Super TRUEper

In this episode of Super TRUEper, Scott Smith sits down with Alan Kacura, co-founder of Intrepid California, for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from humble beginnings in California to building a thriving agency. Alan reflects on being raised by a single mom, the influence of mentors and family, and how early jobs—including a stint as Christopher Robin at Disneyland—shaped his entrepreneurial drive. He shares stories about meeting his wife Lauren in college, raising two kids, and the balance between running a 26-person fully remote team and fostering a culture that avoids burnout. Along the way, Scott and Alan explore themes of resilience, listening well, optimizing versus maximizing in business, and the importance of making space for deep, meaningful work.

On this episode of Super TRUEper, we have a very special guest in the studio. Scott sits down with, his wife, Val Smith. Together they discuss life, kids, and Val's early years growing up in New Mexico. They also touch on Val's professional life and meeting Scott. Don't miss this one!

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

05:00 - Childhood and Early Life

20:00 - High School Years and Rebellion

30:00 - College and First Jobs

45:00 - Move to Denver and Northwestern Mutual

01:00:00 - Building the Intrepid Business

01:15:00 - Balancing Career and Motherhood

01:30:00 - Purchasing Intrepid and Entrepreneurship

01:45:00 - Meeting Scott and Relationship

02:00:00 - Retirement Plans and Future

In this episode, Scott sits down with Joey Janssen from Two Twelve Benefits. Together they dive into topics such as Joey growing up in Florida, meeting Adrienne for the first time, and getting into the employee benefits industry.

In this episode of Super TRUEper, our guest, Dan Maniaci, chats with Scott about various topics. Together they discuss Dan’s early years, his first job at age 12, and the first time he meets his wife, Noreen. They also discuss college in the 60s and what still excites Dan after 52 years in the insurance industry.

00:00 - Intro

04:30 - Dan’s Early Life

13:50 - First Job At Age 12

24:39 - Dan’s College Years

27:53 - Dan Meets Noreen

34:40 - Stumbling Into Insurance

39:45 - Work Life Balance

01:02:30 - 52 Years In Insurance

On this episode of Super TRUEper, Scott sits down with Chris Hamilton, from Hotchkiss Insurance. Together they dive into topics such as leadership, building trust, and work-life balance. They also touch on the impact of mentorship, leaving a legacy, and family values. You do not want to miss this episode of Super TRUEper!

00:00 - Intro

02:32 - First Meeting and Forming a Business Relationship

04:09 - Making the Right Decision: The Importance of Gut Feeling

08:08 - Challenges and Successes in the Early Years

16:18 - The Evolution of Business Practices and Team Building

28:33 - Leadership and Personal Growth

48:11 - Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Well-being

01:02:14 - The Impact of Mentorship and Overcoming Adversity

01:05:13 - Reflections on Therapy and Resilience

01:08:42 - Conclusion: Legacy, Family Values, and Final Thoughts

This is episode's guest is Jake Cleer from New Benefits. Scott and Jake will dive into various topics from growing up in Illinois to meeting his wife. Jake also discusses his kids and getting into employee benefits.

In this episode, Scott sits down with Jennifer Homer of Strategic Benefits. During the talk they touch on everything from growing up in Cincinatti to the first time she locked eyes with her husband Jim. They also cover topics such as Jenn's children and the time she experienced a bank robbery first hand. Enjoy this episode with Jenn!

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

1:33 - Principal At Strategic Benefits

4:20 - Growing Up In Cincinnati

7:10 - Little Jennifer Young

9:26 - The Brown Dress According To Jennifer’s Sister

11:30 - The First Time She Locked Eyes With Jon

19:05 - Jenn’s Parents

21:30 - Dating With Jon and Jenn

23:30 - Jenn’s First Job Out Of College

24:00 - The Bank Robbery

28:00 - Jenn and The Birth Of TRUE Network

35:12 - The Best Of Both Worlds - Work and Kids

38:15 - Jenn’s Son Plays Division I Football

44:50 - Jenn’s Daughter, Caroline.

51:35 - Jenn’s State Of Leadership

57:40 - #DOITFORJACK

In this episode of Super TRUEper, Scott Smith has a conversation with a long-time friend and colleague, John Monaghan. Scott and John touch on topics such as John's accent, childhood on the farm, and his famous sister. They also discuss the stepping stones of John's professional life as well as a fun story involving mimosas.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

4:45 - How Long Have We Known Each Other?

9:00 - John's Childhood On A Farm

17:40 - A Famous Sister

32:24 - John's College Years - Catholic School

36:27 - First Insurance Job

1:03:35 - Getting Married

1:11:25 - PDCM and the Birth of TRUE

1:16:37 - The Mimosa Story

1:24:28 - Closing Discussion

In this episode, Scott Smith sits down with Mindy Rogers. Mindy and Scott discuss Mindy's childhood, her collegiate running career and the first time she laid eyes on her husband Mike. We hope you enjoy this episode of Super TRUEper with Mindy!

In this episode of Super TRUEper, Scott sits down with Dave Kline at a live event. Together they discuss topics such as Dave's childhood, formative years, and career path. Dave also talks about common themes in good managers and the first time he locked eyes with his wife, Marsden. You don't want to miss this one!

Chapters

1. 0:00 - Intro

2. 1:00 - Growing Up In Rochester

3. 2:37 - Sometimes Strengths Are Weaknesses

4. 05:20 -  A Father’s Legacy

5. 13:35 - Choosing A College: Frisbees Dogs and Halter Tops

6. 15:57 - Locking Eyes With Marsden

7. 20:58 - Dave’s Career Path

8. 21:50 - Time at Bridgewater

9. 30:23 - We Might Have Something Here

10. 33:35 - Common Themes In Being A Manager

11. 38:12 - Leadership Or Management: What’s the Difference?

12. 40:13 - Fountains Or Drains