What happened to being bored?

In this Off Script minisode, Tyler McAndrew, Director of Business Systems and Technology and Mitch Graybill, Director of Property and Casualty Operations, take a trip down memory lane and talk about the things kids today might never experience.

Technology has made life easier in a lot of ways, but has it also taken away some of the freedom, disappointment, and random adventures that came with growing up in the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s?

No insurance talk. No big business lesson. Just two Accel teammates shooting the breeze about growing up, raising kids, and the things they kind of miss.

Welcome to Off Script! Where our team gets to step away from the day job and just be themselves.

Keywords

what happened to being bored, childhood nostalgia, growing up in the 80s, growing up in the 90s, growing up in the early 2000s, 80s kids, 90s kids, early 2000s nostalgia, technology and childhood, kids today, insurance bros, parenting, raising kids, parenting in the digital age, childhood memories, growing up without technology, life before smartphones, life before social media, Blockbuster, VHS, riding bikes as a kid, summer as a kid, small town Iowa, childhood freedom, nostalgia podcast, funny podcast, workplace podcast, employee stories, company culture, Accel Group, The Accel Group, Off Script podcast, Accel Advantage podcast, insurance professionals, humanizing insurance, behind the scenes, employee culture, boredom, screen time, kids and technology, childhood then vs now, parenting today, digital childhood, 80s vs 90s childhood

00:00 – Welcome to Off Script

00:27 – What Will Our Kids Miss About Growing Up in the ’80s & ’90s?

01:05 – When You Couldn’t Just Google Everything

01:50 – Dating Before Texting

02:25 – Picking a Movie by the VHS Cover

03:05 – The Freedom of Growing Up Without a Cell Phone

04:05 – Calling Your Parents at Work

04:50 – Pay Phones, Collect Calls & Long Distance

05:35 – Kids Today Don’t Know How to Use the Phone

06:20 – Back to Work

What does great employee benefits management actually look like and what should business leaders expect from their benefits team?

In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, host Corey Rekers sits down with members of Accel’s Employee Benefits team, Jamie Harken, Spencer Blair, and Tori Douglas, to take a closer look at what happens behind the scenes to help employers and their employees navigate the complexities of benefits.

From claims and prior authorizations to open enrollment, employee communication, compliance, and benefits administration, the team shares how proactive account management can make a meaningful difference in both the employer and employee experience.

They also discuss one of the biggest mistakes employers can make: taking a “set it and forget it” approach to benefits. The conversation explores why ongoing communication, employee education, advocacy, and strategic support are just as important as the benefits themselves—and how the right resources and technology can help employers create a more efficient and effective benefits experience.

Whether you're a business owner, HR leader, or someone responsible for managing employee benefits, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what great benefits management should look like and why having a true partner in your corner matters.

Key takeaway: Great benefits management is about more than renewing a plan once a year. It's about being proactive, solving problems, supporting employees, and building a benefits strategy that works for both your people and your business.

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Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview

00:38 – Meet the Employee Benefits Team

03:54 – What Makes Benefits Account Management Rewarding

04:42 – What Great Benefits Management Actually Looks Like

05:46 – The Employee Experience & Benefits Navigation

06:27 – The “Set It and Forget It” Approach to Benefits

07:04 – Why Proactive Benefits Management Matters

08:24 – How Account Managers Support HR Teams

09:15 – A Real-World Claims Success Story

10:24 – HR Resources: Mineral

11:24 – Simplifying Benefits Administration with Employee Navigator

11:57 – Supporting Clients Beyond Implementation

13:09 – Improving Employee Communication with TruHu

15:22 – What Makes Every Client Experience Different

16:38 – Transforming the Benefits Enrollment Experience

17:39 – The Impact of Great Benefits Management

18:01 – Closing Thoughts & Outro

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Keywords:

employee benefits, benefits management, employee benefits strategy, benefits administration, employee experience, HR strategy, benefits communication, employee engagement, benefits account management, benefits broker, employee advocacy, benefits enrollment, open enrollment, health insurance navigation, claims assistance, HR support, benefits technology, Employee Navigator, TruHu, Mineral HR, workplace benefits, employee retention, business strategy, benefits education, proactive benefits management, HR resources, employer benefits, employee communication, benefits strategy, business leadership

What do top employees really want in today’s workplace andwhy are so many leaders still getting it wrong?

