In this episode of Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers takes a bold step outside the box to discuss an often avoided yet critical topic: Mental Health. Joined by Brenden Corr of The Loss Runs Pros and Justin Goodman of Total CSR, David dives into their passion-driven initiative, Project 55. The conversation highlights the growing openness around personal struggles on platforms like LinkedIn, emphasizing the need for real, vulnerable discussions on topics such as ADHD, alcoholism, anxiety, and depression.

Brenden and Justin share their mission to bring awareness, resources, and actionable support to those struggling in silence, as well as the impact that building a supportive community can have in workplaces and beyond.

Key Points:

Breaking the Silence on Mental Health

David, Brenden, and Justin discuss the importance of addressing mental health openly, sharing personal stories to inspire vulnerability and connection.

Introducing Project 55

Project 55 is a new nonprofit initiative aiming to equip individuals with mental health first responder training, providing tools to identify and support coworkers or loved ones struggling with mental health issues.

Community and Resources

Brenden and Justin highlight their vision for an online community where individuals can access free resources, share experiences, and find guidance without stigma or fear.

The Workplace Impact

The conversation underscores how mental health challenges affect productivity and team dynamics, particularly in high-pressure industries like insurance. Project 55 offers practical solutions to address these challenges at the grassroots level.

How to Get Involved

Listeners are encouraged to visit Project55.org to join the community and stay updated on the comprehensive training program launching in April 2025.

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In this special episode of Power Producers Shop Talk, David Carothers sits down with Nicholas Ayers from Glovebox to discuss the recent acquisition of Better Agency by Glovebox and what it means for the insurance industry. David shares his insights as an investor and friend, focusing on the impact this partnership will have on both companies, their customers, and the broader market. With reflections on entrepreneurship, growth, and innovation, this episode offers a deep dive into the journey of building something meaningful and adapting to change.

Key Points:

Acquisition Insights

Nicholas Ayers shares his journey with Better Agency, reflecting on its evolution and the sentimental yet optimistic transition into Glovebox’s ecosystem.

The Power of Synergy

David and Nicholas discuss how combining Glovebox and Better Agency creates a stronger, more versatile platform for agencies and their clients.

Technology’s Role in Service

Nicholas emphasizes the shift from “just a mobile app” to a robust client experience platform, redefining service delivery and customer engagement.

Entrepreneurial Growth and Reflection

Both David and Nicholas share personal experiences on the challenges, growth, and mindset shifts required to navigate the entrepreneurial journey.

Future of Client Experience

The conversation teases upcoming features, including CRM capabilities, enhanced client interaction tools, and a seamless integration with carrier systems, set to revolutionize agency operations.

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In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers welcomes Rob Gifford and Dan Abercrombie from Insurance Xdate. The trio dives into the journey of building an innovative tool for commercial insurance producers, exploring how Insurance Xdate simplifies pipeline management and prospecting. From leveraging data insights to overcoming challenges in a competitive market, Rob and Dan share actionable strategies and lessons from their experiences, making this a must-listen for producers looking to refine their sales game.

Key Points:

Innovative Pipeline Management

Rob and Dan discuss the inspiration behind Insurance Xdate and how it transforms prospecting with its seamless data aggregation and actionable insights.

Building Credibility Through Data

Rob shares how using rate filings and market-specific data gave him a competitive edge early in his career and how that philosophy drives the platform’s design today.

Navigating Hard Markets

The conversation highlights strategies for producers to stay proactive during market shifts, including the importance of consistent prospecting and leveraging tools to maximize efficiency.

Lessons in Collaboration

Rob and Dan reflect on the value of collaboration within the Power Producers and Killing Commercial communities, emphasizing the benefits of shared strategies and tools.

Entrepreneurial Insights

Dan shares his journey of entrepreneurial successes and failures, showcasing how adaptability and innovation can lead to game-changing solutions in the insurance industry.

