Insurance Town

How Does Hyper-Responsiveness Set Top Insurance Agencies Apart?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Jay Wolfberg shares his remarkable journey from a small Connecticut town to leading a $32 million agency in Florida, and discusses his insights on scaling, client relationships, and franchise models in the insurance industry. Whether you're an aspiring agent or an industry veteran, Jay’s strategic approach to responsiveness and authenticity offers valuable lessons for growth and success.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
02:24 - Meeting Jay Wolfberg and intro
06:17 - The importance of selling on value versus price
09:02 - How Jay figured out his agency’s unique value proposition
11:37 - Handling commoditized auto coverage and understanding customer needs & growth y to a $32 million book
14:40 - The secret to hyper-responsiveness and proactive customer service 18:48 - Creating an effortless, customer-centric experience 22:41 - Building and leading a franchise with WeInsure
37:21 - The structure and benefits of the WeInsure
39:00- how to find JAY

1Fort: AI for insurance agencies, automating submissions, quoting, and binding to save time and win more commercial PNC.
Canopy Connect: The one-click solution for getting deck pages needed to quote prospects.
MAV: AI-powered insurance expert managing unlimited leads with friendly text to qualify, quote, and connect prospects to agents.

Resources & Links

Connect with Jay Wolfberg

Am I Listening Enough to Close More Deals?

Heath Shearon — Fri, 01 May 2026 06:56:36 -0500

In this episode, Tyler Brown shares a grounded and practical look at what actually drives success in insurance sales. Drawing from his upbringing and career journey, Tyler explains why authentic listening is still the most underrated skill in the business. He breaks down how emotional connection influences buying decisions, how to ask better questions, and why consistent follow-up separates top producers from everyone else.

The conversation also explores how tools like AI, including platforms like Nova Intel, can sharpen sales performance without replacing the human element. If you are looking to improve close rates, build stronger client relationships, and bring more intention into your sales process, this episode offers a straightforward roadmap.

A quick thank you to our sponsors who make conversations like this possible: 1Fort, Canopy Connect, and MAV.

What You’ll Learn:

Why listening is more powerful than pitching in today’s sales environment
How emotional triggers influence buying decisions
Practical ways to improve your follow-up process
The art of asking deeper, more meaningful questions
How AI can support, not replace, strong sales habits
Why trust is built through honesty and transparency, not pressure

Key Takeaways:

Tyler makes a strong case that most sales problems are not pipeline problems, they are communication problems. Agents often talk too much, assume too much, and follow up too little.

One of the biggest shifts discussed is moving from surface-level conversations to deeper discovery. When you slow down and truly understand what matters to a client, your recommendations become more relevant and your close rate improves naturally.

Another important theme is consistency. Follow-up is not complicated, but it does require discipline. The agents who win are the ones who stay in front of prospects in a thoughtful and helpful way.

On the technology side, AI is positioned as a tool for refinement. Whether it is helping analyze conversations, suggest better questions, or improve messaging, it gives agents an edge if they are willing to use it.

Notable Quotes:

“If you listen long enough, people will tell you exactly how to sell to them.”
“People don’t buy policies, they buy peace of mind.”
“Follow-up isn’t about being pushy, it’s about being present.”

Canopy Connect
If you’re still chasing down dec pages and playing email tag with clients, you need to check out Canopy Connect. It’s a simple tool that lets your clients securely share their current insurance information in minutes. That means faster quoting, cleaner data, and a much better client experience. It takes friction out of the process, which is something every agency can benefit from.

MAV
Finding good people is one of the hardest parts of running an agency right now. MAV helps solve that by connecting you with trained, remote insurance professionals who are ready to step in and contribute. Whether you need help with service, sales support, or operations, MAV gives you a way to scale your team without all the traditional hiring headaches.

1Fort (1fort.ai)
1Fort is bringing AI into the insurance workflow in a practical way. This isn’t about hype, it’s about helping agencies move faster and make smarter decisions. From streamlining submissions to improving how you manage data and communication, 1Fort helps you operate more efficiently so you can spend more time where it matters most, building relationships and growing your book.

How can you capitalize on this shift to personalized Health Insurance?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Insurance Town, Kevin Deutsch joins the show to unpack what’s really happening in the health insurance space right now. From the growing role of AI to the emergence of ICHRA as a disruptive model, Kevin brings a practical perspective on where the industry is headed and what it means for agents, brokers, and agencies.

The conversation digs into how technology is reshaping distribution, why data management is becoming a competitive advantage, and how personalization is moving from buzzword to reality. If you’ve ever felt like health insurance is overly complex, this episode helps simplify what matters and where to focus.

Key Takeaways:

Health insurance remains overly complex, but simplification is coming through better technology and data use
AI is only as effective as the data behind it, making data organization critical for agencies
ICHRA is creating new opportunities and challenges for brokers in the benefits space
Commission structures and distribution models are continuing to evolve
Personalization is not a future idea, it is actively shaping how coverage is designed and delivered today
Agencies that understand and adapt to these shifts will be better positioned for long-term growth

00:00 – Introduction
09:02 – Changes in Health Insurance Distribution
12:05 – The Role of Brokers in Health Insurance
15:06 – The Shift in Commission Structures
18:10 – The Impact of ICRA on Health Insurance
24:10 – Future of P&C Agencies in Health Insurance
29:57 – Understanding ICRA and Its Value
32:29 – Adoption of AI in Health Insurance
38:05 – Data Management for AI Utilization
40:26 – Trends in Personalization of Health Insurance
43:21 – Preparing for Personalized Benefits
44:42 – The Rise of Provider Sponsored Health Plans
48:59 – Softheon Mission and Services

Sponsors
Canopy Connect
Mav
1Fort AI

Goli

Lazy River Files Part 3

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:07:49 -0500

In this weeks episode we release more from the Lazy River, Casey Nelson's idea that has been such an amazing addition to the show. I appreciate all of the feedback I have gotten from these, so I will leak a few more out over time! This clip is a continuation of the part 2, where we get into mental health, and leadership principles etc.

How do I know if I am burned out or just stressed out?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

This Week In Insurance Town, we uncover practical insights and inspiring stories with Chelsea Bell Carpenter as she shares her journey through the insurance industry, mental health strategies, and the importance of intentional living to combat burnout. This conversation empowers listeners to redefine success, build confidence, and prioritize well-being amidst today's fast-paced world.

Chelsea's diverse insurance career and lessons learned
Recognizing and managing burnout in a hyper-connected society
Strategies for building confidence and resilience
The importance of boundaries, alone time, and intentional activities
Generational shifts in attitudes toward work, health, and life balance
Practical tools to reconnect with yourself and reduce stress

In this episode You will also hear...

Chelsea's unexpected journey from insurance rookie to industry leader
How wildfires and claims transformed her understanding of service and empathy
The true definition of burnout and how to identify its symptoms
Why organizations play a role in employee burnout and how individuals can take control
Simple somatic tools to calm your nervous system during stressful moments
The cultural shift away from "busy as a badge of honor" toward conscious living
Tips for carving out quality family time and developing passions outside of work
Addressing fears of AI and automation: embracing technology as an ally
The importance of vulnerability and authentic leadership

Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome to the episode and introduction of Chelsea Bell Carpenter
06:29 - Wildfires, service, and the human side of insurance claims
16:22 - Developing confidence and overcoming fear of failure
21:59 - Managing stress responses in our technology-driven world
24:29 - Building stronger family and personal boundaries
26:42 - The impact of social media and constant connectivity
34:52 - How to distinguish between stress and burnout
37:14 - Strategies for organization, work-life balance, and hobbies
42:13 - The power of solitude and true rest in a busy society
46:42 - Addressing generational differences and future outlooks on burnout
53:33 - Organizational vs individual responsibility for burnout
55:57 - How to work with Chelsea for consulting, speaking, or events

Chelsea Bell Carpenter — Connect and explore coaching and speaking services
ChelseaBellCarpenter.com — Website for programs and contact

Derek Streep's Comedic Bit — Humorous take on taking breaks

Connect with Chelsea

Instagram

Twitter

Final note:Prioritize your health, set boundaries, and reframe what it means to be successful. Remember, taking time for yourself is not a luxury it's a necessity. You are worthy of space, rest, and peace.

Sponsors:
Canopy Connect
MAV
1Fort

What Are the Secrets to Long-Term Success in Insurance?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:24:52 -0500

In this episode, Jason Peacock shares invaluable insights from his nearly three-decade career in insurance, emphasizing the importance of relationships, niching, and strategic follow-up. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you'll find practical tips on building lasting client and carrier partnerships, navigating industry changes, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Key Topics:

The evolution of industry technology from paper directories to AI-powered tools
The critical role of relationship-building with carriers and clients for long-term success
How niching in specific industries can accelerate growth and simplify prospecting
The importance of response time and follow-up in maintaining client trust
Strategies to identify ideal clients and develop a targeted marketing approach
The value of maintaining a well-structured system to prevent deals from falling through the cracks
Lessons learned from setbacks, including the importance of asking tough questions early
How to leverage existing relationships and reputation to find repeat business
The significance of saying “no” to class types or clients that don’t align with your goals
Practical advice for new producers and agency owners to accelerate their learning curve

Timestamps:
02:08 - Industry changes: from directories to digital
07:23 - The evolution of email and accessibility in insurance
12:00 - The irreplaceable value of personal client interactions
13:12 - Building and maintaining strong carrier relationships
15:36 - The importance of niching
27:36 - Niching and client profile optimization
30:41 - After securing clients: how to maintain and expand relationships
35:30 - Going where your best clients are and leveraging environments
40:30 - Systems to prevent follow-up failures and keep deals alive
45:17 - Handling clients outside your niche and collaborative referral networks
50:00 - Mentoring young producers and industry training
53:56 - Closing remarks and appreciation for industry peers

Sponsors
Canopy Connect

Goli Nutrition

MAV Insurance AI

Connect with Jason Peacock:

Website: JasonCPeacock.com

LinkedIn: Jason Peacock

Twitter: @JasonCPeacock

Note: This episode is packed with actionable insights that cut through industry noise—great for agents, carrier reps, and aspiring producers alike.

Choose Africa - Re-Visit

Heath Shearon — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode of Insurance Town, The Mayor Heath Shearon, sits down with Valerie Bowden, founder of Crdle, to discuss the evolving landscape of outsourcing and the unique opportunities Africa presents. Valerie shares her journey from backpacking across Africa to establishing a successful outsourcing company that champions fair wages and ethical practices. Discover how Crdle is changing the game by connecting businesses with talented professionals from the continent.

Introduction

[03:15] Valerie's Journey

Valerie shares her adventurous backpacking trip across Africa How her experiences led to the founding of Cradle

[10:45] The Cradle Mission

Discussion on ethical outsourcing and creating sustainable jobs The importance of fair wages and supporting African talent

[18:30] Bridging the Gap

How Cradle connects African professionals with global businesses Success stories and client experiences

[25:00] The Role of AI

Valerie's insights on AI's impact on virtual assistants How AI tools enhance the capabilities of offshore teams

[32:15] Tips for Hiring Offshore Talent
Valerie's advice for businesses looking to hire from Africa Best practices for onboarding and training virtual assistants

[40:00] Closing Thoughts

Valerie's vision for the future of outsourcing Final words and how to connect with Valerie and Cradle

Sponsors:

Canopy Connect: Revolutionizing the way agencies handle client data with their innovative intake form platform. Learn more at usecanopy.com.
MAV- Ditch the call center and Hire Mav.
Goli- GoGoli.com/Mayor

Want to work with Crdle ?
want to contact Valerie Bowden

Are You Truly Connecting with Your Clients or Just Talking at Them?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

You know that room in grandmas house that was that room that you didn’t sit in the furniture, you didnt touch anything? It was just pretty and you gotten threatened every time you went into that room?

In this weeks episode, Monica Adwani, CPIA and I talk about that, and tie it into something that makes us cringe in the insurance industry.

She also shares her extensive journey through the insurance industry, her insights on client communication, the importance of relationship-building, and how leveraging data and technology can transform agency operations.

Discover practical tips on serving diverse communities, embracing AI, and enhancing efficiency to grow your insurance business.

We discuss role of client education in building long-term trust. Monica breaks down how taking the time to truly educate clients not only strengthens retention, but positions you as a true advisor, not just a policy seller.

And of course, we laugh a lot , we talk about our teenagers , life , Karate, and all kinds of other random topics too!!

00:00 Reunion and Reflections
03:01 Monica's Journey in Insurance
06:01 Understanding the Carrier Perspective
08:59 The Importance of Insurance Education
12:08 Cultural Sensitivity in Insurance
14:58 Effective Communication Strategies
18:03 Adapting to Generational Differences
18:37 Generational Communication Shifts
21:49 Building Trust in Client Relationships
24:38 The Role of Agents in a Digital Age
27:50 Operational Efficiency in Agencies
31:41 Time as the New Currency
35:00 Leveraging AI for Better Decision Making

Jump in and check it out

Are You Ready to Enhance Your Agency's Cybersecurity and Tech Efficiency?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Lamar Garrett from Redbird Security delves into the critical importance of agency-specific cybersecurity tailored for insurance businesses. He discusses how proactive hardware and software maintenance can significantly reduce downtime, while the integration of AI streamlines operations and enhances security protocols. Lamar highlights the differences between general IT providers and insurance-specific MSPs, emphasizing the need for compliance with state and federal data regulations. He also shares best practices for integrating new technology, managing shiny objects, and preventing breaches through layered security and cyber awareness training. Additionally, Lamar addresses the impact of legacy hardware on security vulnerabilities and the importance of building strong relationships and trust within the insurance industry, along with strategies to improve communication about cybersecurity to agency owners.

Lamar emphasizes that tailored cybersecurity, proactive hardware management, and clear communication are crucial for insurance agencies to protect their data and scale efficiently. His insights highlight that investing in industry-specific IT solutions is not just smart but necessary in today’s digital landscape.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Lamar Garrett and Redbird Security
06:25 - The importance of insurance-specific IT solutions
08:41 - How cybersecurity breaches impact large organizations and why agencies are at risk
12:48 - Common misconceptions about insurance cybersecurity needs
16:41 - Optimizing agency tech stacks for efficiency and compliance
24:23 - Response times and minimizing downtime for agency management systems
28:40 - How AI is transforming insurance IT security and operations
32:38 - The hidden costs of aging hardware and legacy systems
37:40 - Final thoughts on securing agency data and building industry trust

Resources & Links:

Connect with Lamar Garrett:

Sponsors:

Mav
Canopy Connect
GOLI

More from the Lazy River Files

Heath Shearon — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:26:48 -0600

It's another episiode of Insurance town from the Lazy river!! With Ben Morrow, Brenden Corr, Marques Ogden, Jessica, Casey Nelson, Caleb Cramer, etc. Its Fun

Sponsors
Canopy Connect
MAV
Goli= Go.Goli.com/Mayor

How to stop being overlooked! (warning this one is High Octane)

Heath Shearon — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:39:38 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor sits down with his good friend, Emily Merola. Emily Merola is an executive presence expert, speaker, and founder of The Blazer Society who helps leaders go from overlooked to unmistakable. Through her work in Image + Impact and identity-first leadership, Emily equips leaders to bridge the gap between who they are and how they lead so they communicate with clarity, step into alignment, and own every room they enter. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience and as a Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker, Trainer, and Coach, Emily has influenced over 10,000 professionals worldwide through keynotes, retreats, and global leadership forums. She is trusted by organizations and event leaders to open and close high-stakes conversations, and is known for delivering high-energy, high-impact experiences that blend strategic insight with powerful personal transformation. She joins us to day and shares her inspiring journey from the early days of her insurance career to becoming a trusted leader and coach. We explore the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and faith in building genuine relationships and impactful careers.

In this episode:

Emily's beginnings in New York City insurance and her rapid rise through different sectors
The power of self-awareness in discovering your strength zone
How authenticity and vulnerability foster real relationships
Navigating confidence challenges and stage fright
The role of faith and core values in decision-making
Building a leadership brand that empowers women through The Blazer Society
The significance of having a coach and mentors (including John Maxwell) for growth
Strategies for overcoming feeling overlooked or stuck in your career
How inner work and community create resilience in uncertain markets

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Emily Morolla
02:08 - Emily’s professional background and journey into insurance
04:33 - Early lessons from the insurance industry and career milestones
10:31 - The through line: Trust and relationship-building in insurance
12:20 - Balancing confidence, vulnerability, and industry norms
16:46 - Seasons in career and embracing change 1
22:28 - Faith as a guiding force in personal and professional life
25:33 - Authentic relationships and maintaining consistency
28:46 - Introducing The Blazer Society and empowering women leaders The motivation behind creating a space for growth and impact
33:21 - The power of personalized branding and leadership identity
36:57 - Overcoming stage fright and building presentation confidence Resilience, storytelling, and embracing vulnerability
43:20 - Practical steps for those feeling stuck or overlooked and importance of coaching, environment, and community
45:32 - Final reflections and gratitude for genuine connection

Resources & Links:

Sponsors of todays show
Goli Nutrition
Canopy Connect
MAV

From SEO to GEO: Navigating the Marketing and Search optimization game!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

The Future of AI in Marketing & Insurance: Insights with Cameron Laboudi

In this week's episode, the Mayor Heath Shearon sits down with Cameron LiButti of BidView Marketing. These two dive into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in reshaping marketing strategies and customer engagement, particularly within the insurance industry. They explore practical advice and emerging trends, offering listeners insights on how to adapt and thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape. Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming marketing strategies, SEO, and customer engagement, especially within the insurance industry. Cameron Libutti shares practical advice, emerging trends, and how professionals can adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape.

Key Topics

The evolving role of AI commercials in Super Bowl marketing and industry impacts
How AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are changing search behaviors
The importance of local community positioning over broad claims
Differentiating your business through brand imagery and reviews
The shift from traditional SEO to AI-focused citations and content strategies
Tactical tips for small agencies on landing pages and content structure
How interest graph algorithms influence short-form and long-form content
The emerging concept of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AI rankings
Practical steps for professionals to optimize their presence in AI-driven searches
The power of AI in rapid prototyping and business data intelligence

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: AI's impact on marketing and insurance
07:11 - Cameron’s journey from engineering to marketing and digital strategy
12:22 - The importance of local community positioning in professional services
14:36 - Creative outreach ideas: giving away cookies to nurture leads
17:13 - How to position yourself as the best in your local market
18:04 - Using imagery and reviews to build trust and credibility
21:24 - The relevance of SEO in an AI-powered search landscape
22:51 - The disruptive influence of generative AI like ChatGPT on traditional search
26:11 - Tracking AI-driven leads and measuring success
28:22 - How local agencies can succeed with traditional SEO
35:41 - Navigating social media algorithms: long vs. short-form content
39:20 - Introduction to GEO: Generative AI engine optimization
40:11 - Understanding AI rankings and data personalization
42:31 - Practical steps for agencies to improve AI visibility
44:45 - Citation strategies across platforms and directories
48:25 - Cameron’s AI soapbox: Power, capability, and rapid development in AI tools
53:11 - Closing remarks and contact info for Cameron Libutti

Sponsors:

Connect with Cameron Libutti

The “hold my beer” of insurance !

Heath Shearon — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

This week in Insurance town the Mayor sits down with Sarah Koolhof, a dynamic insurance professional whose journey spans theater, rugby, and underwriting. Discover how embracing discomfort and versatility has shaped her career and passion for relationship-driven insurance work. She has been with Commonwealth Undewriters for a dozen years and not going anywhere any time soon, She loves her team and her clients. I loved this conversation and I think you will too.

In this episode:

Sarah's unexpected transition from theater major to insurance underwriter
How rugby taught her resilience and the value of teamwork
The importance of building trust in E&S and surplus lines markets
Navigating industry changes over 12 years, especially in ENS
Strategies for agency and carrier partnerships rooted in responsiveness
Insights on managing industry burnout and maintaining mental health
Practical tips for agents choosing E&S brokers and understanding underwriting authority
The culture of collaboration and relationship building at Commonwealth Underwriters

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview
00:30 - Sarah's background: from theater to insurance
02:00 - The role of rugby in building resilience and confidence
04:30 - How her diverse experiences shape her industry perspective
08:00 - Navigating industry changes and the evolution of E&S markets
12:00 - Building trust in surplus lines and the importance of partnerships
16:00 - Commonwealth Underwriters: location, services, and company culture
20:00 - Response times, setting expectations, and fostering client relationships
24:00 - Managing industry burnout and mental health awareness
28:00 - Tips for agents on selecting E&S brokers and understanding underwriting terms
33:00 - Partnering in the insurance ecosystem and the value of relationships
36:00 - Final thoughts: embracing versatility, teamwork, and continuous learning

Resources & Links:

Connect with Sarah:

The Lazy River Files!

Heath Shearon — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 07:12:46 -0600

In this episode, we are doing something a little different. Casey Nelson and I hosted an open call live one day and we called it the lazy river. WE wanted to invite people to "float in and hang out ad float out. Ive provided a few clips here for you guys to check out. WE will release the whole 2 hours some day soon... but for now this clip is about authentic leadership, engaging communication, and innovative work practices that can transform organizations. Whether you're speaking on stage, building relationships, or managing teams remotely, these insights provide practical strategies to lead with confidence.

You'll hear familier voices ;

Casey Nelson
Caleb Cramer
Ciara Gravier
Jessica Holder
Ben Morrow
Ryan Hanley

Key Topics:

The importance of genuine interactions and how authenticity impacts leadership credibility
Strategies for modularizing content to adapt in dynamic speaking environments
Memorable name drop stories and their impact on personal branding
Tips for effective networking at high-profile events like Bill Gates's house
How to test and engage audiences during keynote speeches
The role of diversity and gender dynamics in leadership credibility
Future workplace trends: remote work, flexibility, and the four-day workweek
Leveraging your unique strengths and circumstances to attract and retain talent
Practical tips for transitioning from traditional to hybrid or virtual formats

Timestamps:

00:00 - The value of authentic interactions and sharing personal stories
02:24 - Memorable name drops and their role in networking
04:41 - Insights from high-profile meet-and-greets and leadership impressions
06:03 - Authenticity as a female CEO and gender dynamics in leadership
08:28 - The power of candid panel discussions and last-minute updates
09:28 - Modularizing content for impactful speaking engagements
11:20 - Testing audience engagement in real-time during speeches
12:50 - Perspectives on remote work, office culture, and flexibility
14:45 - The future of work: four-day weeks and employee well-being
16:20 - Strategies for small businesses to compete with large organizations
17:13 - Wrapping up with humor and connecting through genuine communication

SPONSORS:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
MAV

AI in your business!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:28:43 -0600

In this weeks episode, release my virtual course in Bob Dietrich and Pamela Dunn's virtual program called "Unlease AI in your Business" that released this week.

Hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think...

Sponsored by:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
MAV

What should you be paying attention to in 2026?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 07:15:04 -0600

In this week episode, Heath Shearon and Casey Nelson discuss the importance of standardizing processes in agencies, the impact of AI on business, and the potential societal reset from reducing screen time. They explore the challenges of implementing consistent procedures, the role of AI in modern companies, and the cultural shift towards more face-to-face interactions. The conversation also touches on the hypothetical scenario of shutting down the internet for six months and its potential effects on society. Additionally, they delve into personal anecdotes, the significance of setting goals, and the evolving landscape of the insurance industry.

Takeaways

Standardizing processes is crucial for agency efficiency.
AI is transforming business operations significantly.
Reducing screen time could lead to a societal reset.
Consistent procedures help in minimizing wasteful practices.
Face-to-face interactions are becoming more valued.
The internet shutdown could have profound societal effects.
Agencies should focus on their most profitable clients.
Building processes should involve employee input.
AI tools can be both time-saving and time-consuming.
Cultural shifts are moving towards more personal interactions.
Setting personal goals can drive professional growth.
Understanding industry trends is key to staying competitive.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues
00:01:00 Standardizing Processes in Agencies
00:01:55 AI's Impact on Business
00:15:55 Cultural Shifts and Screen Time
00:20:19 Hypothetical Internet Shutdown
00:25:00 Personal Goals and Anecdotes
00:30:00 Insurance Industry Trends

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
MAV

Insurance Agency ownership looks a little different these days

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

This week in Insurance Town I get to catch up with my old friend, and former colleague, Therese Potter of Envela. We have a fun conversation we get to catch up on what she has been up to all the hats she currently wears, from teaching Tai Chi to selling Insurance and everything in between, and she is able to do all that, because of the culture and technology over at Envela.

Check it out, and let me know what ya think...

Sponsors:
Smart Choice-Go to Smartchoiceagents.com
Canopy Connect- Usecanopy.com/heath
MAV- Hiremav.com

Thank you for being a wonderful and loyal citizen of Insurance Town! I love you all!

from the bottom of my heart I truly do, and I appreciate your support all these years!!

Fair creates new opportunities and revenue streams for your agency!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:18:07 -0600

In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, I sit down with Clint Houke for a wide ranging, high trust conversation to kick off the new year the right way. This is one of those talks that feels like two industry vets standing at the whiteboard, talking honestly about what is working, what is changing, and where the real opportunities are.

Clint and I dig into the trends he is seeing across the insurance landscape, especially around MGAs and why they continue to play such a critical role in today’s market. We talk about speed, specialization, and why MGAs are not just filling gaps, but actively shaping the future of distribution.

From there, how agencies, MGAs, and carriers can think about AI as a tool to enhance relationships, not replace them.

The conversation then turns to Clint’s newest chapter and his work with FAIR. We talk about what FAIR is building, why it matters, and how it is creating real opportunity in the insurance space. This is not just another product. It is a business model that opens up meaningful new revenue streams while staying aligned with transparency and customer experience.

What stood out most in this conversation is Clint’s perspective on timing. The industry is changing fast, but the fundamentals still matter. Relationships. Trust. Doing right by the client. FAIR feels like one of those companies that understands both sides of that equation.

If you are an agency owner, producer, MGA leader, or anyone looking to add smart, sustainable growth to your business, this episode is worth your time.

Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and join us in Insurance Town for a conversation about trends, technology, and finding opportunity in a changing market.

Welcome back to town.

Sponsors:
Smart Choice- the Fastest growing agency Network hands down
MAV- Ditch the Call center and Hire Mav the AI solution to engaging your clients
Canopy Connect - The One Click Solution to getting dec pages you need to quote your clients.

Out Of Service Keynote from IIANC

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Thank you so much for yet another amazing year in Insurance Town!! This weeks episode is a little different, No Guest.

This week i am releasing one of my keynote presentations from a conference I spoke at this year, IIANC, thank you to my friend AUBE KNIGHT and his amazing staff in North Carolina for hosting me and helping me to learn and grow in a big way!! THAT CONFERENCE HAD a major impact on my life personally and Professionally!!

This is my keynote, OUT OF SERVICE, I hope you enjoy!

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
MAV

Let's talk about influence!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:13:19 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor sits down with Brian Ahearn to unpack the difference between social media influence and true leadership influence, while also sharing a meaningful conversation around faith, family, and the responsibility that comes with leading well. Brian reflects on how becoming a grandfather has reshaped how he thinks about legacy, humility, and the kind of influence that truly matters, both at home and in leadership.

The conversation also dives into Brian’s new book, Influenced From Above, a business parable that blends leadership principles with faith driven purpose. Together, Brian and the Mayor discuss what it means to be influenced from above in their own lives, leading with empathy, serving others, and aligning values with action. The takeaway is clear: real influence is not about getting people to say yes, but about building trust, relationships, and a legacy that lasts.

