In this episode of the Scratch Agency Podcast, we’re joined by Brennen Grone, EVP of Sales at Rainbow, a restaurant-focused MGA that’s built differently—because Brennen started as a scratch agent himself. He shares what it's really like to go from running an agency at 25 to building tech-enabled solutions that actually make agents’ lives easier.We get into the pitfalls of the “you sell, we service” model, why Rainbow didn’t fall into the common insurtech traps, and how real human underwriting is still a game-changer in commercial insurance. Whether you’re trying to niche down, expand into hospitality, or just want to work with a carrier that actually gets you—this episode is packed with straight-up value.🕒 Timestamps:00:00 – Meet Brennen: Scratch Agent at 25 to MGA Executive03:50 – Why He Left the Agency Side & the Problem with “You Sell, We Service” Models06:11 – How Rainbow Became a Restaurant Niche MGA10:40 – Specialized Underwriting & Avoiding the InsurTech Trap12:50 – Real Agent Resources: SEO, Food Safety, and Sales Tools15:28 – Are Restaurant Owners All Price Shoppers? How to Sell Value Instead18:25 – Why Human Underwriting Still Wins (With Real Examples)27:11 – How to Start Writing BOPs for Salons, Barbers, and Fitness StudiosEnhance your productivity and reclaim time with Virtual Intelligence, our podcast sponsor. Explore their expert Virtual Employees services now at: https://virtualintell.com/Join our exclusive Telegram community for The Scratch Agency Podcast to connect with like-minded agents: https://t.me/+cISob2kA3pAyMmY5📌 Connect with us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescratchagencypodcast🎧 Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ5NUPqF5hRdC79Hl?si=33a6cfadba084957🔗 For more exclusive content, visit our website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com/Thank you for tuning into The Scratch Agency Podcast. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more valuable insights. Own your future and keep pushing forward. See you next time!

In Episode 129 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, we're joined by Andrew Rasson, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Smart Financial. Andrew delves into the intricacies of lead generation, sharing his expertise on setting up effective processes and maximizing ROI. He discusses the importance of speed to lead, the role of automation, and how to leverage digital marketing to grow your agency.🔍 Whether you're new to the insurance industry or looking to refine your lead management strategies, this episode offers practical advice and industry insights.🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:45 – Understanding Lead Generation 07:12 – Importance of Speed to Lead 11:30 – Leveraging Automation in Lead Management 15:20 – Digital Marketing Strategies for Agents 19:05 – Common Misconceptions About Leads 23:40 – Setting Up Effective Processes 27:15 – Wrap-Up and Contact InformationEnhance your productivity and reclaim time with Virtual Intelligence, our podcast sponsor. Explore their expert Virtual Employees services now at: https://virtualintell.com/Join our exclusive Telegram community for The Scratch Agency Podcast to connect with like-minded agents: https://t.me/+cISob2kA3pAyMmY5📌 Connect with us on social media: Instagram:   / thescratchagencypodcast  🎧 Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ...🔗 For more exclusive content, visit our website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com/Thank you for tuning into The Scratch Agency Podcast. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more valuable insights. Own your future and keep pushing forward. See you next time!

In this episode, we chat with Colton Hunter, founder of Perficio Insurance Services, who shares what it’s really like to build two scratch agencies from the ground up. From hiring virtual assistants early to leveraging Facebook groups and referral partners, Colton dives into the tools, mindset, and structure that helped him grow smarter the second time around.🔍 If you’re building or rebuilding your agency, this one’s full of practical gems on time-blocking, team-building, and scaling with lean resources.🕒 Timestamps:00:00 – Colton’s Journey: Door-to-Door Sales to Agency Owner05:20 – Referrals, Facebook Groups & Community Marketing08:45 – Why His First Hire Was a Quoting VA11:15 – Getting VAs to Work: Onboarding & Expectations14:45 – Role Specialization vs. Overloading Team Members18:40 – Building a Lean Team: CSR, Admin VA & Growth Plans21:30 – Group Hiring Strategy for Sales Reps29:00 – Colton’s Ideal Day & 70% Revenue FocusEnhance your productivity and reclaim time with Virtual Intelligence, our podcast sponsor. Explore their expert Virtual Employees services now at: https://virtualintell.com/Join our exclusive Telegram community for The Scratch Agency Podcast to connect with like-minded agents: https://t.me/+cISob2kA3pAyMmY5📌 Connect with us on social media: Instagram:   /thescratchagencypodcast  🎧 Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ...🔗 For more exclusive content, visit our website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com/Thank you for tuning into The Scratch Agency Podcast. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more valuable insights. Own your future and keep pushing forward. See you next time!

