In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers sits down with Christian DeLozier, Business Risk & Insurance Advisor at Mike Keith Insurance. They discuss how insurance agencies merge, the role of company size in determining an agency’s worth, and strategies for expanding by partnering with others. Key Topics: The concept of mergers and acquisitions and multiple arbitrage in the insurance industry The impact of agency size on valuation multiples Strategies for growth...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Michael Charles, of RSC Credit Freedom Solution. Michael discusses the critical importance of credit in both personal and business contexts and its impact on the insurance industry and overall financial health. Key Topics: Michael Charles discusses the significance of understanding and leveraging credit for personal and business advancement The epidemic of debt in the U.S., particularly among...

In this throwback episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck talk about how many people are effectively using their business planning, process planning, and most significantly, their behavior planning. Episode Highlights: David shares why a lot of people are utilizing business planning. (2:18) How would David put an effective action plan that's going to produce the results that he’s looking for? (6:24) David mentions an ideal prospect profile....

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers sits down with Roe Polczynski, Don Polczynski, and Cayla Carrillo of The AgencyCFO™. They discuss effective financial practices for insurance agencies, and strategies for better financial management and growth, valuable for anyone at the helm of an insurance agency. Key Topics: The evolution and rebranding of The AgencyCFO™ from its original business name, RD Advisory Group. The ideal client profile for The AgencyCFO™:...

In this throwback episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck talk about how to overcome a producer in the middle market and the significance of understanding perception. Episode Highlights: David mentions the form that he uses every time he conducts an interview. (3:18) How does David present the forms in a way that they wouldn’t feel hesitant? (4:04) David shares why being unaware of the information is one of the biggest traps that anyone runs into....

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Billy Van Jura, Owner of Birchyard. They discuss the need for creativity in the insurance industry, redefining the middle market, and the impact of technology on business expansion and client services. Key Topics: The importance of creativity and innovative thinking in the highly regulated insurance industry Billy Van Jura’s journey from Liberty Mutual to starting Birchyard and his...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers is joined by Abby O'Brien, the Risk Management Practice Leader at Florida Risk Partners. They provide a unique perspective on the dynamic interplay between education and hands-on experience in shaping a successful insurance and risk management career. Key Topics: Abby's transition from academic theory to practical application in risk management The impact of internships and onboarding experiences in understanding the insurance...

In this throwback episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Kate Bradley-Chernis, Co-Founder and CEO of Lately. Kate explains how AI can be one of your greatest tools for content creation and marketing.  Episode Highlights: Kate talks about her music background and her experience being in a radio station. (3:18) Kate shares that she used to own a marketing agency. (12:28) Kate shares how a medical condition led her to first use a dictation...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers is joined by Dylan Jordan,  Healthcare Advisor at Connected Risk Solutions. Dylan discusses the complexities and nuances of insurance in the healthcare sector, the unique challenges in medical malpractice insurance, and the strategies for success in this specialized area. Key Topics: Dylan Jordan’s journey into the insurance industry The dynamics of medical and healthcare-related insurance risks Strategies for dealing with...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers is joined by Abby O'Brien, the Risk Management Practice Leader at Florida Risk Partners. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the field, highlighting how effective use of technology and innovative approaches can lead to significant advancements in managing risks in the insurance industry. Key Topics: Abby O'Brien's journey from intern to key team member at Florida Risk Partners Strategic use of technology and...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers interviews Nick Berry from Tech Marketer. Nick discusses his insights into evolving marketing strategies, the importance of an online presence in the insurance industry, and offers actionable advice for agencies looking to make a significant impact in the new year.  Key Topics: Nick Berry's background in InsureTech and BrokerTech, and his journey from sales to marketing. The current state of online presence for insurance...

In this throwback episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Brian Will, author of The Dropout Multi-Millionaire: 37 Business Lessons on How to Succeed in Business With No Money, No Education, and No Clue. Brian explains the concept of his book and what readers can take away from the lessons he has learned in his journey to becoming a multi-millionaire. Episode Highlights: Brian talks about his book The Dropout Multi-Millionaire: 37 Business...