Key Takeaways

Why social media influence is not the same as true leadership
How faith and family shape the way leaders influence others
Lessons from Influenced From Above on humility and service
Why empathy and trust are the foundation of lasting leadership

Sponsors

Smart Choice – The fastest growing agency network hand down, no fees, higher commissions, lower premium thredhhold
Canopy Connect – A one click solution to getting dec pages to quote your prospect and now they have intake platofrm
MAV – Ditch the call center and hire MAV, the AI powered text messaging agent to qualify, quote& connect your prospects to your producers

Is Self-Insuring the Future for Business Owners?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town, host Heath Shearon welcomes Van Carlson to discuss the evolution of risk management and the importance of self-insuring for businesses. They explore the 831B tax code, its history, and its application in modern business risk management. Van shares insights from his career in the insurance industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in self-insuring and the role of traditional insurance. The conversation also touches on the impact of economic downturns and the need for innovative risk management solutions.

Takeaways

Van Carlson emphasizes the importance of self-insuring for businesses.
The 831B tax code offers a way to manage business risks effectively.
Traditional insurance may not cover all business risks.
Economic downturns highlight the need for innovative risk management.
Van Carlson shares his journey in the insurance industry.
Self-insuring can provide financial stability for businesses.
The conversation explores the history and application of the 831B tax code.
Van Carlson discusses the challenges of transitioning from traditional insurance.
Heath Shearon highlights the role of education in risk management.
The episode provides insights into modern business risk management strategies.

Sound bites

"Self-insuring is the future of business risk management."
"The 831B tax code is a game changer."
"Traditional insurance doesn't cover all risks."
"Economic downturns demand innovative solutions."
"Education is key in managing business risks."
"Self-insuring provides financial stability."
"The 831B code offers unique advantages."
"Transitioning from traditional insurance is challenging."
"Risk management requires continuous learning."
"Modern businesses need modern risk solutions."

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship
00:00:00 Van Carlson's Background
00:00:00 The 831B Tax Code Explained
00:00:00 Challenges in Traditional Insurance
00:00:01 Innovative Risk Management Solutions
00:00:01 The Future of Business Risk Management

Sponsors:

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
MAV

Can you lock in rates for your customers with the carriers you have in your agency?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks episode I sit down with Dylan Dimarchi of Eventual to talk about A product that is super cool

Why blindly trusting technology can lead to significant risks...

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this engaging conversation, Heath Shearon and Alex Rodov explore the vibrant culture of Toronto, the evolution of technology and quality assurance, and the critical role of testing in the insurance industry. Alex shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the tech space, emphasizing the importance of methodology and the pressures faced in quality assurance. They discuss the challenges of trusting technology, the significance of consumer education, and the future of QA technology, including Alex's new book on testing.

Takeaways
Growing up in Toronto inspired Alex's passion for technology.
Quality assurance has evolved significantly over the years.
Pressure in QA is a constant, especially in critical industries.
Methodology is essential for effective software testing.
Consumer education is vital for understanding technology's reliability.
The insurance industry heavily relies on quality assurance processes.
Alex's book aims to educate consumers about testing.
Investing in QA technology is crucial for future advancements.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Toronto: A Cultural Hub
06:03 The Evolution of Quality Assurance in Tech
13:48 The Importance of Methodology in QA
22:02 The Role of QA in the Insurance Industry
30:12 Investing in the Future of QA Technology

Sponsors:
Smart Choice- the fastest growing agency network hands down
Canopy Connect- your 1 click solution for all things dec pages, intake platforms etc
MAV- the AI-powered insurance expert that engages unlimited leads with text messaging

How did this agency use social media to fuel their growth in middle of nowhere Oklahoma?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

in this weeks episode I sat down with my good friend Poppy Danker and have a blast talking about this small down agency and how she has just exploded in growth using social media. Yes you heard that right. Its wild to see!! Ive been watching this agency since the beginning from 500 followers to now over 25k followers and viral videos and the whole thing. its so fun.

You just gotta hear this one ...

sponsored by :
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
MAV

No such thing as a bad lead... here's why...

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:26:55 -0600

This week in Insurance Town I sat down with my friend Evan Smith of Mav. We had an incredible conversation about growing your sales with leads and building an inside sales team .

We discussed the importance of recognizing that you have to have a vision and a plan before working with leads and not try to scale too quickly

We discussed the idea of there is no “bad lead” and what that means. We discover ways to write any lead . The numbers game that is leads and why MAV is THE go to for scaling and growing you business with online leads.

Check this one out and hear his three pillars of working with leads successfully. And so much more

Sponsors:
Smart Choice® the fastest growing agency network hands down and now with 11,000 agencies across the country

Canopy Connect -THE one click solution to getting the dec pages you need to quote your prospects and get loss runs and driver lists , and vehicle lists and , and and… check it out

Activate to view larger image,

AI in Insurance: Beyond the Buzzword

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:45:00 -0500

In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, Heath Shearon hosts Christopher Frankland to discuss the intersection of technology and insurance, focusing on AI's impact on the industry. They explore the concept of the 'bionic agent,' the role of AI in transforming insurance processes, and the future of human interaction in a tech-driven world. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, the importance of adapting to technological changes, and the potential for AI to enhance customer experiences.

Takeaways:

AI is transforming the insurance industry by automating processes and enhancing customer experiences.
The concept of the 'bionic agent' combines human expertise with AI technology.
Adapting to technological changes is crucial for staying relevant in the industry.
AI is no longer just a buzzword; it's a fundamental shift in how we work.
The insurance industry is fragmented, with varying levels of AI adoption.
Human interaction remains essential, even as automation increases.
AI can help solve real problems and tackle industry challenges.
The future of insurance involves a blend of technology and human touch.
AI's role in insurance is evolving, with potential for real-time risk assessment.
Education and upskilling are vital for embracing AI in the industry.

Sound Bites:

AI is transforming insurance.
The bionic agent is the future.
Adapt to tech changes or fall behind.
AI is a fundamental shift.
Human interaction is still key.
AI solves real industry problems.
The future blends tech and human touch.
Real-time risk assessment is coming.
Education is key for AI adoption.
AI is beyond just a buzzword.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:00:00 AI's Impact on Insurance
00:00:01 The Bionic Agent Concept
00:00:02 Adapting to Technological Changes
00:00:03 Future of Human Interaction in Insurance

Sponsors:
Smart Choice Agents Program- the fastest growing agency network hands down.
Canopy Connect: Your one click solution for getting everything you need to quote your prospects

Who would you invite to your block party?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

This is an episode recorded at the PIA VADC conference in Virginia Beach with my man Byron Roberts. It is a fast, on-the-ground conversation about how Openly built for independent agents, why speed still matters, and how data is shifting from rearview mirror to windshield.
Quick recap

Openly’s origin story is agent-first. Founders Ty Harris and Matt Duffy asked agents what they actually needed, then shipped a three-question quote experience built to find “diamonds in the rough,” not write everything in sight. The company doubled down on listening loops like ACE, its Agency Council of Excellence, to sanity-check product decisions, fix friction fast, and keep writing business during a stubborn hard market. They are rolling into PL Rating in key states to cut keystrokes, and they see the next frontier as forward-looking data that helps carriers price for tomorrow’s weather, not yesterday’s.

Key takeaways

Built by and for independent agents, not DTC. Choice and counsel are the strategy.
Three inputs to quote, then verify details to bind accurately and quickly. Think seconds, not hours.
ACE council gives Openly real-time agent feedback and a promise to report back on changes.
Smart underwriting beats growth at any cost. Openly tightens or tweaks instead of pulling out.
PL Rating integrations are in motion to reduce double entry and speed comparisons.
Data is shifting from historical to predictive. Actuaries need “crystal balls,” not just rearview mirrors.

Notable quotes

“Tell me I can’t, I’ll show you I will.” Byron on persistence.

“Three questions, name, date of birth, and address. We can get it.” On the quoting thesis.

“We’re staying open for these agencies. We don’t tighten everything down or pull out.” On disciplined appetite.

“We used to look at historical data. Now we need crystal balls.” On forward-looking pricing.

Sponsor
Smart Choice- The fastest growing insurance network, with 10,000 agencies, 11 billion in written premium written its incredible
Canopy Connect- your 1 click solution to getting the deck pages you need to quote your prospects.

Grit, Growth and Gumption , Revisted

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:54:17 -0500

In this weeks episode, the mayor sits down with his good friend Tinsley English to discuss her latest book titled Grit, Growth & Gumption. But this episode is way beyond that we discuss being a leader in this service industry. We discuss the challenges, the customer service, reps face, the challenges that managers face.

We also discuss accepting God’s calling in your life no matter how difficult that might be, or scary that might be. This episode is a really really good one.

I couldn’t do this show without my amazing sponsors

Smart Choice – the fastest growing agency network hands-down. With over 10,000 agencies across the country, trusting them and over 11 billion written premium

Canopy connect – you’re one click solution to getting the deck pages you need to quote your prospects

Hard to Place, Easy to Profit: The Art of Captives

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, the Mayor sits down with industry veteran Jeff Kleid a 30-year insurance innovator, MGA, and carrier leader to talk about the business of hard-to-place risks, the truth about captives, and how brokers can turn complex accounts into profitable opportunities.

From selling insurance on the internet in the ‘90s to building niche programs for cannabis, film, and trucking, Jeff shares real-world lessons about taking chances, trusting data, and transforming the way independent agents think about risk.

In this episode, we discuss:

The evolution from retail broker to MGA and carrier
Why most agents misunderstand captives (and how to use them right)
Building programs for high-risk industries like towing and hemp
How to niche down without boxing yourself in
The role of AI in underwriting and program innovation

Key Takeaways:

Don’t fear the hard-to-place — that’s where opportunity lives.
Captives aren’t restrictive; they empower growth and control.
Niche success is built on relationships and risk awareness.
AI is a tool, not a replacement — human insight still wins the day.

Connect with Jeff Kleid:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffkleid
Email: jdkleid@eliterisk.com
Website: eliterisk.com

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
🧡 Smart Choice – The fastest-growing agency network helping independent agents write more business and earn more income.
🔗 Canopy Connect – The easiest way to collect your client’s insurance information in seconds.

The best tech make great service feel effortless (re-visit)

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:15:09 -0500

In this weeks episode of Insurance Town, The Mayor welcomes good buddy Patrick McBride to the show. Patrick, a seasoned insurance professional, shares his journey, experiences, and insights on the industry's evolving landscape.

Key Highlights:

The Last Few Years in the Industry: Patrick reflects on how the last couple of years have been "wicked" due to the rapid changes in technology and the industry's shift towards innovation. He provides perspective on how to stay ahead amidst these changes.
Staying Connected in a Changing World: The conversation shifts to the importance of maintaining relationships in the insurance world, especially in a post-pandemic landscape. Patrick talks about his strategies for staying connected with colleagues and clients while continuing to adapt to the evolving industry.

Customer Service and Technology: The conversation digs deep into how the evolution of technology has transformed customer service in the insurance world. Patrick emphasizes the need for agencies to use tech to enhance the client experience—whether it's through automation or more personalized service. They discuss tools like AI chatbots, data analytics, and client portals, which not only make processes faster but allow for a more tailored approach. As Patrick points out: "The best tech makes great service feel effortless."Patrick shares a few stories where tech simplified otherwise complex processes for clients, noting how a quick turnaround and personalized communication helped retain customers. The duo also touches on the challenge of finding a balance between automation and the human touch. "At the end of the day," says Patrick, "clients still want to know there’s a real person behind the scenes who cares about them."

Rapid Fire Questions Segment: In a fun and fast-paced part of the episode, Heath puts Patrick in the hot seat with rapid-fire questions. Get ready for some hilarious and insightful moments as Patrick reveals:
- Favorite tech tool for improving customer service.
- Worst business advice he ever received.
- Favorite networking event (besides Indy Tech, of course!).
- Go-to grilling recipe—yes, there’s a little cooking talk!
- And much more!
Customer Service Tech Takeaways for Insurance Pros:
- Speed & Efficiency with Tech: Use technology to streamline repetitive tasks like policy changes, claims processing, and FAQs to free up more time for personalized client interactions.
- Human Touch: While automation is a game-changer, it’s crucial to maintain a human connection for the moments that matter. Clients value tech for convenience but trust is built through real relationships.
- Data-Driven Personalization: Tools that provide data insights can help agents understand client preferences and needs, making their outreach and service more meaningful.
Don’t Miss:
- Laugh-out-loud moments from the rapid-fire segment.
- Patrick’s take on the biggest customer service pitfalls and how to avoid them in today’s tech-driven world.

Takeaways for Insurance Professionals:

Importance of attending industry events like Indy Tech to network and stay updated on new trends.
How to stay agile and adaptive to change in a "wicked" industry.
Strategies for staying connected with your professional network, even when you can't always meet in person.

Don't Miss:

Hilarious stories from the Indy Tech event that will keep you laughing.
Patrick’s take on how insurance professionals can thrive in today's rapidly evolving environment.

Subscribe & Review:
Don’t forget to subscribe to Insurance Town on your fa

What are the biggest data challenges in Insurance right now?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor, Heath Shearon welcomes Jamie Peers really just to catch up and have a chat, but this lead to hitting the record button, and discussing the evolving landscape of the insurance industry, focusing on data integration, AI, and the challenges of maintaining clean data. Jamie shares insights from his journey through startups and consulting, emphasizing the importance of introspection and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in solving business problems and the significance of building strong teams.

Introspection is key to personal and professional growth.
Data integration is more complex than it seems.
AI should solve business problems, not just be a buzzword.
Clean data is crucial for effective business operations.
Building strong teams is essential for success.
The insurance industry faces unique data challenges.
Consulting offers diverse experiences but lacks depth.
Startups require adaptability and resilience.
Effective communication is vital in tech and insurance.
Pilot programs can help improve data quality.

Chapters

00:00:02 Introduction and Jamie's Background
00:00:36 Exploring Africa and Personal Growth
00:03:01 Journey Through Startups
00:05:26 Introspection and Personal Development
00:08:20 Leadership and Team Building
00:14:17 Data Integration Challenges
00:18:41 AI in Business
00:26:25 Consulting and Current Projects
00:30:51 Future Plans and Team Building

Sponsors:

Smart Choice Agents - The Fastest growing agency network hands down

Canopy Connect- The one click solution to getting the information you need to quote your prospects

How AI is continuing to evolve and change the game for agencies that embrace it!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:03:02 -0500

In this weeks episode, the Mayor and Toby discuss the intersection of technology and insurance, focusing on the challenges and opportunities within the industry. They explore the role of AI in transforming insurance processes, the importance of understanding client needs, and the potential for technology to attract new talent to the field. Toby shares insights from his journey in the insurance and tech sectors, highlighting the innovative solutions his company, OneFort, is developing to streamline operations and enhance client relationships.

Takeaways

AI is transforming the insurance industry by automating processes.
Understanding client needs is crucial for effective insurance solutions.
Technology can attract new talent to the insurance field.
OneFort focuses on independent insurance agents to maximize impact.
Manual processes in insurance are time-consuming and need automation.
Cross-selling and upselling are key strategies for insurance growth.
AI can help identify underinsured clients and recommend solutions.
The insurance industry faces a talent shortage that technology can address.
OneFort integrates with existing tools to streamline insurance workflows.
Toby emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation in tech solutions.

Chapters

00:00:02 Introduction and Greetings
00:00:05 Discussing Upcoming Events
00:00:20 The Role of Magic in Trade Shows
00:03:23 Toby's Journey in Insurance and Tech
00:07:55 Miscommunication in Insurance and Tech
00:16:21 Focus on AI for producers, and CSR's
00:29:01 AI Solutions for Insurance
00:32:04 Cross-Selling and Upselling with AI
00:39:32 Future Plans and Industry Growth

Sponsors:
Smart Choice The Fastest growing agency network in country! Hands Down
Canopy Connect - Your 1 click solution to getting the dec pages you need to quote your prospects

Mayor Solo

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This one is a Mayor Solo! Mail bag episode! STICK AROUND and hang out with me. If you dont want to hear a solo episode , I get it , Go check out another one of your favorite shows, no hurt feelings here. But if you wanna hang out with me, I look forward to the next 39 minutes with you itll be fun

Sponsors:

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect

Intake Without the Headache - Town Hall Meeting

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode the Mayor Heath Shearon hosts another town hall meeting. This week we talk about the headaches of intake forms and gathering of prospect information, And the back and forth of gathering pertinent information for underwriters. All of these things can end up being a roadblock. All of these things can sometimes caused bottlenecks in your agency. That is where Canopy Connect comes into play with their intake platform. They're one click solution that I've been talking about for 5 years now. Thanks to Ray Huang for making the visit to Insurance Town and Showing us behind the scenes.

If you did miss this episode live, this is your chance to check it out. If you would like to learn more about Canopy Connect, please go to usecanopy.com\ health and take advantage of the discount, book a demo, check it out.

If you want to watch this episode go to our Youtube channel and check it out.

Sponsors
Smart Choice- The fastest growing agency network hands down. 10,000 agencies nationwide trust them with over 11 BILLION in written premium.

Canopy Connect- Your One Click Solution to getting dec pages you need to quote your prospects.

Choose Africa !

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Introduction

Host introduction and episode overview Shoutout to sponsors: Smart Choice and Canopy Connect
[03:15] Valerie's Journey

Valerie shares her adventurous backpacking trip across Africa How her experiences led to the founding of Cradle

[10:45] The Cradle Mission

Discussion on ethical outsourcing and creating sustainable jobs The importance of fair wages and supporting African talent

[18:30] Bridging the Gap

How Cradle connects African professionals with global businesses Success stories and client experiences

[25:00] The Role of AI

Valerie's insights on AI's impact on virtual assistants How AI tools enhance the capabilities of offshore teams

[32:15] Tips for Hiring Offshore Talent
Valerie's advice for businesses looking to hire from Africa Best practices for onboarding and training virtual assistants

[40:00] Closing Thoughts

Valerie's vision for the future of outsourcing Final words and how to connect with Valerie and Cradle

Sponsors:

Smart Choice: The fastest growing agency network, offering a wide range of services to help agencies thrive. Visit smartchoiceagents.com for more information.
Canopy Connect: Revolutionizing the way agencies handle client data with their innovative intake form platform. Learn more at usecanopy.com.

Want to work with Crdle ?
want to contact Valerie Bowden

Nothing fully launches unless it's in a process.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Mayor Heath Shearon, sits down with Thomas Mann to explore the intersection of technology and operations in the insurance industry. Discover how Thomas's journey from a multi-generational insurance background to a tech-focused role has shaped his approach to agency success. They discuss the importance of integrating technology with operations, avoiding common pitfalls, and the value of involving your team in tech decisions.

"Nothing is fully launched until it's embedded in a process."

"You should design your processes and your tech stack around the customer journey."

"The greatest piece of tech that ever existed is just going to be a drain on the P&L if your people don't use it."

Key Topics:

The evolution from agency to tech operations
Importance of aligning technology with agency processes
Avoiding shiny object syndrome in tech adoption
The role of team involvement in tech decisions
Insights on building a cohesive tech ecosystem

Connect with Thomas Mann on LinkedIn or visit agency-focus.com to book a call and explore how to enhance your agency's tech and operations.

Link in first comment.

Which ships are you riding in?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 08:52:43 -0500

In this weeks episode, you are simply eavesdropping in on a fun conversation with me and two of my faves, Lindsay Wallace & Caleb Cramer . It is part goofy, and part serious but it’s all heart and it’s all fun trying out a new format here on this one and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I am so incredibly lucky I get to do this show every week. It makes me completely happy and it couldn’t be done without you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for subscribing. Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams.

Thank you to my sponsors
Smart Choice® fastest, growing agency network, hands-down.
Canopy Connect - the one click solution to getting dec pages,loss runs, but now they have a new intake platform you’ve got to check out

Should Young, Married, and Divorced People Approach Life Insurance the Same way ?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this Episode Our Mayor, Heath Shearon as he sits down with Hari Srinivasan to explore the fascinating world of life insurance. From cricket to Cardinals, and from tech to insurance, Hari shares his journey and insights into making life insurance accessible and meaningful. Discover how iCover is revolutionizing the industry with its innovative platform and community-focused approach. Hari shows us the importance of personal passion in entrepreneurship. We also hear about iCover's unique approach to life insurance The role of community insurers

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Smart Choice: Your partner in insurance solutions.
Canopy Connect: Simplifying insurance verification
Olde School Marketing: Bringing traditional marketing into the digital age.

Can Community and Innovation Reshape the Insurance industry?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This week Heath Shearon, the Mayor of Insurance Town, sits down with his good friend Craig Bender, the visionary behind InsureU2. In this episode, Craig shares his journey from a big player in the paintball community as a young "kid" to a leader in the insurance industry. Discover how his unique approach to marketing and community building is reshaping the way insurance is perceived and practiced. Craig discusses the importance of authenticity in content creation, the power of community in driving industry change, and his vision for the future of insurance. He also opens up about his personal experiences, from his family's influence on his career to his innovative strategies for marketing and growth. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the field, Craig's insights offer valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the art of building a lasting brand.

Chapters:

0:00 - 5:00- Introduction to Craig Bender

-Heath introduces Craig Bender and his accomplishments.
-Discussion on Craig's bi-coastal lifestyle and recent award.
5:01 - 15:00Early Beginnings and Family Influence
-Craig's introduction to the insurance industry through his family.
-The impact of his mother's career and his early experiences.
15:01 - 30:00- Marketing Innovation and Insure U2
-Craig's pivot to marketing and the creation of InsureU2.
-The philosophy behind the brand and its community focus.
30:01 - 45:00 Content Creation and Industry Impact
-Craig's approach to content creation and its influence on the industry.
-The importance of authenticity and consistency in marketing.
45:01 - 60:00 Future Vision and Community Building
-Craig's vision for the future of Insure U2 and the insurance industry.
-The role of community and collaboration in driving change.

Quotes:

"Unity is everything... it shows that we're all together and on the same page." - Craig Bender

"If I want something, I need money for it. How do you get money? You work." - Craig Bender

"The content is what's going to live forever... it's the message that I'm saying." - Craig Bender

"It's not about speed to market when you're building a longevity company." - Craig Bender

"I love insurance, but I also love seeing other people win." - Craig Bender

Tune in to hear more about Craig's inspiring journey and his plans for the future of the insurance industry. Don't miss out on the insights and strategies that can help you grow your own brand. Subscribe now for more episodes!

Sponsors:
Smart Choice Agents Program
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

What secrets does he share on building personal brand?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:47:41 -0500

Episode Summary: Join us for an insightful conversation with Draye Redfern, a marketing expert with a rich background in insurance and a knack for innovative strategies. Draye shares his journey from working in his family's insurance agency to founding Redfern Media, a marketing agency that has helped numerous businesses thrive. Discover the power of direct mail, the importance of knowing your numbers, and the value of building personal connections in business.

00:02:00 Introduction to Draye Redfern and his background in insurance
00:10:30 The power of direct mail in modern marketing.
00:22:15 Draye discusses the ANKR framework for business growth.
00:35:45 The importance of personal branding and social media presence.
00:48:00 Understanding business metrics and their impact on success.
1:05:00 Closing thoughts and Draye's upcoming projects.

Memorable Quotes:

"Good marketing is really, really impactful." – Draye Redfern
"The riches are in the niches." – Draye Redfern
"It's five times to 25 times more expensive to go get a new customer than it is to simply retain an existing one." – Draye Redfern
"The sweetest sound of someone's ears is the sound of their own name." – Draye Redfern

Guest Information: Draye Redfern is the founder of Redfern Media and a seasoned marketing consultant. Connect with him on social media @DrayeRedfern or visit fractionalcmo.com for more insights.

Explore Draye's book, "The Recession Survival Guide," available on Amazon and Audible, and stay tuned for his upcoming release on the ANKR framework.

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

IB FutureFest Recap !!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 08:37:30 -0500

In this Episode of Insurance Town, The Mayor Himself sits down and shares his experiences from IB FutureFest 2025, He shares his exhilarating experience at Future Fest, an innovative insurance festival held on the Santa Monica Pier. Discover the unique atmosphere, engaging activities, and insightful sessions that set this event apart from traditional conferences.

Festival Vibes: Future Fest's outdoor setting on the Santa Monica Pier created a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere with activities like yoga, putt-putt, and live music. Attendees enjoyed a unique blend of professional development and leisure. Engaging Sessions: The event featured diverse sessions on AI, cybersecurity, and leadership, with industry experts like Christopher Franklin sharing their insights. The sessions catered to both agencies and carriers, offering valuable content for all attendees. Networking Opportunities: Future Fest fostered meaningful connections, allowing attendees to engage in deep conversations and build lasting relationships. The atmosphere encouraged networking in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Sponsors & Support: A special thanks to sponsors Smart Choice, Canopy Connect, and Old School Marketing for their continued support, enabling such enriching experiences.

Key Quotes:

"If you do what you love, you never have to work another day in your life."

"Future Fest was like adult summer camp, with new friendships and meaningful conversations."

"The atmosphere was phenomenal, the backdrop was phenomenal, the speakers were phenomenal."

Shout Out: A big thank you to Insurance Business and Key Media for organizing such a groundbreaking event. Their dedication to creating a unique and engaging experience truly set Future Fest apart

Call to Action: Don't miss out on next year's Future Fest! Visit insurance.myfuturefest.com to join the waitlist for 2026.

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Olde School marketing
Canopy Connect

Exceeding expectations with Xceedance

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:59:20 -0500

Join us as we dive into an insightful conversation with Peter Flynn, who leads the personal lines vertical in the Americas for Exceedance. Discover his journey from an underwriting trainee at Chubb to his current role, and learn about the innovative ways Exceedance is transforming the insurance industry.

Peter's career path and experiences in the insurance industry The role of Exceedance in operationalizing insurance companies Insights on AI's impact on personal lines and customer service The evolving landscape of the E&S and MGA markets The importance of partnerships in the insurance ecosystem

Key quotes

"Exceedance does everything an insurance company does except for take risk and distribute products."

"We tend to overestimate the impact of technology in the near term and underestimate it in the long term."

"If I were to invest my capital in taking risks right now, I'd want to do it on an E&S basis."

"I don't want to be called a vendor, I want to be a partner."

Sponsors:

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Markting

what is your plan for carriers 4-7?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0500

n this week’s visit to Insurance Town, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Spencer Witcher, a second-generation insurance pro who’s doing big things with Smart Choice. We had a real talk about the challenges agents face in hard-to-place markets — and how finding the right partners can make all the difference.

We peeled back the curtain on:

What Smart Choice is doing to help agents thrive in California and other tough states
How to write the business others shy away from — without jumping through hoops
Why MGAs and non-traditional carriers might just be your new best friends
The critical importance of relationships — not just for quoting, but for long-term success
Building your book with depth, not just volume

Whether you're a seasoned agency owner or a producer looking to grow smarter, Spencer delivers actionable insights that’ll challenge the way you think about growth

A big THANK YOU to the amazing folks who keep the lights on in Insurance Town:

Smart Choice – Helping agents grow their book without adding overhead
Canopy Connect – Making gathering client info as easy as pie
Olde School Marketing – Bringing you hand-written, high-touch prospecting that works

Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review!
New episodes drop weekly — straight from the heart of Insurance Town.