In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, host CoreyRekers sits down with Chief People Officer Tina Miller to unpack what’s changed in the talent landscape and what it means for business leaders in 2026. While compensation and flexibility still matter, they’re no longer enough to attractand retain top performers.

Tina shares practical, real-world insights from over twodecades in HR, breaking down what employees actually value today from autonomy and clarity to leadership quality, growth opportunities, and a healthy work environment. They also explore where companies tend to miss the mark (hint:it’s not about perks) and how these missteps can quietly impact turnover, engagement, and long-term business performance.

If you’re a business owner, leader, or hiring managerlooking to build a stronger, more engaged team, this episode offers simple, high-impact ways to better align with what talent expects now.

Key takeaway: Top talent isn’t just choosing a job, they’rechoosing an experience. The question is: are you building one worth staying for?

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview
00:32 – Meet Tina Miller: Background & HR Experience02:12 – The Gap Between What Leaders Think vs. What Talent Wants03:08 – What’s Changed in the Workforce (Awareness, Choice, Mindset)04:34 – The Post-COVID Shift in Work Expectations05:04 – Why Compensation Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore06:10 – What Talent Wants Beyond Pay: Flexibility & Autonomy07:11 – The Importance of Clear Expectations07:51 – Leadership’s Impact on Employee Experience08:20 – Growth, Development & Career Progression09:13 – The Role of Purpose at Work10:01 – Why a Healthy Work Environment Matters10:41 – Common Mistakes Leaders Make11:35 – Why Perks Don’t Fix Core Issues12:11 – Business Impact of Misalignment (Turnover, Burnout, Reputation)13:28 – Practical Ways to Better Align with Talent Expectations15:20 – One Key Takeaway for Leaders16:00 – Closing Thoughts & Outro

Keywords:
talent retention, human resources, HR, employee expectations 2026, hiring trends, HR strategy, leadership development, workplace culture, employee engagement, talent acquisition, flexible work, work-life balance, management training, employee experience, business growth, organizational culture, recruiting strategy, retention strategies, modern workforce, HR insights, leadership mistakes, workplace trends

In this episode of The Accel Advantage podcast, host Corey Rekers is joined by Accel real estate insurance advisors Dustin Toner and Kate Rahfeldt to uncover the hidden risks many property owners and portfolio managers overlook. They break down why having multiple brokers can actually hurt your leverage, how your reputation in the insurance marketplace impacts your outcomes, and why insurance should be viewed as a strategic investment—not just a cost.

The conversation dives into today’s evolving insurance landscape, rising deductibles, and how factors like construction materials, risk management practices, and alignment between stakeholders can significantly impact your program. Dustin and Kate also share real-world examples, including how poor coordination can lead to underinsured properties and missed opportunities in the market.

If you manage or invest in real estate, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you better structure your insurance program, reduce risk, and position your portfolio for long-term success.

Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun!

The Accel Group:

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TikTok
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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dustin Toner and Kate Rahfeldt
00:46 Backgrounds in Real Estate and Insurance
03:57 The Biggest Mistake Portfolio Managers Make
05:41 Why Multiple Brokers Can Hurt Your Leverage
07:30 Real Example: When Too Many Brokers Go Wrong
10:15 The “Jockey and Horse” Approach to Insurance
11:21 How the Insurance Market Has Changed
12:27 What Insurance Really Is (Reframing the Mindset)
14:01 Taking a C-Suite Approach to Risk Management
15:27 Customizing Insurance vs. Chasing the Lowest Bid
17:07 Challenges Across Different Real Estate Asset Classes
19:11 Case Study: Improving Risk Through Better Construction
21:29 Understanding Loss Assessment Coverage
23:13 Key Takeaways for Property Owners & Managers

Keywords

real estate insurance, property portfolio risk, riskmanagement, insurance strategy, multifamily insurance, property management, insurance marketplace, underwriting, loss assessment coverage, real estate investing, insurance costs, deductible strategies, risk transfer, assetprotection, commercial real estate

In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, Corey Rekers sits down with financial advisor Scott Durscher to break down the essentials of estate and succession planning, especially for business owners and farm families.