In this throwback episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck talk about the importance of not selling yourself short as a producer and how to get your worth in 2021.  Episode Highlights: David shares why you need to put a value on your time. (2:45) David explains the importance of setting expectations when meeting with prospects. (5:47) What are two traps that producers easily fall into? (9:03) David challenges listeners to do two things going into...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Mike Carey, Owner of Carey Insurance Agency. Mike shares his extensive experience in sales, insurance, and business development.  Join us as we dive into his journey and gain valuable insights from his unique perspective. Key Topics: Mike Carey's journey from college to the insurance industry during the 2007-2008 economic downturn. Insights into the initial challenges of starting and running...

In this throwback episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Rob Stansbury, Director of Sales at KPA. Rob talks about everything we need to know about KPA and the tools they’ve designed. Episode Highlights: Rob shares his background. (2:27) Rob mentions what they do at KPA. (5:41) Rob explains why certificate monitoring could be huge leverage. (11:17) Rob explains some of the tools they’ve designed. (16:26) Rob mentions one of the areas...

In this throwback episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck talk about understanding the common denominators of insurance. Episode Highlights: David mentions that it is essential to understand the common denominator because that is what we don’t necessarily need. (1:59) David shares that if you want to be successful in the middle market production, you have to be uncommon in a common environment. (2:51) Kyle shares that creating an agenda requires...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers sits down with Dawn Janes -Bartley, President and CEO of Minnesota Insurance Group. Prepare to delve into a conversation filled with unique insights, as Dawn shares her journey from combat counselor to a successful insurance agency owner.  Key Topics: Dawn Janes Bartley's diverse background The transition from combat counselor to insurance The process of serving business experience Women in Insurance Leadership Integrating...

In this throwback episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Kelly Donahue-Piro, President at Agency Performance Partners. Kelly talks about the things that Agency Performance Partners is doing in agencies across the country. Episode Highlights: Kelly shares her background. (2:19) What's one of the common themes that Kelly sees that she has the ability to fix? (4:53) Kelly mentions why she generally works with agencies in the younger age...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers discusses exciting details about the upcoming content conference, InsureCon Tampa, scheduled for January 16-18, 2025.  David dives into the unique approach of the conference, emphasizing its focus on fresh perspectives and high-level entrepreneurship insights applied to the insurance industry. He highlights the importance of inclusion, the strategic themes of the conference, and the exceptional experience attendees can...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Ryan Reynolds, Principal and President of Grimes Insurance. They dive into a candid discussion about the challenges and triumphs of acquiring and modernizing an established insurance agency.  Ryan shares his journey from State Farm to owning a 75-year-old agency, detailing his strategic approach to growth and industry adaptation. Key Topics: Challenges of transitioning from a captive agent to...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers interviews Cyrus Jaffery, Founder and CEO of Quotamation. Cyrus discusses his remarkable journey from Afghanistan to becoming a successful insurance agency owner in Nebraska. David and Cyrus delve into the nuances of sales, overcoming adversity, and the impact of technological advancements in the insurance industry. Key Topics: The importance of self-belief in sales. The distinction between good and best-in-class...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers discusses what separates good from great in sales.  David shares his insights and personal experiences on creating memorable customer interactions and leaving a lasting impression. From extraordinary customer service stories to unique marketing strategies, this episode is packed with invaluable advice for anyone in sales. Key Topics: The essence of memorable sales experiences Strategies for winning back upset customers Using...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers interviews Zach Mefferd, CEO and Co-founder of Zip Bonds about the latest trends and innovations in the bond market. Learn how these developments are shaping the insurance industry and how agents can adapt to stay ahead and how Zip Bonds is innovating and leading change in this space. Key Topics: The shift in the surety bond market and its current state. The importance of agents focusing on smaller aspects of client risk...

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers interviews Patrick McBride, Agency Owner at The McBride Agency. Patrick discusses how he leverages his diverse experiences, from post-military life to mastering tech in insurance to create impactful client relationships and streamline processes in his agency. Episode Highlights: Patrick mentions that he had a successful and fulfilling career in the bicycle industry before transitioning to the insurance industry....

In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers invites listeners to ponder a profound question: "What is your identity?". David discusses the importance of defining one's identity beyond work and shares personal insights on balancing professional success with family and personal well-being. Episode Highlights: David discusses the importance of leaving a mark on the world and the value of true friendship based on trust and reliability. (2:12) David shares the importance of...