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In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers talks with Sivan Iram from Flow Specialty. They discuss Flow Specialty’s innovative approach to using AI in insurance to enhance wholesale relationships, improve underwriting response times, and reduce operational friction for agents. Flow Specialty combines human expertise with AI-driven tools to speed up quote turnaround and improve accuracy without requiring agents to use portals. Sivan highlights that Flow’s AI is an internal tool supporting brokers rather than replacing them, positioning the company as a "caddy" for agents. Flow’s AI manages various tasks, such as analyzing quotes, market insights, and carrier communications. This combination allows agents to handle complex insurance transactions efficiently and frees up time to focus on larger accounts.

Key Points:

Introduction to Sivan Iram and Flow

David Carothers introduces Sivan Iram from Flow, highlighting producer challenges with traditional wholesalers. Sivan shares his transition from software to innovating traditional industries. Founded three and a half years ago, Flow provides enterprise-level service to mid-market and small commercial spaces, addressing inefficiencies like slow responses and lack of expertise through AI.  

Flow's Approach to Wholesale Efficiency  

Flow uses algorithmic underwriting and API integrations for faster turnaround. Acting as a "quarterback," Flow manages submissions and automates tasks traditionally done by retailers. Unlike wholesalers, Flow takes full ownership of the process.  

User Experience with Flow  

Sivan explains Flow’s AI agents offer speed, expertise, and tailored insights for brokers. These agents analyze quotes, compare options, and communicate with carriers, enhancing brokers' work without replacing them.  

Addressing AI Concerns  

David compares AI to a golf caddy, supporting rather than replacing people. Sivan agrees, noting that Flow reduces portal fatigue while keeping human oversight. Agents appreciate AI's ability to deliver faster, better service without compromising expertise.  

Growth and Future of Flow  

Flow is growing rapidly, tripling revenue monthly and signing 60+ agencies. With a strong carrier network and investments in technology, Flow balances human expertise with AI-driven insights, providing unmatched market value.  

Conclusion and Call to Action  

David encourages listeners to try Flow and highlights its potential to transform wholesale markets. Sivan provides contact information and reassures agencies about the ease of working with Flow. Both express excitement for Flow's future.  

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In this impactful episode of the Power Producers Shoptalk, David Carothers brings on guest Raghav Tana to discuss the personal challenges and profound purpose behind Raghav's initiative, the Little Sparks Project. This nonprofit organization aims to provide financial and emotional support to families of children with complex medical needs, sparked by Raghav’s experiences with his son, who was born with Apert Syndrome. David shares his own journey with his son Ethan, who has special needs, reflecting on the emotional and financial toll of ensuring adequate care. They discuss the importance of advocacy, community support, and how their personal hardships have led to a shared mission of helping others facing similar struggles. The episode highlights the upcoming Little Sparks Project gala in December, emphasizing the importance of donations and community involvement.

Key Points

Introduction to the Little Sparks Project

Purpose:

The Little Sparks Project was founded to assist families financially when they have children with medical complexities, alleviating some of the financial strain that comes with hospital stays, surgeries, and extra care for children under 12.

Inspiration:

Raghav shares how his son’s rare condition, Apert Syndrome, motivated him to start the organization. He and his wife realized how fortunate they were to afford the costs associated with his son’s care and wanted to help other families facing similar situations but lacking resources.

The Emotional and Financial Burdens of Special Needs Care

Emotional Toll:

David and Raghav talk openly about their experiences as fathers of children with special needs. They emphasize the importance of having a support system and the mental challenges that come with the “why me” question when navigating these situations.

Financial Costs:

The episode sheds light on the often-hidden financial burdens, from medical bills to daily expenses related to special needs care. For example, Raghav mentions spending over $42,000 in the first 14 months of his son’s life on healthcare-related costs, a financial load many families are unprepared for.

Advocacy and Support Networks

Importance of Advocacy:

David shares how he and his wife advocate for their son in school and medical environments, often facing challenges but ensuring he gets the resources he needs. This proactive approach in advocating for children is critical, and it’s something Little Sparks also aims to support.