From real-life stories growing up in rural Iowa to practical strategies using wills and trusts, Scott explains how poor planning can lead to costly delays, family conflict, and even the loss of a business.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between a will and a trust
• Why probate can be expensive and time-consuming
• How revocable trusts help avoid court involvement
• What business owners need to know about continuity planning
• How to prepare for incapacity, not just death

If you own a business, a farm, or simply want to protect your legacy, this episode will help you understand why having a plan in place is critical and how to get started.

#EstatePlanning #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessOwners #Trusts #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #FarmSuccession #SmallBusiness #LegacyPlanning

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Accel Advantage

00:30 Meet Scott Durscher

02:15 Farm Roots & Real Estate Planning Stories

04:30 Who Needs Estate & Succession Planning?

05:45 Wills Explained: How They Work

07:45 The Downsides of Probate

08:45 Trusts 101: What Is a Revocable Trust?

09:45 Key Benefits of Trusts (Privacy, Speed, Control)

10:45 Business Continuity Planning Explained

11:30 Avoiding Family Conflict in Succession

12:20 Planning for Incapacity

13:05 Why Most People Delay Estate Planning

13:50 The Peace of Mind of Having a Plan

14:30 Final Thoughts & How to Get Started

Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠and accelwealthmanagement.com

Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun!

The Accel Group:

⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

TikTok

Youtube

Accel Wealth Management

Facebook

Linkedin

Instagram

Youtube

Keywords: Estate & succession planning, Wills vs. trusts,  Probate, Revocable trusts, Business continuity planning, Family business transitions, Farm succession, Incapacity planning, Protecting legacy

Welcome back to The Accel Advantage, powered by TheAccel Group and Accel Wealth Management. In this special one-year anniversary episode, host Corey Rekers is joined by Co-President Josh Budke and a panel of Accel leaders to break down the biggest trends shaping businesses in 2026.

From cybersecurity and AI risks to shifting insurance markets, rising healthcare costs, and evolving retirement strategies, this episode delivers a comprehensive look at what business leaders need to know right now. The team also shares actionable insights on employee benefits, financial planning, and how organizations can stay resilient in an increasinglycomplex environment.

Whether you're navigating insurance renewals, exploring AIin your operations, or planning for long-term financial success, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make smarter decisions for your business.

Check out our websites:
⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠accelwealthmanagement.com⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on social media for more tips, insights, andupdates!

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating One Year of The Accel Advantage
00:58 Navigating Business Risks in 2026
05:52 Understanding Insurance Market Rate Changes
12:05 Preparing for Insurance Renewals
12:50 The Impact of AI on Business
13:59 Emerging AI Risks & Security Concerns
15:01 Managing Business Risk with AI
18:40 Practical Uses of AI in Business
20:48 Trends in Personal Lines Insurance
22:03 Why Personal Insurance Costs Increased
23:34 Ways to Save on Home & Auto Insurance
25:55 Navigating Employee Benefits Challenges
26:10 Key Employee Benefit Trends for 2026
30:07 Funding Strategies for Employers
31:53 Understanding Employee Needs in Benefits
34:19 The Future of Workplace Benefits
36:03 Retirement Plan Trends & Innovations
44:10 Personal Investing & Financial Planning Trends
46:52 Market Outlook for 2026
47:52 What Investors Should Focus On
48:35 Advice for Young Investors
51:09 Key Takeaways & Business Strategy Insights
52:51 Outro

Keywords

business trends 2026, artificial intelligence, cybersecurityrisk, insurance market trends, commercial insurance, personal insurance,employee benefits, healthcare costs, self-funding, retirement planning,financial planning, investing strategies, wealth management, businessresilience, risk management, employee retention, workplace benefits, AI inbusiness, economic outlook, leadership strategy

In this episode, dealership insurance experts Ethan Thompson and Kaleb Admire share their insights on insuring car dealerships, risk management strategies, market trends, and innovative tools like parametric insurance to help dealers protect their assets and optimize their insurance programs.

Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun!

