Welcome to the Agency Navigators Podcast! Presented by The AgencyCFO™ team and Powered by RD Advisory Group. With best practices as our guide, our team integrates financial, organizational and growth excellence within independent insurance agencies across the United States. We have one mission: navigate independent insurance agencies to higher GROWTH, PROFIT, AND VALUE. Tune in for guidance on navigating your agency forward. Your Hosts: Roe and Don Polczynski, and Cayla Carrillo.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/o1EtJ9XkfCQ
"We're in the business of risk management... yet we're often blind to our own risk."
That's a hard truth for many independent agencies.
In this episode of Agency Navigators, Roe, Don, Cayla, Adam, and Lindsay dive into Value Driver #3: Diversifying Your Revenue Base and explore why agency growth isn't just about adding revenue—it's about protecting it.
What happens if your largest client leaves? A key producer retires? A major carrier changes direction? Or your biggest niche suddenly slows down?
Those aren't hypothetical questions. They're real risks agencies face every day.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why revenue concentration quietly erodes agency value
• The biggest concentration risks hiding inside growing agencies
• How to diversify clients, carriers, producers, niches, and lead sources
• Why balanced growth creates a stronger, more transferable business
• How the right data helps you spot risk before it becomes a crisis
This episode is part of our ongoing 11 Value Drivers series, where we're breaking down the strategies that help agencies build more valuable businesses—today and tomorrow.
Curious how diversified your agency really is? Ask us about our Know Your Number tools and the AgencyCFO Intelligence Suite to uncover the risks your data may already be telling you about.
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oVUNmlOuP2c
Most agency owners think they have operating systems.
Many actually have something else.
A collection of workarounds, tribal knowledge, and processes that live inside people's heads.
And while that may keep the agency running today, it creates risk tomorrow.
In this episode of Agency Navigators™, Roe, Don, Cayla, Adam, and Lindsey tackle the second Transferable Value Driver in our series: The Influence of Operating Systems.
Because growth, retention, profitability, and transferable value all depend on one thing: Consistency.
Too often, agencies rely on key people to keep everything moving. The owner becomes the operating system. Processes aren't documented or FBA. Reporting isn't trusted. And every vacation, resignation, or unexpected absence creates stress.
The team discusses:
• Why operating systems are critical to building transferable value
• The hidden risks of undocumented processes and owner dependency
• How consistency improves both the client experience and agency performance
• Common red flags that signal your agency has processing issues
• The operating systems every agency should evaluate
• Why intentional systems create stronger cash flow and scalability
One of the most powerful questions from this episode:
"If someone went on vacation tomorrow, would the agency keep running smoothly?"
Because transferable value isn't built in a valuation report.
It’s built in the way your agency operates every single day.
As Don puts it:
"Cash flow improves when systems are intentional, not incidental."
If you're tired of feeling like every process depends on you—or wondering why growth feels harder than it should—our AgencyCFO Mastery Program™ has a few open spots available.
We'll help you identify the operational gaps, create consistency, and build systems that support growth, profitability, and long-term value.
Because your agency should run on intentional systems—not heroic effort.
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sSrJW2JGTBI
Most agency owners say they want a business that can run without them.
But have they actually built one?
In this episode of Agency Navigators™, Roe, Don, Cayla, and Shawna tackle the first and arguably most important transferable value driver: Management Team Development.
Too many agencies are built around the owner. The owner handles the biggest opportunities, makes every decision, solves every problem, and becomes the bottleneck. While that may feel necessary today, it can significantly reduce an agency's future value.
The team discusses:
• Why management team development is the foundation of transferable value
• The hidden risks of being the center of every decision
• How strong employees differ from a true management team
• Red flags that signal your agency is too dependent on key people
• Why future buyers and lenders discount agencies that can't operate without the owner
• How developing leaders creates flexibility, scalability, and peace of mind today
Whether your transition is decades away, right around the corner, or completely unexpected; management team development isn't a future project. It's a priority today.
