In this episode, Kenny Hendricks interviews James Jenkins of RiskWell, who shares his experience transitioning from a captive insurance agent to an independent agent. They discuss the challenges and benefits of being an independent agent, the importance of negotiating contracts, and the need for operational standards in an agency. James emphasizes the need for agents to figure out their brand and identity before making the transition to independence. He also recommends resources such as his book, 'Leaving Captivity,' and industry associations like the Big I and PIA for support and guidance.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from a captive insurance agent to an independent agent requires careful planning and consideration of your brand identity and vision.
• Negotiating contracts with carriers is essential for independent agents to ensure they have the flexibility and support they need.
• Joining industry associations like the Big I and PIA can provide valuable resources and support for captive agents looking to make the transition to independence.

Learn more about RiskWell:
https://www.riskwell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/riskwell
https://www.youtube.com/riskwell
https://www.linkedin.com/company/riskwellus/

To connect with James, reach out via LinkedIn.

Book - "Leaving Captivity" by James Jenkins.

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

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In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks interviews Ciara Gravier of The Bunker Insurance and Risk Management. Ciara shares her experience transitioning from a captive agent to an independent agent. She talks about the importance of underwriting and building relationships with carriers in the independent space. In addition, she emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community in the insurance industry and encourages agents to seek out mentors and be good mentees.

Takeaways

• Being a captive agent provides the advantage of support and training from the larger organization.
• Building a reputation and strong relationships with carriers is crucial in the independent space. Focus on quality over quantity.
• Get involved in industry associations and be an advocate for the industry.
• Obtain designations to demonstrate dedication and expertise.
• Choose a niche and become an expert in that area.
• Seek mentors and be a good mentee.
• Build a supportive community around you.

Learn more about The Bunker Insurance & Risk Management:
https://www.bunkeryourrisk.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bunkeryourrisk/
https://www.instagram.com/bunkeryourrisk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bunker-insurance/

To connect with Ciara, reach out via LinkedIn.

Listen to Ciara's podcast, "The Bunker Talk," by visiting the channel on YouTube.

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

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In this episode, John Crawley shares his experience transitioning from a captive insurance agent to an independent agent. He discusses his background as a captive agent, the challenges he faced when becoming independent, and the strategies he used to establish himself as an independent agent. He emphasizes the importance of learning from others, seeking out resources and education, and building relationships within the industry. John also highlights the misconceptions he had about being independent and the beliefs he had to unlearn.

Takeaways

• Seek mentorship and learn from experienced agents who have successfully transitioned from captive to independent.
• Consider working with an agency or cluster to gain support, access to carriers, and training.
• Attend webinars, conventions, and other industry events to stay updated on industry trends and learn from experts.
• Be prepared for the challenges of being independent, such as the need to learn about different carriers and contracts, and the responsibility of running your own agency.

Learn more about JCA Insurance Services:
https://jcainsure.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JCAinsure
https://www.instagram.com/jcainsurance/

To connect with John, reach out via LinkedIn.

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

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In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks interviews Ron Keats of Keats Insurance Agencies about his transition from being a captive insurance agent to becoming an independent agent. Ron shares his background as a captive agent and how he established himself in the independent space. He discusses the advantages and challenges of being a captive agent and the importance of having choice and options for clients. Ron emphasizes the need for agents to participate in industry groups and think tanks and build a team to work on the business rather than in the business.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from being a captive agent to becoming an independent agent requires preparation and a clear value proposition.
• Participating in industry groups and think tanks can provide valuable insights and support for independent agents.
• Delegating tasks and building a team is essential for agents to work on the business rather than in the business.
• Open communication and collaboration between independent agents and carriers can lead to better outcomes for both parties.

Learn more about Keats Insurance Agencies:
https://www.keatsagency.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KeatsAgency
https://x.com/keatsagency

To connect with Ron, reach out via LinkedIn.

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

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In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks interviews Niki Henley from Extra Mile Insurance Solutions about her transition from being a captive insurance agent to becoming an independent agent. They discuss Niki's background in insurance, the challenges she faced as a captive agent, and the resources she utilized to aid in her transition.

Takeaways

• Finding a community of independent agents through platforms like Facebook can provide valuable support and guidance.
• It's important to focus on learning insurance in general, not just the underwriting guidelines of a specific carrier.
• Don't feel pressured to adopt every new technology or tool in the market. Only invest in solutions that address specific problems in your agency.
• Timing is important when making the transition to independence, but there may never be a perfect time. If it feels right, go for it.

Learn more about Extra Mile Insurance Solutions:
https://www.extramileins.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Agenthenley
https://www.instagram.com/agenthenley

To connect with Niki, reach out via LinkedIn or Facebook.

Learn more about the "Insurance Mavericks" Facebook group by clicking here.