In this one, we take a deep dive into the evolving journey of podcasting—from rebranding your show to finding your voice and building meaningful connections.We introduce the "Make An Impact" podcast and share insights on how you can start your own show even with minimal equipment. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about storytelling, this episode is full of real talk, tips, and encouragement to help you make an impact with your message.🕒 Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction03:28 - Local podcast rebrand and guest feedback05:00 - Introduction to "Make An Impact" podcast and its purpose08:17 - Relatability and impact of podcast guests' stories12:57 - Starting a podcast with minimal tech investments and focusing on content15:50 - Recommendations for finding guests and collaborators for podcasting17:49 - Importance of consistency and persistence in podcasting efforts19:51 - Reflection on relationships and community networking in podcasting21:32 - Closing remarks and encouragement for self-belief and future ownershipEnhance your productivity and reclaim time with Virtual Intelligence, our podcast sponsor. Explore their expert Virtual Employees services now at: https://virtualintell.com/Join our exclusive Telegram community for The Scratch Agency Podcast to connect with like-minded agents: https://t.me/+cISob2kA3pAyMmY5📌 Connect with us on social media: Instagram:   / thescratchagencypodcast  Watch now on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescratchagencypodcast🔗 For more exclusive content, visit our website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com/Thank you for tuning into The Scratch Agency Podcast. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more valuable insights. Own your future and keep pushing forward.

In Episode 126 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, we're joined by Jason Armogida, founder of 360 Insurance Solutions. Jason shares his journey transitioning from the captive insurance model to building a thriving independent agency. He opens up about the growing pains, key decisions, and strategic use of systems and virtual assistants that have helped him scale successfully in today’s tech-driven landscape.

🔍 Whether you're starting your own agency, exploring InsureTech trends, or figuring out how to scale with the right team—this episode delivers real talk and actionable insight.

🕒 Timestamps:

(00:00) – Introduction

(04:13) – Transition from Captive to Independent Model

(06:28) – Utilizing Systems in Agency Operations

(12:32) – Navigating the InsureTech Boom

(16:17) – Early Days and Transition to 360 Insurance Solutions

(18:43) – Decision Making in Agency Growth and Expansion

(22:04) – Challenges of Scaling an Agency and Talent Acquisition

(26:44) – Three Years In: Team Structure and Virtual Assistants

(29:01) – Wrap-Up and Contact Information

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In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull break down their daily and weekly routines that keep their agencies running at a high level. From morning rituals to afternoon meetings, prospecting strategies, and team huddles, it's all here.

🕒 (00:00) - Introduction

🕒 (00:29) - A Day in the Life of Shawn Fitzgerald

🕒 (02:26) - Shawn's Morning Routine

🕒 (03:23) - Shawn’s Prospecting Schedule

🕒 (05:20) - Team Huddles and Internal Meetings

🕒 (06:45) - Shawn’s Afternoon Focus

🕒 (07:15) - Time Block for Carrier Rep Meetings

🕒 (12:30) - Stephen’s Ideal Day

🕒 (13:53) - Stephen’s Weekly Schedule Breakdown

🕒 (17:13) - Why Mondays and Fridays Matter for Stephen

🕒 (19:02) - Board Meetings and Big Picture Thinking

🕒 (20:59) - Wrap-up and Mastermind Group Announcement

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In this episode of The Scratch Agency Podcast, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull dive into a dynamic conversation about how insurance agencies can harness AI and technology while staying rooted in relationships and strategic vision.

