaning and story

• Why struggle is essential to the hero's journey

• Aurora Winter's definition of leveling up

Episode Resources

• Connect with Aurora Winter

• https://www.aurorawinter.com/

• Connect with Galen M. Hair

• https://insuranceclaimhq.com

• [email protected]

• https://levelupclaim.com/

In this episode of the Level Up Claims podcast, host Galen Hair welcomes Andrew Hinkelman of Priority-1 Group, former CTO turned leadership coach, to discuss the evolution of effective leadership. With over 25 years in technology and corporate management, Andrew shares insights on how to move beyond systems and processes to focus on what truly drives success: building trust and fostering strong human connections.

Highlights:

• Andrew's career transition from CTO to leadership coach.

• Overcoming burnout and trusting your team.

• How shadow cultures can hinder real decision-making.

• The importance of emotional intelligence in technical leadership.

• Practical tips for improving team dynamics and communication.

• Leveraging AI as a tool, not a threat, to leadership.

For leaders ready to "level up" their approach, this episode provides actionable strategies to enhance communication, develop stronger relationships, and lead with empathy.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Andrew Hinkelman
• https://www.pri-1.com
• Connect with Galen M. Hair
• https://insuranceclaimhq.com
• [email protected]
• https://levelupclaim.com/