Agency Nation Radio

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, host Nathan Riedel, Big “I” senior vice president of federal government affairs, is joined by Jeff Beck, senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs at Selective Insurance, and John Barbour, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia. Together, they dive into legal system abuse and its impact on insurers and policyholders. They also unpack the key reforms passed in Georgia earlier this year, how they came about and the insights they offer for other states and the federal government moving forward. “Commercial lines, personal lines, every line is being impacted by the legal system abuse,” Beck says. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we chat with Dallas Ross, agent at Timmco Insurance. Like many others, Ross was born into the insurance industry and always knew the industry was where she belonged. Right out of college, she landed a job in insurance sales, but after two years, she discovered her true passion wasn’t selling—it was serving clients, supporting them, and fostering long-term relationships. That realization led her to transition into an account manager role, where she continued to grow her expertise before joining Timmco Insurance in 2021. Meanwhile, Ross’ involvement with Big I Oregon began when her father took her to Big “I” events. Years later, she was elected to the Big I Oregon board of directors in March 2018 and was elected president in January 2025. She also chaired the organization’s Next Gen group from 2018 to 2019. Despite her busy schedule, she still manages to maintain a healthy work-life balance that suits her and her family. “I schedule things that I look forward to, which can help me get through those busy periods—whether it’s a dinner with friends or maybe a vacation,” Ross says. “Making time for things I look forward to helps me avoid burnout.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. Ross was also featured in the November issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/2025/11/01/declaration-of-independents-dallas-ross/

This episode of Agency Nation Radio is the fourth and final episode in a special series about artificial intelligence (AI) brought to you by the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology’s (ACT) AI workgroup. Host Colby Royal Tunick, founder and CEO of Refocus AI in San Diego, California, is joined by Patrick McBride, owner of The McBride Agency in Dixon, Illinois. Together, they dive into how AI is transforming everyday agency operations and how to optimize it effectively. They explore the streamlining workflows and enhancing client experience to find the right balance between automation and the human touch. Learn more about ACT. https://www.independentagent.com/agency-management/technology/ Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

Recorded live from Applied Net 2025 in Las Vegas, this special edition of Agency Nation Radio features insights from the industry’s biggest event. On this episode, Will Jones, editor-in-chief of Independent Agent magazine, talks with Carrie Poindexter, senior director of agency operations and Jonathan Somich, director of communications at GEICO, about attending Applied Net for the very first time. Also, Peter van Aartrijk, executive vice president at Aartrijk, talks with Richard Hartley, co-founder and CEO of Cytora, about Applied Systems’ acquisition of the company and how AI can help the industry reclaim time to reinvest in both work and life. Then, Kasey Connors, executive director of the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT), sits down with Brenna Johnson, vice president of product management at EZLynx, to discuss innovations that make life easier for users. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we chat with Marianne Policastro-Wik, owner of Insurance Associates of Central CT in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Raised in Hartford, Connecticut—once known as the insurance capital of the world—Policastro-Wik found the industry to be a natural fit. But it was her passion for helping others that truly defined her path. With a foundation in social work and a trajectory into senior leadership, she has built a career grounded in relationships and strategic insight. Today, she leads her agency—recognized as a 2025 Best Practices Agency—through a thoughtful modernization effort, embracing technology while preserving the personal connections that define their success. “Technology should strengthen our relationships, not replace them,” she says. “That’s the balance.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. Policastro-Wik was also featured in the October issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/2025/10/01/declaration-of-independents-marianne-policastro-wik/

