When quoting time drops from ten minutes to two, you don’t just save time—you transform how your agency operates. In this episode, I sit down with Carl Ziade, co-founder of Gaya.ai, to explore how his lightweight AI solution is helping independent insurance agencies reclaim up to 70% of their team’s time.

Carl breaks down how Gaya’s “super-copy, super-paste” technology eliminates redundant data entry across AMS, raters, and carrier portals. We discuss how agencies of all sizes are using this simple but powerful tool to reduce friction, increase quoting capacity, and ultimately boost profitability without increasing headcount. More than just automation, it’s a people-first approach to technology that empowers CSRs, processors, and producers to focus on what really matters—serving clients and growing the business.

Highlights:

About Carl Ziade:

Carl Ziade is the co-founder and CEO of Gaya.ai, an AI startup putting an end to repetitive data entry in the insurance world. Gaya’s browser extension lets agents supercopy data from anywhere and superpaste it directly into carrier portals — cutting quoting time in half across both Personal and Commercial Lines. Carl holds an MBA from Stanford, where he met his co-founder Jean-Pierre. He’s also a computer engineer who’s been deep in AI for over a decade. Carl didn’t stumble into insurance — he earned it, after spending over a thousand hours shadowing agents and CSRs as they quoted and serviced policies. As of May 2025, Gaya is being used by more than 150 agencies including top 5 brokers.

https://gaya.ai/

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

When someone on stage says your bots are already outdated, you sit up and listen—and that’s exactly what happened when I heard Vishal Rohra speak. His message about AI coworkers being the future of independent insurance agencies wasn’t just compelling, it was urgent. In this episode, Vishal, co-founder of K.ai, explains how AI has evolved beyond traditional bots into adaptive, trainable digital teammates—AI coworkers who can learn your agency’s processes, take on repetitive tasks, and free up your human team to do what they do best: build relationships and close business. We explore how these tools are already being used in real agencies to handle everything from quoting to renewals, and why adopting AI isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for survival and growth in today’s competitive landscape.

Highlights:

About Vishal Rohra:

Vishal is the Co-Founder and CEO at Kay.ai, building AI Coworkers for Insurance Operations. Kay is on a mission to eliminate double entry work across agencies. Their bots can navigate any carrier or agency management system, and pick up tasks across submissions and servicing. Previously, Vishal worked as a machine learning initiative across Microsoft and Twitter, before joining the South Park Commons Fellowship. They are backed by Insurance Associations and Industry veterans to disrupt the $300B BPO market.

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Sometimes, one sentence from someone you love can shape your destiny. In this special episode, I share the deeply personal story behind my new book, The Power of Three.

Inspired by a message from my late father, this book is the product of decades of growth, reflection, and a mission to help others live with purpose. I walk you through the heart of the book—how discovering your top three personal talents or superpowers can unlock greater impact, profit, and fulfillment. Whether you’re leading a team or seeking your next breakthrough, this episode is your invitation to find and unleash the power already inside you.

Highlights:

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Twenty years ago, I was figuring out how to go paperless, and today, technology is revolutionizing our industry—but too many agencies are still stuck in the past. My guest, Rob Bowen, founder of Patriotic Insurance Group, has embraced automation, bots, and AI to eliminate manual work, improve efficiency, and free his team to focus on what really matters. In this episode, we break down why most agencies struggle with tech (hint: messy data), how automation isn’t about replacing people but enabling them, and why no decision is a decision—if you’re not moving forward, you’re choosing to fall behind. Rob shares practical steps to clean up your data, implement automation without overwhelm, and shift your mindset so you can future-proof your agency.

Highlights:

About Rob Bowen:

Rob Bowen is the proud owner of Patriotic Insurance Group, a seasoned veteran, and a cornerstone of his community. With a wealth of experience spanning a decade in the insurance sector, Rob is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that protect his clients’ interests.

Having served his country with honor, Rob brings a disciplined approach and strong values to his work. His military background instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to service, which he translates into ensuring his clients receive top-notch insurance coverage and personalized attention.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Rob is actively involved in community initiatives. He volunteers his time and resources to support local causes and organizations, demonstrating his passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

As the founder of Patriotic Insurance Group, Rob combines his expertise in insurance with his community-minded approach to provide trustworthy and reliable service. His dedication to excellence and genuine care for his clients make him a respected figure in both the insurance industry and his local community.

With the acquisition of Burkhard-Evans in Inlet NY he has expanded the ability to serve clients all over NY state and surrounding states.

Instagram

Patriotic Insurance Group – Personal and Business Insurance

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Success in the independent insurance business isn’t about luck but preparation. In this episode, I take you back to 1998, when I started my agency from scratch. Long hours, early mornings, and sacrifices were the norm, but one defining moment made me realize that preparation isn’t just about work but balance, vision, and showing up where it matters most. I’ll share the hard-earned lessons that separate top performers from the rest and how you can apply them to grow a thriving business without losing sight of what’s important. Let’s dive in!

Highlights:

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Automation can be a game-changer—or a nightmare—if not done right. In this episode, I chat with Austin Moorhead, founder of Lava Automation, a firm specializing in marketing automation and streamlined client acquisition. Austin has helped countless businesses remove bottlenecks in their sales processes, allowing them to grow without being buried in manual tasks. We dive into the critical concept of “get your front door open”—both literally and digitally—so they take action. He shares how businesses can effectively use automation, VAs, and smart systems to attract and convert ideal clients without wasting time on repetitive work. We also break down common automation pitfalls, how to avoid them, and the best strategies for creating a seamless customer journey. If you’re looking to scale smarter, increase efficiency, and make automation work for your business, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways.