This Agent Uses AI to WOW Every Client… Here’s How

Heath Shearon — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Think ChatGPT is just for writing emails? Think again. In this episode, Chris Green drops real-world prompts and jaw-dropping use cases that will make you rethink how you engage every prospect and client.

Is AI just another shiny object… or the secret weapon your agency has been missing?

In this high-energy episode of Insurance Town, the Flood Guru himself, Chris Green, steps into the Mayor’s office and throws down example after example of how he's using ChatGPT right now to:

✅ Personalize client interactions
✅ improve your team's experience
✅ build your own in house They ask you answer intranet
✅ Simplify complex insurance language
✅ Improve response times
✅ Drive more leads
✅ And yes… actually close more business

If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time to figure out this AI stuff,” this is the episode you can’t afford to skip. Chris lays out a playbook so practical, you’ll be tempted to pause and try it mid-episode.

🔥 Brought to You By:

💥 Smart Choice – The fastest-growing agency network in the game. More markets, less headaches.
💥 Canopy Connect – The one-click solution for collecting insurance data without all the back and forth.
💥 Olde School Marketing – Direct mail that actually works. Get noticed, get leads, get growing.

🎧 Listen Now and Learn:

How Do You Build a Thriving Agency Without Losing Your Marriage—or Your Mind?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this epsisode of Insurance Town the mayor sits down with two of his favorite people Jessica Holder and Keenan Rice on a previously recorded episode of the VIP Podcast. I am so impressed with these two, their marriage, parenting, agency, etc this forward-thinking power couple are continuing to rise above and face various challenges head on. Jessica and Keenan have such an amazing balance at home and at the office. They have a great balance of community involvement and innovative technology at their fingertips, and lastly, they have a great balance of work and fun in their agency.

We talk about:

The delicate balance of marriage and co-ownership of a growing agency
How human touch and community involvement is possible with the right technology in your agency
How the emphases on educating their community on the intricacies of insurance is so valuable to their growth
Their powerful message of staying true to yourself and not sacrificing authenticity
Get ready to be inspired and educated by this episode. It's a good thing there is a rewind button, this one is full of impactful moments.

A special shout out to Vertafore for letting me reuse this episode : vertafore.com

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

🛠️ Smart Choice – Your partner for market access without the headaches. Whether you're a new agency or a seasoned vet, Smart Choice helps you stay independent while expanding your carrier options.

🔐 Canopy Connect – The one-click solution for collecting insurance data. Save time, improve your close rate, and give your clients a seamless experience—because the quoting process shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth.

📬 Olde School Marketing – Direct mail that actually works. Handwritten postcards, real human touch, and just the right dose of nostalgia to stand out in a digital world.

Specialization in the insurance industry....Live from Virginia Beach !!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Insurance Town, host and Mayor, Heath engages with Allen Hudson at the PIA Virginia DC Conference. They discuss the critical importance of information sharing in the insurance industry, especially for independent agents. The conversation highlights the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing efficiency and specialization within agencies. Allen shares insights on the resurgence of independent agents and the necessity of niche specialization to compete in a changing market. The episode concludes with advice for both new and seasoned agents on how to adapt and thrive in the evolving insurance landscape.

takeaways

Information sharing is essential for independent agencies.
AI can streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Niche specialization helps agencies stand out in the market.
Independent agents are seeing a resurgence in demand.
Proactive communication with carriers fosters better partnerships.
Understanding carrier appetites is crucial for success.
Technology can significantly enhance agency operations.
Specialization allows for better training and support for staff.
The insurance market is evolving, requiring adaptability.
Building relationships with carriers can lead to better opportunities.

Chapters

00:00
Welcome to Insurance Town
02:12
3 people you would invite to your block party dead or alive?
03:53
what peice of tech could you not live without?

4:45
The Importance of Information Sharing
5:00

Embracing Technology in Insurance

05:14
Niche Specialization in Insurance

12:25
The Resurgence of Independent Agents

14:26
Advice for New and Existing Agents

20:25
Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Immersing yourself in the game ! Live from Memphis TN

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode the mayor sits down with his good friend and 2nd tine guest in Insurance Town. Only this time These two are live in The Home of Elvis Presley!

The mayor simply asked Marcus what have you learned about the insurance industry of the last year and some of the answers he gave to us blew my mind.

Cause he’s working and Consulting with insurance agencies and said he talks about:

Insurance agencies don’t treat themselves like professionals and how they can do that better

The importance of AI, data, and automation is for your business

This man is so inspirational so much fun you gotta check this one out. It’s short sweet.

“The enemy of great is not bad it’s good.”

Sponsors

Smart Choice Agents

Canopy Connect

How did working in an agency help her to be a better carrier rep? (Live from Graceland)

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This episode was recorded live from Memphis Tennessee at Graceland, Home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. From the PIA of Arkansas annual convention, the Mayor got to sit down with long time friend Courtney Fenske to talk about her life from Account Manager to successful Territory Manager at Accuity. She is such a value add to not only her agents but also this industry earning her multiple awards over the past few years and the respect of so many. Check out this amazing conversation and hear more from her journeys in Arkansas.

That balance of Personal Touch and Technology. (LIVE from Memphis TN)

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this engaging live podcast episode from Memphis, Heath Sheeran and Riley Talbot discuss a variety of topics ranging from music and culture to the intricacies of the insurance industry. Riley shares his journey from a college athlete to a successful insurance professional, emphasizing the importance of technology and human interaction in the field. The conversation also touches on the challenges of building a business from scratch and offers valuable advice for agents and carriers navigating the evolving landscape of insurance.

Building a business from scratch requires a clear vision and adaptability.
Technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction in insurance.
Long-term sustainability is key for both agents and insurers.
A balance between technology and personal touch is essential for growth.
Riley emphasizes the importance of real-time data in decision-making.
The insurance industry is evolving, and staying ahead requires innovation.
Personal interests, like music and food, can enrich professional conversations.

Chapters

00:00
Welcome to Insurance Town

02:03
Exploring Music and Culture

04:54
Riley's Journey in Insurance

09:56
Building a Business from Scratch

12:52
The Role of Technology in Insurance

20:08
Advice for Agents and Carriers

22:50
Fun and Personal Insights

Want to grow your agency through Builders Risk? Here is the playbook...

Heath Shearon — Thu, 08 May 2025 06:28:16 -0500

In this conversation, Matt Waxman shares his journey from a marketing major to a successful figure in the insurance industry, discussing his experiences in hospitality, insurance claims, and marketing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the property market, particularly in challenging areas like Florida and Texas, and offers valuable advice for agents navigating these tough times. The discussion also touches on the evolution of his company, Alchemy Insurance Solutions, and the opportunities within the builders risk space. In this conversation, Matt Waxman and Heath Shearon delve into the complexities of Builders Risk insurance and the emerging cannabis insurance market. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships with underwriters, understanding client needs, and the necessity of educating producers on these specialized insurance products. The dialogue emphasizes the need for agents to develop pipelines for Builders Risk and the lucrative opportunities within the cannabis sector, highlighting the evolving nature of these industries and the role of Alchemy Insurance Solutions in providing comprehensive coverage solutions.

takeaways

Matt Waxman has a diverse background in marketing, hospitality, and insurance.
He transitioned from a marketing major to a career in insurance after exploring various fields.
Waxman emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the builders risk market.
The property market presents challenges, but also opportunities for agents willing to adapt.
Alchemy Insurance Solutions focuses on solving pain points in the insurance market.
Understanding the needs of clients is crucial for success in insurance.
Waxman encourages agents to prepare thoroughly when submitting risks to underwriters.
Flexibility in underwriting is essential in today's property market.
The builders risk space can lead to long-term relationships with clients.
Agents should not give up on finding coverage solutions for their clients. The likelihood of declination increases without proper partnerships.
Understanding Builders Risk is crucial for effective insurance solutions.
Building relationships with underwriters is essential for agents.
Providing detailed information to underwriters enhances approval chances.
Agents must sell both to clients and carriers effectively.
The cannabis insurance market presents significant opportunities.
Education and webinars are vital for agents to succeed in niche markets.
Direct access to underwriters fosters better communication and solutions.
Agents should be transparent about their knowledge in niche markets.
The insurance landscape is evolving, requiring adaptability from agents.

05:52
Matt Waxman's Journey to Insurance

10:32
Cornerstone to Alchemy: Evolution of a Company

18:00
Navigating the Property Market Challenges

20:06
Advice for Agents in a Tough Market

21:54
Navigating the Builders Risk Landscape

28:10
Understanding the Role of Underwriters

32:32
Building a Pipeline for Builders Risk

35:53
Exploring the Cannabis Insurance Market

40:07
The Science Behind Cannabis Insurance

45:53
Alchemy Insurance Solutions: A Comprehensive Overview

My amazing Sponsors;

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Are you growing out of service? Mayor Solo

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 May 2025 06:45:19 -0500

Improve notetaking and better the client journey!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:58:00 -0500

In this conversation, Daniel Yoo discusses the inception of Finmate AI, a tool designed to enhance the efficiency of financial advisors by automating note-taking and data entry. He shares his journey from being a financial advisor to creating a solution that addresses common pain points in the industry. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in financial services, the importance of maintaining human relationships, and the future of in-person meetings in a technology-driven world. In this conversation, Daniel Yoo discusses the transformative role of AI in the financial services industry, emphasizing the importance of human relationships in client interactions. He addresses data security concerns, the integration of AI with CRM systems, and the evolving client experience in a technology-driven world. Daniel also shares insights on how financial advisors can learn from each other and adapt to the changing landscape, ultimately highlighting the need for personalized service in an increasingly automated environment.
takeaways

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
02:46
The Birth of Finmate AI
06:01
The Role of AI in Financial Services
09:05
Enhancing Human Relationships with Technology
12:05
Optimizing Workflows with AI
15:03
The Future of In-Person Meetings
18:50
The Role of AI in Financial Services
21:29
Data Security and Privacy Concerns
25:51
Integrating with CRM Systems
29:30
Learning from Financial Advisors
29:59
Enhancing the Client Experience
34:50
Final Thoughts and Contact Information

The claims concierge?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this engaging conversation, Ben Morrow shares his journey from a nomadic childhood to his current role in the insurance industry. He discusses the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career, the impact of personal loss on his wellness journey, and the unique bond he shares with his identical twin. Ben emphasizes the importance of trust and resilience in navigating life's ups and downs, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to personal growth and spirituality. In this conversation, Ben Morrow discusses the innovative approach of Claims Concierge in the insurance industry, focusing on enhancing the claims process for policyholders. He emphasizes the importance of building trust between agents and clients, the role of contractors, and the need for a grounded presence during claims. Morrow also addresses the challenges faced in the industry, including the need for better communication and follow-through, and highlights the significance of vulnerability in fostering relationships and providing support during difficult times.

Chapters

00:00
Spring Break and Family Life

03:00
Ben Morrow's Journey: From Childhood to Career

06:04
The Impact of Family and Personal Loss

08:55
The Twin Connection: Identity and Individuality

11:51
Wellness and Spirituality: A Lifelong Journey

14:59
Navigating Life's Challenges: Trusting the Process

20:59
Entering the Insurance Industry: A New Chapter

25:22
Claims Concierge: A New Approach to Insurance Claims

31:51
The Role of the Agent: Building Trust and Relationships

36:48
Navigating the Claims Process: A Grounded Presence

41:26
Overcoming Industry Challenges: Building Trust and Relationships

47:54
Leading with Vulnerability: The Human Side of Claims

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect

Did he just say he has solved cold calling forever? you gotta hear this ....

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:35:24 -0500

In this episode of Insurance Town, Mayor sits down with Paul Neuberger, Best Selling Author of the book: Secrets to Cold Call Success and the founder of C-Suite for Christ, an incredible community that brings together executives with a shared Christian faith. Paul discusses a variety of important topics, including the often-overlooked challenges faced by C-suite executives, the struggles of cold calling, and he tells us of the unfortunate, unhealthy habits in the lives many high-level professionals face in their careers.

Throughout the conversation, Paul dives into:

The Importance of Faith in Leadership: How Christians can maintain integrity and faith in the corporate world, even when facing tough decisions.
Cold Calling: The challenges and strategies for effective cold calling, especially in the world of business development.
The Health of C-Suite Executives: The often-hidden toll leadership can take on executives, both physically and emotionally, and the importance of maintaining balance.
The Mission of C-Suite for Christ: Paul shares the heart behind his organization, its mission, and how it’s transforming the way leaders approach faith and business.
Common Struggles for Christians in the Corporate World: What it looks like to integrate one’s Christian faith with corporate responsibilities and how to stay true to values in an often secular business environment.

Whether you're an executive, a Christian business professional, or someone looking to understand how faith intersects with leadership in the modern world, this episode will offer valuable insights into navigating corporate life with integrity and purpose.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

Smart Choice: Helping independent agencies grow and succeed through access to top carriers and cutting-edge tools.
Canopy Connect: Simplifying the insurance quoting process with a smarter, quicker way to gather customer data.
Olde School Marketing: Your trusted partner in creative marketing strategies designed to help your agency stand out in a crowded market.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Let us know your thoughts on the episode and how you integrate faith into your leadership journey!

Town Hall Meeting - With Bradley Flowers

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

in this weeks episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor himself brings you insights and strategies to help grow your agency! In this special Town Hall episode, we are joined by Bradley Flowers of Portal Insurance. Bradley is a master at building referral relationships with lenders and realtors, and today he’s sharing his game-changing strategies with our community.

If you’ve ever felt stuck working with realtors who don’t close deals or lenders who don’t deliver, this episode is for you! Bradley has cracked the code on how to identify and partner with the right referral sources—and he’s giving us the full playbook.

Key Takeaways:

Stop Wasting Time: How to avoid partnering with lenders and realtors who don’t deliver.
Data-Driven Referrals: How Referral Radar can identify high-value partners already sending business to insurance agents.
Strategic Integrations: How to plug Bradley’s system directly into your CRM/AMS to streamline follow-ups and maintain relationships.
Predictive Analytics: Learn how to use real-time data to find lenders and agents that are most likely to work well with your agency.
Relationship Building: Tips for long-term success in leveraging referral partners to grow your book of business.

Why You Should Listen:

Bradley Flowers has found a way to make referral partnerships strategic rather than random. This episode will teach you how to work smarter, not harder—so you can spend less time chasing and more time closing deals.

Episode Resources:

Learn more about Bradley Flowers and his work at Portal Insurance
Check out Referral Radar to discover the best referral sources in your area
Missed the live Town Hall? Catch the full replay here: [Insert Link]

Connect with Us:

Follow Insurance Town on [LinkedIn]
Subscribe to the podcast on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], and [Google Podcasts]
Got feedback or want to suggest a guest? Reach out at [Insert Contact Info]

Special Thanks:

Big shoutout to our sponsors for making this Town Hall possible:

SMART CHOICE – Helping agents grow their business with the right partnerships.
Canopy Connect – The easy way to gather insurance data.
Olde School Marketing – Personal and powerful branding for your agency.

Tune in, take notes, and let’s grow your referral network the right way!
Enjoy the episode!

Re-Air: Can You Rebuild After Losing Everything? Marques Ogden Did—Here’s How

Heath Shearon — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:36:29 -0500

In this re-aired episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor sits down with former NFL player turned inspirational speaker and business coach, Marcus Ogden. This is one of our most powerful and motivating conversations, and we wanted to bring it back for those who missed it—or need to hear it again.

Marcus shares his incredible journey from playing in the NFL to hitting rock bottom, working as a custodian for $8/hour, and ultimately rising again to become a highly sought-after speaker and leadership coach. His story is raw, real, and absolutely packed with lessons for agency owners, producers, and anyone striving to lead with purpose.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll hear:

What Marcus learned from legendary NFL coaches like Jack Del Rio and Jeff Fisher
The “PIVOT” mindset and how it applies directly to the insurance industry
His rock-bottom moment—and how it became the fuel for his next chapter
Why ego can be your downfall, and how humility and character build lasting trust
Practical leadership advice that applies whether you're in the back office or the corner office

Sponsors:
A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible—and for continuing to support the Insurance Town Podcast!

Smart Choice: Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.

Canopy Connect: Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.

Olde School Marketing: For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

Is High-Net-Worth Insurance Really That Different?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Insurance Town, host Heath Shearon sits down with Kevin Koone, a well-respected insurance professional with a fascinating career journey. Kevin shares how he transitioned from aspiring to work in the medical field to making his way through GIS mapping, janitorial work, and eventually finding his place in the independent insurance space.

Heath and Kevin discuss:;
✅ The challenges of commission-based sales and how he navigated early struggles.
✅ High-net-worth clients—how he got into that niche and what makes them different.
✅ How to handle tough conversations about rate increases and policy changes.
✅ The importance of empathy, education, and building lasting client relationships.
✅ The evolving role of leadership in independent agencies and the difference between personal and commercial lines service styles.

Kevin also shares personal insights on faith, family, and the value of time in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you're a seasoned agent or just starting, this episode is packed with real-life lessons and industry wisdom.

Sponsors:
A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice: Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.

Canopy Connect: Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.

Olde School Marketing: For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk insurance! 🚀

The Secrets to Making the Most of Industry Events

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In this exciting episode of Insurance Town, The Mayor, sits down with Ricky Brito of Agent Brokers United (ABU) to talk all things networking, trade shows, and building relationships in the insurance industry. Ricky shares his journey from manual labor to becoming a key player in the insurance event space and how ABU is changing the game for agents and brokers nationwide.

We also take a deep dive into the ABU National Insurance Trade Show Convention coming up in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood on April 24-27, 2025. Ricky lays out what attendees can expect—from the Chris DeJune Memorial Golf Tournament to a packed lineup of keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and after-hours events.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ The Power of Networking – Why building relationships is key to success in the insurance industry.
✔️ ABU Trade Show Breakdown – Everything you need to know about the upcoming ABU National Insurance Trade Show Convention in Las Vegas.
✔️ Maximizing Your Conference Experience – Pro tips on how to make the most of your time at trade shows and industry events.
✔️ The Importance of Follow-Up – How to turn new connections into lasting business opportunities.
✔️ The Fun Side of Conferences – From golf tournaments to exclusive after-hours parties at the Wynn Las Vegas, there’s more to industry events than just business.

Event Details & Registration:
📅 ABU National Insurance Trade Show Convention
📍 Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas
🗓 April 24-27, 2025
🎟 Register at: ABUunited.com
💰 Use Promo Code: HEATH for 50% off registration!

Sponsors:
A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

🎯 Smart Choice – Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.
📊 Canopy Connect – Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.
📢 Olde School Marketing – For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

💡 Connect with Us:
🔗 Follow Ricky Brito on LinkedIn & Social Media
🎙 Subscribe to Insurance Town Podcast for more great episodes!

🚀 See you in Las Vegas!

Turning Challenges into Strength: do NOt let anyone or anything else define you

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon sits down with Kimiko Donahue, an insurance pro who has done it all—captive agent, independent agency owner, carrier rep, and now a coach helping business owners find their path.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
🚀 Kimiko’s Journey – From selling car washes to running a successful independent agency.
💡 Lessons from Captive to Independent – Why her training in the captive world helped shape her sales approach.
🤝 Building Strong Carrier Relationships – How understanding the carrier side can make you a better agent.
🔥 Coaching & Mentorship – Why finding the right mentors and mastermind groups can make all the difference.
💪 Turning Adversity into Strength – How overcoming personal struggles has fueled her success.
🎶 The Power of Music – How music can be a game-changer in business and life.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ The importance of selling on value instead of price.
✔️ Hard markets affect everyone, but mindset and strategy make the difference.
✔️ Why turning away the wrong business can actually help you grow.
✔️ The power of mentorship, coaching, and masterminds to break through limitations.

Kimiko’s story is inspiring, insightful, and packed with wisdom for agents at every stage.

Sponsors:
A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice – Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.

Canopy Connect – Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.

Olde School Marketing – For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

🎧 Listen Now and get inspired!

How PayPal leveraged AI and technology to transform digital payments.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this captivating episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, Mayor Heath Shearon welcomes the tech-savvy and insightful Mike Todasco. Known for his rich background in innovation and technology, Mike shares his journey from working at PayPal to becoming an expert in generative AI.

Together, they dive deep into how AI is transforming industries, including insurance. Mike explains the disruptive journey of PayPal, the evolution of mobile payments, and the strategic pivots that kept the company at the forefront of digital transactions. The conversation then shifts to the power of AI and its incredible potential to revolutionize the way agencies operate.

From comparing insurance policies to streamlining daily tasks, Mike and Heath explore innovative AI use cases that can simplify processes and enhance customer experiences. Whether you’re an AI skeptic or already experimenting with ChatGPT, this episode is packed with practical ideas and inspiration to take your agency to the next level.

Key Takeaways:

AI's Role in Business Evolution: How PayPal leveraged AI and technology to transform digital payments.
Generative AI in Insurance: Practical use cases for streamlining policy comparisons and enhancing customer communication.
Embracing Technology: Why insurance agencies should overcome tech hesitancy to stay competitive.
Personalized AI Applications: How to tailor AI tools to fit your agency's unique needs and voice.

Sponsors:
A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice: Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.
Canopy Connect: Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.
Olde School Marketing: For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

Tune in now to discover how AI can transform your agency and learn from one of the industry's brightest minds!

a Minute with the Mayor

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:30:45 -0600

In this episode I just want to say thank you and to make an announcement or two !! Please take a few minutes to subscribe and download this little episode for future listen if ya want but make sure you do. We have some big things coming up here in Insurance town! Love you all! thank you all !! See you soon !

Sponsors:

A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice – Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.

Canopy Connect – Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.

Olde School Marketing – For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

🎧 Listen, Subscribe & Leave a Review!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay tuned for more great conversations in Insurance Town! 🚀

What Happens When We Stop Hiding and start having real conversation?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town, host Heath Shearon sits down with Brenden Corr to catch up on life, career changes, and the powerful work he's doing with Project 55—a mental health initiative focused on supporting employees in the insurance industry.

Brenden shares insights into his transition from Lost Run Pro, the importance of prioritizing family, and his passion for mental health advocacy in the workplace. The conversation takes a deep dive into how mental health affects insurance professionals, especially during challenging market conditions.

Key Takeaways:

Life Updates from Brenden Corr – Moving from Lost Run Pro and what’s next.
The Reality of Small-Town Montana – Why locals have mixed feelings about Yellowstone.
Understanding Project 55 – A movement aimed at providing free mental health resources to insurance professionals.
Workplace Mental Health Awareness – Why leaders need training to support their teams effectively.
The Hard Market’s Mental Toll – How insurance agents, CSRs, and account managers can manage stress.
Breaking the Stigma – Heath and Brenden discuss generational shifts in mental health conversations.

About Project 55

Project 55 is designed to bridge the gap between mental health struggles and access to help, offering:

Free resources for mental health education.
A community forum for peer support.
A first responder training program for agency leaders to better support employees.

Check it out: Project55.org

Final Thoughts

Mental health isn’t a weakness, and you’re not alone. Whether you're struggling with tough client conversations, workplace stress, or personal challenges, help is available.

📢 Don’t forget to share this episode with your colleagues—mental health awareness starts with a conversation!

Sponsors:

A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice – Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.

Canopy Connect – Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.

Olde School Marketing – For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

What Do Ministry and Sales Have in Common?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town, host Heath Shearon sits down with Kyle Kuest, a dynamic sales professional at Vertafore, to talk about his unique journey from ministry work to the world of insurance technology sales. Kyle shares how his background in the church, his passion for history, and his experience in teaching shaped his approach to sales, customer service, and leadership.

Kyle and Heath discuss:
✔️ Lessons from Ministry & Teaching – How active listening, empathy, and organization play a vital role in sales.
✔️ Sales Strategies in a Hard Market – Why agencies should focus on organization, proactive communication, and leveraging technology.
✔️ The Power of Workflow & CRM – How AgencyZoom and Vertafore’s management systems help agencies streamline their processes.
✔️ Overcoming Challenges – Advice for insurance professionals navigating the current market.
✔️ The Importance of Community & Collaboration – Why independent agencies should work together rather than compete in isolation.

Kyle also shares his winning strategies that helped him earn awards in his first year at Vertafore and provides practical tips for insurance professionals looking to level up their sales game.

Connect with Kyle Kuest:

📌 LinkedIn: Kyle Kuest
📌 Vertafore: www.vertafore.com

Sponsors:

A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

🟠 Smart Choice – Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.

🟠 Canopy Connect – Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.

🟠 Olde School Marketing – For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

#InsuranceSales #HardMarket #InsuranceTechnology #Vertafore #AgencySuccess

Navigating Challenges & Driving Change in Insurance

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town, Mayor Heath Shearon sits down with his good friend and insurance powerhouse, Ariel Rivera, the newly appointed President of PIA National. Ariel shares his journey, the responsibilities of his new role, and how he’s embracing the challenges of leadership in the independent insurance world.

Episode Highlights:
✅ Ariel’s Journey to Leadership – From starting in the industry to becoming the youngest-ever PIA National President, Ariel reflects on his path and what drives his passion for the independent agency space.

✅ What PIA Does for Agents – Ariel breaks down the advocacy, education, and networking opportunities PIA provides, and why agents need to be engaged to reap the full benefits.

✅ Hard Market Realities – Ariel and Heath discuss the ongoing hard market, its impact on independent agents, and what agents can do to navigate these challenging times.

✅ Advocacy Matters – Hear Ariel’s firsthand experience testifying before Congress about flood insurance reform, and why agents need to be aware of legislative issues affecting the industry.

✅ Cyber Insurance & RGS – Ariel shares his work with RGS, helping agencies provide cyber coverage solutions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

✅ Stronger Together – The importance of unity and collaboration in the insurance space, and how the PIA is growing stronger through collective action and support.

Heath and Ariel bring the energy, passion, and love for the industry in this episode—one you don’t want to miss!

Sponsors:
A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

🔹 Smart Choice – Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.

🔹 Canopy Connect – Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.

🔹 Olde School Marketing – For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk insurance! 🚀

I finally understand it! and so will you....

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 06:26:09 -0600

In this episode the Mayor, interviews his new friend Caleb Burkey, and experiences a light bulb moment! We really hope you do as well. This one is a game changer on so many levels. If you want to actually understand Parametric Insurance AND get to eaves drop on a great conversation, press play now. This one is a good one.

Sponsors:

Smart Choice Insurance
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Could you be getting bindable commercual Insurance quotes in less than 2 minutes

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:29:01 -0600

Replay Episode !!

This week In Insurance Town the Mayor sits down with his good friend Becky Monfre, VP of Digital Accounts at Coterie Insurance. Becky Monfre, joins us in Insurance via the Vertafore Insurance Podcast. to talk about how Coterie is making small commercial Insurance easier. She has been in the industry her entire career and understands the value of speed and efficiency for commercial insurance. As the head of digital distribution, she loves helping agents to embed small commercial insurance capabilities on their website. Becky and the Mayor talk about everything from Raising Kids to Growing small commercial insurance and even get into some Hot takes along the way...

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Grit, Growth and Gumption!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600

We also discuss accepting God’s calling in your life no matter how difficult that might be, or scary that might be. This episode is a really really good one.

I couldn’t do this show without my amazing sponsors

Smart Choice – the fastest growing agency network hands-down. With over 10,000 agencies across the country, trusting them and over 11 billion written premium

Canopy connect – you’re one click solution to getting the deck pages you need to quote your prospects

Olde school marketing -the new school approach to an old-school way of marketing

How Do You Lead Through Life’s Toughest Moments?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Insurance Town Podcast, host Heath Shearon sits down with Teresa Kitchens, a dynamic agency owner and podcaster, to explore her remarkable journey of resilience, leadership, and transformation both personally and professionally.