This episode of Agency Nation Radio is the third in a special series about artificial intelligence (AI) brought to you by the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology’s (ACT) AI workgroup.  Host Kasey Connors, executive director of ACT, is joined by Jake Holehouse, owner of HH Insurance in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Dale Steinke, director, Agent for the Future Advisors at Liberty Mutual. The discussion dives into the realities of implementing AI tools in an agency—how to start small, gain team buy-in and integrate AI into existing workflows. Holehouse shares first-hand lessons from introducing AI across his agency, while Dale offers research-backed insights on adoption, policies and measuring impact. Together, they highlight how agencies can overcome fear, avoid missteps and use AI to free up staff for higher-value client work. Learn more about ACT. https://www.independentagent.com/agency-management/technology/ Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Peter van Aartrijk, executive vice president at Aartrijk is joined by Lee Gaudette, president of Gaudette Insurance, and his son, Peter Gaudette, commercial insurance advisor at Gaudette Insurance, and Keith Mangini, Vice President and Commercial Team Leader at InsurBanc. They explore father-son work dynamics, succession planning in family agencies, and the aspirations that drive the next generation forward. The conversation also offers practical tips for family-owned agencies preparing to change ownership. “Succession isn’t just about passing down a business,” Mangini says. “It’s setting up that next generation for success. As a lender, I can help build that financial bridge, but the real success comes from the family being aligned on the vision and how they're going to move forward in the future.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

This episode of Agency Nation Radio is the second in a special series about artificial intelligence (AI) brought to you by the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology’s (ACT) AI workgroup. Host Kevin Wheeler, Eastern advisory manager at Angela Adams Consulting, is joined by Michelle O’Connor, president of O’Connor Insurance Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kimberly Fox, commercial lines account executive at O’Connor Insurance Associates. Together, they unpack what agents should know when working with AI vendors. They share real-world lessons from implementing an AI phone assistant, covering must-haves like transparency and customer support, red flags and how to measure return on investment (ROI). The conversation also explores the importance of involving your team, asking the right questions and ensuring new tech fits your agency’s workflows. Listeners will walk away with practical tips to evaluate vendors and avoid costly missteps as they explore AI. Learn more about ACT. https://www.independentagent.com/agency-management/technology/ Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we chat with Jill Roth, executive vice president at Ahart, Frinzi & Smith in Alexandria, Virginia. Roth started her career on Capitol Hill, working in legislative affairs for a New Jersey congressional representative, where one of the issues she focused on was the insurance industry. Her congressional experience carried over when she joined the family agency—Ahart, Frinzi & Smith—and repurposed her passion for politics into serving Big “I” members on the state and national level. “I still have a passion in [legislative] affairs,” Roth says. “And so I now take that knowledge that I had in that industry, whether it be working on the congressional side or in the lobbying world, and I'll use that in my insurance world.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. Roth was also featured in the September issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/2025/09/01/declaration-of-independents-jill-roth/