Highlights:

About Austin Moorhead:

Austin Moorhead was a former State Farm agent that saw the light and Co-Founded ANR Insurance, an independent insurance agency.  During the transition from the captive world to the independent channel, he noticed a huge need for something he had become super proficient in… AUTOMATION!

Then Conversion Kings was born.  Austin saw massive growth in helping agents with automation, however, he also identified the need for someone to assist in running the automation that had been implemented.  Austin then founded Lava Automation.  Lava Automation provides virtual assistant services and business automation solutions to help companies streamline operations and reduce costs. Their skilled professionals specialize in automating routine tasks, enabling businesses to enhance efficiency and productivity.

https://www.lavaautomation.com/

[email protected]

Phone:  503-966-2319

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Ever wondered how top-performing insurance agencies attract and retain the best talent? Laura Hicks dives deep into the secrets of building unstoppable teams in our latest episode! Laura, a renowned trainer, speaker, business consultant, and author of The Blue Circles. Together, we explore the crucial components that contribute to building high-performing agency teams within the independent insurance industry. Laura shares her expertise on the indispensable steps of recruiting, motivating, and retaining top-tier talent, highlighting the critical role of personality profiling and leadership assessments in ensuring a seamless fit within your agency. We discuss how to tailor job ads effectively to resonate with today’s market demands and uncover the nuances of leadership skills that can elevate your team’s performance. With actionable strategies and in-depth analysis, this episode is designed to arm agency owners and leaders with the knowledge needed to cultivate a robust and thriving team culture. Tune in and discover how you can transform your agency environment for unparalleled success.

Highlights:

About Laura Hicks:

Laura is a trainer, speaker, business consultant and author of The Blue Circles, which is a book about building relationships. Prior to starting her own business, she spent 21 years working in Corporate America in Sales, Marketing and HR, Pacific Bell.

Since opening her business in 2004, Laura helps business professionals:

Laura has spoken at over 1000 events and led over 1000 of her workshops. She has been a member of ProVisors and the Group Leader for the South Bay Women’s Affinity Group since 2013. Laura has 3 certificates in her field:

Simply stated… she has spent a lot of time and money getting certified in many different types of assessments and has trained thousands of people.

When Laura is not working, she loves listening to smooth jazz, watching the NFL, the sun, boating, floating, going to the beach and Disneyland.

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Guest host Joel McKinley puts Mike Stromsoe in the hot seat for an in-depth exploration of insurance agency acquisitions. Mike delves into his extensive experience, highlighting how acquisitions form a critical part of a three-pronged strategy to grow an independent insurance agency. He shares insights from his first acquisition just three years after founding his agency in 1998 and emphasizes the importance of having the right people, processes, and strategies in place.

Listeners will benefit from Mike’s detailed discussions on the importance of due diligence, ensuring cultural fit, and the significance of financial planning for maintaining growth post-acquisition. He covers vital aspects such as getting non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) signed early, understanding the motives of potential sellers, and assessing the strategic alignment of acquired clients. Mike also provides a deep dive into financial considerations, including cash flow management and dealing with various lenders while highlighting the need to protect and nurture agency culture throughout the acquisition process. This episode is packed with practical advice and strategies for insurance agency owners looking to leverage acquisitions for rapid and sustainable growth.

Highlights:

Mastermind: How To Double Your Insurance Agency’s Growth In 2025 Without Doubling Your Workload

Tuesday, January 28th  TIME: 9:00am PST

In this high-impact masterclass, Mike will reveal:

This isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. If you’re ready to achieve big results without doubling your workload, this session is for you. Don’t miss your chance to learn directly from Mike Stromsoe and gain strategies to transform your agency for 2025.

Reserve Your Seat Today: https://bit.ly/Masterclass-01-2025-E

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

2025 is the year to actually get shitake done! I’m your host, Mike Stromsoe, and today, alongside Joel McKinley, we’re diving deep into the life-changing power of accountability and how you can get it done in your business and personal life. Joel McKinley, the Accountability Director for UPP members and a former drill sergeant, brings his expertise to the table, sharing insights from his military background and extensive coaching experience. We’ll discuss the significance of external accountability, the role of coaches, and real-life anecdotes illustrating the transformative impact of outside input. Hear about Mike’s journey with a challenging 72-mile bike ride and Joel’s vital role in holding him accountable. We’ll also introduce the upcoming masterclass on scaling your insurance agency without doubling your workload and offer a special article on accountability by email request. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to integrate accountability into every aspect of your life for unstoppable growth!

Highlights:

TOPIC: How To Double Your Insurance Agency’s Growth In 2025 Without Doubling Your Workload

Tuesday, January 28th 

TIME: 9:00am PST

In this high-impact masterclass, Mike will reveal:

This isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. If you’re ready to achieve big results without doubling your workload, this session is for you. Don’t miss your chance to learn directly from Mike Stromsoe and gain strategies to transform your agency for 2025.

Reserve Your Seat Today: https://bit.ly/Masterclass-01-2025-E

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Imagine closing out 2025 feeling like you’ve just lived the most incredible year of your life. That’s exactly what we’re working on in this episode. I’ll guide you through an exercise to set a crystal-clear vision for the future, using three powerful questions to shape your personal and professional success.

We’ll dive deep into strategies to create clarity, focus on what truly brings joy, and craft an intentional plan to make your vision a reality. From identifying tasks that energize you to empowering your team and elevating your brand, this episode is all about aligning your actions with your goals.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone striving to design your best year, this episode has everything you need to set the foundation for success. Let’s make it happen!

Highlights:

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!