Emotional Support:

Both David and Raghav emphasize that asking for help is not a weakness but a necessity. They encourage listeners going through similar situations to seek out emotional and social support, which is crucial for maintaining resilience.

The Little Sparks Gala

Event Details:

The Little Sparks Project is hosting a black-tie gala on December 19 at the State Room in Boston, with limited tickets remaining. The gala is a unique opportunity for supporters in the insurance and wider business community to come together, raise funds, and create awareness for the cause.

Impact and Support:

The gala will have a silent auction and speakers, with all proceeds going toward supporting families in need. Raghav and David encourage listeners who can't attend in person to contribute financially, helping provide resources for families facing similar journeys.

How to Support Little Sparks

For listeners who wish to make a difference, a donation link is available in the show notes, and every contribution, no matter the size, is meaningful. David stresses that financial support can significantly relieve families of financial stress, allowing them to focus on their children's needs without added financial anxiety.

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This engaging episode of Power Producers Podcast features a candid discussion between David Carothers and Wade Millward on the intersection of insurance, operations, and growth strategies in the franchising space. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Wade shares how his unique background in software and insurance led to developing scalable solutions for franchisees and franchisors. The conversation spans various topics, from the challenges of producer development to the importance of automation and relationship-building in scaling a business.

Key Points:

Franchising and Insurance Synergy

Wade Millward discusses his journey into franchising and how he developed a solution to streamline insurance compliance for franchisors. By integrating technology and becoming a preferred broker, Wade has successfully scaled his operations.

Producer Accountability and Success

David and Wade delve into the challenges faced by producers, emphasizing the need for structured goals, training, and consistent activity to achieve long-term success.

The Importance of Operations

They highlight the critical role of having standardized processes and operating procedures, likening them to a "franchise manual" that ensures consistency, scalability, and efficiency.

Manual to Automation Workflow

Wade shares insights on starting processes manually to identify inefficiencies before automating tasks, focusing on enhancing human-to-human interactions.

The Role of Relationships in Sales

Both agree that insurance is a byproduct of relationships, and building trust through meaningful interactions is key to standing out in a crowded marketplace.

Advice for Aspiring Producers

Wade and David encourage new producers to identify their unique value propositions, invest in building processes, and stay adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry.

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In this special Thanksgiving edition of Power Producers Shoptalk, David Carothers dives into the holiday season's challenges and opportunities. He shares strategies for staying proactive, avoiding complacency, and building a strong foundation for 2025. Reflecting on personal and professional growth, David emphasizes gratitude for the communities and partnerships that drive success.

Key Points:

Proactive Holiday Planning

David stresses using the holiday season to assess goals, build pipelines, and prepare for market changes in 2025.

Avoiding False Security

Producers must avoid relying on temporary revenue increases and refocus on consistent prospecting.

Investing in Relationships

David highlights the "relational bank account" and the importance of nurturing connections during soft markets.

SMART Goal-Setting

Set measurable and actionable goals for 2025 while tracking daily activities to improve sales efficiency.

Gratitude and Growth

David shares his appreciation for the Power Producers community and his approach to fostering team development.

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In this episode of Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers spoke with Patrick McBride and Joe Ems from Sembley, a company offering innovative technology designed to simplify the commercial insurance quoting process. Joe explained the origins of Sembley, which was created to address common pain points in the industry, such as the tedious nature of filling out renewal forms and collecting client data. A standout feature discussed was Sembley’s user-friendly interface, affordable pricing, and integrations that improve efficiency. By leveraging custom intake forms, property data imports, and integration options with systems like Hawksoft and NowCerts, Sembley aims to streamline workflows for agencies, reduce back-and-forth with clients, and enable seamless data mapping across various forms. This technology allows agencies to focus on client relationships rather than manual tasks, making it particularly valuable for agents looking to enhance both client service and operational efficiency. 