Before transferable value shows in a valuation, it shows up in your leadership team.
Listen now and ask yourself:
Could your agency run without you?
Still wearing every hat?
If you're ready to stop being the bottleneck and start building a leadership team that can grow with your agency, the AgencyCFO Mastery Program™ currently has a few open spots available.
Because your agency should be stronger because of you—not dependent on you.
Let's build a business that's bigger than one person.
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TPkEKZrzCUA
Think exit planning is only for agency owners ready to sell?
Think again.
One of the biggest misconceptions in our industry is that exit planning begins when you're ready to walk away. In reality, it starts the moment you decide to build a stronger, more transferable business.
In this first episode of our new Value Drivers Series, the Agency Navigators™ discuss the principles of transferable value—the factors that make your agency more scalable, sustainable, and attractive, whether you plan to exit next year or twenty years from now.
Roe, Don, Cayla, and Shawna go far beyond valuations, multiples, and industry noise. Exit planning is not solely about leaving your business. It's about building a business that gives you more freedom, more options, and the ability to thrive, with or without you at the center of it.
The Agency Navigators™ explore reducing owner dependency, strengthening leadership teams, understanding “your number,” and how to close the gap between what your agency is worth and what you'll need someday in retirement.
Transferable value isn't a destination; it's a strategy. Stay tuned this season as we dive in, one value driver at a time.
If you need our expertise and outside perspective to implement needed changes in your agency - now is the time and we are ready to help! We have a few openings in the AgencyCFO Mastery Program™ so reach out today!
Make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe – your support helps us grow and bring more incredible content your way!
#AgencyCFO #AgencyNavigators #TransferableValue #ExitPlanning #KnowYourNumber
Connect with us!
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Team AgencyCFO® is Growing Again! Meet our newest CFO, Lindsey Spence!
Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/zRNAV9c1YCs
In this special Expertise Files episode of the Agency Navigators Podcast, we’re excited to officially welcome Lindsey Spence to the AgencyCFO® team!
With 20+ years of insurance accounting and finance experience—including leadership roles at Acrisure and over two decades in the independent agency space—Lindsey brings a powerful mix of industry knowledge, leadership, and real-world perspective.
But what really stood out to us? Her energy!
From the very first conversation, Lindsey jumped right into the team, the data, the dashboards, and the conversations like she’d been here for years. Her passion for helping agencies—and the people behind them—is impossible to miss.
In this episode, Lindsey shares her journey through the insurance world, why she loves mentoring teams, and what excites her most about getting back to her roots in the independent agency space.
We’re thrilled to have her on board, and we know our agency partners are going to love working with her.
Welcome to the team, Lindsey! 🎉
Stay Tuned for what’s next from Agency Navigators!
Make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe – your support helps us grow and bring more incredible content your way!
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-AND-
Connect with us!
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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pVPKZ5Ko5Ek
🚀 Industry Premiere: The AgencyCFO® Client Survival Metric™ — Your Client Retention Secrets Revealed
What if the real problem in your agency isn’t what’s coming in… but what’s quietly slipping out the back door?
In this episode, Roe, Don & Adam pull back the curtain on a game-changing, industry-first approach to finally understanding client retention—for real this time.
No noise. No shortcuts. No guessing.
Introducing Client Survival™ — a concept that sounds simple (“who stayed vs. who left”), but is powered by deep, behind-the-scenes data intelligence that most agency systems simply can’t deliver.
This isn’t just another metric… it’s a whole new lens on your business.
You’ll hear:
• Why retention is the most important (and most ignored) metric in the industry
• How agencies have been flying blind when it comes to their book of business
• The difference between thinking you’re retaining clients… and actually knowing
• How slicing your data (by producer, CSR, department, etc.) reveals the real story
• And why keeping clients is WAY cheaper (and smarter) than constantly chasing new ones
💡 The big takeaway:
Growth isn’t just about new business—it’s about protecting what you already built.
Because at the end of the day…
👉 Your agency’s value is your book of business
👉 And if that book is quietly shrinking… nothing else matters
Stay Tuned for what’s next from Agency Navigators!
Make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe – your support helps us grow and bring more incredible content your way!
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/crE-I0UDSG4
The market is shifting faster than expected, and many agencies are already feeling pressure.
In this episode, Roe and Don break down what a soft market really means and why it matters right now. Over the past few years, growth has felt strong, but much of it was driven by rising premiums, not true growth in clients or policies.
Now, that cushion is going away.
They walk through how this shift impacts revenue and profitability, and why many agencies are feeling pressure sooner than expected. More importantly, they focus on what you can actually do about it.
The game plan is simple, not easy: double down on new business, tighten your renewal process, and protect retention at all costs.
The agencies that stay proactive here are the ones that come out ahead.
Make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe – your support helps us grow and bring more incredible content your way!
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1aRUHPjYvDo
This episode is a big one! We’re taking you behind the curtain on Dashboard 2.0!
Roe, Don, and Adam walk through what’s really changed, and how this evolved from a simple reporting tool into a true decision-making engine for agencies. On the surface, it may look familiar. Underneath, everything has been rebuilt to be faster, cleaner, and significantly more powerful.
At the center of it all is your book of business.
They show how to actually see what’s happening inside your agency by connecting the full picture, client count, policy count, commissions, and premium, all in one view instead of scattered across reports. When you look at it this way, the story changes. What feels like growth on the surface often tells a very different story underneath.
You’ll also get an inside look at the features that make this possible, from data integrity scoring to combined performance views, expiration and workload tracking, and deeper visibility into new business and retention.
But more than anything, this is about what that visibility unlocks.
Better data leads to better decisions. And for the first time, you can act with real clarity and confidence.
And just as this episode hinted at, this is only the beginning. Something even bigger is on the horizon.
Make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe – your support helps us grow and bring more incredible content your way!
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rVNpCHMlk8M
This special end-of-year episode of the Agency Navigators Podcast is a little different—in the best way. Instead of charts and spreadsheets, the full AgencyCFO™ team comes together to reflect on 2025, celebrate meaningful wins, and share what they’re most excited about heading into 2026!
From promotions and professional growth to deepened client relationships, the conversation highlights what truly makes AgencyCFO™ unique: the people. Team members share personal milestones, proud moments with agency partners, and even a few lighthearted pet cameos that remind us work and life are deeply connected.
You’ll hear:
• Reflections on a year of stability, growth, and connection
• Behind-the-scenes insight into budget model enhancements, dashboards, and best-practice wins
• Celebrations of client success—including nationally recognized performance
• Honest discussion about why agency ownership can feel lonely, and how having the right partners makes all the difference
• A forward-looking vision for 2026, centered on value creation, strategic growth, and long-term planning
The episode wraps with gratitude—toward clients, partners, and each other—and a heartfelt holiday message rooted in trust, purpose, and optimism for the year ahead.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when financial intelligence meets real human connection, this episode captures it perfectly!
Peace, love, and happiness for the holidays—from all of us at AgencyCFO™. 🎄✨
Click here to listen to the audio:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/917515/episodes/16483496
-OR-
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Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-H68BYPMKJw
In this Expertise Files episode, Don and Roe sit down with someone who has become far more than a client over the years — Christopher Cook, President of Alliance Insurance Services. What began with a single unexpected phone call has grown into one of the most meaningful professional partnerships of our AgencyCFO™ journey.
This conversation isn’t about dashboards or formulas. It’s about the real work of running an agency — the moments of momentum, the moments of doubt, and the people who help us stay grounded through both.
Together, we talk about:
What makes this episode special is simple:
It’s three people who genuinely care about each other, talking honestly about what it takes to build something that lasts.
If you’re looking for strategies, there are plenty in here.
If you’re looking for encouragement, there’s even more of that.
But most of all, you’ll hear what AgencyCFO™ is built on — relationships, sincerity and the belief that we’re better when we grow together.
Click here to listen to the audio:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/917515/episodes/16483496
-OR-
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nZGO4n
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Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook:
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QiaLQlsa1xs
How do you really know if your agency is winning? In this episode of Agency Navigators, Roe and Don unpack the true scoreboard every agency owner should be watching — value creation.
CFOs don’t just crunch numbers — they measure impact. From growth and profitability to long-term agency valuation, Roe and Don reveal how to track the value you’re building every year and why it matters more than you might think.
You’ll learn:
📈 The three buckets of value creation — paycheck, profit, and intrinsic agency value
💼 How to calculate and interpret the Rule of 20 (growth + profitability)
💡 Why value growth matters even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon
📊 How to turn your agency’s financial data into a true performance scorecard
🤝 How Agency CFO helps owners feel safe, stay profitable, and keep growing
Because at the end of the day, CFOs keep score—and the ultimate score is value.
Key takeaway:
“At the core of financial wellness is value creation. Measure it, grow it, protect it.”
👉 Subscribe for more Agency Navigators episodes that turn insight into action.
If you need our expertise and outside perspective to implement needed changes in your agency - we’d love to hear from you - reach out today!
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
Listen to the audio: https://agencynavigators.buzzsprout.com/
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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t6RaQW_xY1s
In this episode of Agency Navigators, Roe, Don, and Cayla team up with Kelly Donahue-Piro of Agency Performance Partners to explore the power of industry connections.
Together, AgencyCFO™ and APP show how data and performance insights can unite to solve agency challenges—from boosting productivity and cutting out “busy work,” to building stronger cultures, recruiting smarter, and creating standards that actually work.
Kelly shares actionable tips on leadership, client experience, and how agencies can thrive in today’s tough market. If you’ve ever felt like your agency is “running through peanut butter,” this conversation is your reset.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how uniting finance and performance can unlock your agency’s next level.
If you need our expertise and outside perspective to implement needed changes in your agency - we’d love to hear from you - reach out today!
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
Listen to the audio: https://agencynavigators.buzzsprout.com/
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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tHk8vDmDJ0g
Ever feel like your agency is stuck in neutral? In this episode of Agency Navigators, Roe, Don, and Cayla break down the concept of inertia—what keeps agencies from moving forward, and what it really takes to turn things around.
Using analogies from freight trains and cruise ships to real-world agency operations, they explore:
🚀 Why momentum matters more than motivation
⚙️ How leadership and team alignment impact growth
📊 The lag between effort and results (and how to stay patient)
💡 The role of compensation, hiring, and AI in building efficiency
🧭 Why continuous training and leadership development are non-negotiable
🎯 How to create motion through better client conversations and feedback
Whether you're leading a growing agency or trying to reignite your team’s drive, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you build lasting momentum.
Key takeaway:
“Small changes lead to big results — but only if you stay in motion.”
👉 Subscribe for more episodes of Agency Navigators, where we help insurance agency leaders turn insight into impact.
If you need our expertise and outside perspective to implement needed changes in your agency - we’d love to hear from you - reach out today!
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
Listen to the audio: https://agencynavigators.buzzsprout.com/
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nZGO4n
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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jjbj5rOgo7U
In this episode of Agency Navigators, Roe and Don sit down with Lauren Roberts from Kite Technology Group to explore the critical foundations every insurance agency needs to thrive.
Together, they break down four game-changing areas:
Lauren shares real-world stories from agency projects across the country—highlighting what works, what fails, and how culture, process, and accountability combine to drive efficiency and growth.
🎧 Tune in and learn how to clean up your book of business, engage your team, and build the kind of operational foundation that can fuel sustainable success.
If you need our expertise and outside perspective to implement needed changes in your agency - we’d love to hear from you - reach out today!
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
Listen to the audio: https://agencynavigators.buzzsprout.com/
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You don’t sell a lot of insurance without giving great advice.
In our latest Expertise Files episode, Larry Linne breaks down what separates a producer from a true advisor—and why consulting your future self may be the mindset shift you need.
From the five levels of consulting to building momentum through goal-setting, this one’s packed with insight.
Roe and Don also reflect on how Larry helped shape their careers—and the power of having someone challenge how you think, so you can do what you didn’t think was possible.
🎧 Watch it now → https://youtu.be/FNqaJGO4aYk
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PjZzHHRY8pM
Avoiding financial “surprises” in the new year starts before December.
The AgencyCFO™ team breaks down the critical steps you need to take now to protect your agency’s financial health in 2026.
Understand the importance of:
If you’re ready to prepare for the new year, now is the time and we can help! We have a few openings in the AgencyCFO Mastery Program™—reach out today.
Like what you're hearing? Connect with us!
Meet us: https://www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A5hkjuWfUyY
What do we mean when we say, “We’ve got a Jamie for that”?
It’s about having a teammate who just gets it—someone who bridges the gaps, lightens the load, and keeps everything moving forward.
In this episode, Roe, Don, Adam, and Cayla celebrate Jamie’s journey from Executive Assistant to AgencyCFO™ Experience Coordinator and the lasting impact she’s made on the team. From streamlining operations to elevating client relationships, Jamie has become the glue that holds it all together.
They also share why every agency leader should consider the game-changing impact of a strong executive assistant. Because when you have a “Jamie,” you’re not just saving time—you’re creating space to focus on what matters most.
Like what you're hearing? Connect with us!
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W8doZ-tpCSk
Agency Navigators started as a COVID-era project that eventually lost momentum. With Adam Bushey taking on the roll as the newly appointed Podcast Producer, Ryan Miller streamlining production, Ryan McGrogan elevating the visuals, and a renewed focus on intentional topics, the show has been brought back to life.
The team shares how they simplified the process, raised quality with new tools, and focus on keeping conversations relevant to agency client partners and the insurance industry as a whole. The biggest lesson? A committed team, strong subject matter, and the right resources can transform a podcast into something sustainable—and fun.
Like what you're hearing? Connect with us!
Meet us: https://www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
You don’t sell a lot of insurance without giving great advice.
In our latest Expertise Files episode, Larry Linne breaks down what separates a producer from a true advisor—and why consulting your future self may be the mindset shift you need.
From the five levels of consulting to building momentum through goal-setting, this one’s packed with insight.
Roe and Don also reflect on how Larry helped shape their careers—and the power of having someone challenge how you think, so you can do what you didn’t think was possible.
🎧 Watch it now → https://youtu.be/FNqaJGO4aYk
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
Listen to the audio: https://agencynavigators.buzzsprout.com/
Apple: http://apple.co/3sAQGoZ
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nZGO4n
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4anuTaB
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GGAGltyUJgk
AI is powerful—but it’s meant to enhance human intelligence, not replace it.
We see too many agencies get caught in the shiny object trap: pouring money into tech without first investing in the people using it.
With limited resources, ask yourself:
Are we technology-rich and human poor?
Before chasing the next tool, take a step back. Would your agency benefit more from developing your team—or adding more software? The answer might reveal what’s really holding back your growth.
Like what you're hearing? Connect with us!
Meet us: https://www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-2xcslmmhX8
Where do you even start when hiring a new producer—and how do you justify the investment?
There are plenty of tools to help (lots of routes to Vegas, so to speak), but at the end of the day, a producer’s ability to prospect is what drives success. That’s where the SPQ Gold/FSA comes in—it helps identify reluctance before someone is in the role.
Hire slowly. Be objective.
Use intentional evaluation and don’t go it alone—bring in a second set of eyes, whether it’s a mentor or an industry partner, to help make the right hire.
Currently, we have a few spots open in the AgencyCFO Mastery Program, don’t miss out on this opportunity to work with us full time. Contact us now.
Like what you're hearing? Connect with us!
Meet us: https://www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bcbXEG-U_TE
How healthy is your agency’s growth trajectory? Are you gaining ground—or losing it? The ACFO Magic Ratio answers both of these complex questions using just two data points and one simple formula.
More than just a metric, the Magic Ratio gives your entire agency a shared understanding of performance. And when everyone’s on the same page, you’re better equipped to navigate both market and human variables.
Like what you're hearing? Connect with us!
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h12wAl8B8gE
The good, the bad, the ugly—and why your perspective on industry benchmarking matters.
In this episode, Don, Roe, and Cayla break down the real value of benchmarking in the insurance industry. Yes, it takes effort—but the insights can be transformative.
Submitting your data is just the beginning. The real growth happens when you understand where you stand—and partner with experts to turn those insights into action.
Why not learn from the best? Better yet—why not become one of the best?
Like what you're hearing? Connect with us!
Meet us: https://www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dg5fzZdPhhQ
Is your agency outgrowing the startup mindset—but still running with startup-level financial reporting?
In this episode of Agency Navigators, we introduce the Mid-Agency Mindset and break down one of the most important financial upgrades you can make as you scale: departmental financials.
We’ll cover:
If you're hitting new growth milestones but still feel foggy on the numbers, this episode is your signal to level up. The earlier you gain this level of visibility, the smarter—and more confident—your growth decisions will be.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode helps you see your agency in a new light.
Like what you're hearing? Connect with us!
Meet us: https://www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dTLv2piKPtI
Staying focused on the core of selling is key to long-term agency success. While the initial spark may fade, consistent sales efforts fuel your growth, stability, and long-term impact. As Don says, “Go sell some… stuff!”—because value is built through selling, not slashing expenses.
A strong sales culture never goes out of style: write business, earn revenue, and keep it. Stay focused on what you're selling, who you're selling it with, and when that revenue hits—because it’s revenue, not premiums, that sustain your agency.
And don’t forget: the voices you listen to shape your future. Make sure they’re actually cheering for your success.
🎧 Listen now and discover how staying rooted in sales-first leadership drives real, lasting growth—far beyond just managing.
Like what you're hearing?
Connect with us!
Meet us: https://www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ngxGSGtuL9s
✨ What kind of gravity do you create as a leader? ✨
In this episode, Roe and Don unpack the often-unseen influence leaders have within their agencies. Through candid insights and real-world experiences, they explore how self-awareness, intentional communication, and a human-centered approach can shape culture, inspire teams, and drive growth—reminding agency owners that their presence sets the tone more than any playbook ever could.
🎧 Listen now and learn how true leaders inspire, collaborate, and grow beyond management.
Like what you're hearing?
Connect with us!
Meet us: https://www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tt-uVbqgtOY
In this episode, Roe, Don, and Cayla break down the tough decision many agencies face when a producer isn't the right fit. They explore the challenges through three key lenses:
🔹 Tactical – What happens to client relationships and accounts?
🔹 Emotional – Even when the numbers say "go," our hearts often say "stay."
🔹 Organizational – As Don puts it: “An underperforming producer serves no one well.”
The real cost of keeping the wrong fit? It’s more than just dollars!
Tune in for an honest convo about when (and how) to make the hard call—for the health of your agency and your team.
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oo_0JbgjOL4
Don and Roe are joined by CFOs, Cayla Carrillo and Shawna Cook, for a collaborative explanation of the “1-2 Cadence” in this episode of the Agency Navigators podcast. See it as a “two is better than one” or a “good cop, bad cop” scenario as Cayla jokes – either way, it just makes sense!
We have tactical, strategic, and organizational passion sure, but we realized early on that we also have a passion for process. As CFOs we want to talk numbers with our clients, but we also want to be a resource for future planning. Early on, we started to ask ourselves “how do we use strategy to improve our performance?” And thus, the 1-2 Cadence was born.
Our partner agencies often tell us that we provide accountability they didn’t know they needed, and our “1-2 Cadence” does just that.
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3hT0uM-4pZ0
This episode of the Agency Navigators podcast focuses on what Day 2 really looks like after acquiring an agency. Roe and Don are joined by Chip and Ted Gibson, the CEO and President, of Deland Gibson Insurance. As the agency who has been with AgencyCFO™ the longest, there’s so much that has been learned together along the way!
Chip and Ted have been integral to Deland Gibson’s seven acquisitions completed over the last four years. Success in the process has come with time and experience; after countless hours of research, process development, and even a few misses early on they have refined their process. The human element of success cannot be understated, and that is echoed by Chip and Ted’s reflections (and shoutout to AgencyCFO™!).
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aqqRT5Dti3I
Join us as we kick off Season 4 of the Agency Navigators podcast talking about every agency’smost valuable asset, and the common misconceptions and mistakes made when managing it.
Intangible? Yes. Immensely Important? Also, yes.
While we can appreciate agencies considering their employees to be their most valuable asset, it simply is not the case.
When Don identified “Data Chaos” as a common theme and major barrier to Book of Business integrity, he and Roe knew they needed to add a data expert to the AgencyCFO team. Cue Adam Bushey, our Business Intelligence Analyst/Advisor! In his first year, Adam worked with Don, Roe and the rest of the team to maximize Book of Business success for our partner agencies.
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aYjhEFptPjg
On this episode of the Agency Navigators podcast, Roe and Don spotlight the power of ‘find a way to say ‘yes!’’
As a fellow resource to independent insurance agencies, Austin Morehead of LAVA Automation also understands never-ending entrepreneurial needs and the loneliness that comes with agency ownership.
Join Roe, Don, and Austin as they talk about their strengths, weaknesses, and the opportunities made possible with discipline (& a little tough love) from the AgencyCFO Team.
This episode concludes Season 3 of the Agency Navigators podcast. See you soon!
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK2Io5s-AHM
Roe and Don traveled over the river, through the SNOW and just shy of 2,000 miles to host Mark Rodgers of Trailstone Insurance on this episode of the Agency Navigators podcast!
Curious about the custom client experience at AgencyCFO? This episode highlights the day-to-day (and long-term) benefits of having a Custom Fractional CFO, the blind spots we highlight and eliminate, and the vast collaboration possibilities.
Catch this episode for a client perspective of who we are at AgencyCFO, what we do, and the value we can add to your agency!
Season 3 will conclude next week with a look at Industry Influence. Stay tuned!
Connect with us!
Meet us: www.agencycfo.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyJO_sj5HXY
In this episode of the Agency Navigators podcast, Roe and Don Polczynski discuss the current "hard market" and its historical impact on independent insurance agencies. While this hard market has boosted revenues and profitability for agencies, such conditions won’t last forever. When the market shifts to a softer state, many agencies may be caught off guard and experience a noticeable drop in their key financial metrics/data. The lack of insight from agency management systems and overall agency technology is adding an extra layer of difficulty to prepare for the looming changes.
As CFO’s, our job is to remove your blind spots and guide you through navigating the changes that lie ahead and make strategic, proactive decisions.
Listen to this episode to stay ahead of the curve and prepare your business for success in a rapidly evolving world!
Connect with us!
Meet with Us: www.agencycfo.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7b4S1SNFM9A
Surprise! We’re back with a special mini season of the Agency Navigators Podcast by AgencyCFO™!
In this episode of Season 3, let’s start by taking a trip back in time to learn the backstory of the original “OG” Insurance Agency Fractional CFO.
AgencyCFO™ officially launched in 2018, and the business that launched the program was founded in 2013 by married partners, Don and Roe Polczynski. 7 years later, we’re still working with agencies across the country and have no plans to slow down!
We’re proud of the team we’ve built in the last 7 years, yet it was a decade of prior experiences that turned a concept into a program, a business, and now an industry-wide service.
Tune in to episode 1 to learn why a Fraction CFO is important to your agency and one of the most valuable services you can invest in.
Next episode will drop early next week! Stay tuned for “The Looming Change”.
Connect with us!
