Trusted Advisor Podcasts by The Iroquois Group

Gene Knippers is new to The Iroquois Group (hired in 2021) but is far from new to the insurance industry. With over 25 years of experience, Gene has strengths in operations, sales and strong carrier connections. Tune in to connect with Gene and hear more about where he works and who he is looking to work with.

Aaron Benton of the Genesee Valley Agency in New York needed a helping hand when it came to writing a complicated middle market account. Aaron shares his story about who his first call went to with his questions and the connection he now has with Charlie Venus. The Trusted Advisor Podcast covers what knowledge Charlie was able to bring to the table and much more.

SeibertKeck Insurance Partners is a shining example of an independent insurance agency. Started by two families, the Seibert's and the Keck's this agency has grown over the past 110 years. Now boasting 19 locations throughout the state of Ohio as well as exponential growth, SeibertKeck is focused on how to give back to their clients and communities. In a recent survey of their associates SeibertKeck showed 127 voluntary board positions held. Not only are they strengthening their ties to the community that they serve, they also know that insurance isn't just about the lowest premium. Through their Encompass Risk Management Program customers are benefit from a thorough audit of the company and continual programs to prevent risks from occurring.

Janine Fodor is the true definition of a trusted advisor. With decades of experience as a lawyer, Janine knows the ins and outs of the insurance industry. Today, she talks with our host Edwin K. Morris about DBA's. The show covers what exactly a DBA is, why an insurance agent might need/want one, and lastly how to properly file for one. Janine gives listeners a checklist of three points to prioritize when looking to do business under a new name.

What are some reasons to make the switch from a captive agency to an independent agency? Iroquois member agent J. Bejin & Associates was asking the same question over 4 years ago. James Bejin dives into his answers with 20/20 hindsight in this week's podcast. From wanting to help his community to being his own boss, James jumped feet first into the independent insurance agency space. He found many mentors along the way and attributes much of his staying power and success to being partnered with Maureen Vincent, our Michigan regional manager. This episode is a classic story showcasing that working hard pays off.

You've made it to part 2! This week Charlie Venus, Head of Middle Market and Specialty at Iroquois, is speaking with both Dee and Connor Peterson. In this episode we dive deeper into how KDP Insurance acts as both an independent agent as well as a wholesaler for wood products. With decades of experience in this industry KDP is not like any other wholesaler. Their teams know the ins and outs of saw mills, lumber yards and the like. Learn what problems KDP can solve for you surrounding reinsurance and what carriers are actually in the industry for the long haul.

In this two-part series we are speaking with an Iroquois member based out of Louisiana. Keith D. Peterson Insurance has been actively insuring wood products in Louisiana since 1939. With a rich family history and a lasting dedication to the wood products sector KDP Insurance has a special place in the insurance industry. In part one we are getting to know the history of KDP as well as why their niche market is wood products. Acting as both an independent insurance agency as well as a wholesaler may not be easy but the family at KDP make it seem that way.

Calling all classic car enthusiasts and agents looking to insure them! This week, we welcome Lauren Shanklin, Partner Leader at Hagerty, to the Trusted Advisor Podcast. As an insurance professional and a collector herself, she brings a new perspective to classic car insurance. Listen in to hear the truth about common misconceptions when talking Hagerty & classic cars, as well as tips to agents wanting to break into the collector space!

Iroquois' own Charlie Venus is the star of the show this week. We are clearing up one of the most common questions our industry receives. What is the difference between a cluster, an aggregator and a network? After providing a base line definition of each, Charlie lets us know how The Iroquois Group differentiates from its competitors.

So, you took out a PPP loan – now what? In the second episode of Charlie’s Corner featuring Jenny Shtipelman of National Capital Bank, we cover what’s next for business owners. Whether you are looking to apply for full loan forgiveness or just partial, this episode provides guidance as to what you need ready before you start the process.