The Agent Leader Podcast

Join us as Joe Vens, a leading risk advisor at First MainStreet Insurance, returns to share his transformative journey in the insurance industry. Through the themes of mentorship, coachability, and dedicated personal growth, Joe discusses how these qualities have shaped his career and set him apart. 

Joe dives into the art of balancing family, professional

Episode highlights:

- (06:22) Personal and Professional Growth Through Mentorship 

- (16:57) Developing a Specialized Niche in Insurance 

- (27:41) Building Leadership Through Team Collaboration 

- (36:46) Achieving Success Through Mindful Living 

Packed with practical advice for both new and seasoned producers, Joe shares his strategies for long-term success—covering everything from planning and communication to intentional living. This is an inspiring episode full of relatable stories and actionable lessons for anyone looking to make an impact in their insurance career.

To learn more about Sitkins programs to help your agency grow, visit www.sitkins.com

What if you could seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with personal growth in your insurance agency? This episode of the Agent Leader promises insights into just that as we chat with Billie Jo Galle, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Operations at TRICOR Insurance.

Billie Jo's extensive experience provides a unique perspective on harmonizing technological advancements with human elements in the fast-evolving landscape of insurance.

We unravel TRICOR's journey from a family-owned business to a formidable private equity-backed agency, highlighting strategic partnerships and the adoption of technology to enhance operations, marketing, sales, and analytics.

Tune in to discover how technology is transforming the industry by automating routine tasks, thereby freeing professionals to nurture deeper client relationships and offer strategic advice to their clients.

She also explores the invaluable growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zones and tackling challenges head-on.

Highlights include:

(02:00) - Balancing Technology and Team Growth

(13:35) - Leveraging Technology for Agency Growth

(29:05) - Embracing Challenges for Personal Growth

Through engaging anecdotes and reflections, this conversation underscores the irreplaceable human elements of empathy and collaboration, even in an increasingly automated world.

To get your agency on the same path to success as TRICOR, visit www.sitkins.com/bookacall

Renowned sports psychologist and performance coach Dr. Rick Jensen draws from his remarkable experience coaching pro champions to offer powerful insights for excelling in insurance.

Dr. Jensen emphasizes the value of specialization, and the competitive advantage gained by becoming trusted consultants within specific niches rather than staying generalists.

Highlights include:

Our conversation delves into the transition from transactional to consultative relationships, highlighting how targeting a specific audience with tailored advice can elevate client connections and revenue.

Dr. Jensen illustrates how professionals can benefit from a champion’s mindset, including achievement motivation, deliberate efficiency, and the importance of structured time management.

This episode sheds light on practices that help top achievers reach new heights, offering listeners actionable strategies to build focus, resilience, and consistent growth.

To get started on your agency's growth plan, visit www.sitkins.com/bookacall

To learn more about Dr. Rick Jensen, visit https://drrickjensen.com/

How can leaders help shape up their agency culture for heightened success? Dick Gibbs, CRO and VP of Sales at Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency, joins us to share how his own commitment to personal well-being has propelled his leadership abilities and fostered a thriving team culture.

With his impressive background in both company and agency sides of the insurance sector, he offers a unique lens on how agency leaders can set a powerful example for their teams through modeling positive behaviors.
We unravel the keys to Hartwig Moss's remarkable growth, doubling revenue over just six years. From harnessing modern technology to sustaining a strong customer service ethos, the agency's success story is one of strategic innovation and relationship-building. Learn how their five-generational legacy in New Orleans has been a cornerstone for success while embracing the challenges of balancing growth and profitability in a competitive market. 
Topics discussed include:
(00:02) Importance of Agency Leaders Modeling Behaviors
(05:05) Importance of Fitness for Agency Leaders
(12:17) Multi-Generational Agency Success Culture
(19:41) Balancing Growth and Profitability Challenges
(26:57) Enhancing Agency Relationships and Communication
This episode offers a wealth of insights for agency leaders eager to refine their relationship-building strategies and sustain business growth.
If you're ready to get remarkable results like Hartwig Moss, start your agency growth plan at www.sitkins.com/bookacall

What if the key to your agency’s growth lies in something you're overlooking? In our latest podcast episode, Matt Fairbanks, Vice President of Sales and Producer Development at EHD Insurance, joins Brent to reveal how investing in your team can transform your agency’s success. Learn from Matt’s incredible journey from managing a $2 million book of business to excelling in a leadership role dedicated to nurturing the next generation of producers. His practical insights and mindset shifts offer invaluable lessons for anyone in the industry including:
(00:01) - Growing Your Insurance Agency Through People
(12:51) - Nurturing Success in Insurance
(22:55) - Navigating Challenges in Insurance Agency Growth
(35:06) - Building Relationships and Behaviors in Sales
(46:54) - Mastering Connections for Professional Success
(50:52) - Sharing Ideas for Business Growth
Discover how leveraging the experience of seasoned producers nearing retirement can boost the entire agency’s performance plus more nuggets of wisdom in this engaging episode!
To get your agency on the path to more success like EHD, visit www.sitkins.com/bookacall