Key Highlights:

Facing and Overcoming Adversity: Teresa shares deeply personal experiences, including her children's mental health struggles and navigating divorce, while balancing business challenges. These life-altering events shaped her leadership philosophy and the structure of her agency.
Virtual Agency Model: As a pioneer of virtual operations, Teresa discusses the motivations behind creating a remote-friendly business and the positive impact it’s had on her team and culture.
Leadership and Team Development: Insights into fostering a collaborative and accountable team culture, where members are supported through challenges and empowered to lead.
Personal Growth and Mindset Shifts: How self-reflection, books like John Acuff's Start, and introspection allowed Teresa to transform her fears into stepping stones for growth.
Blended Family Dynamics: A candid look into the ups and downs of second marriages and blended families, with lessons on communication, compromise, and perseverance.
Building Strong Client Relationships: Teresa emphasizes the importance of humanizing client interactions, understanding their struggles, and aligning business operations with empathy.

Memorable Quotes:

“Our fears were creating everything we didn’t want, but acknowledging them allowed us to grow beyond them.”
“As a leader, you must give your team space to heal and grow. Honor their journey—it strengthens the entire organization.”

I love interiewing other podcasters its so fun, Listen to her podcast, Power Women in Insurance, where she uplifts voices and stories of women in the insurance industry.

Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice: Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.
Canopy Connect: Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.
Olde School Marketing: For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

How are you improving the customer experience?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 11:28:22 -0600

In this episode of The Insurance Town Podcast, host Heath Shearon welcomes back a beloved guest, Tolga Tezel, CEO of Canopy Connect. Together, they dive deep into how Canopy Connect is transforming the insurance industry with its innovative "one-stop intake platform." From simplifying customer interactions to delivering enriched data, Canopy Connect is helping agents and agencies save time, improve client engagement, and ultimately win more business.

Tolga shares the journey of Canopy Connect, highlighting significant updates over the past year, including their expansion into customizable forms, third-party data integration, and advanced tracking for leads. He also emphasizes the importance of simplicity, storytelling, and client feedback in building a successful company. With practical insights for both startups and seasoned agencies, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their insurance game.

Key Takeaways:

Evolution of Canopy Connect: From a tool for retrieving deck pages to a comprehensive insurance intake platform that integrates directly into agency workflows.
Customizable Solutions: Agencies can now create tailored forms for specific niches, making the client onboarding process seamless and efficient.
Integration with Third-Party Data: Access to drivers’ licenses, property data, and more, eliminating the need for tedious manual entry.
Tracking Wins and Losses: New tools allow agencies to analyze their lead conversions and follow up effectively.
Focus on Fundamentals: Tolga’s key lesson from the past five years is to stay customer-focused, iterate quickly, and keep processes simple.

Quotable Moments:

“Never fall in love with your solution; fall in love with the problem.” – Tolga Tezel
“This platform meets consumers on their terms, whether it’s uploading documents, connecting accounts, or filling out forms.” – Tolga Tezel
“Canopy Connect saves agents hours by turning 30 to 45 minutes of data entry into just seconds.” – Heath Shearon

Sponsor Shoutouts:

A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice: Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.
Canopy Connect: Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.
Olde School Marketing: For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

Putting Life back into Life Insurance!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Episode Title: Unlocking Hidden Value in Life Insurance Policies with Rob Haynie

In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, host Heath Shearon sits down with Rob Haynie, Managing Director and co-owner of Life Insurance Settlements, Inc. Rob shares his fascinating journey into the life settlements industry, starting in the early 1990s, and offers insights into how life insurance policies can provide unexpected financial benefits.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Origin of Life Settlements: Rob recounts how viatical settlements began as a way to help terminally ill patients use their policies for medical expenses and evolved into the life settlements market we know today.
The Power of Education: With billions of dollars in death benefits lapsing each year, Rob emphasizes the importance of educating policyholders about alternatives like life settlements.
The Mechanics of Life Settlements: Learn how life settlements work, who the buyers are, and how these transactions provide policyholders with cash that can significantly exceed surrender values.
Creative Uses for Settlement Proceeds: Rob shares heartwarming stories of clients using settlements to create lasting memories or fund retirement and healthcare needs.
The Role of Advisors: The episode discusses how insurance agents, financial planners, and estate attorneys can help clients explore life settlement options, ensuring they make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways:

Life settlements can provide seniors with financial freedom, enabling them to fund long-term care, pay off debt, or support family members.
Rob’s mantra, “Putting life back into life insurance,” highlights the potential to use life insurance for more than just a death benefit.
Whether you’re a policyholder or an advisor, asking questions and exploring options is critical to making the best financial decisions.

About Rob Haynie:
Rob is a veteran in the life settlements industry and has served on the board of the Life Insurance Settlement Association for over 20 years. He recently received a prestigious leadership award for his contributions to the field.

Sponsors:
A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice: Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.
Canopy Connect: Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.
Olde School Marketing: For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

How is your producer training?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks episode the Mayor sits down with his good friend, David Vercillo. David Vercillo works as an agent at The Fedeli Group, a large family owned insurance agency in Cleveland Ohio. The Fedeli Group specializes in providing quality insurance products and high-level risk management services. As a former sales coach with the Pacesetter program. Heath and David break down what made the Pacesetters program so successful and what it takes to become a successful producer in todays market.
Sponsors:
A big shoutout to our amazing sponsors for making this episode possible:

Smart Choice: Your go-to partner for independent insurance agents.
Canopy Connect: The easiest way to gather insurance data directly from clients.
Olde School Marketing: Helping agencies stand out with custom branding and marketing solutions.

Do you want learn more about Parametric Insurance?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks episode of Insurance Town I had the honor and privilege of interviewing my good friend and Brother from another mother Brian Thompson of Descartes Underwriters. We talk about all things Parametric Insurance. I have to admit I've been in this industry a long time and I've also had the privilege of interviewing a lot of insurance professionals, but I had not one clue about parametric insurance, Until now!!

Brian is so good at breaking this down for me, and for you the audience, I am so thankful he stopped by and hung out with me for a little bit. We laughed and learned alot today!

Sponsors:
A big shoutout to our amazing sponsors for making this episode possible:

Smart Choice: Your go-to partner for independent insurance agents.
Canopy Connect: The easiest way to gather insurance data directly from clients.
Olde School Marketing: Helping agencies stand out with custom branding and marketing solutions.

Are you attached or detached from the outcome?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Join the Mayor of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon, as he sits down with Jacob Bolton to dive deep into his fascinating journey from aspiring professional athlete to a prominent figure in the insure-tech world. Jacob shares his experiences, insights, and lessons learned from his time in collegiate baseball, how he transitioned into the insurance industry, and his passion for technology's role in modernizing agencies.

Key Highlights:

Jacob’s Backstory: From his time at Eastern Michigan University as a baseball player to navigating career shifts after injuries derailed his pro-sports aspirations.
Parallels Between Sports and Insurance: How lessons like overcoming adversity, staying organized, and dealing with failure shaped Jacob’s approach to work in the insurance industry.
Tech Talk: Jacob’s perspective on the transformative power of insure-tech tools like CRMs, automation, and AI in helping agencies thrive.
Debunking Myths About Technology: Why tech isn’t replacing agents—it’s enhancing their capabilities.
Sales Wisdom: Jacob shares his “detachment from the outcome” sales philosophy, inspired by Josh Braun, and how it helps build trust and lasting relationships with clients.
Emerging Trends in AI: Jacob’s take on tools like Lavender, ChatGPT, and the future role of AI in streamlining processes, from client communication to task automation.

Quotable Moments:
🗨️ "You don’t find yourself getting into insurance, but once you’re in, you fall in love with the process of growth and overcoming challenges." – Jacob Bolton
🗨️ "The key to thriving in sales is staying curious and detaching from the need to close every deal." – Jacob Bolton

Sponsors:
A big shoutout to our amazing sponsors for making this episode possible:

Smart Choice: Your go-to partner for independent insurance agents.
Canopy Connect: The easiest way to gather insurance data directly from clients.
Olde School Marketing: Helping agencies stand out with custom branding and marketing solutions.

Resources Mentioned:

AgencyZoom: A CRM tool empowering agencies with customizable automation.
Lavender: An AI tool enhancing email communication by simplifying language and boosting response rates.
Josh Braun's Sales Strategies: Sales insights and tactics for modern professionals.

This guy says he got lucky when became a Millionaire!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, Mayor Heath Shearon sits down with Mike Mathweg, and they discuss how he "lucked" into becoming a Multi-millionaire through hard work and mergers and acquisitions. Whether you’re considering selling your agency, growing through acquisition, or simply curious about the dynamics of agency sales, this episode delivers the goods.

Episode Highlights:

Mike kicks off by sharing his early career journey, from an internship at Northwestern Mutual to stints in banking and back to the insurance industry. His story showcases the twists and turns that can lead to discovering your true professional passion. Mike talks about the sell of his agency, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how these deals are structured. He breaks down the key factors agency owners should consider before making the leap, including valuation, timing, and buyer compatibility. Heath and Mike discuss the importance of building strong relationships during the M&A process. Mike emphasizes how trust and transparency between buyers and sellers can make or break a deal.
Preparing for Sale: Mike shares actionable advice for agency owners to maximize their agency’s value, including cleaning up financials, developing strong processes, and showcasing growth potential. The conversation takes a big-picture turn as Mike discusses trends in the insurance market and how M&A activity is shaping the future landscape.
Key Takeaways:

Plan Ahead: Mike outlines why a well-prepared agency is more attractive to buyers and how owners can start planning years in advance for a successful sale.
Understand Your Value: He explains what factors most influence an agency’s valuation and how to position your business for top-dollar offers.
Know Your Buyer: Not all buyers are created equal—Mike highlights the importance of finding the right fit, whether it’s a private equity firm, aggregator, or local competitor.
Train your kids up right: he talks about the lessons he is teaching his kids and the next generation about building your own generational wealth.

Episode Quote:
"Selling an agency isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about finding a partner who aligns with your values and vision for the future." – Mike Mathweg

Sponsors:
A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice: Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.
Canopy Connect: Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.
Olde School Marketing: For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

Is the technology in your agency, helping you close more deals.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, Mayor Heath Shearon sits down with the dynamic Keith Harrison to talk about fun in the workplace, the importance of passion, and the journey that led Keith to where he is today. From LinkedIn connections to the power of networking, Heath and Keith dive deep into the sales process and the ideas and strategies he trains on all over the world. Keith shares insights on finding joy in daily tasks, the philosophy of providing value over price, and some practical advice for making work feel less like work.

Check this one out and hear more about:

Building a Career on Passion – Both Heath and Keith explore the idea that if you love what you do, “you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Keith shares practical sales tips that work
Keith workings with agencies all over the world to bring sales game changing sales process to the table
How his simple and easy steps can help you turn your CRM into an even more valuable member of your sales team
building a sales culture in your agency second to none

Episode Sponsors:

Smart Choice – Helping independent agents grow and succeed with tools and support that make running an agency easier.
Canopy Connect – The ultimate insurance verification tool, allowing agents to streamline data collection and focus on building client relationships.
Olde School Marketing – Your go-to partner for customized marketing solutions in the insurance space, from print to digital.

Next Steps:
Tune in, subscribe, and reach out with feedback or topic suggestions. Don't forget to check out our amazing sponsors for tools and resources that can help elevate your agency to the next level.

How Can Indie Agencies Leverage Tech and E&S Markets to Stand Out?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this Episode the Mayor sits down with his buddy Bobby Touran, of Rainbow, the MGA built for Restaurants. The conversation covers Baabak Touran’s background, and how the 2008 financial crisis led him and his friends to start a business that eventually became a major focus for him. Heath and Baabak exchange insights on resilience, adapting to change, and the power of entrepreneurship, particularly within challenging economic conditions. Together Mayor and Bobby dive into topics of personal and professional growth, the unpredictable paths that careers can take, and the importance of seizing opportunities—even in tough times.

Episode Highlights:.:

Insights for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Reflecting on his experiences, Baabak offers advice for newcomers to the business world. His key message? Embrace the unknown, leverage your network, and never underestimate the power of persistence.
Key Quotes:
Empowering Small Businesses with Data: Rainbow’s technology helps small agencies leverage data that’s typically out of reach due to cost or complexity, leveling the playing field with larger competitors.\
Automation for Efficiency: Rainbow integrates automation tools that simplify time-consuming tasks. This means agents can spend less time on administrative work and more time building relationships and growing their business.
Data Integration for Deeper Insights: Rainbow aggregates data from multiple sources, giving agencies a more holistic view of each client’s needs, behaviors, and potential risks.
Supporting Growth in a Changing Market: As the insurance industry evolves, Rainbow helps agencies stay agile, adapt to new trends, and respond to the ever-changing demands of their customers.

In essence, Rainbow is helping insurance agencies modernize and grow by putting powerful, user-friendly data tools at their fingertips. It’s an approach that not only helps businesses thrive but also improves client satisfaction—transforming the traditional insurance experience for the better.

A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice: Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.
Canopy Connect: Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.
Olde School Marketing: For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game! OldeSchoolmarketing.com

Are you burnt out?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this solo episode, the Mayor of Insurance Town tackles a challenge we can all relate to—burnout. As the end of the year approaches, workloads ramp up, and burnout can feel like it’s right around the corner.

This episode is all about recognizing burnout, taking practical steps to beat it, and finding motivation to finish strong.The Mayor shares powerful burnout stats, signs to look out for, and real-world strategies that make a difference. From prioritizing tasks and setting work boundaries to celebrating small victories, this episode provides the tools to help you recharge, refocus, and wrap up the year with purpose. Tune in for encouragement, practical tips, and a motivational send-off to close out 2024 strong!

Sponsors: Special thanks to our sponsors, who make this podcast possible and provide solutions that help you work smarter, not harder:

Smart Choice: Supporting agents with access to top carriers, competitive commissions, and dedicated support to help grow your agency.
Canopy Connect: The easy, secure way to collect client information quickly, helping you serve clients better and streamline your workflow.
Olde School Marketing: Your go-to for customized, creative marketing solutions that give your agency the edge it needs to stand out.

A blueprint for agencies looking to grow...in this way...

Heath Shearon — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

On todays episode the mayor interviews good friend Eric Stien, who just finished writing his first book he says, this is a Blueprint for agencies looking to grow their agencies. He gives a lot of practical advice throughout the podcast on simple ways any agency can grow and take its agency to another level. Eric is the President at Insured Solutions, Inc, he is also a Podcast Host: Insurance shop talk and he has a lot to talk about here. Eric shares his inspiring story of taking his insurance agency from humble beginnings to strategic expansion, plus offers advice others can use to differentiate their agency, attract top talent, and adapt to changing customer expectations. This is a good one Buckle up

Sponsors:

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Sales, Strategy, and Career Moves, a conversation with the start-up king

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, the Mayor sits down with Caleb Cramer, an insurance pro who’s always been on the move—both in the field and in his career. Caleb opens up about his journey in sales, how he’s navigated his career path, and the exciting developments with his new job.

They dive deep into the world of insurance sales, focusing on Caleb’s sales philosophy, the challenges he’s faced, and how he’s built long-lasting client relationships that drive success. Caleb also drops some “insider tea” on what’s going on with his latest role and what he's excited about for the future.

Tune in to hear Caleb’s candid thoughts on:

Why Sales is Everything – How sales has shaped Caleb’s career and why he believes every insurance professional should focus on mastering this craft.
The Art of Relationship Building – His tried-and-true methods for developing trust and rapport with clients, and how it’s helped him stand out in a competitive industry.
The Next Chapter – Caleb spills the details about his exciting new job and what it means for his future (hint: he’s not slowing down anytime soon).

Key Takeaways:

“It’s not just about selling a policy, it’s about solving problems.” – Caleb breaks down how his sales approach goes beyond transactions and into long-term partnerships.
“You have to stay curious and adapt.” – Caleb shares how curiosity and a willingness to evolve have been critical to his ongoing success in the ever-changing world of insurance.
“Sales is a relationship game.” – Why focusing on the human side of business makes all the difference.

What’s New with Caleb:
Caleb teases some exciting news about his new role in the industry. Without giving too much away, he talks about his fresh start, what motivated the change, and how he plans to keep shaking things up in the insurance world.

Quotes:

“If you’re not constantly refining your sales approach, you’re already behind.” – Caleb Cramer
“Every day I wake up thinking about how I can better serve my clients. The sales will come if you do that right.”

Call to Action: Whether you’re a seasoned insurance professional or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights you can use. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and share it with someone who could use a fresh perspective on sales and leadership.

Sponsors:
A big thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible!

Smart Choice: Looking for a great partner to help grow your agency? Check out Smart Choice for all your agency needs.
Canopy Connect: Want to simplify the way you collect client information? Visit UseCanopy.com/heath to see how Canopy Connect can help streamline your agency’s processes.
Olde School Marketing: For all your marketing and promotional needs, Olde School Marketing has you covered. Reach out today to level up your marketing game!

The best tech makes great service feel effortless.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Key Highlights:

The Last Few Years in the Industry: Patrick reflects on how the last couple of years have been "wicked" due to the rapid changes in technology and the industry's shift towards innovation. He provides perspective on how to stay ahead amidst these changes.
Staying Connected in a Changing World: The conversation shifts to the importance of maintaining relationships in the insurance world, especially in a post-pandemic landscape. Patrick talks about his strategies for staying connected with colleagues and clients while continuing to adapt to the evolving industry.

Rapid Fire Questions Segment: In a fun and fast-paced part of the episode, Heath puts Patrick in the hot seat with rapid-fire questions. Get ready for some hilarious and insightful moments as Patrick reveals:
- Favorite tech tool for improving customer service.
- Worst business advice he ever received.
- Favorite networking event (besides Indy Tech, of course!).
- Go-to grilling recipe—yes, there’s a little cooking talk!
- And much more!
Customer Service Tech Takeaways for Insurance Pros:
- Speed & Efficiency with Tech: Use technology to streamline repetitive tasks like policy changes, claims processing, and FAQs to free up more time for personalized client interactions.
- Human Touch: While automation is a game-changer, it’s crucial to maintain a human connection for the moments that matter. Clients value tech for convenience but trust is built through real relationships.
- Data-Driven Personalization: Tools that provide data insights can help agents understand client preferences and needs, making their outreach and service more meaningful.
Don’t Miss:
- Laugh-out-loud moments from the rapid-fire segment.
- Patrick’s take on the biggest customer service pitfalls and how to avoid them in today’s tech-driven world.

Takeaways for Insurance Professionals:

Importance of attending industry events like Indy Tech to network and stay updated on new trends.
How to stay agile and adaptive to change in a "wicked" industry.
Strategies for staying connected with your professional network, even when you can't always meet in person.

Don't Miss:

Hilarious stories from the Indy Tech event that will keep you laughing.
Patrick’s take on how insurance professionals can thrive in today's rapidly evolving environment.

Subscribe & Review:
Don’t forget to subscribe to Insurance Town on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others find the show

PIA of Texas- Hard Market Discusion ( LIVE)

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:30:04 -0500

This is a LIVE episode from the PIA of Texas Conference in San Marcos Texas ! We are discussing Hard Market with Carrie Cheeks of JenCap, Debbie Dziga of Dziga Insurance, and Michael Ley of Hawksoft

WARNING : THE AUDIO IS NOT STUDIO QUALITY DUE TO THE LIVE ASPECT BUT CONTENT TOO GOOD not to put out.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice Agents
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Unlocking Agency Potential: Tech, Growth, and Relationship Strategies

Heath Shearon — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 06:30:49 -0500

In this episode of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon sits down with a dynamic guest who is transforming how agencies operate. The conversation centers around leveraging technology to streamline agency operations and drive growth. From CRM systems to data analytics, they break down the tools and strategies that can help agencies stay competitive and efficient. The guest also highlights the power of relationship-building and how investing in both clients and team members can foster long-term success.

This episode is a must-listen for insurance professionals looking to modernize their operations and elevate their business by embracing tech-driven solutions and relationship-focused growth strategies.

Key Takeaways:

How to effectively implement technology in your agency to improve operations and customer experience.
The role of data and analytics in shaping smarter business decisions.
Building strong client relationships as a foundation for agency success.
Strategies to foster team development and collaboration for long-term growth.

Sponsors:

Smart Choice – The fastest-growing agency network, offering tools to help independent agents succeed.
Canopy Connect - Your one click solution to getting dec pages you need.
Olde School Marketing New school approach for an old school way of marketing

He purchased 3 agencies in one day? What?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episide the Mayor, Heath Shearon got a chance to catch up with his good friend Holden Smith on the show. Its been 4 years since he last appeared on the show and lots have changed since then, He's grown in size, locations and Acquisitions. Come join us on this journey and learn more about :

How Holden has hit the reset button and how he come out on top
How Holden purchased 3 agencies in a singe afternoon
What he thinks contributes to good culture in an agency
Heath and Holdens thougths on life, Insurance, and so many other topics

This is one for the ages! check this episode out!!

Sponsors:

SmartChoice - Helping agencies grow with access to markets, higher commissions, and more. Visit SmartChoice
Canopy Connect - A game-changer for client onboarding and referrals. Get a Discount www.usecanopy.com/heath
Olde School Marketing - Direct mail with a personal touch, featuring handwritten envelopes and notes. Check them out

Conferences & Networking Tips

Heath Shearon — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this special solo episode, the Mayor of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon, goes solo to share some valuable insights on how to make the most out of conference season! Heath dives into his personal tips and strategies for getting the best value from events. Whether you're attending for networking, education, or just to "shake hands and kiss babies." If you're getting ready for the upcoming conference circuit, you won't want to miss this episode. Heath discusses how to approach conferences with intentionality, how to maximize your networking opportunities, and how to ensure you walk away with meaningful connections and actionable takeaways.

Key Highlights:

Choosing the Right Conferences: Not all conferences are created equal! Heath talks about selecting the right events based on your goals, whether you’re looking to network, gain education, or pick up new vendors.
Pre-Event Research: Pro-tip: Do your homework before you go! Heath shares why it’s essential to study the attendee list, connect on LinkedIn, and even do a little "social media stalking" to be prepared for impactful conversations.
Networking Strategies: Learn how to make the most out of networking events, and why it’s crucial to have a short list of key people you want to connect with.
Elevator Pitch Mastery: Work on your 90-second elevator pitch and always have a clear call to action at the end. Whether you're pitching your agency or promoting your podcast, make it tight and impactful!
Listen More, Talk Less: One of the most valuable tips from Heath’s experience—be curious, ask questions, and truly listen to what others are saying.
Post-Conference Follow-Up: Don’t let those connections go cold! Heath explains the importance of timely follow-up and how having a post-event strategy is key to keeping relationships warm.

Sponsors:

SmartChoice - Helping agencies grow with access to markets, higher commissions, and more. Visit SmartChoice
Canopy Connect - A game-changer for client onboarding and referrals. Get a Discount www.usecanopy.com/heath
Olde School Marketing - Direct mail with a personal touch, featuring handwritten envelopes and notes. Check them out

From all about Chicken Wings to All About Insurance...

Heath Shearon — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:39:38 -0500

In this weeks episode of Insurance Town, Mayor Heath Shearon sits down with Nick Vitali, the mastermind behind All About Insurance, which has grown to 10 locations across North Carolina. Nick shares his story, starting with his father's entrepreneurial spirit that took him from running a chicken wing restaurant to building an insurance agency from scratch. This conversation is a rich mix of personal anecdotes, leadership insights, and strategies for scaling an insurance business. Whether you’re an agency owner or just looking to learn more about relationship-based leadership, this episode is full of practical takeaways and fun stories.

Key Topics Discussed:

From Chicken Wings to Insurance: Nick recounts how his father pivoted from owning a chicken wing restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC, to founding a Nationwide insurance agency, sparked by a conversation with a claims adjuster after a back injury.
Second-Generation Success: Growing up in an "insurance family," Nick was exposed to the business early on, learning the ins and outs of customer service, claims, and managing an agency at the dinner table.
Strategic Growth Along the I-40 Corridor: Nick explains how All About Insurance expanded strategically across North Carolina, focusing on hyper-local markets to build a strong regional presence with 10 thriving locations.
Basketball Rivalries and Business Lessons: A die-hard Tar Heels fan, Nick discusses how the competitive culture of North Carolina basketball has influenced his approach to competition in the sales culture at his agency
Building Relationships: Leading a growing team, Nick emphasizes the importance of building strong, trust-based relationships with clients and employees alike.

Actionable Takeaways:

Planning and Adaptability: Whether you’re remodeling a house or scaling a business, Nick’s journey emphasizes the value of strategic planning and being adaptable in the face of challenges.
The Power of Local: Nick highlights how his agency’s success has been driven by its deep roots in local communities, serving clients with a personalized approach that builds long-term loyalty.
Hiring the Right Team: Building a great agency requires great people. Nick shares how hiring the right talent and fostering a collaborative culture have been crucial to his leadership style and business growth.

Favorite Quote: "My dad brought chicken wings to North Carolina, but he brought insurance to our family—and that’s what stuck." – Nick Vitali

Sponsors

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Its not just a numbers game anymore!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, The mayor has the opportunity to sit down and talk to Scott Angell, of LEO. These two have a great conversation about sales, the sales processes, the process of buying leads, and how not just to purchase leads to purchase leads. Its not just a numbers game anymore. Its about the data you get , its about the sales process you have in place. Its about having a plan. Having a strategy , its about standing out from the crowd. Leads are just an avenue to get there LEO provides so much more than that!!!

Sit back , relax and enjoy this episode its a goooooood one!!

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Build your Sales Systems and grow your Sales Teams!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode Mayor got to sit down with Ana Gonzalez Gibbs, of Anabots. This is such a fun episode!! She has an obsession for learning has taken me her on so many interesting journeys. Starting with architecture for a while, then martial arts and finding her true passion in building sales systems for companies and sales teams, and that's what she’s been doing. And now as she calls it the the 4th Industrial Revolution. she and her team are installing those that that knowledge in sales and systems

Having this deep passion for learning she started obsessing over sales processes. And she decided quickly that she wanted to be an expert in it. Then as AI came along she became obsessing with it and married that passion with her sales systems obsession and thus the birth of Anabots

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

The "Ultimate Networker" shares the Old School techniques that still work today!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this engaging episode, The Mayor had the pleasure of speaking with , widely known as the “Ultimate Networker” and a leading expert in Internet marketing. George delves into the timeless marketing techniques that continue to be effective in today’s digital landscape, with a particular focus on the power of personal networking and standing out at events.

Throughout our conversation, George emphasizes the enduring value of building genuine relationships. He shares his insights on how face-to-face interactions can create lasting business connections that go beyond the superficial exchange of business cards. George recounts his own experiences and offers practical advice on how to make meaningful connections at networking events, stressing the importance of authenticity and follow-up.

Join us as we uncover the secrets of old-school marketing techniques that still hold immense value today. George Dubec’s wealth of knowledge and experience provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to enhance their networking skills and make a lasting impact in their industry.