Key Highlights:

Introduction:

David Carothers welcomes Patrick McBride as a guest host for this episode and introduces Joe Ems from Sembley, a tech company offering solutions for streamlining the insurance process. David shares initial skepticism about Sembley's low price point but emphasizes the quality and functionality of the product.

Why Sembley?:

Sembley stands out for its ease of use, user-friendly interface, and reasonable pricing. Patrick McBride discusses how his agency faced challenges with data ingestion and renewals using other technologies, which Sembley simplified with its integration capabilities and workflow support.

Key Features of Sembley:

User Experience:

Patrick emphasizes the intuitive design, which makes it easy for agents to input data and for clients to fill out forms. Sembley has custom intake forms and a static link feature that allows agents to streamline the data collection process.

Roadmap and Future Integrations:

Joe shared upcoming developments, including integrations with NowCerts and HawkSoft, and improvements to property data retrieval. Sembley is also exploring advanced data mapping and potential AI functionalities to enhance automation.

Insights on Industry Challenges:

The conversation highlights the industry's common struggle with getting clients to complete long applications and forms. Sembley's solution simplifies this process by pre-filling data and allowing for minimal client input on updates or confirmations.

Closing Remarks:

Sembley offers a discount for listeners who book a demo and use the code "power producers." Both David and Patrick praised Sembley’s practical approach, value for smaller agencies, and how it bridges the gap between tech accessibility and affordability.

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In this episode of Power Producers Shoptalk, David Carothers breaks down his top strategies for engaging contractors effectively. Drawing from real-world experience, David shares the key questions and approaches he uses to understand contractors’ needs and build trust. He emphasizes the importance of uncovering pain points related to certificates of insurance and audits, providing actionable insights on how producers can leverage these moments to win new business and strengthen client relationships.

Key Points:

Top Questions for Contractors

David recommends asking about the certificate process and past audits to reveal pain points and spark meaningful conversations.

Streamlining Certificates

He shares how using a self-service certificate portal empowers clients and boosts efficiency.

Audit Support

David emphasizes attending audits to reassure clients and gain insights that improve service.

Anticipating Needs

Learning from auditors helps producers identify client needs and adjust strategies.

Proactive Financial Planning

David advises tracking payroll data to prepare clients for audits and potential adjustments.

Managing Surplus Lines

He highlights the importance of realistic revenue projections and swing endorsements to prevent financial issues.

David concludes that these strategies help producers win business and deliver exceptional client service in a hard market.

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In this episode of the Power Producers podcast, David Carothers speaks with Richard Stamets, Chief Commercial Officer of BluePond AI, about the transformative role of generative AI in commercial insurance. They discuss BluePond’s AI-driven solution, the Broker Co-Pilot, which has been designed specifically for insurance with functionalities for policy checking, quote comparison, underwriting submission ingestion, and claims ingestion. Richard shares insights into how BluePond’s generative AI technology not only automates and improves accuracy in policy comparison but also assists brokers by identifying selling behaviors and enhancing operational efficiency. 

Key Points:

Generative AI Explained:

Large language models (LLMs) like BluePond’s AI go beyond simple data processing, understanding and generating complex insurance language.

Enhanced Productivity:

Automating policy reviews and comparisons means less time on tedious tasks, freeing brokers and CSRs to engage in more valuable work.

Adoption and Change:

While AI adoption has been slow due to industry hesitance, the technology is here to stay, much like the evolution of the internet. Agencies embracing it early will be positioned for long-term success.

Collaboration Over Competition:

New tech fosters collaboration among different firms, creating stronger, comprehensive solutions for brokers.

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·       David Carothers LinkedIn

·       Richard Stamets LinkedIn

·       Kyle Houck LinkedIn

Visit Websites:

·       Power Producer Base Camp

·       BluePond AI

·       Killing Commercial

·       Crushing Content

·       Power Producers Podcast

·       Policytee

·       The Dirty 130

·       The Extra 2 Minutes