Insurance Town

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.

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

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 

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

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 

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. 

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

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

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.

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