Podcast Sponsors:

Smart Choice
Olde School Marketing
Canopy Connect

AI is Helping the next generation of Insurance hit the ground running, and extending the careers of prior generations

Heath Shearon — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:26:02 -0500

In this episode the Mayor has a great conversation with John Loeber, the co-founder and CEO of Limit, an insurtech company that leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the insurance industry. Limit recently launched LimitAI, a generative AI designed specifically for the P&C space. This AI tool helps analyze extensive insurance documents, provide rapid answers to insurance-related questions, draft professional emails, and offer compliance guidelines.
His team recognized the potential of AI to improve their brokerage operations, leading to the development of Limit AI. in this conversation we dive into some interesting conversation regarding AI in our space and how it is not only helping the younger insurance professionals hit the ground running but also extending the careers of those that have gone before them.

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Leadership, Mindset, Mental Toughness- from a man with an inspirational journey!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode, the Mayor sits down with , a top tier speaker, podcaster, former NFL player and good friend Marques Ogden. Heath loves conversations like this. Talking about entrepreneurship, leadership, mindset and more. His bootstrap story is a must listen.

Episode Sponsors :
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

The future of the Insurance Industry, from these 90's kids perspective!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:56:04 -0500

in this weeks episode, the Mayor had the opportunity to visit with his good buddy, Pat West. We have some fun with some nostaligic conversation around where all of this started... IN THE 90'S!! Pat & Heath talk about the future of the insurance industry, including emerging trends, potential challenges, and opportunities. He enjoys speculating on how the industry will evolve and what it will look like in the coming years. He is so passionate about empowering insurance agents with the right tools and technology. Pat talks about how providing agents with innovative solutions can help them serve their clients better and grow their businesses.
Make sure you download this one, or bookmark it for later. It's a really solid episode. Thanks again guys for all of your feedback and for continuing to send in the letters, emails, dm's!! That's Mayors favorite thing, You guys know he loves these relationships. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with Pat West.

Episode Sponsors-

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing.

The Smart Choice in Commercial Insurance

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This is the Smart Choice episode, I love these episodes, I love working with them much. I can't wait for you guys to hear this one ! We get into some good conversations, where we pull back the curtain and talk about the Smart Start Program. Lynn Depasquale and Matt Heacox join me for this one. We also take a deeper dive into trucking insurance and the tips and strategies that they give to you about how you can be more successful in writing that niche, or even start writing that niche.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Story Brand Marketing, They ask you Answer, ChatGPT, AI and marketing techniques that work.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode we have a returning guest that always gets a good response! Cant wait for you to hear this one. We discuss some marketing techniques that my guest has been using for years and creating a successful agency and business that is widely known across our industry. In this episode we talk about :

They Ask you Answer
Story Brand
ChatGPT
Using Video
and so much more

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

PS Check out the new website design and let me know your thoughts !! I will send you a giftcard for your feedback on the website , podcast, and any other feedback you want to give me!

Lindsay Wallace- telling her story of making an immediate impact in her young career

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week in Insurance Town, The mayor gets an opportunity to sit down and enjoy an awesome conversation with his good buddy and insurance sister Lindsay Wallace of Indium. The Mayor just wanted you guys to hear her story. in this episode, we get personal with Lindsay. She shares about her recent engagement and her fiancé Patrick's adventurous climb up Kilimanjaro. We also discuss her career trajectory, from working with the Big I of North Carolina to her current role at Indium. Lindsay's passion for insurance and making a difference is palpable, and her story is a testament to the power of carving your own path.

We also touch on the impact of her mother, an industry veteran, on her career choices, and how Lindsay is determined to build her own identity in the insurance world. This episode is filled with laughs, insightful industry talk, and a look at the life of a young professional making her mark. So, stick around, and join us for a conversation that's as enlightening as it is entertaining. Let's welcome Lindsay Wallace to Insurance Town!

Aaron Painter-taking all things, Intentional impact, Deep Fakes and ID Verification.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

in this weeks episode the mayor sits down and talks with Aaron Painter, the CEO of Nametag Inc., the world's first identity verification platform designed to safeguard accounts against impersonators and AI-generated deep fakes. These two have an awesome conversation about his international sucess working in over 40 countries for some of the largest corporations in the world. You may have heard of a few of them: Microsoft, CloudReach, and He worked with AWS. He then founded NameTag. Nametag has become the trusted choice for leading companies seeking to prevent fraud, reduce support costs, and eliminate the frustrations associated with account lockouts and high-value transaction authorizations.
Driven by his personal experiences with online fraud and identity theft, Aaron assembled a team of security experts to create the next generation of account protection. Nametag's mission is to bring authenticity to the internet and enable users to build trusted relationships. Nametag believes that security should be centered around the user, and that user identity, like privacy, is a valuable asset that deserves protection.

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Olde School Marketing
Canopy Connect

MAYOR SOLO: TALKING HARD MARKET!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This weeks episode is a hard market solo episode. We will be talking about the hard market a little bit. I will nerd out a little bit and it could be a lot of fun. Hang out with me and lets talk. I would love your feed back!! Reachout to me https://linktr.ee/heathshearon and let me know your thoughts, ideas, agree , disagree. Etc.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Talking AgencyPoint with a zoom full of Goats.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:15:38 -0500

In this weeks episode the Mayor was visited by a whole room full of GOATS!! This week we are talking about AgencyPoint with Chris Paradiso, Carey Wallace, and Aaron Stocks. (see I told you) We have a phenomenal conversation about a very important subject matter in our industry. In this episode we talk about something that effects every single agency. SIt inu relax and enjoy this very special episode with not 2 but 3 incredible guest!!

This one is awesome ya'll!!

Going out of the Box, and getting Salty with Dustin Parker

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode the Mayor was able to sit down with his friend Dustin Parker, the co-founder of Salt. Salt is an innovative tool that takes agents from cocktail napkin to the cloud in a time where the industry is being challenged in this hard market it catch up fast and do business better. Dustin shares with us his fascinating story of becoming an serial entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SALT Insure. With a background that bridges finance and technology, Dustin has been instrumental in shaping SALT Insure’s innovative approach to digital insurance applications, focusing on the needs of independent insurance agents.

In 2021, alongside Jonathan Simmons, Dustin co-founded SALT Insure in Grapevine, Texas, with the mission to simplify and enhance the insurance quoting process for independent agents. His leadership has been pivotal in driving the company’s growth and in fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the team. His commitment to empowering agents and improving the customer experience continues to influence the industry, making him a respected figure among peers and clients alike.

He is not only passionate about the independant channel, but also the team and culture they have so intentionally built at Salt. He talks about the Heavely environment that they strive to built over there and the team culture that results because of it. We talk about this and so many other topics. He then breaks down what Salt is and the future of Salt.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Ryan Mathisen- Lululemon Pants and GloveBox!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 May 2024 06:21:43 -0500

In this weeks episode the mayor get to sit down with his good friend, Ryan Mathisen, co-founder of Glovebox. These two have a super fun conversation about the customer experience, the user experience and LULULEMON!

We discuss the differences in having an app for agency and having a customer portal or self service center. How to improve the customer experience by using a tool
Such as Glovebox. We discussed what’s new with Glovebox and he shared some exciting news with the Mayor.

Come join us in this fun conversation!

Sponsors :
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

The VIP episode: This one is special....

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

this episode is special as it is from the Vertafore Insurance Podcast hosted by myself and my bestie Syd Roe. We interviewed Scott Howell and Kenneth Williamson and my goodness it is good! I really cant wait for you to hear it. If you would like to watch it , go to the Vertafore Youtube page and check it out there on channel orange !! I am telling you its a good one!

this one on my show is sponsored by my good friends
Smart Choice
Olde School Marketing
Canopy Connect

Jay Coates - sales strategies and leadership principles

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode, The Mayor, invites his buddy, Jay Coates, to come in the studio to record a podcast.

WARNING: The audio is a little wonky in the first 10-15 minutes due to some back ground noise and me trying to figure out new studio set up, and multiple mics. The content is still worth the listen. Thank you for your patience.

Cant wait for you to check this one out!

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing
Manly Man Co.

Katie Wexler- Premium Finance Reimagined...(game changer)

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor, Heath Shearon, sat down with his new friend, and future thought leader Katie Wexler to talk about her game changing idea. One of a kind, first and only in class technology called PAVO. You dont want to miss this conversation. They take a walk down memory lane, and discuss the story of Pavo and what an Insurance Premium Finance marketplace looks like. She already has some major players involved and they are rockin and rolling.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Chase Shearon- Just a couple of brother's catchin up and talking Insurance

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode I catch up with my little brother Chase Shearon, Underwriter with Novatae Insurance. Its been 4 years since we had him on and it was time for a reboot!! lol

episode sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

REPLAY: Broker Brett, with more about Broker Brews

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 06:08:33 -0500

In this weeks episode, we have a replay of the time when the mayor sat down with his good friend and now 4 time guest on the show, “Broker Brett” Fulmer! This is a fun episode where they have some fun talking about broker brews and Insurtech. Hope you enjoy it again, and you missed it the first time!! Hope you enjoy it this time around !! Have a great day and thanks for listening

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect

Nick Aube- Fighting A Bear

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

this weeks episode is a fun one, it features a check in with a former guest Nick Aube of Producer Systems. We discuss the BOR , common objections to the BOR and how to overcome them and so much more

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Kelly Turner- Educate your clients

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode Mayor had so much fun with my friend Kelly Turner , they talked about a lot of different topics, from branding-->Referral partners --> and everything in between. She is a dynamic and experienced loan officer. Her primary goal is to guide her clients through the mortgage process, ensuring that her clients understand the loan process and are educated along the way. With a background in education, Kelly is well-equipped to lead her clients through and also my audience as well. She is passionate about helping buyers find their dream homes and is committed to making the home-buying journey as smooth as possible.

Join us on this episode and learn from the CT Mortgage Mom and how she has built a multi state business using social media, and good ole fashion hustle.

Episode sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Chuck Aikens- Everyday use cases for AI.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode , The mayor sits down with his new friend Chuck Isaac Aikins, of Tymoo and CIA Consulting. Chuck started in digital marketing with his mortgage busines. With some basic skills under his belt, He built websites and put together a ‘mortgage education’ portal at Mortgage101.com that quickly ranked #1 for ‘mortgage’ for over 10 years on google and yahoo. Chuck created Volume Nine and formed a partnership with Booyah Advertising that landed his agency on several fastest-growing lists for over a decade.

From initial roots in SEO to social media emerging as a new channel, he always found innovative ways to grow brands including buying a local boutique agency to better serve clients. He then created Volume Nine and formed a partnership with Booyah Advertising that landed the agency on several fastest-growing lists for over a decade.
After 15 years at the helm of Volume Nine, he decided it was time to switch gears and work directly with brands. He now works on putting a marketing foundation in place that will improve any team’s capabilities to execute campaigns to grow their revenue.

Listen in AS HEATH and Him break down every day use cased of AI in your agency as well as best practices for marketing in your agency.

Sponsors

Smart Choice
Olde School Marketing
Canopy Connect

Cyrus Jaffery- Making an impact here in Insurance Town.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

in this weeks episode Cyrus Jaffery joins the Mayor in Insurance Town, and the two of them, have a phenomenal discussion. Cyrus and Mayor take a walk down memory lane and discuss Cyrus' journey to where he is today and what a great story that is. Then they discuss how the entrepenuerial bug bit him and the passion to impact others kept him going. He is a man of character and principles and you can hear it in his voice and see it in how he leads his various companies. He tells us about Quotomation, CJ Insurance, Jaffery Insurance and financial services, Askarben Insurance. He also has a passion for community and organizations that do good for others, like Avas Army and others. theres so much....

Sit back relax and enjoy this episode with Cyrus Jaffery.

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Amanda Dickey- "The Account Manager Manager"

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

This week was a treat for me as I got to record a podcast with one of my long time dear friends, Amanda Dickey, She and I have been friends for over 20 years and it was just a good time to catch up and talk hard market. Amanda Is one of the hardest working, community minded, fun loving, God and Family first people I know. She is doing big things at Acrisure and she stops by to tell us all about it. Youre really gonna enjoy this one ...

Listen In and learn more …
Hard market advice
Networking & Community service
Transistion from Block to Acrisure
Lionel Ritchie
And sooo much more

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Andy Mathisen- More than just table stakes....

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, the Mayor had the opportunity to sit down with his good friend, Andy Mathisen. Two old buddys catching up. These two have a fun conversation about life and insurance. Andy starts us off by taking a walk down memory lane and tells us about how he go to where he is today.Andy shares some great insights about all things networks and growing your agency in this hard market. Sit back relax and enjoy this episode with the man of the hour, Andy Mathisen!

Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Jeramy Wallace- All things Automation

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episod the mayor gets the opportunity to sit down and talk with his friend Jeramy Wallace. He is on a new adventure. He is on a path to help agency to get better by embracing technology and embracing automation in their agency. They take a walk down memory lane where he tells his story of learning and growin and experiencing so many cool opportunities that led him to where he is today. From there we have a super fast paced and high level conversation about automation, the customer journey and so much more. He and the Mayor talk about so much in such a short amount of time.

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Dr. Pat Boulogne- “Why are you Sick, Fat & Tired”

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor has the opportunity to sit down with new friend, and Linkedin connection, Dr. Pat Boulogne. We dig into her personal story and how she got to where she is now, coaching mental wellness, and helping business owners navigate these treacherous waters of the hard market. We have great conversation, where she introduced us to her 5 pillars of Health and Wellness. She talks about everything from Sleep to Posture, to how to handle objections in a positive manner. Its a great conversation. Sit Back Relax and Enjoy this conversation with Mayor and Dr. Pat Boulogne

Sponsors:

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Mike Miller and Ashley Wingate- Lets Talk Networks

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 05:50:00 -0600

In this weeks episode we had the priviledge of having Ashley Wingate and Mike Miller of Smart Choice Join us for an action packed, and exciting episode about all things networks. They talked about the contract, the fees, the exit clauses, the benefits of joining a network and so much more. Being a part of a network is so much more than just gaining market access or sharing in contingencies. My Friends here at Smart Choice Break it all down...

Sponsors-

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing

Erik Garcia- The 4 pillars of Financial Security or is it 5? Or 6?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, the mayor has a real deal conversation with his good friend and Brother from another mother Erik Garcia. These two have a great conversation about a diffferent side of budgeting and financial planning for your agency. They talk about giving back and the joy of giving. Its a much needed conversation and one that is so relevant to agency owners. Erik breaks down his 5 pillars of Financial Security.

Episode Sponsors

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Manscaped
Olde School Marketing

Chris Marino- Keeping Austin Weird and Your Agency Profitable!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town, The Mayor had the opportunity to meet Chris Marino , of Toropoint Insurance. He works with Insurance agencies of all walks of life to help them write more business abd develop new verticals with Life insurance. Chris walks us through how to to add more value to your clients in this hard market by adding Life Insurance to the mix. Its okay if you arent a "life guy or gal" he has solutions for you too. Sit back relax and enjoy this conversation with Chris and I.

Sponsors

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
MAnscaped
Olde School Marketing

Matthew Larocca- Zoomin Along with CRMs

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episide of insurance town the mayor got the opportunity to sit down with the man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Matt Larocca of AgencyZoom. We enjoyed a nice stroll down memory lane. Talked about how he got in the industry from the beverage industry within got into the importance of the sales cycle and using CRM‘s.

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy connect
Olde school marketing
Manscaped

Mayor Solo

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600

This is a rare Mayor Solo to start off the year , talking about how you can improve your Customer experience with the help of Canopy Connect!! How to tackle hard market with some help of Smart Choice and Ole School marketing. Lastly he shouts out Manscaped and how you can stay on top of your grooming needs. This is a Sponsor Spotlight episode!!

Sponsors:
Manscaped
Olde School Marketing
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect

David Watson- Becoming a Trusted Risk Advisor

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks episode , the mayor has the awesome opportunity to sit down with his good friend, David Watson of Risk Advisor and they talk about what it means to be a risk advisor and how to improve the customer journey. But first David and I take a walk down memory lane and we talk all things David Watson and how he came to Mappus, and how he came up with the idea of Risk Advisor. WE then talk everything from Process & procedure to our Snack Draft.

Epsisode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Manscaped
Loss Scan

Todd Thams- So much to unpack ...

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks episode the Mayor, get a long awaited, but much appreciated, visit from his buddy Todd Thams ! this is an exciting , quick hitting episode. Todd comes in hot, and talks about so many wonderful topics from multi generational agencies, Hard Market, Workers comp, Butter cows and Maid rites. Its a fun conversation you dont want to miss!

Thank you for tuning in , make sure you check out our fabulous sponsors:

Smart Choice-
Canopy Connect- Discount click here
Olde School Marketing - 10% off with code Town10
Manscaped - 20% off and free shipping with code Mayor

Adam Bowe- Talking all things cake and eating it too.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor and Adam Bowe of Cake, talk all things cake and eat it too. They start off with a walk down memory lane where Adam talks about how he got into the industry and then they discuss mergers and Aquisition as well navigating that complex world of buying and selling your agency. The trends that are happening now and how you can better position yourself for success in this arena .

Sponsors

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Manscaped
Olde School Marketing

Nick Berry -Breaking News and Dropping Truth Bombs

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600

A few weeks ago the FCC dropped a bomb on people that buy leads and We invited Nick Berry the Marketing Guru to come bye and talk to us about this. If you are an agency that buys leads you may want to tune into this one especially and we dive into the nitty gritty of this major announcement from the FCC!

Sponsors:
Olde School Marketing
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Manscaped

Steve Mohr- Insurance Industry Index

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks episode the mayor sits down with his good friend, Steve Mohr, of the Insurance Industry Index. We have an incredible conversation about what hes been up to and how the relationship is still so incredibly valuable. He has so much going on with the Insurance Industry Index that you will definitely want to hear about I promise...Steve shares great advice and we talk about so many different topics and he drops so much knowledge on us.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Manscaped
Olde School Marketing

Davie Holt- on Mariah Carey, "Swelce" and VE's

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor sits down with his good buddy and good buddy to do many, Davie Holt. Davie is on an exciting new journey into the world of Virtual Employees. He's getting the opportunity to work with people he knows and trust, in an arena that is he is exited about learning and growing. Davie and the Mayor have some fun talking about a variety of topics, from Christmas Music, to Virtual Employees and how to best manage your agency using Virtual Employees. Davie also weighs in on the Travis Kelce / Taylor Swift relationship!!

Sit back , relax and enjoy this exciting conversation with Davie Holt

Soloman Thimothy- Here to Serve not to sell...

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Insurance Town the Mayor sits down with his good buddy and Author, Marketer, and all around god dude, Mr Solomon Thimothy, to talk all things sales and Marketing, AND HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD, Close more deals. and also how to do sell more insurance by "selling less" and Serving more!! Its a mental shift you gotta here more about !

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Manscaped
Olde School Marketing

Christopher Cook- Stories Sell

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor, Heath Shearon sits down with his friend, Christopher Cook of Rough notes. Mr Cook takes us on a walk down memory lane to talk about what lead him into the insurance industry. We then discussed tellin your agencies story through your website and through your social media. He tells us what he looks for in an agency story and what hes looking or in a cover agent for the Magazine. He also tells us some of his own stories, and then tells us more about Rough Notes and how you can get more involved.

Episode Sponsors:

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Manscaped
Olde School Marketing

Chad Skinner- From TV Land to Insurance Town

Heath Shearon — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:13:37 -0600

This week in Insurance Town the Mayor had the opportunity to sit down and visit with, good friend, and 12 time EMMY AWARD winning, CHAD SKINNER. Heath and Chad have a fantastic conversation about Marketing, Sales, and so much more. Its fascinating how much TV, Film and Video production is related to Sales and Marketing.
The draft is Back, mayor and Chad have a Christmas Movie draft. They go 5 rounds on the top Christmas movies of all time. Listen in and vote on who you think won the draft...

Mayor Remix- A Remix of a few Mayor Solos

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600

This is a remix episode of several stories and highlights from the last 3 or 4 mayor solo episodes. Thank you all for listening the Mayor truly appreciates the love and support!!

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Syd Roe- Triathlon's, Demand Gen Marketing, and much more!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode we are celebrating a milestone. Episode 200!!! We invited none other than our Mayor of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon's good friend, colleague and sis, Sydney Roe of Vertafore. WE get into talking Triathlons, and her big accouncement there, we talk demand gen Marketing and so much more. This is a fun Milestone episode!!

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Andy Runyon- Cyber Insurance Hacks you need to hear

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 05:30:00 -0500

In this weeks episode of Insurance Town, The Mayor sits down with his good friend Andy Runyon!!

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Becky Monfre- Commercial Insurance with some Hot Takes Sprinkled on top!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This week In Insurance Town the Mayor sits down with his good friend Becky Monfre,VP of Digital Accounts at Coterie Insurance. Becky and the Mayor talk about everything from Raising Kids to Growing small commercial insurance and even get into some Hot takes along the way...

Nick Lamparelli- Nerdin' out in Insurance Town

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Insurance Town, The Mayor sits down with his buddy Nick Lamparelli of Insurance Nerds and they have a fantastic conversation, around becoming a trusted advisor. They discuss what that looks like and how to focus on value instead of just offering a better price. THIS conversation is for the masses. Check this one out.

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Darlene Flagg- Mother and Mentor to Many

Heath Shearon — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this Weeks Episode here in Insurance Town, The Mayor Heath Shearon, Had the absolute honor and priviledge to record an episode with the one and only Darlene Flagg, the Mother and Mentor to many. She is the VP of Marketing and Brand at the National Life Group, and currently serves on the Women in Insurance and Financial Services(WIFS) National Board as President. In her role as President, she partners to attract, develop, & advance women in financial services. She is also the Immediate Past President of the National Tax -Deferred Savings Association (NTSA). Darlene is also one of the Executive Sponsors for theWomen’s Insight Network (WIN) at National Life. These two have a phenomenal conversation about leadership and what it takes to lead people. She talks about a journey of peace and what that looks like and means. They also talk Marketing and sales and so many other phenomenal topics

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Scott Knowles- Three S's

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this Episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor sits down with old Friend, and Previous guest of the show. MR. Scott Knowles. Hes a serial entrepreneur with another great idea. He's just launched another great company that is going to blow your mind. He's going to help you add some serious value to your sales process, and to your customers. You are not going to want to miss this one for sure.

Mick Hunt- Processes for Winners!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 06:17:15 -0500

In this episode , the Mayor sits down with good friend, Mick Hunt, of Premier Strategy Box! Mick Hunt loves to win, and has a drive and determination to win and help his clients to create the strategies in their agency to win too! He breaks it all down here in this episode of Insurance Town. He and the mayor talk about how Mick came to the decision to start Premier Strategy Box. Hear the origin story here. He discusses his love for winning and breaks down his top 5 winners that had an influence on him in athletics growing up.

Mick and Heath talk about the mistakes that agencies make, the strategies to take for winning. Then he walks us through the birth of Pati, and what it is , how he has changed the game for insurance trainings in our industry, and how his friends helped him along the way.

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Chris Greene- Reverse Engineering everything right now!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:18:09 -0500

In this weeks episode the Mayor sits down with his good friend and 4 time guest of the show, Mr Flood Guru Himself , Chris Greene! Chris and Mayor talk about the hard market , why you need to reverse engineer everything right. He talks about story brand marketing, he talks about all kinds of cool stuff. This is one you won’t want to miss out on. Sit Back, Relax, and enjoy this conversation with the flood insurance guru himself , Mr. Chris Greene

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Tolga Tezel-Canopy Connect

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, the Mayor, Heath Shearon sits down with his good friend, and long time sponsor of the show, Tolga Tezel. Those two have a great conversation about canopy connect! Tolga updates the audience on what is new and exciting with canopy Connect.

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Rob Trube- Simple Strategies!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:31:25 -0500

In this episode the mayor sits down with friend of the show and of the family, Rob Trube, of Strategy Simple. These two have a great conversation , he was the organic growth guy for Acrisure for several years in their growth days. They talk about how to grow your profitability in your agency, how to gain net new, they talk marketing , propecting, retention , they talk about ways to get the profit waaay up there. He is a growth guy through and through.

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Dean Giem- Outside the Box Thinking

Heath Shearon — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This weeks episode the Mayor Heath Shearon, Sat down with his new friend Dean Giem and Geeked out with him over how he uses his tech stack to grow a fantasic business and how he continues to grow his new agency Paradox Insurance into the "Micro-Boutique" powerhouse that it is now. These two talk about everything from tech, to sales and marketing srategies to what they automate in their personal lives if they could. Dean Giem and Paradox Insurance are taking outside the box thinking to a whole new level.

This conversation is definitely worth the listen and you should smash the play button right now and tell your friends about this episode and the Insurance town Podcast as well.

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Ashley Wingate and Carol Drake: Talking Hard market and making Smart Choices

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0500

This weeks episide of Insurance Town features my good friends from Smart Choice, They have been incredible partners and supporters of the show for quite some time now and I am so thankful for that. We have a great chat with Ashley Wingate and Carol Drake. WE discuss ard market and best practices and advice to navigate this market cycle and we also make predictions of how long it will last.

We also discuss the advantages of working with Smart Choice and how you can use the tools and influence and advice of Smart Choice to navigate your way into Independance. I can wait for you to check this one out.

thank you for all of my sponsors:

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Mayor Solo!! - Just me, myself, and I

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500

this week is a Solo Episode !!

Aaron Levine- Luxury Insurance from Mr. Boujee himself!! LOL

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor Heath Shearon sits down with his good friend Aaron Levine! These two have a fantastic conversation on the luxury brand , and selling to the high end customer. He gives us great tips and Strategies on all of this and growing your agency, managing prospects. He pulls the curtain back on his agency and how he is doing things.

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Andy Neary- Fried Foods, Shopping Carts, and Prospecting !!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this Episode the Mayor sits own his good friend Andy Neary, of Complete Game Consulting, These two have a fantastic conversation and a whole lot of fun along the way. Check out the Fried Food Draft, a quick game of Hot takes and most importantly the conversation that they have about prospecting!

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Ryan Hanley- Finding Peak!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode , the mayor sits down with his good buddy, Ryan Hanley of Rogue Risk. These two have a powerful conversation about life and love and while it’s not specially talking about Insurance, or the typical content you get from this show, the conversation will
Have you thinking about your life and your agency in a way you may have not in the past.

It’s our hopes you to listen to this conversation and digest this content in a way that challenges you to think outside the box.

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Aaron Letzeiser- Talking Market Trends, Real Estate Investment Insurance , and Obie!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 05:30:00 -0500

In this weeks episode, he Mayor interviews his friend Aaron Letzieser , Aaron discovered that technology is not the enemy but a powerful ally in shaping the future of finance. At Obie, a groundbreaking instant landlord insurance product for real estate investors, Aaron serves over 17 million real estate investors in the US. Prior to founding Obie, Aaron started and grew several successful companies that he saw to an exit. He is an active real estate investor and a Venture Partner at the San Francisco-based venture capital group Pioneer Fund. Aaron was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Aaron and the Mayor get into some fun dicussions with regards to Real Estate Investment Insurance, Vrbo, Building a Vertical in this space and so much more. Sit back relax and enjoy this conversation with Aaron Letzeiser.

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Erik Garcia- Whats your End Game

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor, Has a fun conversation with his good friend Erik Garcia of Garcia Insurance Group, Garcia Financial group and the Host of the popular Podcast, Stuff About Money They Didn't Teach You In School. The two of them have a great conversation here as it related to Insurance Agents planning for their future, and it all begins with the question he likes to ask of "What is your end game?"