This episode of Agency Nation Radio is the first in a special series about artificial intelligence (AI) brought to you by the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology’s (ACT) AI workgroup. Co-hosts Kasey Connors, executive director of ACT, and JP Pritchard, director of marketing at Rhodian Group, dive into how independent agents can confidently take their first steps with AI. They are joined by CJ Hutsenpiller, owner of the tech-forward agency Hutsenpiller Insurance in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, who shares his journey and lessons learned on avoiding “shiny object syndrome.” The conversation covers how to choose the right tools, build team trust and keep client experience at the center of AI implementation. Agents will walk away with practical advice, a dose of realism and encouragement to approach AI with curiosity. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Will Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Agent Magazine at the Big “I” hosts a conversation with workplace communication expert, Jenna Rogers, Founder & CEO of Career Civility, a professional development firm that helps organizations build stronger cultures through better communication. Throughout the episode, Jones picks Rogers’ brain about what it takes to be a great leader, bridging generational gaps and even mastering the art of a clear, effective email. "Listening is a really big skill set that you need to have as a leader," she says. "I always encourage people to listen not to respond, but listen to be challenged." Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet John Bradford, founder & CEO of PetScreening in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bradford is on a mission to make life better for pets. After starting out in the property management world—first managing his own rental units, then expanding to investor portfolios—he saw firsthand how pet ownership impacted housing. That insight led him to launch PetScreening, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that helps streamline offering pet and renters insurance. At the heart of it is the proprietary FIDO Score™, a data-driven tool to assess pets more fairly than outdated breed restrictions. Today, the platform is used by about 1 in 7 rental units in the U.S. “Our goal is to help change hearts and open eyes when it comes to breed restrictions,” Bradford says. “We can’t force anyone to accept every dog, but we can give them the data to make better decisions.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/category/podcasts. Bradford was also featured in the August issue of Independent Agent. Check out his interview here or read the full issue online.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Cash McMillen, partner and executive vice president of operations at The Cashion Company Insurance in Little Rock, Arkansas, and chairman of the Big “I” national Young Agents Committee, hosts a discussion with two young agents about getting started as a commercial lines independent insurance agent. Deuel Romero, commercial lines agent at Tedford Insurance in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Kate Adams, commercial lines marketing manager at Flood & Peterson in Denver, Colorado, explore why and how to choose a commercial lines niche, how to get up to speed in a new industry segment, and tips for building a strong network. Romero discusses his work with Hispanic business owners and Adams shares insights from her business marketing role and how her commercial lines background helps her connect with clients. "I think people are too afraid of making mistakes," Adams says. "The lessons that we have learned the best, and that have stuck with us, have been from the mistakes that we've made along the way." Romero and Adams were also featured alongside eight other young agents in Independent Agent magazine's June issue. https://www.iamagazine.com/2025/06/01/license-to-lead-meet-10-young-agents-35-and-under/ Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/category/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Courtney Jacobs, owner of Insurance Done Right (IDR) in Biloxi, Mississippi. Since launching her agency seven years ago, Jacobs has navigated the complexities of growing a business along the Gulf Coast—where the unique challenges of flood insurance and storm exposure are a constant concern—while also serving in the Air National Guard and giving back to her community through various organizations. "We have seen a large impact since the flood rates changed a few years ago, which is counting a lot of people out from some of these bigger homes or projects," Jacobs explains. "Because of our extra exposure down here in the lower six counties in Mississippi, we’re definitely feeling the rate increases. The beauty is that I do have the options as an independent broker, which I do appreciate. But it’s tough because some people just can’t afford it." "We do a lot of fundraising for the homeless or for women’s shelters," Jacobs says when asked about her philanthropy endeavors. "Through those different platforms and organizations, I’m donating, I’m giving back, I’m raising money. Just anything that impacts my community for the better." Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. Jacobs was also featured in the July issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview here or read the full issue online.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Ashley Engl, chair of Big I New York’s NextGen young agent committee, hosts a conversation with two Generation Z agents: Jackson Doyle, commercial risk adviser at J. Krug in Itasca, Illinois; and Brooke Stout, receptionist and assistant account manager at Chalk & Gibbs Insurance & Real Estate in Morehead City, North Carolina. Together, they discuss how they got their start in the industry, what excites them about its evolution and the valuable lessons they've learned from the mentors who have guided their growth along the way. “I’ve learned the most from doing the job,” Doyle says. “Being thrown into the fire—whether it's all the cold calls, dealing with rejection, meeting with prospects, or going through your routine of delivering a proposal—a lot of the growth over the years has just come from strictly doing the job and learning what works.” This month, Doyle and Stout were featured in Independent Agent magazine's June cover story alongside eight other next-generation agents. https://www.iamagazine.com/2025/06/01/license-to-lead-meet-10-young-agents-35-and-under/ Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Brock Elliott, Producer and partner at Elliott Insurance Group in Louisburg, Kansas. Elliott got his start in the industry when he turned 21 and bounced around a couple roles before finally finding his stride as an account executive. Throughout his career, Elliott has played a pivotal role in the Big 'I' community at both the state and national levels—leading as chair of the Young Agents of Kansas (YAK) and the national Young Agents Committee (YAC) where he learned about the annual YAC Give Week and InsurPac and how we can give back to the insurance industry and the greater community. “I challenged another young agent across the state to see who could raise more bandages and more money. The loser had to get a bandage-themed tattoo,” Elliott said recalling a time he lost a bet during a fundraising challenge in support of Noah’s Bandage Project, a charity dedicated to raising money for pediatric cancer and providing fun bandages to children undergoing treatment. “We collected over 1 million bandages and about $10,000 in under 30 days. We got to take the bandages to the kids and they got to see the tattoo. They loved it.” Today, Elliott is championing political advocacy in his current role as chair of the state government affairs committee and most recently was presented with the Young Agent of the Year Award at the 2025 Big “I” Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. Elliott was also featured in the June issue of Independent Agent. Check out his interview here or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/june/declaration-of-independents-brock-elliott

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Will Jones, Big “I” director of communications and editor-in-chief of Independent Agent magazine, is joined by Nancy Germond, Big “I” executive director of risk management and education, and Amanda Juratovic, Big “I” vice president of E&O operations, to discuss one of the independent agency channel’s most-pressing issues: rising errors & omissions claims. With the hard market, remote work dynamics, and evolving client expectations converging, the risk landscape is shifting fast. But what does this mean for your agency—and how can you protect yourself? “What we’re really seeing is that the basics are being overlooked, and that’s what’s leading to E&O claims,” Juratovic said. “It all comes back to the fundamentals. If agents consistently follow the core standards they’ve been trained on, we’d see a significant drop in claims—even in a hard market.” Don’t miss this essential conversation on how to navigate E&O risk in today’s complex environment. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Jorge Wetenkamp, agency owner of Desert Crest Insurance in Saint George, Utah. Wetenkamp’s career in insurance was unexpected. After working at In-N-Out Burger and at the DMV, he took a job with AAA Insurance when they started offering DMV services. This opened his eyes to the opportunities for career growth and serving the Hispanic community. In 2021, he started an independent agency and the business has grown “far beyond what I set my goals as three or four years ago,” Wetenkamp says. After hiring his first employee in January 2024, he’s currently onboarding two new agents that will allow him to grow, as well as focus on servicing his existing book. “Now, it’s about buying back my time, so all new leads will go to my new agents,” he says. “At the beginning, you grind nonstop—you work late, do whatever it takes. But once your business is established, you start thinking about balance.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. This podcast is sponsored by the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA). IMCA Ignite 2025 is taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona, June 23-25. Don't miss the only conference where the insurance marketing and communications community comes together to share content-rich, forward-thinking and relevant topics while also networking for lasting connections. Register here: https://rise.imcanet.com/Portal/Portal/Events/Annual_Conference/2025_Annual_Conference/IMCA_Ignite_2025.aspx

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Peter Van Aartrijk, executive vice president with insurance branding firm Aartrijk, hosts a discussion with Ryan Towle, vice president of Davis & Towle Insurance Group in Concord, New Hampshire, and Keith J. Mangini, vice president and commercial team leader at InsurBanc in Farmington, Connecticut, on best practices when making an agency acquisition—whether it’s your first purchase or just your most recent acquisition. They discuss the first steps you should take when considering an agency acquisition opportunity and what to do as a buyer to prepare for financing from a lender. Further in the episode, they end with their final thoughts on what to keep in mind after closing on an acquisition. "We talk about multiples all the time. But if it's a multiple of revenue, or if it's a multiple of EBITDA, if it's 3 times revenue or 4 times revenue, what are you willing to pay for? And why might you be willing to pay up a little bit?" Mangini said, referring to intangible value of an acquisition, such as talent, carrier synergies and more. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Michelle O'Connor, president of O'Connor Insurance Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina. When O'Connor and her husband started their insurance agency 25 years ago, they knew from the very beginning that joining the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) was a must. Michelle knew of other successful agents that belonged to the Big “I" and also knew of the association's industry advocacy efforts. While O'Connor's initial involvement with the association was with the state's young agent committee (YAC), she became more involved when she was asked by Kelley Erstine, IIANC's CEO at the time, to become part of a special committee charged with analyzing member benefits. Since then, she has served in numerous committees and is currently the national director for IIANC. “I've always been a super strong advocate of political action committees (PACs) on both the national and state association level,” she says. “Our insurance system in North Carolina is very unique and that's what started my interest. I realized that if you want change to happen, it has to come from the legislative level.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. O'Connor was also featured in the April issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview here or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/magazine/issues/2025/april/declaration-of-independents-michelle-oconnor This podcast is sponsored by the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA). IMCA Ignite 2025 is taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona, June 23-25. Don’t miss the only conference where the insurance marketing and communications community comes together to share content-rich, forward-thinking and relevant topics while also networking for lasting connections.