The Accel Advantage: Insurance and Financial Services

As a business owner, protecting your business is only part of the picture. Are your home, auto and personal assets adequately protected, too?

In this episode of the Accel Advantage, host Corey Rekers sits down Private Client Consultants Tyler Starbeck and Luke Carroll to discuss what business owners should know about their personal insurance coverage.

With the insurance market beginning to shift after several years of rising premiums, now may be a good time to review your policies. The conversation covers personal umbrella insurance, homeowners and auto coverage, deductibles, water backup, service line protection and other coverage gaps that can catch people off guard.

They also explain why the lowest premium isn't always thebest option, what to consider when shopping for coverage, and how The Accel Group's new personal partnership program will provide clients with more personalized, ongoing policy reviews.

Whether you're a business owner, have significant personal assets, or simply want to make sure your coverage keeps up with your life, this episode offers practical insights to help you make more informed insurance decisions.

In this episode, we cover:

- Why business owners should consider personal umbrella insurance

- What changing homeowners insurance rates mean for policy holders

- Coverage gaps involving water backup, valuables and service lines

- What to review when comparing home and auto insurance

- Why the cheapest policy may not offer the best protection

- How ongoing, personalized insurance reviews can help

Listen in for practical advice on protecting what matters most, at home and beyond.

Keywords

personal insurance, business owner insurance, homeowners insurance, auto insurance, personal umbrella insurance, umbrella liability coverage, insurance coverage gaps, homeowners insurance rates, insurance deductibles, water backup coverage, service line coverage, valuables insurance, insurance policy review, insurance market trends, asset protection, risk management, personal risk management, The Accel Group, Accel Advantage podcast, Tyler Starbeck, Luke Carroll, Corey Reekers

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Personal Insurance for Business Owners
00:26 – Meet Tyler Starbeck and Luke Carroll
02:50 – Why Business Owners Should Consider Umbrella Insurance
04:14 – Homeowners Insurance: Rates and Market Changes
05:43 – What to Look for Beyond the Premium
06:30 – Water Backup Coverage and Protecting Your Home
07:32 – Jewelry, Valuables and Service Line Coverage
08:41 – Auto Insurance and Liability Limits
09:46 – When to Review or Reshop Your Policies
10:33 – Why the Cheapest Insurance Isn't Always Best
11:27 – What Does a Personal Umbrella Policy Cost?
12:00 – Introducing The Accel Group's Personal Partnership Program
12:46 – What to Expect From Personalized Policy Reviews
13:05 – Final Thoughts

Where should you eat, golf, and spend your weekends in West Des Moines and Iowa City? Tyler and Luke are going Off Script to share some of their favorite local spots, weekend activities, and travel destinations.

From favorite national parks like Yosemite and Denali to Friday night dinner spots like The Tavern, Pancheros, and Simon's, the conversation covers a little bit of everything. They also talk golf, Iowa football, the Iowa City bar scene, and a few places worth adding to your list.

Whether you're looking for your next dinner spot or just want to get to know the people behind The Accel Advantage, this episode is all about the favorites, recommendations, and random conversations that happen when we go Off Script.

🎧 Tune in for more Off Script episodes from The Accel Advantage!

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Off Script

00:08 – Favorite National Parks: Yosemite vs. Denali

00:50 – Upcoming Trips: The Presidents Cup & San Jose Sharks

01:40 – Where to Eat in West Des Moines

02:08 – Pancheros, The Tavern & Iowa City's Best Fried Chicken Sandwich

02:27 – A West Des Moines Favorite: Simon's

03:07 – Favorite Weekend Activities in Des Moines

03:29 – Weekends in Iowa City: Golf, Bowling & Hawkeye Football

04:05 – That's a Wrap on Off Script

The Accel Advantage, The Accel Group, Off Script podcast, West Des Moines restaurants, best restaurants in West Des Moines, where to eat in West Des Moines, Iowa City restaurants, best places to eat in Iowa City, things to do in West Des Moines, things to do in Iowa City, Iowa weekend activities, Iowa golf courses, Iowa City nightlife, Simon's Restaurant Des Moines, The Tavern Valley Junction, Pancheros Jordan Creek, Mickey's Iowa City, Iowa Hawkeyes football, favorite national parks, Yosemite National Park, Denali National Park, Presidents Cup golf, San Jose Sharks

Workers’ compensation can be one of those areas of running a business that only gets attention when something goes wrong. But having the right processes in place before an injury happens can make a big difference.

In this episode of the Accel Advantage podcast, Corey Rekers sits down with Ashley Buck, Accel’s Director of Claims and Risk Management, to break down what business owners should know about managing workers’ compensation claims.

They discuss how to prepare employees for workplace injuries, when to use urgent care vs. the emergency room, the difference between medical-only and indemnity claims, and why having a return-to-work or light-duty program can benefit both employers and employees. Corey and Ashley also talk about experience modification factors, why open claims and reserves matter, how workers’ compensation claims can affect contractors working with larger GCs, when employers need to involve OSHA, and how resources like nurse triage can help simplify the claims process.

Whether you’re a business owner, HR leader, manager or simply responsible for workplace safety, this episode offers practical reminders for managing workers’ compensation more effectively.

In this episode:

• Preparing employees for workplace injuries

• Medical-only vs. indemnity workers’ compensation claims

• Return-to-work and light-duty programs

• Experience modification factors and open claims

• Managing reserves and closing claims

• Workers’ compensation and contractor requirements

• OSHA reporting requirements

• Nurse triage and carrier resources

• Building a stronger relationship with your insurance carrier

Learn more about The Accel Group at acceladvantage.com.

Subscribe to the Accel Advantage podcast for more conversations about the decisions business owners face every day around risk, money and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Intro: Workers’ Compensation for Business Owners

00:43 Ashley Buck’s Career in Claims

01:52 Preparing Employees for Workplace Injuries

03:10 When to Use Urgent Care vs. the ER

04:21 Medical-Only vs. Indemnity Claims

05:52 Building a Return-to-Work Program

06:49 How Return-to-Work Can Help Employers

07:58 Experience Mods, Reserves & Open Claims

09:17 Workers’ Compensation & Contractor Requirements

10:17 When Employers Need to Report to OSHA

11:58 Building a Strong Relationship With Your Carrier

12:59 How Nurse Triage Can Simplify Claims

13:22 Final Takeaways

workers compensation, workers compensation insurance, workers comp, workers comp claims, workers compensation claims, workers comp for business owners, workers compensation Iowa, workplace injury, workers comp insurance, claims management, risk management, return to work program, light duty work, experience modification, experience mod, OSHA, OSHA reporting, workplace safety, business insurance, insurance for business owners, workers comp for contractors, nurse triage, employee safety, Accel Group, Accel Advantage

Podcast

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.

________________________________________

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

________________________________________

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!

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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:

⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠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