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Mitch Gibson- Talkin Favorite Accents and Technology for your agency

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 06:50:37 -0500

In this episode the Mayor sits down with one of his best friends in and out of this industry, Mitch Gibson and they have a lot of fun in this episode, these two talk about what they would do if they won the jackpot lotto and had all that money, they talk about technology, and they even get into their favorite accents in the world!! They wrap up this epidsode talking about the indie tech showcase experience. This is a cool opportunity , you may want to check out and listen carefully as he offers you the citizens of insurance town a discount code for listening today.

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Rusty Dycus - Old School Marketing that works

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This weeks episode the Mayor sits down with his good buddy Rusty Dycus of Olde School Marketing. Rusty is a former agency owner and insurance professional. He sold his businesss and began his marketing company that specialises in workign with insurance agencies across the country using his marketing tactics.

John Spaugy- Advice from Uncle John on handling this Market

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode the mayor had the opportunity to sit down with his good buddy John Spaugy. John is the owner of three agencies, the founder of Agents Brokers United, and has his hands full with all kinds of other projects and whatnot in the industry, We have a great conversation about the Hard Market, and how he is navigating through it.

The Mayor asks "uncle John" advice on how you can navigate through it as well. Whether you have been in the industry 1 year, 3 years or 25 years there is something in here for you, Sit back relax and enjoy this episode with your Mayor and John Spaugy.

BROKER BRETT - Talkin Insurtech with Brett

Heath Shearon — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode, the mayor sits down with now 3 time guest on the show, and good friend , “Broker Brett” Fulmer! This is a fun episode where they have some fun talking about tech!

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Matt Skillen- Whats going on with this new Vertical

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode, The mayor stis down with good buddy , Matt Skillen of RT Specialty. These two have a great conversation about the fun and exciting world of the Gig Economy and How to begin a new vertical here in this rapidly growing space. He breaks it down and even gives you some cheat codes.

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REPLAY: Troy Korsgarden-Customer Journey

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode is a replay of the mayor’s conversation with one of his closest friends in the industry, mentor and brother ! There is so much to take in on this one . Get your pen and paper ready !!

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John Smyth- Prospecting and Follow up

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode, the Mayor interviews long time family friend and mentor. He’s the owner of EBS, an employee benefits, Life , and health agency that generates over 25 million dollars a year in new premium. Jon Smyth is a master cold caller , niche builder and one of the best closers in the insurance industry.

In his spare time he is taking peoples money in corn hole winning tournaments all over the country. You will also see him running 5ks and knocking back chicken buscuits from Hardee’s!!

Sit back relax and enjoy this amazing conversation with Jon Smyth!!

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Andrew Chermark!- Standing out in Commercial Auto

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode I have a lot of fun with my new friend Andrew Chermark! The moment I met this guy I knew I had to hit the record button. So we did!

Andrew’s energy is infectious and his attitude is so upbeat and positive. We have a great conversation about commercial auto and taking your game to a whole new level!

Sit back relax and enjoy my conversation with Andrew Chermark!!

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Randi DuLaney- living out your purpose

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 May 2023 06:01:10 -0500

In this episode the mayor sits down with his dear friend Randi DuLaney of Travelers Insurance and she takes us on a walk down memory lane and we hear her awesome story and then we discuss the trials and the challenges of being a business owner and how to best handle that. We then hear some pretty fun stories before the conversation takes a beautiful turn. The two of them begin talking about fulfilling purpose in your life. Randi opens up and get transparent quick and begins talking about self reflection, and living out your why.

This conversation is a beautiful conversation amongst two old friends and we get the privilege of eavesdropping on it. Sit back relax and enjoy this conversation with the mayor and his bud Randi DuLAney.

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Nick Aube- always looking for life’s lessons

Heath Shearon — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode the Mayor sits down with his good buddy Nic Aube !! We take a stroll
Down memory lane and also discuss the mistakes he made , the BOR, and life’s lessons he’s learned along the way!

This episode is sponsored by:

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Andy Runyon- Cyber Insurance convo that will blow your mind

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

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Todd Henderson- Getting that W

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sits down with his good buddy Todd Henderson of Carriage Hill insurance and risk management. He takes us in a walk down memory lane to tell us his story of a long career in the captive side and an amazing successful journey on this independent side! In three years they have built a powerhouse agency and has some friends and new partners that have helped him
Along the way. Join in and listen to our fantastic conversation of his success and getting that W.

this episode is sponsored by my good friends at:
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Josh Bagby- Providence Insurance Advisors

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500

in this weeks episode the mayor sits down with his new friend Josh Bagby of Providence Insurance Advisors. We take a walk down memory lane, where Josh tells us his story. He tells us how he made a major change in his business that catapulted his agency and doubled his book of business in 2 years.
Josh is so happy to be an indie agent now .
Also hear about his amazing social media strategy , that has helped him maintain and grow his presence in his community and his book of business. We also talk about his relationship with a major InsureTech company and his take on the future of the industry. This conversation is chalked full of gems and nuggets , sit back relax and enjoy my conversation with Mr. Josh Bagby!!

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Carey Wallace - Build a Plan for your agency!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

in this weeks episode , I had the honor and privilege of having a great conversation with my good friend, Carey Wallace of Agency Focus. we had a fantastic conversation about the industry as a whole, Buying and selling agencies. She Gives some incredible advice for both buyers and sellers. Carey is incredibly knowledgeable at helping you become a great business owner. The Mayor and Carey have a phenomenal conversation today.

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MAYOR SOLO- 4 G'S

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This episode is a MAYOR SOLO!! Thank you guys so much for all of the feedback from last weeks episode from my man the pitch whisperer. He did so well, I have gotten dozens of emails from you, wanting to know more and talk about this topic in more detail. Therefor, I put together a follow up episode. I hope you enjoy!

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John Livesay- The Sales Pitch Whisperer

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

John Livesay, aka The Pitch Whisperer, is an incredible keynote speaker. His TEDx talk: "Be The Lifeguard of Your Own Life" has over 1,000,000 views and was featured in Larry King’s Show. He has an innate ability to motivate companies’ sales teams to turn mundane case studies into compelling case stories so they win more new business. From John’s award-winning career at Conde Nast, he shares the lessons he learned. Best-selling author of the book Better Selling Through Storytelling, creator of the online course "Revenue Rockstar Mastery.", Host of his own Podcast “The Successful Pitch” heard in over 60 countries and co-creator of The Superhero U which is a community to help people discover their superhero power and live a life full of confidence and creativity. John has a new book, The Sale Is in the Tale, is a business fable set in Austin, TX, and is about a sales representative whose old ways of selling are not working anymore.

Sponsors:

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Sydney Hoffmans- 2nd Generation Experience

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks episode the Mayor sits down with his good friend, Sydney Hoffmans , of iTrust Insurance, they have a phenomenal conversation about being a second generation insurance professional, learning and earning her fathers respect and ownership stake in the agency. We start with a walk down memory lane to learn more about her journey to where she is today.

The conversation brings so much value to Insurance Town due to the sheer nature of the conversation about second generation Agency owners and how to manage expectations and how to respectfully and professionally navigate those waters. Trust me this conversation is phenomenal.

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Dakota Holliman- A young insurance Professional with Big Dreams and Big Work Ethic.

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks Episode , we continue in our series of Young Insurance Agents from great state of Arkansas. Today we visit with Dakota Holliman of Mcgriff Insurance In Little Rock. We have a great conversation about his journey into this industry, there’s guys been exposed to a lot in his illustrious 24 year life, and he has quite a few pearls of wisdom that he drops in this episode. Sit back, relax and check this episode out.

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Sam Henley- Captive to Indie !

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, the mayor got a chance to sit down with his good buddy from Arkansas, local independent insurance agent, Sam Henley of Davis and Garrett Insurance!!

He and I talk about his journey from 2nd Generation captive insurance agent to Indie!! He shares some good advice he got from His father, and some of the mistakes he has learned from along the way

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Jeff Morrett- Funnin and Gunnin

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode , the Mayor sits down with his new friend Jeff Morrett, if Parsons and Howard Insurance. They have a great Conversation, telling his story of getting in the industry and how he’s crushing it 3 years later. He lays out his play book of how he got to where he is already. Grab your pen and paper, sit back and relax and check out this conversation with Heath and Jeff !!

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Jason Cass- The Indie Tech Showcase Experience

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor sits down w/

Ariel Rivera- Talking Automations, Education, Virtual Assistants and everything else

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor sits down with his good friend Ariel the Merman Rivera , of Deer Insurance and Fun Insurance Solutions to talk about technology, and how to have a successful agency no matter the size of your agency. They talk Automations, AMS, CRM. Lots of passion lots of excitement in this episode. There is also a Challenge thrown down at the end....Sit back relax and enjoy this episode with Ariel Rivera.

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Dillon Reed- getting out of the Sea of Sameness

Heath Shearon — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor sits down with his good friend Dillon Reed of Wundewrite. These two have a fantastic conversation . They take a walk down memory lane and get into his story and then dive into some conversations around producing, building niches , recruiting new talent, and getting out of the sea of sameness!!!

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Mayor Solo: The Not So Secret Success Tips for Agent

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0600

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Therese Potter & the Mayor talk New Business Processes

Heath Shearon — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0600

This weeks episode is a little Different, The Mayor and his friend Therese Potter talk about the new business process and give a little sneak peak into what the team over at APP has been working on. Therese Potter is the operations and training coordinator over at Agency Performance Partners but also has over a decade of experience managing multi location agencies and has a lot of value to add to this conversation. They break down the process and then do a role play scenerio that is both fun, and educational and the Mayor wouldnt let me edit out the blooper in there , it is quite funny.

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Brett Fulmer- Broker Brett Squirrels out with the Mayor

Heath Shearon — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 06:42:12 -0600

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Mayor Solo !! - Smart Goals

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0600

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Tracy Cotton- Build a Better Bucket List Challenge

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0600

This week's episode was a fun holiday episode with Tracy Cotton

Tolga Tezal!- Getting Trendy

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0600

I am so happy to have some of the best sponsors in the business :
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Michael Weaver - mindset conversation - game changer

Heath Shearon — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0600

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Reghan Brandt- Throwback Episode with the REGDOG21

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode me and my good friend Reghan Brandt , of LRP, The Loss Run Pros sat down and had a super fun conversation about this incredible industry we all work in. We “solved all the worlds problems” as the old saying goes.We started off on a walk down memory lane to learn more about her incredible entrepreneurial story and then discussed the industry and how to attract more people to our industry , they even launched their own tik tok careers from This episode !

We had a lot of fun and I think Even more importantly rovided a lot of good content on this. You gotta just sit back relax and check this one out! It’s super fun

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Jim Schubert- The Power of Story Telling

Heath Shearon — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, the Mayor sits down with the Ceo of Southern States Inurance Agency, Jim Schubert. He and Mayor are good friends and it shows in this episode , lots of fun banter here and incredible content too. We hope you make some time to listen , laugh and Learn with us on this extended episode on Insurance Town!!
These two talk in depth about Hiring and training staff, they get into story telling and the impact that it has on sales. Jim is in the process of writing the book on story telling literally! They also have fun talking about their celeberity Look a likes!!

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David Wilson & Oliver Travieso - Talking Commercial Insurance W/ Smart Choice

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0600

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Frank Sentner- The God Father of Insure Tech shares so much Wisdom!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode , Frank Sentner, The God Father of insurtech came to Visit insurance Town! The Mayor and him had a great conversation about the technology in our industry how it has changed , how he loves working with start ups and new entrepreneurs!

He also gives us some great advice along the way. He gives advice to agents, carriers , and also entrepreneurs out there looking to improve !! Sit back relax and enjoy this fun episode!

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Dustyne Bryant - Account Managers are sales people too !!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode , the Mayor sits down and has a phenomenal conversation with good friend and neighbor , Dustyne Bryant ! These two are hamming it up in this one. Lots of laughter but also lots of good content they do discuss umbrella tips and tricks , they discusss flood insurance and listen in as the Mayor triggers Dustyne and they have a heated convo about Account managers and outside sales. Dustyne fills us all in on whats goin on at the National Alliance and Akward Insurance Podcast.

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Mayor Solo- Mail Bag episode- What is the biggest mistake sales people make

Heath Shearon — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 11:31:48 -0500

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Wayne Shearon- "Plan your Work and Work your Plan"

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 06:30:00 -0500

Nick Berry - the best way to deliver content to your customer

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the mayor sits down with his boy Nick Berry and they have a fun conversation about marketing, and how to get your content out in front of your prospects or clients !
This is a must listen we take a walk down memory lane , we talk about marketing and the top 2 ways he says to deliver content !
We also talk about the tips and strategies to best using your agency management systems & crm. What to look for in a CRM what to look for in a AMS!

Sit back relax and enjoy this episode with Heath & Nick

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Bobbie Shrivistav- Talking Claims Experience , and Her company Benekiva

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this eposide the Mayor got to sit down with his new friend Bobbie Shrivistav of Benekiva, a major player on the claims arena. She shares her story and the two of them dive into the nuts and bolts of the company she started scratch and what it takes to be an entrepenuer in the insurance space. I had a lot of fun on this episode and even lost track of time a little bit. But if you belieive in Customer Expereince and the important of a role that claims plays in that customer experience, then you will want to hear this one.

Sponsors :
Smart Choice
cover desk
Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect

Dani Kimble - So many gold Nuggets in this one Periodt

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this Episode the Mayor sits down with his friend Dani Kimble, We have so much fun and great dialogue on this conversation on Marketing , Marketing tactics, Setiing Marketing goals and budgets based on Sales goals ! We talk social media, and you can see the mayor's love affair with tik tok etc
There are so many gold nuggets in this one, whether you’ve been in the business for 6 months, 6 years , or 60 years this episode has great marketing tips for you.

Episode Sponsors :
Smart Choice
Cover Desk
Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect

Bryan Ahearn- Influence and Pursuasion = NOT Manipulation

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0500

episode Sponsors
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Smart choice
Cover Desk
Agency Performance Partners

REPLAY: The Grind Series - Account Manager edition

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This episode is completely different , I was able to get my hands on a recording from
Earlier this year with the PIA of ARKANSAS, the Grind Series: account Manager edition. This recording is an amazing discussion facilitated by Staci Shearon.

The Panelist include 5 of the best in the business : Kelly Donahue Piro , Mary-Katherine Henderson , Wayla Ramsey, Amanda Dickey , and Sydney Hoffmans

Episode Sponsors :
Smart Choice
Coverdesk
Canopy Connect

Tony Canas- Insurance through the Generations

Heath Shearon — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor sits down with his good friend Tony Canas. These two have a fantastic conversation. It starts off with a heart warming story of him finding his long lost brother, and then we dive into insurance through the generations. Tony has done many studies throufhout the years on Millinniels in insuarance. Tony is Also a recruiter and loves discussing brining new blood into our industry.

Mayor Solo- networking , not working ?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor records a late night solo episode from a hotel room in Texas. Please forgive the Audio on this once. The Mayor does share some powerful information on networking and how to make networking work to your benefit in your prospecting efforts. Sit back and relax and enjoy this short solo episode.

Episode Sponors :

Agency Performance Partners
Smart Choice
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

Alan Dean - Commercial Insurance from a former client!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:11:43 -0500

In this episode, the Mayor sits down with his good friend and former client Alan Dean. The two of them discuss commercial insurance from the perspective of the client. Alan is the owner of Dean's Heating and Air in Arkansas, he is a small business owner , but is very active in his industry, his community , as well as his lifestyle. These two have a very lively conversation, full of laughter and lots of "gold Nuggets" as Heath Says.

Alan talks about the importance of not selling on price, he talks about finding something that set you apart as an agent, above and beyond just insurance and price. He talks about overcoming the local agent objective and how to go about that. He discusses cold calls and drops etc. Sit back Relax and enjoy this conversation amonst two friends.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk
Agency Performance Partners

Charles Pyfrom- its all about lol Cannabis Insurance today!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor has a very fun, Incredibly Informative Conversation with his new friend Charles Pyfrom of CannGen Insurance Services. We talk about all things Cannabis insurance. How to write it, what to say? How to say it. How to develop the niche, how to speak the language and so much more.

Micah Salas - The Hustle of growing your book

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the mayor sits down with his good friend and fantastic insurance producer, Micah Salas, of the Chritensen Group, in Austin Texas! In this episode they take a walk down memory lane and hear Micah's story of going from being "scared to sell" to dominating the sales game in the insurance industry. This conversation is so natural and so fun and its just two commercial Insurance guys talking shop and its a fun one to listen to. Sit back relax and enjoy this one.

Episode Sponsors :
SMart Choice
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APP
Coverdesk

Christina Munoz Madsen - Fanboy Episode

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week in Insurance Town the Mayor got to fanboy out a little bit . He interviewed a local celebrity and former local news Anchor in Little Rock. This week he has Christina Muñoz on the show. They talked about lots of fun , including tonality , marketing , social media and much much more !!

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect
Coverdesk

Kelly Donahue Piro- Commercial Insurance Roundtable discussion

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the mayor had a fun visit with Good Friend, colleague , show sponsor and BFF to agency owners all over the industry, Kelly Donahue Piro This is conversation about commercial insurance and how to prospect and we dive in to so many other things! It’s a short fun convo. Sit back relax and enjoy this one .

Sponsors :
Agency Performance Partners
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Coverdesk

Reghan Brandt - Tik Tok Taught Me

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the mayor and his good friend Reghan Brandt sat down and had a super fun conversation about this incredible industry we all work in. They “solved all the worlds problems” as the old saying goes.
They started off on a walk down memory lane to learn more about her incredible entrepreneurial story and then discussed the industry and how to attract more people to our industry , they even launched their own tik tok careers from
This episode !!

You gotta just sit back relax and check this one out! It’s super fun

Sponsors
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Agency Performance Partners
Cover Desk

Summer of Success- How to Handle Rate Increases

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this Episode, I release a conversation I had with the Champions of the Agency Intelligence Mastermind. What an incredible group of agents. Today in this podcast we discuss rate increase and how to handle those effectively. I cannot thank Jason and his team enough for inviting me to come in to the group and lead this conversation with them. Jason does such a great job leading this incredible mastermind.

I also want to say thank you to Cass and His team for allowing me the opportunity to pull back the curtain and let my citizens of Insurance Town in on this Summer of Success Series today. If you are interested in learning more please go to https://agencyintelligencemastermind.com and learn more about his mastermind.

If you are interested in signing up today click here and tell him the mayor sent ya from this episode and get ya a discount :)

This episode is Sponsored by:

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
CoverDesk
Agency Performance Partners

Shelly DeVore- Why you need a good regional carrier in your agency!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor sits down to good friend , Shelly DeVore!! Shelly is Vice President , Branch Manager of Columbia Insurance group, a local regional player out of Columbia Missouri. The conversation we have is a very timely and incredibly valuable conversation about carrier management , specifically small regional carriers. She answers some great questions and gives great advice to the citizens of Insurance Town!!

Shelly tells us what a good regional carrier brings to the table and what you should look for in a regional carrier. She also tells us what they look for in a good agency partner!! This is a super fun conversation, full of value and lots of laughs !!

Episide sponsors

Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Cover desk
Canopy Connect

Roundtable discussion about referral partnerships!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor had some good friends stop by the studio live and talk shop !! Jay Coates, Rabih Aboukeir, and Mark Hickman each bring a unique perspective on the referral relationship. We talk about what a good referral partner looks like. What a realtor and Mortgage loan officer look for in a good insurance agent. This is a fun conversation!!

This episode is sponsored by:
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

Davie Holt- Helping you make sense of Premium Financing

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor had the honor and privilege to sit down with his new friend Davie Holt!! Davie Holt is the National Sales Leader at Imperial PFS. These two light up the mic with passion for our industry. They talk about how to improve the E&S game by taking advantage of your premium finance partner. Davie answers the tough questions about what makes a good premium finance company and how to spot one and chose THE RIGHT ONE for your Agency!!

Davie also tells us what they are looking for in a good Agency Partner as welll , this episode is chalked full of incredible Value! Sit back relax and enjoy this one!

Episode Sponsors
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Agency Performance Partners
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

James Jenkins- "I want everything that I want, If I dont want it , I dont want it , but if I want it , I WANT IT "

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode , the Mayor, get to sit down with his good friend James Jenkins of Risk Well. He and James discuss the importance to staying true to who you are , and not settling on clients outside your ideal client profile. James also pulls the curtain back and shared a little of his strategy on this as well, along with a very valuable nugget there about being “the best” He talks about why that is stuck on his mind and his feelings about why it’s important to not try to be “the best” you gotta check it out to understand. Sit back relax and enjoy!!!

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk
Agency Performance Partners

Scott Webb- The Refluencer

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode the Mayor sat down with his friend Scott Webb to discuss the idea of being a “refluencer” We take a walk down memory lane and discover a lot of cool things about his guy! One of the things we dive into is this Idea of Refluencer where that came from what what it is. He talks alot in this epoisode about the relationship~~ He beleives that more emphasis should be on the relatiponship that that of the price, or the process, or whatever monetary value you put on that. Scott and I also talk about why he thinks so many people are leaving money on the table.

Episide Sponsors

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk
Agnecy Performance Partners

Tammie Darter- E&S Business Done Right

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this Episode the Mayor sits down with good friend, award winning Underwriter Tammie Darter, These two have a great conversation, centered around the Excess and Surplus lines, she talks to us about a true submission and what that looks like and how to craft the perfect submission. She also talks about what to look for in a good MGA or Broker. Tammie also talks to us about operating ethically and with a mindset of abundance and not scarcity .

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Cover Desk
Agency Performance partners
Canopy Connect

BRANDI ANDERSON- Insurance, A foreign language?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 26 May 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode the Mayor sits down with one of his closest and dearest friends: educator and Insurance extrodinaire , Brandi Anderson. These two have been friends for nearly 20 years. They geek out on several interesting topics and even have a few fun debates along the way.
She sees insurance as its own language , and thats not always a good thing, we may speak too much insurance language that its could be getting in the way of a sale, or impeding the training process or just causing confusion for the common consumer. Brandi and Mayor have a fun debate about the future of insurance and even dispell a common myth out there in our industry .

Sponsored by:
Smart Choice
Agency Perfomance Partners.
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

The Mayor Solo: Consistency

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 May 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This weeks episode is all about consistency. I learned something early on in my career that has stuck with me and I wanted to share a few thoughts on the subject of Consistency and discipline.

Troy Korsgaden- This guy ...Still one of the Coolest guys in our industry!!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 12 May 2022 06:16:56 -0500

In this episode , the Mayor sits down with his good friend , Troy Kordgaden, These two talk about all kinds of good stuff. They take a quick walk down memory lane, these two dive into handling rate increases, inflation, how to have that conversation and they have a fun conversation in regards to customer experience.

The two of them geek out on all kinds of fun conversations, from carrier experiences, agency experiences, to consulting experiences. He’s been super successful but also shared about some lessons he’s lear Ed from His mistakes along the way too Sit back relax and enjoy this one, I even enjoyed editing this one!

Episode Sponsors
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Agency Performance Partners
CoverDesk
Canopy Connect

Brad Toms- Saving Cats and Slinging Insurance

Heath Shearon — Thu, 05 May 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks Episode, the Mayor got to sit down with his good friend in Brad Toms, and learn what its like transistioning from fire fighter to Insurance Salesman and all the tips hes learned to help him be successfull and be on a reality show already this early in his career.

Thank you to my Sponsors
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

MAYOR SOLO! Mailbag Episode

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor opens up the Mail bag and answers one of the most frequently asked questions in his inbox. We talk today about how to become a value add to your agents, to your customers, and even your prospects.

Sponsor
smart Choice
Agency performance Partners
Coverdesk
Canopy Connect

Mitch Gibson- HRM Insurance

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor sits down with Mitch Gibson of HRM Insurance. Mitch Gibson opens up about growing a book of business at a young age , building referral Partnerships, building Niches and so much more. Mitch has become a force to be reckoned with in this industry. He’s not only a great insurance professional, but also an incredible father and friend.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover desk
APP

Alan Stein Jr.- You gotta hear this

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Alan Stein Jr stops by Insurance town to give us an interview unlike any other , you have ever heard!! TRUE STORY. You HAVE GOT to check it out!!!!

Kelly Donahue Piro- Time Management Moving from Busy to Productive

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode Kelly Donahue Piro stops by again to visit with us about Time Management stratagies that if implemented will work in your agency. We also walk through my journey of get organized and working through these strategies myself and how it has changed my life and helped me so much. WE talk about how to move from busy to productive and how that will move you from a good producer to a great producer, a best in class producer.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Ben Skidmore- Adding More Value to Auto Insurance

Heath Shearon — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:02:03 -0500

In this episode the mayor sits down with Ben Skidmore of Clearcover and they discuss an independent insurance agency study that was a conducted by them and his findings and how clearcover is changing the game for Personal Auto.

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Agency Performance Partners
Cover desk

Ryan Deeds- Better than Blue Jeans on Friday!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:30:00 -0500

In this Episode , Ryan Deeds stops into town to visit with the Mayor. The two of them get real and talk about family, they talk Sales, they talk about life in the insurance industry pre-Covid verses insurance industry Post Covid, and how to build culture in a virtual world, how to sell in this world. They talk about these topics and many others.

Episode Sponors:
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Ryan Mayfield - Enneagram Remix!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor puts together a REMIX episode from his 2 episodes Ryan Mayfield of EVRGRN ! The enneagram is such a powerful tool , and is one that I personally am fascinated with. Check this episode out.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Having Fun in Insurance- My conversation with P&C 360

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0600

This week Mayor decided to launch an interview that he had with Property & Casualty 360 for an article that highlights and discusses having Fun in our industry. They had a good time and it just made sense to release it today as an episode on Insurance Town. \

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Agency Performance Partners
Cover Desk

Brad Ruben - From Cyber to Agency management systems to Ratio of Peanut Butter to Jelly

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the mayor sits down with new friend Brad Ruben of Archway Computers . He’s probably coolest computer guy I know. These two talk about all kinds of topics ranging from cyber security to agency Management Systems to Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches !!

That a fun conversation. Brad and Archway computers does 3 things : Security and Compliance , a 7 day a week help desk, and also they do technology consulting. Brad has a pretty awesome Blog called Brad’s Blog, where he talks about all kinds of cool stuff.

Episode Sponsors
SMART CHOICE
Agency Perfomance Partners
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Dr. Billy Williams- Dont forget the way home !

Heath Shearon — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0600

This week the mayor sat down with Dr Billy Williams and the two of them discussed “home” as it pertains to your agency.
We discuss the ideas around what it looks in your agency to be home. He talks about how , no matter what obstacles come in the way. You will always try to get home. Home is the goals you set, the expectations you set for for your self, home is standards in which you have , etc.
Sponsors
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

Sarah Muniz- Undiscovered Voices

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0600

In this Episode the Mayor sits down with Sarah Muniz, the author Undiscovered Voices, unlocking the potential of women in Insurance. She comes in to the show gives us an intimate behind the scenes style look in to her story. Sarah shares about her struggles as a female in this industry early on in her career. We then discuss her thoughts behind the Talent crises in our industry.
Her book , Undiscovered Voices, is a collection of stories of females in our industry. This book asks the question of what if the answer to the talent crisis was right in front of our faces. She says it’s not about bringing new talent in, rather promoting the talent we already have .