From the fundamentals of building strong industry connections to the advanced integration of AI-driven automation, this episode dives deep into the tools and mindsets needed to grow a modern, efficient agency. The guests also tackle pressing concerns about AI privacy and offer real-world insights into staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

🕒 Timestamps:

(00:00) – Introduction

(00:27) – Shawn's Background

(00:50) – Stephen's Background

(01:20) – Importance of Relationships in the Insurance Industry

(02:40) – The Impact of Networking and Learning from Others

(03:37) – The Growth Opportunities in the Insurance Industry

(04:59) – The Integration of AI in Insurance Agencies

(09:12) – The Future of Agency Efficiency and Automation

(13:24) – Discussion on Utilizing AI Tools and Systems

(16:39) – Addressing Concerns about Privacy and AI Usage

(26:09) – Importance of Vision and Strategy in Agency Growth

(31:18)– Promoting Podcast Meetup and Closing Remarks

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In this episode of the Scratch Agency Podcast, we’re diving into the real-world strategies that help insurance agencies scale — without burning out. Guests Shawn and Stephen return to share their experiences as scratch agents and how they’ve leveraged Virtual employees to streamline operations, build trust, and unlock growth.

From wild customer stories to lessons learned the hard way, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable takeaways for any insurance pro looking to optimize their agency.

🧠 If you’re struggling to delegate, trust, or scale — this one’s for you.

🕒 Timestamps:

(00:02) – Introduction

(00:59) – Virtual Intelligence Webinar Overview

(01:54) – Importance of Insurance Agency Organization

(02:24) – Housekeeping Note for Audience Participation

(03:23) – Guest Introduction: Shawn and Stephen

(04:47)– Agency Origins and Locations

(06:21) – Challenges and Success Stories as Scratch Agents

(07:08) – Importance of Hiring Virtual Employees

(08:29) – Leveraging Virtual Employees for Agency Operations

(10:48) – Trusting Virtual Employees and Collaboration

(12:42) – Managing Complex Tasks with Virtual Employees

(14:39) – Building Trust with Virtual Employees

(16:05) – Agency Growth and Lessons Learned

(17:57) – Overcoming Challenges in the Insurance Industry

(19:21) – Benefits of Delegating Tasks to Virtual Employees

(37:03) – Guest Engagement: Craziest Customer Requests

(39:33) – Reflection on Embarrassing Mistakes

(43:17) – Importance of Persistence and Support

(46:29) – Delegating Insurance Tasks to Virtual Employees

(49:11) – Trusting Virtual Employees for Business Development

(53:36) – Support and Collaboration with Virtual Employees

(55:03) – Work-Life Balance and Agency Support

(56:57) – Collaboration and Virtual Employee Trust

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In this episode of the Scratch Agency Podcast, we sit down with Nikhil Kansal, the co-founder of Cara, to explore how AI is transforming the insurance industry. 🚀

🧠 From his deep experience in the insurance space to the creation of Cara, Nikhil breaks down how this innovative tool is helping agencies simplify complex tasks like policy comparisons, certificates of insurance (COIs), and more.

🔧 Learn how Cara seamlessly integrates with management systems like Hawksoft and Applied Epic, and how agencies can get started with it in just a few steps.

📌 Timestamps:

(00:00) – Introduction

(02:10) – Nikhil’s background in the insurance industry

(07:54) – Cara’s learning capabilities vs. other AI tools

(08:23) – Integration with systems like Hawksoft, Applied Epic

(14:57) – Helping with policy comparison and COIs

(21:58) – Setting up Cara for your agency

(27:38) – How to evaluate AI tools for your business

(29:05) – Cara’s broader use cases beyond COIs

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In this episode of the Scratch Agency Podcast, we sit down with Landry Fields from Nova Insurance Group to dive deep into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the insurance industry. From workflow automation to smarter client interactions, Landry shares firsthand insights on the tools, trends, and real-life applications of AI in modern agencies.

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to AI in Insurance

(01:47) – Landry's Journey with Nova Insurance Group

(04:09) – Learning Curve in Insurance

(05:01) – The Importance of Asking Questions and Learning

(08:24) – Leveraging AI Tools for Efficiency

(09:20) – Using AI to Improve Client Interactions

(15:50) – AI for Policy Analysis and Comparison

(24:57) – Top AI Tools for Scratch Agencies

(27:35) – Workflow Automation and Productivity

(31:45) – Advantages of Canopy Connect

(34:02)– AI for Agency Efficiency

(35:14) – The Future of AI in the Insurance Industry

(38:21) – Integration with Copilot and Gemini

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Thank you for tuning into The Scratch Agency Podcast. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more valuable insights. Own your future and keep pushing forward. 

See you next time!