How did Ed McGrath lead BancFirst Insurance Services from $6 million to an astounding $33 million in revenue? Discover the secrets behind this monumental growth as Ed, the President and CEO, sits down with us to discuss the pivotal strategies and leadership decisions that made this transformation possible. 
You'll hear about the importance of an independent operational approach, the power of investing in new agents, and the unique leadership style that has driven their success.
This episode promises valuable takeaways for any agency leader aiming to elevate their business and achieve ambitious goals. Join us for a conversation that could redefine your approach to growth and leadership in the insurance world.
To learn more about programs that helped boost BancFirst's growth, visit www.sitkins.com
To order your copy of our Best Version Possible book visit www.sitkins.com/bvp

Unlock the secrets to agency growth and leadership success with Bart Straka, President and CRO of TRICOR Insurance. Discover how Bart transformed from a producer to a leader at one of the top 100 agencies in the country.

Learn how the agency has expanded to 32 locations and 310 employees, with an impressive projected revenue of $58 million, and the pivotal role a strong agency culture plays in this remarkable journey.
Highlights include:
(00:01) Agency Growth and Leadership Success
(06:34) Building Success Through Growth and Development"
(17:14) Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Insurance
(29:14) Optimizing Agency Efficiency and Growth
(40:14) Impactful Relationships in Professional Growth

Delve into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the insurance industry, such as talent acquisition, market unpredictability, and the lag in technology adoption.

Hear Bart's perspective on transforming these hurdles into growth opportunities through proactive strategies and ensuring the right people are in the right roles for maximum efficiency.

With personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Bart underscores the significance of meaningful relationships in achieving both personal and professional growth, rounding off an episode filled with lessons for agency leaders and industry professionals alike.
To learn more about how you can transform your agency like TRICOR, visit www.sitkins.com

In this episode, Brent Kelly is joined by Mark Rollins, a former highly successful insurance agency leader and current founder of Retirement Transformed.

Mark, also the author of The Evolving Man, shares insights that go beyond the usual financial aspects of perpetuation. 
Together, they explore the emotional and spiritual journey leaders face when transitioning from agency ownership, diving deep into vulnerability, authenticity, and the personal impact of retirement.

Rollins reflects on his own agency success, while emphasizing the importance of identity, purpose, and staying active in retirement. 
Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to rethink how you approach both your professional legacy and personal growth.
To learn more about Mark's company visit https://retirementtransformed.com/
To book your agency assessment with one of our coaches visit https://www.sitkins.com/bookacall

Brent Kelly sits down with Max Olson of Legacy Advisors, an expert in agency valuation, to discuss the strategies that can significantly increase the value of your insurance agency.

Whether you're preparing for a buyout or simply want to boost your agency's future, Max shares key insights on optimizing revenue, streamlining operations, and securing the best price for your agency.

Key topics include:

(15:25) Mistakes agencies have made

(23:00) The one thing that agency owners should be most focused on

(30:00) How to find balance in ambition and life

Tune in to learn the steps you can take today to enhance your agency's worth and position yourself for a profitable exit. 
Visit https://www.legacy-advisors.com/ to learn more about their services for insurance agencies
Visit https://www.sitkins.com/bookacall to schedule your Best Version Possible assesment.

How can good results be holding your agency back?

Roger Sitkins joins Brent Kelly to dive deep into all seven of the Good Results Traps - or common challenges that many agencies face when they become content with merely good outcomes instead of pushing for the Best Version Possible results.

This Good Results mindset prevents agencies from reaching their full potential and end up leaving millions of dollars of value on the table.

Learn how to escape these traps, get a clear understanding of your current position, desired future state, and the steps required to bridge that gap.

Dive into key strategies like optimizing sales and service capacity — ensuring producers are focused on sales-related activities and service teams are working efficiently without interruption. Get into Accountability, an essential in driving the desired behaviors and results.

The coaches discuss the importance of building a promise-based culture that fosters engagement, productivity, and a sense of ownership across the organization.

By striving for the Best Version Possible of themselves and avoiding the comfort of "good" results, agencies can achieve greater financial freedom, more options, and overall success.

This episode is your blueprint for achieving sustainable growth and profitability, packed with actionable insights for insurance agency owners and leaders.

Don't miss out on these strategies to refine your business approach and lead your agency to success. Visit www.sitkins.com to learn more about our programs

To order a copy of our book Best Version Possible, visit www.sitkins.com/bvp

To schedule a free agency assessment with one of our coaches, visit www.sitkins.com/bookacall