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover desk
Agency Performance Partners

Dez Clark- Principles of Winning

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0600

This week the Mayor sat down with former NFL player and current Motivational speaker, Desmond Clark. Dez had a very successful 12 year Professional Football career in the NFL most notably with the Chicago Bears. Now you will you find him sharing what he has learned throughout his life on and off the field as a mentor, coach and motivational speaker. Whether it was struggling with poverty as a child, competing against the best-of-the-best athletes in the NFL, or starting a career as an entrepreneur, Desmond has always been committed to winning. As he's been on his journey, he's been taking notes regarding what it takes to win....... CONSISITENTLY

In this conversation, We discuss his best selling book, Principles of Winning: 5 Keys to Create a Standard of Excellence he walks us through these steps and discusses what it means to be a leader .

Insurance Town Sponsors :
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Holly Linder- Building Relationships One Post at a time

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0600

In this Episode , the Mayor sits down with his Friend Holly Linder and these two have a great time talking about her career as an account manager and how she uses Social Media every day to bring in new customers, increase retention and improve brand awareness. She loves all things marketing , relationships and insurance!!

She gives us her play book for using social media marketing to grow revenue and increase brand awareness, and she is a ball of energy along the way.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect
Coverdesk

Subcast : Chase Shearon Interviews Joe Bailey

Heath Shearon — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 06:21:05 -0600

This is the 2nd Episode of the CHASE SHEARON SUBCAST! Where Chase Shearon, interviews long time friend and agency owner Joe Bailey of Bailey Insurance and Arkansas First Choice Insurance. These two have a fun conversation and we get a "glimpse" into the Life of Joe Bailey.

Jon Cooper - Talking about his Overalls

Heath Shearon — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0600

This week the Mayor got to sit down with his Friend Jon Cooper, a serial entrepreneur and long time Insurtechie. He was the co founder and CEO of Life.Io and sold it and began his new venture in the insurtech space OVERALLS. Building great teams, unleashing talent, and using technology and innovation to challenge the status quo is what gets him going every day. This is a fun discussion about adding more value to not only your clients but also your agency, along with adding revenue to the agency, and improving the customer experience.

TITLE SPONSOR: SMART CHOICE

Episode Sponsors

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Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect

Casey Nelson- Getting your Stak undercontrol with Stakwise

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0600

This week the mayor got to sit down with his good friend Casey Nelson , founder and CEO of Stakwise.
They had a fun conversation about the industry and agencies technology and how important getting your tech stack under control is. Casey is a great guy and this conversation is fantastic as well.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Agency Performance Partners
Coverdesk

Subcast- Chase Shearon interviews Sydney Hoffmans

Heath Shearon — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor's brother takes over as he releases his first ever subcast, and the first ever subcast of the Insurance Town Podcast. Chase Shearon has a vision to interview local Insurance agents to Arkansas and surrounding areas. This week he sits down with Sydney Hoffmans of iTrust Insurance in Little Rock Arkansas.

Pete Mohr- Simplifying Entrepenuership

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the mayor sits down with, Pete Mohr. Pete Mohr is an entrepreneur who loves to help out entrepreneurs. He’s even writing a book that discusses his 5 P’s of successful entrepreneurship. This is a super fun conversation, Pete owns a shoe store called Shoetopia, and a business called Simplified Entrepeneurship.

At Simplifying Entrepreneurship, he’s created tools, workshops and coaching programs that help provide business owners with clarity, confidence and community helping them succeed in their personal and professional lives

Brian Edelman- Cyber Conversation with FCI Cyber

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0600

This week the Mayor got to sit down with Brian Edelman at Insuretech Connect 2021 live and have a great conversation with him about cyber insurance.

Sponsors
Canopy Connect
Smart Choice
Agency Performance Partners
Cover Desk

Ty Harris- Talking Openly, from Poker to Insurtech

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor was got the opportunity to sit down with new friend Ty Harris from
Openly! Openly is leading the way for so many other insurtech carriers. Ty and the Mayor talk everything from Poker to Insurtech and so many other cool topics.

Ty breaks down Openly in a fun way and talks about the 50/50 blend of insurtech and traditional carrier . He talks about the cool features that Openly has and even talks a little about the future of the company and where they are going next.

Episode sponsors
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Agency performance partners
Cover Desk

EPISODE 100!! w/ Special Guest Syd Roe

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0600

Episode 100!!! WOW we made it Citizens !! how cool is this? I love each and every one of you guys. This episode is incredibly special . not only because of you my audience. but also my sponsors, and my incredible guest today!! SYD ROE! i love her so much. she is a sister to me, an inspiration and someone i love talking to. she did episode 1 and now i had to have her on episode 100.
We talk about all kinds of cool stuff, we get into her thoughts on a lot of different topics
2022 the year of connectivity
Where Agency Management systems are today
Data Lakes
integrations
triathalons and so much more!!!

Charles Specht- Helping Insurance Agents Win Loyal Clients and Build a $1,000,000 Book

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0600

This week the mayor sat down with his good friend Charles Specht. Charles is a Former producer turned Consultant, he’s also a keynote speaker, podcast host and oh yeah a minister too. These two had a great conversation beginning with a walk down memory lane. they talked about his story, they talked about his ministry, and the way he’s helping not only insureds but also other insurance agents win using the AOR .

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Coverdesk
Agency Performance Partners
Canopy Connect

Jonathon Simmons & Casey Hege- Utilizing Technology In Your Agency

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0600

This week the Mayor had the opportunity to sit down with his new friends over at SALT: Jonathon Simmons and Casey Hege. They talk about utilizing technology in your agency. Casey comes from an agency back ground and Jonathon comes from a technology background this is a great conversation. We also discuss each of their stories and how they ended up where they are now.

Steve Brossman- Stand Out from the Crowd

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode , the Mayor sat down with his buddy Steve Brossman from Australia. Steve is known as the 'Authority
Catalyst' and we talk about how to become the leader in your market, FAST. With 30 years helping businesses stand out in their market, speaking
to people in 15 countries to some of the
worlds' leading business experts, he’s also a best selling author and just all around good dude.

Here is a copy of the back pockets guide to virtual selling
https://bit.ly/3Ic7aeN

Show sponsors
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canopy Connect
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Cover desk

Lindsday Corran - ITC episode

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor sits down with good buddy Lindsay Corran of Geovera, at InsureTech in Las Vegas. They talk about everything from her experiences at ITC, her story (which is great) , to what GeoVera is up to these days

Sponsors
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Agency Performance Partners

Kelly Donahue Piro- All Access Exclusive Behind the scenes Interview

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode , the Mayor has exclusive access and permission to ask whatever he wants! This episode is less about insurance and more about Kelly Donahue Piro’s Story. It’s a lot of fun and they get pretty serious at times as well. Kelly is a very focused and incredibly successful business owner I’m our space. She has a passion for our industry and loves working with her clients everyday. Throughout the episode you will catch some incredible nuggets that you will learn from.

Episode sponsor :
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk
Agency Performance Partners

Stacie King - The Wobbly Girl

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:45:42 -0600

In this episode the Mayor got to sit down with his good friend Stacie King. You know her from her work with Agency Nation. She has her own company called Stacie King and Company. She is a champion of all things Social Media and a Cheerleader for digital communication and marketing.
Stacie and the Mayor had a great conversation about all things social media and Marketing and then quickly the conversation got real, it got transparent and we get to hear a very personal and a very inspiring an emotional story that brings the mayor to tears and is so powerful. This conversation is one that should bring hope and bring encouragement to the citizens of Insurance Town.

Episode Sponsors :
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ITC Bonus episode featuring Special Guest Nichole Myers of Swiss Re

Heath Shearon — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:55:00 -0600

Throughout the next couple of months here in Insurance Town we will be releasing a series of Bonus Episodes from the Mayor's Awesome adventures out in Las Vegas at this years Insuretech Connect conference 2021. This weeks special guests is Nichole Meyers of SwissRe

Nichole Myers is Senior Vice President and Propositions Lead for the Americas. In her role she works with insurance carriers to find innovative custom solutions through underwriting technology, data optimization and process improvements. Prior to this role at Swiss Re, Nichole worked with MIB Inc, to launch of their Electronic Health Record initiative in the US market. Her background is in Life Underwriting, she holds her FALU, FLMI, ARA and AIRC designations. In this Episode we talk about the changes in our industry with regard to Underwriting and her thoughts on this topic and Change Management.

Andrew Wynn- Changing the Game with Ascend

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sat down with his buddy Andrew Wynn of Ascend. These two had a great conversation about how Andrew has a desire to change the game for Agents when it comes to payments commissions etc.

we started off on a walk down memory lane , where we got in to his past and how he got to where he is today , We talked about his time at Instacart and how that shaped his thoughts and alot of how he approaches the customer experience. we discussed the CX before discusing his time at Sheltr abd Hippo, which lead to today and his company Ascend. what a great compamy and conversation

Episode Sponsors
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ITC BONUS EPISODE W/ Today's Guests John Fohr & Alicia Sandlin from TRUST LAYER

Heath Shearon — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Throughout the next couple of months here in Insurance Town we will be releasing a series of Bonus Episodes from the Mayor’s Awesome adventures out in Las Vegas at this years Insuretech Connect conference 2021. This weeks special guests come from a company called Trust Layer!
John Fohr is the visionary leader behind the concept and the brand . Alicia is the director is Strategic Initiative and both have a so much say

Sydney Hedberg & Isabelle Repinski- Attracting Talent in our industry

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:30:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor had the honor and privilege to visit with two bright young minds in our industry. Sydney Hedberg and Isabelle Repinski Both of these ladies come from large brokers in Marsh & Mclennan and Lockton Companies. They have so much to share with us on the topic of attracting young talent into our industry. These two insurance professionals are so wise beyond their young years and it shows in this industry. They share some great insights and give some great advice to you the audience on recruiting and creating culture. We laugh a lot and have a great time as well.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
CoverDesk

Thank You Agency Nation for introducing me and inviting me to be a part of all the excitement going on with them. sign up for Elevate 2021 its free to Big I members!!

ITC BONUS EPISODE W/ Today's Guests Lisa & Sue from XcelABLE

Heath Shearon — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

This was a fun conversation about their company and workers comp, return to work programs , ITC . Technology and some super fun stuff regarding XcelABLE .

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

John Bachman

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0500

The mayor got to sit down with second-time guest John Bachmann!!!!! We had such a great time on this episode ! We talked about his new books , we quoted lots of movies and tv shows and laughed a lot. However we also talked a lot about everything from sales, marketing, claims, and one of my favorite topics , networking and building relationships. John is one of my favorite people in this industry and when you hear this episode you can see why!

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

ITC BONUS SERIES! W/ Today's Guest Rob Tate

Heath Shearon — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 06:18:25 -0500

Throughout the next couple of months here in Insurance Town we will be releasing a series of Bonus episodes from the Mayor's Adventures out in Las Vegas at this year Insuretech Connect Conference 2021. This weeks Special Guest is my Man Rob Tate with Jornaya. This is a Company that I saw everywhere at the conference, they even sponsored the wifi. Jornaya helps you to know when your customer's are shopping you and helps you with the overall customer experience.

This episode is a lot of Fun , we talk about his journey, your customers journey. The customer Experience.

Remember this episode was recorded live; Thank you for your patience with some of the sound quality! The Mayor loves you and appreciates your support

Episode Sponsors :
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Peter MacDonald- bringing wonder back to insurance

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor sat down with CEO and Founder of Wunderite , Peter MacDonald. We have such a phenomenal conversation about everything from Education to how to get that perfect top of stack Submission!!!
We travel down memory lane and discover a lot of similarities, we laugh a lot about various topics, and we learn a lot about various topics. That top of stack submission is crucial to writing more commercial business and my man here has a created a company to help you do just that.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

ITC BONUS SERIES ! W/ todays guest Michael Reth

Heath Shearon — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Throughout the next couple months here in Insurance Town we will be releasing a series of Bonus episodes from the Mayors adventures out in Vegas at this years InsureTech Connect 2021. This weeks Special Guest is Michael Reth from Axiom Connected. They are a digital-first company with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the automotive finance & insurance industries to help you improve your customer experience.
In this conversation today we talked about his experience at ITC, we discussed the waranty business, and how there is an opportunity for Insurance Agents to capitalize on that and AXIOM Connected is the vehicle they are providing you for that opportunity. we also discuss his advice in this arena and why you should connect with him and his wonderful team.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Coverdesk

Devon Bates - Mergers and Acquisitions

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor sat down with good buddy Devon Bates of Oak Street Funding and talked M&A’s. Devon took a walk down memory lane with me , we then talked about mergers and Acquisitions, she gave great advice , we talked about all things aquisitions on this episode.

STACEY BROWN RANDALL- Referral Ninja

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor got the privilege in sitting down with friend, author, referral Ninja, and 2nd time guest on the program MRS. Stacey Brown Randall.

Luis Pino- Bringing some Culture to Insurance Town

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This Week In Insurance Town, The Mayor got to sit down with Luis Pino, from Agentero. They have start off with a walk down memory lane, and how Luis got into the insurance business, and he talks about being Employee number one at Cover Wallet and all the things he learned from that experience and how he took that with him to Agentero. This is a man who speaks 6 languages and super intelligent , bringing tons of culture to Insurance Town. We have lots of laughs and tons of fun on this episode!!!!!!

Patrick Quigley- A new look on property insurance

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor sits down with his friend, Patrick Quigley of Nearmap. The two of them take a walk down memory lane and discuss how Patrick got to where he is today as the Executive Vice President of Nearmap. They also discuss property Insurance in a whole new way using incredible new technology and (he hopes)changing the way we do business.
He and the mayor speak directly to agents about what real time mapping does for them , and directly to cariers of how this effects them, they address claims reps, loss control folks. This episode is sponsored by some amazing sponsors:

Smart Choice Agents
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Insuretech Connect - IF you want to get your discount please click here

Derek Hayden - #V4D

Heath Shearon — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 07:05:26 -0500

This week the Mayor got to sit down with Protege finalist Derek Hayden.He was a candidate from the hit reality show in insurance , the Protege! Derek Hayden is a finalist for the show and should be announced as the winner ! Heath interviewed him prior to the announcement and they have a super fun conversation about what he has learned over the past year in commercial insurance. Derek is also a benefits expert and so many other things ! Check this conversation out !!

Show Sponsors
Smart Choice Agents
Canopy Connect
Cover desk

Also dont forget to check out InsureTech Connect ITC Vegas is the world's largest #insurtech event AND You get a discounted rate for being a citizen of Insurance Town >https://lnkd.in/eQp-SAvc <--

Jay Weintraub-Insuretech Connect

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 01:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor got to sit down with the co-founder and CEO of Insuretech Connect. Jay Weintraub and Heath take a walk down memory lane, and that takes them to a great conversation about lead gen, Insurtech and his incredible journey to creating the one of industries largest Insurance events in the country.

Episode sponsors
smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Katlyn Eggar- Incredible Content discovered in the Insurance Town Lost & Found

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Over a year ago , to the day, The Mayor recorded this episode with Katlyn Eggar. Some how this episode never got released ... UNTIL NOW! WE are so excited about releasing this episode. This will be the 2nd time Katlyn has been on the show, third if you count the Town Hall Meeting , that she and Justin co-Hosted with Heath. The Two of them had a great conversation, Following up to the episode she was originally on. This time they dive in to best practices on retention, and process and procedures surrounding the renewal process. They once again talk about leads vs Referrals and have a great Conversation involving Content Marketing. Lots of Meat and Tators on this episode.

Bonus: The Hurricane Ida Episode W/ The Flood Guru and the Merman!!!

Heath Shearon — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0500

In this Bonus Episode , After the disaster that was Hurricane Ida, The Mayor sits down with His good Friends , Ariel Rivera and Chris Greene. These two are experts and both have first hand experience with natural disasters. They discuss The aftermath of Hurricane Ida, Disaster preparedness, disaster relief and so much more.

Chris and Ariel share their experiences with us personally and share tips and strategies for navigating your clients and your agency through a natural disaster.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice Agents
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Also don’t forget about Insuretech Connect ! If you haven’t signed up yet click here for your discount!

Lauren Winans- Attracting and Keeping talent in our space

Heath Shearon — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor got to sit down with his friend Lauren Winans. She is the owner of Next Level Benefits. She is an HR consultant. These two discuss so many cool topics, from how to attract and keep young talent in our industry. They also switch gears and put on their producer or agency owner hat and discuss prospecting from an HR Standoint and how to prospect using HR as a lead in.

Show Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Coverdesk

Insuretech Connect - <— click here to sign up

Patience Noah - From Beauty Queen to Insurance Domination

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sat down with former Beauty pageant winner and now Insurance agency owner, Patience Noah!! She and Heath have such a great conversation about all the lessons she has learned , and how she focuses on educating her clients. She also speaks to her generation of millennials and gives some great advice .

Episode Sponsors :
Smart Choice
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

Also if you haven’t signed up for ITC !! Or learned more about it click the link here and check it out

https://partner.insuretechconnect.com/2021-Insurance-Town-Podcast

Andy Priesman-Growing a Scratch Agency

Heath Shearon — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0500

In this Episode The Mayor sits down with Andy Priesman, not only is he a good friend but also Wonderful Sponsor of the show. Andy is the owner of Cover Desk but also the owner of a very successful multi-location agency he began from scratch. In this episode we talk about how he grew his agency from
Scratch. We wrap up discussing Cover desk and the importance of virtual assistants in your agency.

Episode Sponsors:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Tracy Cotton- The 'Nooga New gal

Heath Shearon — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor had the privilege to talk to Tracy Cotton, the 'nooga New Gal. She and the Mayor talk about all kinds of fun stuff, from developing your brand, to niche marketing. Tracy and Heath have a great conversation.

Also dont forget to check out ITC. ITC Vegas is the world's largest insurtech event - offering unparalleled access to the most comprehensive and global gathering of tech entrepreneurs, investors, and insurance industry incumbents. AND You get a discounted rate for being a citizen of Insurance Town. https://partner.insuretechconnect.com/2021-Insurance-Town-Podcast <-- click here for more details

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Dan Abrahamsen&Bridget Zoller - CoverWhale

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor had two of his new buddies on the show Dan Abrahamsen & Bridget Zoller They discussed the trucking industry and what it means to have smart trucking insurance. The three of them also discuss the importance of loss control, dash cams, and the company that Dan Abrahamsen and his team have created in Coverwhale.
Coverwhale is a company the is rapidly gaining ground in the trucking insurance space. Listen in as they share more about what sets them apart from
The competition.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Caribou Honig - The Man Who Wears Many Hats

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sat down with new friend, Caribou Honig, Venture Capitalist & Chairman and Cofounder of InsureTech Connect, a company that holds the world’s largest insurtech ex inference in the world. It is also known as ITC. They provide a place for entrepreneurs, reinsurance companies, investors, and other members of our industry to come
Together in one place and network. Caribou and Heath have an incredible conversation surrounding the insurance tech space and where the future lies.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Coverdesk

The Grind Series - Account Manager edition

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0500

The Panelist include 5 of the best in the business : Kelly Donahue Piro , Mary-Katherine Henderson , Wayla Ramsey, Amanda Dickey , and Sydney Hoffmans

Episode Sponsors :
Smart Choice
Coverdesk
Canopy Connect

Wes Becknell- Embracing the next generation of Insurance Professionals

Heath Shearon — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 16:06:00 -0500

In this episode, the mayor sits down with long-time friend and mentor to many, Wes Becknell. These two reminisce about the old days, they discuss the importance of embracing and ushering in the next generation of insurance professionals. Heath and Wes get into some fun conversations about just being a good human being, before finally wrapping up discussing what’s new with Wes and his newest ventures in the industry.

Today’s Proud Sponsors
Cover Desk
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect

Town Hall Meeting - w/ Justin and Katlyn Eggar

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This episode is our prerecorded Town Hall with Justin and Katlyn Eggar. We had a great conversation with lots of incredible questions from many of you that joined the live call! In case you missed the live meeting . I wanted you to hear it live right here in INSURANCE TOWN PODCAST!

Episode sponsors
Smart Choice
Cover Desk
Canopy Connect

Aaron Gordon - Cross Generational Selling

Heath Shearon — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode The mayor sits down with good buddy and insurance rock star, Aaron Gordon. They talk about being second generation insurance professionals and selling across multiple generations. From baby boomers to millennials to the next one coming up.

They also talk relationships in this industry , old school v new school and technology etc .

Thank you to our sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Brett Young- “Figuring It Out”

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sat down with his good buddy Brett Young. They have a great chat about so much incredible stuff, beginning with his story and the agency story. They get into developing niches , they talk about culture in agency, working in a hard market in Florida. .

John Bachmann- The Customer Experience

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sat down with his good buddy John Bauchman. These two have a great conversation about the Customer Experience. The processes you need to have in place to improve your experiences with your customers. They cover the claims experience , they discuss
Reviews , and so much more

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

BONUS Episode: Lorenzo Di Tonti

Heath Shearon — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0500

In this BONUS episode the Mayor sits down with Lorenzo Di Tonti to discuss his new book, called "Flushy: A Tale of Corporate Satire in the Insurance Industry" This was a fun conversation about the author and the journey of creating this book. We discuss the thought process behind the book, how he came up with the idea, the characters in the book , and the lessons he learned writing the book and lessons he hopes the readers learn in reading his book.

Dale Steinke- Building your Brand/Authority Online!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor sat down with Dale Steinke from Liberty Mutual & Safeco Insurance. They have a Fun conversation about marketing , building your agency’s brand, your authority, using video, etc. Dale is so passionate about our industry and it shows . Safeco has several programs that were created to help our industry, to help agencies grow , programs like Bricks & Clicks, Agent for the Future , Agent Giving and we get to hear about those in this episode.

Thank you to the Sponsors of Insurance Town and this Episode:
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Broker Brett- talking shop

Heath Shearon — Thu, 27 May 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week The mayor sits down with, Brett Fulmer, otherwise known as broker Brett. This is two man with ADHD talking shop. They talk everything from insured tech, to life insurance to start up companies and everything in between.

With the experience and wealth of knowledge Brett has , you are guaranteed to get something out of this one.

Cal Durland- get more out of Ivans

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 May 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor sat down with Cal Durland, Interface Optimization Director at Ivan’s and a group Director with Auggie She and the Mayor talk about Ivan’s, and how so many agents are missing half of their downloads and don’t even know it. It’s time to step up your game with Ivan’s and Cal wants to show you how.

Episode Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Ted and Arleen Taveras

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 May 2021 06:00:00 -0500

The mayor had so much fun on this one ! He was able to interview the one and only, Ted and Arleen Taveras. They talked about so many cool topics. They talked about company culture They got into living in Puerto Rico durring Hurricanes, and then talked about LinkedIn and gave some strong tips and strategies around LinkedIn.

Town Hall Meeting- Andy Mathisen

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 May 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Insurance Town Hall Meeting release with my man Andy Mathisen. We learn how he took his mom and pop agency from 5 million to 100,000 million in a short period of time. Super impressive, and on top of that he has began an incredible tech company with his brother in Glove Box. Check this out and learn more about all these things and more

Sponsors
Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk

Mick Hunt - Be Committed to the Process

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sat down with his friend Mick Hunt. The two of them had a fun conversation about lots of important topics. Mick took his walk down memory lane with Heath, they also discussed how he scaled from scratch to 3 million in revenue at a rapid pace, and then they discussed processes , associations, strategy. And so much more. With so much love for the industry between these two the conversation is chalked full of passion and excitement . Strap on your seatbelt for this one folks. Episode Sponsors- Smart Choice Canopy Connect Cover Desk

Selah Hirsch - highly caffeinated and fully loaded with passion for Branding

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor sits down with Selah Hirsch, Branding genius, owner of Express My Brand. Selah is highly caffeinated and fully loaded with passion for all things branding! Heath and Selah dive into some incredible branding ideas and she lights the mic on fire with some great tips and tricks and ideas for your insurance agency. Don’t miss this episode.

Heath Shearon- The Mayor solo

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0500

The Mayor solo: this episode is special because it started off as the Mayor recording an intro for a different episode and turned into him sharing his heart. Maybe a little rambling at times but it was sharing his heart nonetheless. He talks about why the mayor, why insurance town. He talk about his love for this industry , for you his citizens, and for the guests had on the show.
He then spends some time recapping his first year as a podcast host, and talks about his awesome sponsors!
Canopy Connect
Cover Desk
Smart Choice

Dr. Billy Williams- Town Hall Meeting

Heath Shearon — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week I am proudly releasing our 3rd Town hall meeting of 2021 with special guest Dr. Billy Williams!! You will hear so many gold Nuggets dropped out of his mouth in this episode. We have an awesome conversation and q&a session with Dr. Billy Williams .

Dr Billy Williams , does Dr Billy Williams things on this one . He talks about agency standards, he gives us his S4TS. We talk about spot checking etc etc . You will wanna listen to this one twice

Episode sponsors - Canopy Connect your one click solution to getting those Dec pages needed to quote your prospect.
Cover Desk- a win-win to help grow your business. With virtual assistants, you eliminate the burden of administrative tasks and lower your overhead costs

Chris Evins - Knowing your Role and owning it

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0500

The Mayor sat down with Chris Evins of Evins Insurance. He is the embodiment of the hustler! This guy never stops improving. In this episode you will hear his story of getting in the business his journey to becoming listed in the HOT 100 insurance agents in the country. He was top of his class in the pacesetters program, agent of the year with PIA, and a body builder, tennis champion, and the list goes on and on...

We have an incredible conversation about commercial insurance and what makes him successful he’s Just a straight up beast when it comes to selling! He’s so successful inside the office , outside the office , with his family, in his community he’s good friend of mine and I’m excited to release this one.

Peter Teresi- Talking all things Certs

Heath Shearon — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor Sits down with Peter Terasi of Certificial in a special Bonus Episode. We hear his story and how he came from Accord and saw a need and decided to do something about it. He created Certificial. This is game changing stuff to save time , energy, money and help you become more efficient and become a biggger asset to your clients.

Troy Korsgaden- One of the coolest guys in our industry!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor sits down with Troy Korsgaden. He is an insurance industry Legend and simply one of the coolest guys The Mayor has ever visited with on this show. You will hear Troy’s story from day 1 till present day, you will hear about thoughts on technology, on distribution, and you will hear about his new book Inflection Point.

Aaron Steffey- Fisher Price explanation of Bonds

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sits down with Aaron Steffey co-founder of Propeller Bonds . We discuss a topic in insurance that is scary to most agencies. This is a topic that is scary because a lot of agents are not educated in Bonds, or they don’t have access to the tools they need to better serve their customers bonding needs.
In this episode we discuss his story of getting in the insurance Industry, and specifically the Bonding side of things . He breaks it down in a language we can all understand

Dawnyel Smink- There’s Power in Numbers

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0600

This week the mayor sat down with Canyon Lands Insurance President Dawnyel Smink. To Discuss all things groups. Working with groups, clusters, aggregators , networks and all other types of groups . She breaks it all down and gives you the pros and cons

Town Hall Meeting w/ Bradley Flowers

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0600

Insurance Town Hall Meeting hosted by the mayor Heath Shearon with Special Guest , Bradley Flowers. This was a live q&a with the citizen of insurance town. You will hear questions from not only myself but from several other familiar names and faces.

Brian Ahearn- Persuasive selling

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0600

This week the mayor sits down with the author, Brian Ahearn. He’s the author of 2 incredible sales books. Influence people and Persuasive Selling .

