Most agency owners don’t struggle because they lack effort. They struggle because they lack a system that scales with them. Hosted by Daniel Metcalf with Mike Stromsoe, this episode breaks down the UPP Onyx Agency Operating System and explains why growth stalls when operations, accountability, and leadership aren’t aligned. Together, they unpack the real structure […]

Training and leadership are still the two biggest constraints holding independent insurance agencies back. In this episode, I sit down with Justin Goodman to talk about how agencies can finally solve both without burning out owners or losing great people to competitors. Justin shares the real story behind Total CSR and why daily, practical training […]

If you want more out of life and business next year, it starts with becoming more of who you’re capable of being. In this solo episode, I share the exact year-end framework I’ve used for decades to design my most joyful, fulfilling, and successful years. I walk through three simple but powerful questions that shape […]

Predictability is becoming one of the most valuable advantages in today’s insurance market, and data and technology are finally making it possible. In this episode, I sit down with Dylan DiMarchi, Co-Founder and CEO of Eventual, to explore how independent agents can use price guarantee strategies to stand out, retain clients, and grow in a […]

Scaling an agency requires clarity, intentionality, and the courage to focus on what truly drives growth. In this episode, I share the mindset and systems used by top independent insurance agencies to compress time, eliminate distractions, and scale faster than ever before. I also introduce Onyx, our new high-level program built for agency owners who […]

The most powerful advantage in your agency might not be what you think—it’s understanding how your people work best. In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Harwood, entrepreneur, national speaker, and author of Move Over Extroverts, to explore how introverts and extroverts can work together to create balance, trust, and unstoppable growth within your […]

The fastest-growing agencies aren’t just built on strategy—they’re powered by accountability. In this episode, I sit down with Joel McKinley, our Director of Accountability at UPP and a 20-year U.S. Army Ranger veteran, to talk about how true ownership transforms teams from task-driven to results-driven. We dive deep into what it really takes to create […]

True leadership isn’t about tasks—it’s about unlocking the greatness inside your people. In this episode, I talk with Natty Lewis, an entrepreneur who has built and sold seven companies and now leads Ascend EQ, helping agencies harness emotional intelligence to elevate culture, retention, and revenue. Natty shares powerful insights into why so many agency teams […]

The agencies that will win in the future are the ones embracing AI today—and Daniel Metcalf is laying out the roadmap. In this episode, I talk with Daniel about how generative AI and automation are transforming independent insurance agencies into faster, smarter, more profitable operations. As we continue to break down AI and integrate it […]

The smartest agencies aren’t just selling insurance—they’re reimagining how every back-office process works. In this conversation with Chris Paradiso, I explore how he’s using AI and automation to transform his agency’s operations while giving his team the tools to work faster, smarter, and with greater accuracy. Chris shares how platforms like the Intelligent Agent are […]