The Accel Group:

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⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 – Introductions to Ethan and Kaleb

03:45 – Breaking the “Price-Only” Dealer Stereotype

04:44 – Insurance as Capital Protection (Not a Commodity)

10:20 – State of the Insurance Market (2026 Outlook)

13:01 – Property Trends & Weather Risk in the Midwest

15:13 – Rising Deductibles & Risk-Sharing Shift

20:26 – EV Charging Stations & Hidden Property Risks

21:56 – Parametric Insurance Explained

27:13 – Emerging Threat: Transport Fraud

34:27 – Umbrella Policies & Nuclear Verdict Risks

39:27 – Driver Controls & MVR Best Practices

42:22 – Final Advice for Dealership Owners
Keywords: auto dealership insurance, risk management,market trends, parametric insurance, garage insurance, wind-hail deductibles, transport fraud, driver control, umbrella coverage, insurance strategies

In this episode of The Accel Advantage podcast, host Corey Rekers welcomes special guest John Tatum, VP – Construction Business Unit Lead from UFG Insurance, to discuss insurance insights for contractors. Corey and John are also joined by Accel business insurance advisors Chandler Lamm and Jonathan Patterson. They dive into a market update on the construction industry, key attributes of a strong construction company, the importance of choosing a specialist broker, and more. With real-life stories and scenarios, this episode is filled with great tips and knowledge from some of the best in the business!

Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun!

The Accel Group:

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⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠
Check out UFG’s website: ufginsurance.com

Chapters

00:00 Introductions toJohn, Chandler, and Jonathan

05:32 Market Update inthe Construction Industry

11:59 Attributes of aStrong Construction Company

12:51 Building aCulture of Safety

14:34 Stories for theInsurance Company

17:30 The Two Cs:Communication and Complacency

19:27 Choosing theRight Broker or Advisor

21:14 Story:Specialization Changing the Game

25:39 Key Takeaways forContractors
Keywords: construction industry, risk management, insurance, market update, safety, underwriting, data centers, insurance for contractors, business insurance

Welcome back to The Accel Advantage Podcast! This one’sfor all the entrepreneurs and hustlers. In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Rachel Lee, Director of Commercial Lines PBU at The Accel Group, to discuss essential insurance coverages for local and Main Street business owners. Racheland host Corey Rekers explore common misconceptions about business insurance, share real-world stories, and chat about specific tips and tricks for various industries. Tune in now, and if you own a local business, reach out to [email protected] for your quick, no-pressure review!

Follow us on social media for more tips and tricks!

The Accel Group:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Accel Wealth Management:

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Main Street Business Insurance

02:15 Understanding Common Insurance Misconceptions

05:32 Myth #1: Debunking General Liability Myths

09:43 Myth #2: I Don't Need Cyber Liability

13:42 Myth #3: Auto Liability

16:19 Myth #4: Workers' Compensation - 1099 vs.Independent Contractors

18:49 Real-World Example

22:29 Myth #5: Professional Liability

24:56 Final Thoughts and Resources for Local BusinessOwners

Keywords: business insurance, Main Street business, localbusiness, insurance misconceptions, general liability, cyber liability, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, professional liability, small business owners, insurance coverage

In this episode, Stacie Brass and Michele Krueger discuss moving forward after emotional financial trauma and setbacks, particularly in the context of divorce and loss. They emphasize the importance of budgeting, rebuilding financial safety nets, acknowledging the reset, and the need for preparation and planning. The conversation is an important one that highlights practical steps for recovery and support. Thank you for listening! If you’re searching for a financial advisor to help you through a tough time financially, visit accelwealthmanagement.com or give us a call at 319.365.8611.

Check out our websites: ⁠⁠https://www.accelwealthmanagement.com/⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠https://acceladvantage.com/⁠

Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun!

Accel Wealth Management:

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⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

The Accel Group:

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⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

03:00 Navigating the Loss of a Spouse

06:31 Avoiding Hasty Financial Decisions

09:00 Divorce & Financial Trauma

11:29 The Financial Reset After Divorce

14:04 Rebuilding Financial Independence

16:31 Preparation, Takeaways, and Ongoing Support

18:13 Conclusion & Disclosures

Keywords: financial trauma, divorce, financial recovery, financial trauma healing, wealth management, financial planning, emotional support, financial advisor, financial independence, budgeting