They discuss some wonderful topics , he tells his story of getting in the business and then they spend time discussing his thoughts on life post pandemic, the get into some great conversations on the power of relationships and relationship driven sales strategy.

They then dive into the second book and discuss some of the principles that are written in this book. Brian has some incredible insights on what it means to be a relationship driven agent.

Episode Sponsor: Canopy Connect

Tolga Tezel- Game changing technology

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor is re-joined by good friend and sponsor Tolga Tezel. He’s the CEO and Founder of Canopy Connecf.! he does a really good job explaining API’s what those msan, we disusss linkedin clubhouse, and he gives his entrepreneurial hat and the inspire us and give us some great advice. Check this one out it’s a great good news

Ted Clouser- Linkedin Established My Brand

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0600

This week the Mayor sat down with his good buddy Ted Clouser, of PCA technology solutions. They discussed his story of how he became the CEO and owner of PCA. We discuss team Culture, LinkedIn, clubhouse and we even discuss his ideas around Cyber Hygiene and how the insurance industry could better approach this topic.

Episode Sponsors: Canopy Connect your one click solutions to getting those dec pages needed to quote a prospect.

Talia Riser - Rise Up

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0600

This week the Mayor, Heath Shearon, sat down with good friend, Talia Riser. She tells her fascinating story of growing her brand from scratch and her passion for helping so many others to find their own brand. She discusses how she

helps others implement strategies to make more money using social media to grow their business.

We discuss getting stuck and what it takes to get “unstuck” in your business. We have a lot of fun getting into all kinds of different topics, club house , Facebook marketing , all so many other things.

Episode Sponsor : Canopy Connect your one click solution to getting those dec pages needed to quote a prospect.

Ron Shroyer- Who is Donna, and Why is she so important to my agency?

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0600

This Week the Mayor sat down with Ron Shroyer, of Aureus Analytics. He and I discuss his story of getting into the insurance Industry, we discuss the “Onboarding experience” within agencies and how he sees that evolving. We get into the discussion of the Aureus Analytics and how they are changing the game for so many agencies. He shares with us the story of Donna, and how she got her name, and how this product is revolutionizing the customer experience from the inside out.

Episode Sponsor- Canopy Connect your one click solution to getting those dec pages you need to quote a prospect.

Matt Aaron- There’s an App for that

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0600

The Mayor, Heath Shearon, sits down with Matt Aaron, the two of them discuss his journey from the entertainment industry to developing Apps and how he developed an insurance agent App for insurance agencies to engage with their clients more effectively and efficiently.

Matt Aaron tells some really interesting stories and we have some fun in this episode

Episode sponsor: Canopy Connect your one click solution for improving your onboarding experience and expediting your quote process

Matt Naimoli- We’re not Joking around here

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0600

In this weeks episode the mayor sits down with Matt Naimoli, co-founder of G&N insurance. He shares his cool story and how he and his partner scaled their agency so quickly and the fun they had along the way!

Matt shares some of the ideas that he and Zach had early on that helped the two of them grow their agency. We dive into discussions of the weekly sales meeting, the bobble head ideas, their consulting practice bobble on , and even discuss life post sale of the agency. We discuss all of this and so much more!!

Show Sponsors- Canopy Connect your one click solution to getting those dec pages you need to quote your prospect.

Daniel Seong- Relentless Pursuit of the Next One

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0600

This week the Mayor, Heath Shearon sat down with Daniel Seong. Daniel is the owner of Great Park Insurance in California. He and I discuss his amazing story. He is such a fantastic leader in his agency , his community , and his Family. He has a passion for growing his agency by a relentless pursuit of new business. What he refers to as the “next one”

This episode is sponsored by Canopy Connect , your one click solution for getting those dec pages to help get accurate quotes for your clients.

Kim Angeli- The Girl Nextdoor

Heath Shearon — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600

This week the Mayor sat down with Kim Angeli, the founder and CEO of Grateful Box, INC. After over a decade of owning her own successful Insurance Agency. She decided to sell her agency and and focus on her attention on Gratitude and helping people grow their businesses through Grateful Box. This also led to her consulting with agencies on using the Nextdoor App in their marketing efforts. This one is a fun one . Listen to her story and wonderful tips and tricks on the nextdoor app

Mitch Gibson-Insuring His Town, His Way

Heath Shearon — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600

This week The Mayor, Heath Shearon, sat down with Mitch Gibson of HRM Insurance Services. He is a Young Insurance Professional with an old soul and new and fresh ideas. He tells us his story of getting in the insurance business, to growing a following unlike any other in Hancock County. He has a super cool story to tell and it’s only just the beginning....

He tells us about how a serious car accident in his brand new car lead him into our great industry. This lead him to becoming a successful insurance producer at a very very young age of 22-23 years old. He then began listening to podcasts which lead him to reach out to Bradley Flowers and get some great advice that he followed. His journey has just begun but he has already made an impact on many agents and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Jason Cass- The Real Agency Intelligence

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600

This weeks episode features my main man Jason Cass. Jason is a staple in our industry. He’s contributed so much value to the insurance industry and taught me more than he knows. He comes in to tell his story, and inspire us with so much advice so many tips. He challenges us to be better throughout the episode.

He is the owner of The Insurance Alliance, but he’s probably most known for his podcast Agency Intelligence . He has had his show for over 7 years and recorded 100’s of episodes. He also records podcasts for many other shows, through the company “We Got Your Podcast”
He talks about being an agency Principle , and what it takes to be successful in this day in age. He talks about Whale Hunting, etc

Show Sponsor: Canopy Connect- your one click solution to get those dec pages. If you are interested go to usecanopy.com or find my boy Tolga on Social and tell him I sent ya and get a insurance town discount

References : Dr Billy Williams (a lot)

Mike Stromsoe- LETS GROW!!!!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600

Mayor sits down with Mike Stromsoe author of the Unstoppable Profit Producer. He also has a boot camp program and owner of his own Agency in California. He’s an incredible motivational speaker as welll. He talks about the 3 P’s , cousins camp, and gives a ton ton ton of gold Nuggets in this episode . I hope you enjoy this one .

Ed Lamont- not afraid of the spotlight

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600

This week the mayor sits down with Ed Lamont! He is not only a consultant but also works inside an agency as well as a successful commercial insurance agent. He is a public speaker , and has just as much love for our industry as the next guy ! You hear it in his voice.
He discuss his story , he shares his tips and strategies for navigating the commercial insurance world.

Episode sponsor: Canopy Connect your one click solution for improving your onboarding experience and expediting your quote process

Chase Shearon- You Can Teach Insurance , but you can’t teach ...

Heath Shearon — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode the Mayor sits down with his little brother Chase Shearon of Scottish American. The two of them discuss his journey into insurance industry. The importance of relationship with his agents. He says he and his agent row the boat together, they partner up together to write the business. When they win he wins.

He talks about rolling up his sleeves to train new CSR’s and Agents on properly filling out apps , identifying risks , and anything else he can do to help his agents be more successful . He discussed the advantages of working with brokers, and the impact our father had on him growing up.

Episide Sponsor: Canopy Connect : your ONE CLICK solution to improving your quote process and improving your on boarding experience.

Raghav Tanna- Tarmica

Heath Shearon — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0600

In this Episode , my man Raghav Tanna came to town and visited with the Mayor. He tells his story of getting into the insurance Industry, and his journey to where he is today running Tarmica. He definitely a salesman first and you can hear his passion and excitement!
We talk about not only his company, but also data, and using that data. We get into raters and their proper use. Using the technology in your agency and so many other things.
Show Sponsor- Canopy Connect they are your one click solution for expediting the quote process click here for your discount and to schedule your demo

Scott Knowles- differentiate yourself from the competition with Modgic

Heath Shearon — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0600

In this week's episode, the Mayor sits down with Scott Knowles of Modgic, an incredible company designed to set you apart from your competition and position yourself as more than just another insurance agent.

Chris Greene-The Flood AND Marketing GURU

Heath Shearon — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0600

This week, my man Chris Greene came back to the show to visit with us again. We had an incredible conversation about flood, about marketing and about finding your passion and finding your why.
He tells us all about his new company Ritage Consulting and we also talk about what’s next for the flood guru.

Show sponsor: Cannopy Connect your one click solution for quoting your prospects

David Carothers- Killing Commercial

Heath Shearon — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the mayor sits down with David Carruthers and had an awesome conversation that you don’t want to miss about commercial insurance. David is killing it every single day. He shares some of his tips and Strategies and I can’t wait for you to hear it:

Show sponsors Canopy Connect - your one click solution to make the quoting process for your prospects that much easier.

Scott Howell- Be the Mayor of your Village

Heath Shearon — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Insurance Town the Mayor, get the privilege of visiting with his freidn Scott Howell , the Insurance Evangelist, the Insurance Guy, “the fearless host and leader” of the Insurance Guys podcast. The two of them get to chatting about Scott’s story. He shares some super cool story’s of serving in the Marines. We thank you Scott for serving our country and fighting for our freedoms that we all enjoy each and every day!!

He also shares his incredible journey of getting in the business , and they discuss the importance of relationships in this industry and in the sales game in general and how important it was to be the mayor of your own village. Scott is such an amazing dude and I’m so thankful for everything that he has done for our industry.

Episode Sponsors :

Canopy Connect : your one click solution to making the quoting process even more powerful and simpler and less intrusive for the prospect.

The PIA of Arkansas Virtual Value Experience ! The biggest and brightest names in this industry all in one week.

Kelly Donahue Piro- Never Busy, Always Proactive

Heath Shearon — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor sat down with Kelly Donahue Piro. The two of them had a super fun and incredibly informative conversation. Kelly took us down memory lane and discussed her story from getting in the insurance industry to where she is today helping insurance agencies to become ridiculously amazing !

They discuss working the ideas around “being busy” and what that looks like in an agency. Kelly talks to agency owners and their staff about effeciencies and process and procedures to be more productive and also discussed with us her consulting business.

Show Sponsors:

Canopy Connect : your One Click Solution to making the quoting process so much easier and less intrusive ! This one click solution is a game changer if you want more information, a discount or even to schedule a demo click here

ARKANSAS PIA VIRTUAL VALUE EXPERIENCE- Featuring Seth Zaremba, Syd Roe, Christian Moore, Bradley Flowers and Scott Howell. October 20-22

Ready Set Podcast - contact Ryan Mayfield if you have an idea for your own podcast ! He is amazing

Gardner Burton- Educating your clients

Heath Shearon — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the Mayor, Heath Shearon sits down with long time friend, Gardner Burton, agency owner of Consolidated Insurance Consultants. They have a great discussion about Gardner’s insurance journey and found a theme throughout his career of educating his clients and his staff throughout the sales process.

He calls our profession a noble one and tells us why, and it’s a fascinating discussion. He also tells us how he used his past experiences in the title business to create systems and processes early on his agency career to expand their personal lines business.

He is also a commercial agency and discussed his niches in both Self Storage as well as others too.

Gardner is involved in the industry in so many levels such as the PIA both locally and as national director, the Insurance Hall of Fame and many other ways too

Episode sponsors : ARKANSAS PIA VIRTUAL VALUE EXPERIENCE- Featuring Seth Zaremba, Syd Roe, Christian Moore, Bradley Flowers and Scott Howell. October 20-22

Canopy Connect- your One Click solution to expedite the quoting process and improve the onboarding process for your clients. For more information click here

Ready Set Podcast- if you have an idea for a podcast reach out to my man Ryan Mayfield for more information

Clinton Houck- The Data within your Agency

Heath Shearon — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This episode the Mayor sat down with Clinton Houck. The two of them walked down Clint’s memory lane and discussed the importance of cross career experience and what that meant to his career. Going from working on the captive side to indie agent, from Agent side to carrier side, and then from carrier side to insurtech.
They also discussed the technology in your agency and how important that is, and how to adopt it and use it correctly. What decisions need to be made before jumping into adopting tech in your agency.
Clinton is currently the chief information officer at Batomic and is fiercly working around the clock with the team on project Neon. They hosted their love launch yesterday, September 30, 2020. If you missed it or wanna catch it on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T5PI223aZY.

Episode sponsors :
Canopy Connect - if you want to learn more about this one click solution to getting all the information needed to quote a prospect: reach out to my man Tolga Tezel tolga@usecanopy.com or click here

Ready Set Podcast - Turning your Brilliant Ideas into a reality.

Jay Coates-Reciprocal Referral Partnerships

Heath Shearon — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor sat down with one of his best friends in Jay Coates of Keller Williams . The two of them talked about processes and procedure , organization and structure.

They also discussed the similarities between Realtors and Insurance agents. These two dove into the reciprocal referral relationship and now it best should look.

This is a powerful conversation , one that I think is incredibly beneficial to all Insurance Professionals. Jay is incredibly well read and he and I discuss a few books that he’s read including one called The Infinite Game , by Simon Sinek and several Others

Episode sponsor : Canopy Connect if you want more information reach out to them at Https://App.usecanopy.com/Heath

Also guys Mark Your Calendars Now for the 2020 PIA Virtual Value Experience happening October 20-22nd 2020 they will have speakers Such as Seth Zaremba, Sydney Roe, Christian Moore, Bradley Flowers and Scott Howell. They will also be featured on a live Agency panel hosted by my man Scott Howell. don’t misss it ,email Staci@piaar.com for more info

Clare DeNicola-Women in Insurance, AUGIE, the digital age, the Virtual age, marketing and so much more

Heath Shearon — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This week the mayor sits down with Clare DeNicola of the 10 company. What a powerful conversation , they discuss her story of getting in the insurance industry and her journey from the first woman CEO of Ivan’s, to AUGIE, to starting her own Marketing company in the 10 Company.

5:36- first Woman at Ivan’s
8:00- women in insurance
16:00 - insurance family
17:05 What is AUGUE- Switzerland if everything
20:23- InsureTech
28:15- the effective Zoom call
38:54-the 10 company and what that is
41:03- Winning at Talent
44:20- Clare takes the floor

This Episode was Sponsored by my good friends over at Canopy Connect. If you want to find out more about them please use the referral link and get a discount and set up a free demo. App.usecanopy.com/Heath

Tolga Tezel- One Click Solution

Heath Shearon — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode my man Tolga Tezel stops by and we had a great discussion. We got into his personal journey into insurance, his drive and passion for all things data, and helping agents seamlessly and quickly gather insured’s data and deliver a best in class onboarding experience for the Customer and quoting experience for the agents.

Katlyn Eggar - Tips and Strategies for your Staff Development

Heath Shearon — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sits down with Katlyn Eggar and they have a great discussion about her story of getting in the insurance industry. She tells us about her own ups and downs with being a captive agency owner and an Independent agency owner. Her wins and losses, her lessons learned good and bad.

She tells us about how she got to where she is today as the director of Education and Training at Quantum Assurance, one of the fastest growing agencies in the county . She gives great advice to not only agency owners but also Support staff and Agents As well

Chris Paradiso- The Legend

Heath Shearon — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sits down with Chris Paradiso the legend, the “Godfather if Insurance” on this weeks episode.We started off on a trip down memory lane. We discussed a myriad of topics from working from home, work life balance, to how his office operates and runs their renewal department. We had a great conversation. Can’t wait for you to check it out.

Also if you listen to this episode in its entirety there is an opportunity to get a free copy of his Magazine “The last agent standing” a $15 value.

5:00 - not afraid of failure
13:25 - work life balance and working from Home

20:30 - retention specialist

23:45 -27 point touch system

36:19 -tools he’s using everyday

His email address is: Cparadiso@paradisoinsurance.com

Dustyne Bryant- The More you Know

Heath Shearon — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode the mayor sits down with Dustyne Bryant, the Personal Lines Academic Director, at the National Alliance for Insurance and Research. She shares personal stories about her family, she shares her story of getting in the business , she talks about her mentors and so many other things. Dustyne has such a passion for learning and growing and mentorship. Dustyne is a huge advocate for personal development and being the best you, that you can be. She says “if I’m living I’m learning . She and the Mayor laugh so hard in this episode and have so much fun, they also get pretty emotional as well at the end.

Tiffany Ghrist- The Psychology of Selling

Heath Shearon — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 09:29:47 -0500

In this weeks episode we feature Tiffany Ghrist. Tiffany and The Mayor Jump on the phone for the first time and you get to hear it. They discuss Tiffany’s company, Your Empowerment Strategies. She works with agents day in and and day out on the mental and psychological side of selling. She tells her story of her own self doubt and self sabotage and how she conquered that and now is helping others all over the country to realize that “Insurance Doesn’t Suck” and how they can get past their cold calling fears , and apprehension and begin selling more insurance.
Tiffany shares her tips and strategies for not only cold calling but also managing agencies with self sabotaging agents , or seasoned agents that need a reboot. She also gives her advice on other topics as well. Tiffany is passionate about changing the industry’s turn over rate and she is on a mission to tell her story.

Wessly J Anderson-Tech First, Insurance Second

Heath Shearon — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode the the Mayor sits down with Wessly J Anderson, the two of them discuss everything from Wess’ background to the cool tech he’s created for our industry and they even discussed a little virtual assistant stuff too. Sit back relax and take a listen this awesome episode of two guys who love our industry and have a great time discussing it too.

Wessly was brought up in the tech industry with his Father owning a tech company and he infused his incredible tech knowledge with a love for our industry . He says he will leave our industry better than he found it. I truly believe that too.

If you want to reach out to Wessly he leaves his contact at the end of the episode

Cash McMillen- from Underwriter to Agent

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this weeks episode the Mayor sits down with Cash McMillen, a former underwriter and Underwriting Manager turned Insurance Agent at the Cashion Company. They sit down and discuss his journey from one side of the table to the other . Cash gives his advice to agencies on working well with their underwriters, he discusses his passion for people, niches, and industry that he loves and serves with his time and energy.
He explains to us the story of how “The Forum” came to be and how he and the PIA together created a huge value add to agency principles and their staff. This is a project he is so passionate about and you can hear it in his voice.
Cash also tells us about his family and their family business McMillen Farm and Flame, that he and his wife run together.
Finally Cash McMillen leaves us with some incredible books to read and tells us the story of one of his favorite books called the Tribe.

Mike Becker- The Future is Bright for independent agents

Heath Shearon — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sits down with the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) Cheif Executive officer . The two of them discuss the present and future of PIA, and the Future is bright. Mike Becker shares his story, his love for the independent insurance agency channel. He also drops some incredible news for agents, he tells them how they can immediately get $500 value out their membership, with some awesome programs that they have.

BONUS: Enneagram, Pt2

Heath Shearon — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Find more info at EvrgrnTeams.com

Ryan Mayfield- Building a great team with EVRGRN and the Enneagram

Heath Shearon — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500

The mayor, Heath Shearon, sits down with Ryan Mayfield EVRGRN, and discusses the Enneagram. This is such a fascinating subject and a passion of his and as of lately, mine too.

Find more info at www.evrgrnteams.com or email him at hello@evrgrnteams.com

Bryan Clinkscales- Multi-Generational agency owner not afraid to make some changes

Heath Shearon — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500

The Mayor, Heath Shearon sits down and visits with Bryan Clinkscales of Boone-Ritter insurance in Northwest Arkansas, and we discuss his journey from 1 location to 4 and how he got there. Bryan talks about everything come working niches, commercial lines, personal lines, culture and so much more.
He took over a well-established family agency but was not afraid to make some early Changes to have some sustainable growth!

Michael & Amanda Mann- Action Claim Services

Heath Shearon — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This weeks episode features not one Man, but 2 Mann’s ! This week the Mayor interviews Michael and Amanda Mann of Action Claim Services. We had such a good time on this one, we laughed , we learned and we got to hear an awesome journey to where they are now and how they grew Action Claim To the powerhouse that they are now.

Action Claim is an independent adjusting company based in Arkansas , however they are also spread out amongst 17 other states as well. If you want to contact them reach out to them at Michael.mann@actionclaimservices.com or Amanda.mann@Actionclaimservices.com.

Chris Greene- The Flood Guru

Heath Shearon — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Heath sits down with Chris Greene- The Flood Guru And discusses his story, and his journey to 1,000 videos in 1,000 days marketing. He has a podcast and has become quite the flood guru over the past 4 -5 years. He is nationally recognized across the country as the expert in flood
He has found a way to make flood insurance fun and interesting. He is a very cool guest and I think your gonna love our conversation.

Chris also works with agents I teaching flood, educating agents on flood map changes , and will even schedule meetings with realtors and go with agents to present and help agent get more business from that reator group. If you would like to talk to him more about this email him at flood@communityfirstagency.com or call him at +1 (205) 440-7910

Christian Moore- a couple a dudes talking and a big announcement happens

Heath Shearon — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0500

The Mayor sits down with his buddy Christian Moore and have a good conversation , then a special announcement happens and conversation completely shifts , as he talks about his new venture and what he’s up to, with Agency Refined.
Christian Moore won the award for collaborator of the year with the IAOA, he’s been a speaker at their convention , and soon to be guest speaker at The Arkansas PIA convention in Memphis TN this October. He’s a great resource and great marketer, if you are interested in reaching out to him his email address is Christian@agentrefined.com

Cindi Burleson- Class is in Session

Heath Shearon — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0500

The Mayor, Heath Shearon, sits down with the Professor and discusses her story, and her passion for not only learning but also teaching insurance at the University of Central Arkansas. She has quite the industry Journey, from CSR at Brown & Brown to compliance officer at AMC to an Executive position at a Pet Insurance Company to now running the School of Insurance and Risk Management at UCA.

She talks about several of the other programs that they host on their beautiful campus. The PIA of Arkansas’ The Forum, the annual Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame banquet, as well as their incredible Internship program. If you are intetested in learning more about any of those programs or learning more about the Insurance and Risk Managment degree; don’t hesitate to reach out to Cindi, her email address is cburleson3@Uca.edu

Nick Dodd- Pancake Fridays

Heath Shearon — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0500

The mayor, Heath Shearon sits down with agency principal Nick Dodd, and First Arkansas Insurance. Nick tells us his story of being a multi generational Police officer, and how he arrived at becoming an insurance agent. Heath explores the culture that Nick has created in his agency, And they discuss the important topic of culture in an agency and how crucial it is in not only insurance offices but also our industry. He tells great examples, We discuss everything from pancake Fridays to birthday parties, to treating your staff like the family that they are.

If you would like to reach out to Nick, his email address is NDodd@firstarins.com. His phone number at the office is 501-525-2600.

Holden Smith- His Scratch Agency Story

Heath Shearon — Thu, 28 May 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Mayor, Heath sits down with Good Friend Holden Smith, Scratch Agency owner of Lennox Insurance. Holden tells his story of starting from Scratch and the decisions made along the way. The early successes, how he got there , and the people that helped him along the way. He attributes so much of his success to the people he knows and the “sheer dumb luck along the way” check this episode out, as Holden gives us all great advice on starting an agency from square one .

Ariel Rivera: The Mayor & the Merman Talk Preparedness

Heath Shearon — Thu, 21 May 2020 06:00:00 -0500

The Mayor sits down with Ariel Rivera and discusses his story including surviving two hurricanes in Puerto Rico and how he was prepared for those. He tells us his success stories and give us tips and tricks to be prepared for any disaster or claims situation.

Ariel is the agency owner of Deer Insurance in Florida, and serves on the board of directors for the AIMS Society, and teaches courses for the National Alliance; as well as serves as the National Director for the PIA, for Puerto Rico. He has spoken all over the country and is a very passionate speaker. He is an agency Advocate and passionate about our industry. If you would like to reach out to him, email him at Ariel@Deerinsurance.com

CJ Hutsenpiller: Selling on Facebook Messenger & the bots that help him!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 14 May 2020 06:00:00 -0500

The mayor, Heath Shearon, sits down with CJ Hutsenpiller and get super Techie. They discuss all things Facebook messenger, chat bots and even CJ’s experience going viral on Tik Tok, and his thoughts on selling through Tik Tok as well. CJ gives A whole lot of practical tactical advice, as well as tips and tricks to be successful in this space. Please check out this episode! I know you’ll get a lot out of it.

If you would like to get a hold of CJ his email address is CJ@hutins.com or even easier than that you can reach him on Facebook Messenger. If you have any feedback or ideas for the show please don’t hesitate to email Heath at Heath@insurancetownpodcast.com

Tacobot: www.facebook.com/tacobot-106871984030519/

Podcast production by Ready, Set, Podcast! More info at http://www.readysetpodcast.xyz

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Encompass’ positions, strategies, or opinions.

Stacey Brown Randall- Getting referrals without asking!

Heath Shearon — Thu, 07 May 2020 06:00:00 -0500

This week the Mayor sits down with award-winning author, Stacey Brown Randall and discusses her book, "Generating Business Referrals Without Asking. She then lays out her five-step program for getting referrals without asking in detail. You don’t want to miss this one. Https://www.StaceyBrown Randall.com

If you have any feedback or ideas for the show please don’t hesitate to email Heath at Heath@insurancetownpodcast.com

Podcast production by Ready, Set, Podcast! More info at http://www.readysetpodcast.xyz

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Encompass’ positions, strategies, or opinions.

Kurt Hetherington- Serving those that serve others

Heath Shearon — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Kurt Hetherington, a long-time friend, sits down with Mayor Heath Shearon to tell his story and the story of James Greene and Associates...Kurt also gives us great advice on working niches, he tells us to not waste a crisis, and discusses his love for not only the past but also the future of our industry.

If you have any feedback or ideas for the show please don’t hesitate to email Heath at Heath@insurancetownpodcast.com

Podcast production by Ready, Set, Podcast! More info at http://www.readysetpodcast.xyz

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Encompass’ positions, strategies or opinions.

MK Henderson- Award-winning CSR steals the show with her award-winning personality!!

Heath Shearon — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 07:30:00 -0500

The Mayor, Heath Shearon, sits down with Award-winning CSR, Mary Katherine Henderson. Check out this fun conversation as she tells her story of being in the business half of her young life, starting at the young age of 16 years old. She also gives advice for agency owners and Account managers.

If you have any feedback or ideas for the show please don’t hesitate to email Heath at Heath@insurancetownpodcast.com

Podcast production by Ready, Set, Podcast! More info at http://www.readysetpodcast.xyz

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Encompass’ positions, strategies or opinions.

Andy Priesman, Virtual Assistants & The New "Virtual" Reality We Live In

Heath Shearon — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, the mayor, Heath Shearon sits down with Andy Priesman and they discuss Virtual Assistants, Networking, and state of our industry.

If you want to know more about Cover Desk go to their website www.coverdesk.com and check it out. You can also email them at Hello@coverdesk.com, and ask Andy about the Insurance Town discount for all my neighbors in Insurance Town.

If you have any feedback or ideas for the show please don’t hesitate to email Heath at Heath@insurancetownpodcast.com

Find more info at https://coverdesk.com
Podcast production by Ready, Set, Podcast! More info at http://www.readysetpodcast.xyz

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Encompass’ positions, strategies or opinions.

Syd Roe- Welcome to Insurance Town

Heath Shearon — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 08:30:00 -0500

Welcome to Insurance Town! Today you'll meet your Mayor, Heath Shearon. As Heath begins to give you a tour of the town, he'll first introduce you to local resident, Syd Roe. They swap stories and give encouragement for everyone in the industry.

Trailer: INSURANCE TOWN

Heath Shearon — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 17:00:00 -0500

Meet the Mayor of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon! He's got a lineup of guests coming soon...be sure to subscribe!