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

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Kenny Hendricks, host of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, discusses the road ahead for the IP podcast. Season one has concluded and season two will begin on August 13th.

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

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In this episode, Kenny Hendricks interviews Clayton Yomtob about how his agency uses Milly Books. The conversation covers topics such as the experience of using Milly Books, the impact on the Insurance Company Advisors Group, and the value it brings to the agency. Clayton discusses the benefits of Milly Books' platform, the challenges of buying and selling insurance assets, and the role of technology in streamlining the process.

DISCLAIMER: This video was recorded prior to Milly Books rebranding in February of 2025. They are referred to as "Cake" in this video.

Takeaways

• Milly Books' platform streamlines the process of buying and selling insurance assets, providing a secure and efficient way to evaluate and transact.
• The value of Milly Books lies in its ability to take the guesswork out of the buying and selling process, providing a high-level view and enabling faster decision-making.
• The platform's API integration and payment portal add further value by facilitating transactions and providing a secure and customizable experience for buyers and sellers.

Learn more about Insurance Company Advisors Group:

• https://myicagroup.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/p/Insurance-Company-Advisors-Group-61553033879541/
• https://www.instagram.com/_icagroup/

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below:

• Clayton Yomtob (click here)
• Adam Bowe (click here)

More information about Milly Books:

• https://www.millybooks.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/millybooks/

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

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In this episode, Kenny Hendricks interviews Adam Bowe from Milly Books on how agencies can utilize Milly Bookss book of business marketplace to strategically grow their agency. The conversation covers the origins of Milly Books, the challenges in the insurance industry, and the unique value proposition of their platform.

DISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded prior to Milly Books rebranding in February of 2025. They are referred to as "Cake" in this video.

Takeaways

• Milly Books' valuation engine is a powerful tool for insurance agencies to understand the worth of their assets and plan for their future.
• Milly Books' platform provides a unique solution for small to medium-sized insurance agencies, addressing the limitations of traditional M&A brokers and super brokers.
•  Valuation tools provide insurance agencies with valuable information about the value of their business, helping them make informed decisions.

Learn more about Milly Books:

• https://www.millybooks.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/millybooks/

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below:

• Adam Bowe (click here)
• Clayton Yomtob (click here)

More information about Insurance Company Advisors Group:

• https://myicagroup.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/p/Insurance-Company-Advisors-Group-61553033879541/
• https://www.instagram.com/_icagroup/

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

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In part two of a series on AgencyZoom, Kenny Hendricks interviews Brad Boldt, president of Amerigard Insurance Agency. Brad shares his 25-year journey in the insurance industry and how he transitioned from being a captive agent to an independent agent. He discusses how AgencyZoom has helped streamline their sales process and improve their customer communication. AgencyZoom is described as the most valuable tool for his agency. 

Takeaways

• Amerigard Insurance Agency primarily focuses on personal lines but has been growing in small commercial lines.
• AgencyZoom has helped Amerigard Insurance Agency streamline their sales process and improve customer communication.
• Having a CRM and sales pipeline tool like AgencyZoom provides structure and visibility for the agency's sales and prospecting efforts.
• Automation features of AgencyZoom have made the agency more efficient.
• AgencyZoom allows the agency to play offense in their operations.

Learn more about Ameriguard Insurance Agency:
https://www.ameriguardinsurance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ameriguardinsurance
https://www.instagram.com/ameriguardinsurance/
https://www.youtube.com/@ameriguardinsuranceagency

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below:

• Brad Boldt (click here)
• Sydney Roe (click here)

More information about AgencyZoom:
https://www.agencyzoom.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Vertafore/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertafore/
Podcast: https://www.vertafore.com/vertafore-insurance-podcast

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

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In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks interviews Sydney Roe from Vertafore on how AgencyZoom can be used in an agency to automate marketing and sales efforts. Sydney discusses the value of personalization at scale while effectively serving the customer.

Takeaways

• AgencyZoom helps agencies automate their marketing and sales efforts, bringing consistency and efficiency to their processes.
• The platform enables personalization at scale, allowing agencies to provide a more tailored experience to their customers.
• AgencyZoom allows customers to access, modify, and delete their data, as well as request it in a file or through APIs.
• The integration between AgencyZoom and HawkSoft allows for seamless flow of information, improving communication and efficiency.

Learn more about AgencyZoom:
https://www.agencyzoom.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Vertafore/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vertafore/
Podcast: https://www.vertafore.com/vertafore-insurance-podcast

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below:

• Sydney Roe (click here)
• Brad Boldt (click here)

More information about Ameriguard Insurance Agency:
https://www.ameriguardinsurance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ameriguardinsurance
https://www.instagram.com/ameriguardinsurance/
https://www.youtube.com/@ameriguardinsuranceagency

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay