Rough Notes
Tips for executing acquisitions efficiently By Bradley Flowers When it comes to growth in the insurance industry, many small, independent agencies focus on organic strategies such as adding one customer at a time. However, there is another path to sc...
Posted: May 01, 2025
Modern approaches to building stronger long-term client relationships Agents who modernize their approach while remaining authentic and value-driven won’t just survive this generational shift—they will thrive in it … . By Noelle Codispoti, CPCU, AR...
Posted: May 01, 2025
Stay ahead of the competition with prompt website lead response [L]eads are 21 times more likely to convert when contacted within five minutes as opposed to 30 minutes. By Chris Paradiso In today’s digital world, speed is everything. The time it take...
Posted: May 01, 2025
The agency business—like college football—is changing on almost a daily basis What happens in your business or job when there is a “win”? Do all employees and clients cheer? Do all those involved in your business share the excitement of winning?...
Posted: May 01, 2025
Lightspeed Voice offers tech solutions beyond a VoIP service By Christopher W. Cook Could you imagine moving 299,792,458 meters per second? And I thought the lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a two-seater IndyCar going close to 180 mph wa...
Posted: May 01, 2025
Project 55’s resources and training can help individuals support co-workers struggling with mental health challenges By Maura C. Ciccarelli The following story mentions mental health struggles and suicidal ideation. Reader discretion is advised Insur...
Posted: May 01, 2025
Doing what’s right is the watch-phrase for this women-owned agency By Dennis H. Pillsbury In 1950, Ed and Eleanor “Ellie” Boniakowski started EA Boniakowski Insurance Services in recognition of the need for reputable insurance products and service th...
Posted: May 01, 2025
The growing gap between the two By Carey Wallace There is no shortage of buyers in today’s insurance marketplace. In fact, for any given agency looking to sell, there may be 30-plus potential buyers interested. But not all buyers are the same and eve...
Posted: May 01, 2025
How insurance agencies can hire and retain top talent By Kellie Lail Success in business starts with a strong team, and every agency owner knows that the right people can make all the difference. In today’s competitive market, expanding your team mig...
Posted: May 01, 2025
Protecting the protectors when something goes wrong By Frank Huver Houses of worship are not immune to the rising phenomenon of violence that plagues our society. In fact, a recent report by the Family Research Council (FRC) indicates that hostile ac...
Posted: May 01, 2025
Insurance—an industry of opportunity— offers flexibility and possibility for a new generation of women By Rajni Kapur I moved from India to the United States in 1999. In the 25-plus years since then, the insurance industry—an industry that I, like so...
Posted: May 01, 2025
As the market softens four principles to help develop a renewed foundation built on trust By Jack Calabrese Did the longest hard market in recent years put a strain on your carrier relationships? Unfortunately, if you’re like many agents and produc...
Posted: May 01, 2025
How to build leaders and reap the rewards By Matt Naimoli Many insurance agency owners find themselves stuck in dual roles as producers and operational managers. While they may have staff members handling day-to-day tasks, they often lack a true lead...
Posted: May 01, 2025
The cost of risk and insurance weighs heavily on a vital sector By Joseph S. Harrington, CPCU Just about every class of insured is struggling to find adequate, affordable property and liability coverage in the current hard market. But is it a “crisis...
Posted: May 01, 2025
Reports show that dental care use is on the rise, along with the cost of that care By Len Strazewski Dentists used to have neighborhood offices—sometimes above a local drug store—and patients would climb the stairs when a tooth began to hurt. After s...
Posted: May 01, 2025
Expertise, education and other strategies come into play [C]lients love a superhero who swoops in after the fact to save them from a crisis. They think even more highly of a superhero who ensures they’re always ready. By Michael Wayne From Augus...
Posted: Apr 23, 2025
The effect of rulings that came down just as Los Angeles area residents were recovering from the devastating 2025 wildfires A California trial court ruled for the insurance company, reasoning that the wildfire residue that had been literally wiped aw...
Posted: Apr 17, 2025
INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASESDigested from case reports published onlineCOURT DECISIONS Insureds fail to use thousands in insurer payments A wildfire occurred near the home of Hovik Gharibian and Caroline Minasian. Although debris entered the home an...
Posted: Apr 01, 2025
INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASESDigested from case reports published onlineCOURT DECISIONS No coverage for inherent diminished value Jeffrey Cubberley and Philip Seaver filed suit against The Commerce Insurance Company, seeking declaratory relief for al...
Posted: Apr 01, 2025
INSURANCE-RELATED COURT CASESDigested from case reports published onlineCOURT DECISIONS Did title policy cover the use of gates? In August 2016, Roger and Therese Hutchinson purchased rural property in Madison County, Montana, which included an easem...
Posted: Apr 01, 2025
The solution to dealing with stress in today’s whitewater world of work At a time when we need to be getting stronger at handling stress, people seem to be growing increasingly fragile. By Kimberly Paterson, CEC Today’s business environment is in a c...
Posted: Apr 01, 2025
Prevention-first strategies in a rising premium market By Randy Boss, CRA, CRM, MWCA, SHRM-SCP The commercial auto market is at a crossroads, with rising claims, increasing premiums, and disruptive new risks; yet every challenge presents an opportun...
Posted: Apr 01, 2025
Approaches to consider to introduce a new engagement model and strengthen agency culture This year, independent agencies have a great opportunity to be involved and continue to enhance their community engagement and impact. By Bill Ross With 2024 wel...
Posted: Apr 01, 2025
Strategies for connecting with people who already want to hear from you Even if you’re the best producer in the world, cold calling puts you at a disadvantage. You’re starting the conversation as an outsider. By Carolyn Smith, APR, TRA Let’s get one...
Posted: Apr 01, 2025
Product that addresses challenges of severe weather events gains traction By combining parametric with traditional property insurance, insurance professionals can offer clients a more robust risk management strategy … . By Dustyne Bryant, CIC, CISR I...
Posted: Apr 01, 2025