Meet with Us: www.agencycfo.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theagencycfo Facebook: www.facebook.com/AgencyCFO YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AgencyCFOAgencyNavigators
Since 1993 Reagan & Big “I” have conducted the “Best Practices Study.” Year over year they have provided valuable insight into the performance of agencies across the country, ranging from under $1.25M to over $25M. The 2021 Best Practices Study has been released and Don, The AgencyCFO President is giddy!
This one study can put your agency ahead of the curve and prepare you for a strong 2022. Listen in to this episode to learn exactly how from the expert himself, Don.
For the 2021 Reagan & Big “I” Best Practices Study: https://reaganconsulting.com/research/best-practices/
Questions? Email: rdagteam@rdadvisorygroup.com.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/rdadvisorygroup
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
Instagram: instagram.com/rdadvisorygroup
You’ve thought about or have actually made the investment in hiring young talent, now what?
Do you have a development plan for success or is the plan to wing it – they’ll understand eventually, right?
Wrong. Potential for success starts BEFORE they even join the team. Especially young sales talent.
Join Roe, Don, and Cayla this episode for tips on getting the ROI on your new hire.
Questions? Email: rdagteam@rdadvisorygroup.com.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/rdadvisorygroup
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
Instagram: instagram.com/rdadvisorygroup
We get it. You’re a driven agency owner and the agency’s success is on your back. You’re probably tired and often go through periods of being completely burnout.
When is the last time you took a step back and reflected on your role in the agency?
That’s right. Burnout CAN be fixed and avoided. It starts with re-aligning your Highest and Best Use in the agency.
Questions? Email: rdagteam@rdadvisorygroup.com.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/rdadvisorygroup
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
Instagram: instagram.com/rdadvisorygroup
Agency Owners and Principals– this episode is for you.
Information out there to help you run your agency is endless and right at your fingertips! As a business owner there is always something shiny, new, or “innovative”, with the hope to solve your agency’s problems.
Your AgencyCFO™ team is telling you to focus on the bottom-line results. Tune-in to hear the “Big 5” metrics that will make a difference in the results of your agency!
Questions? Email: rdagteam@rdadvisorygroup.com.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/rdadvisorygroup
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
Instagram: instagram.com/rdadvisorygroup
We’re back!
Thank you to everyone who offered us feedback on Season 1. We listened and are back this season with not only financial wellness tips, but growth and organizational strategies.
To our clients, partners and friends - THANK YOU.
As always, we hope to serve you well!
- The AgencyCFO™ team
The #AgencyNavigators welcome their first guest: RD Advisory Group’s Growth Advisor, Cayla Carrillo.
Cayla is kicking the year off with THREE TIPS for GROWTH in 2021. Yes, three, easy ACTIONABLE tips. Growth is more than a statement or mindset, it requires action.
We've got your back and are here to help you move in the right direction.
Questions? Want to hear more from Cayla?Email: caylac@rdadvisorygroup.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/caylacarrillo
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/rdadvisorygroup
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
Instagram: instagram.com/rdadvisorygroup
We’ve heard a common focus for insurance agencies in 2021, GROWTH.
Before setting growth targets, the #AgencyCFO recommends measuring your team’s SALES VELOCITY. This metric is one of the best predictors for future earned growth.
Ideally, your ORGANIC GROWTH.
In this episode: The Agency Navigators not only teach you how to calculate your sales velocity (%), but also how to use it for measuring your team’s current and future performance.
It is one, easy to calculate metric that can scale from agency to agency.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/rdadvisorygroup
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
Instagram: instagram.com/rdadvisorygroup
We’ve talked about why you should separate your personal and agency finances, but we’ve never talked about how much or exactly HOW to actually pay yourself.
On this episode, the Agency Navigators discuss the magic formula on calculating the right compensation for owners based on agency size and impacts to agency finances. Like most decisions, there are items to consider before moving into action.
There’s no “normal” to benchmark against, so let’s talk about one of the grayest areas of independent insurance agency management.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
As a kid, did you ever line up your dominoes and let them fall?
Ironically, as adults we can actually BENEFIT from playing with dominoes the same way as we did as children.
On this episode, the Agency Navigators share insight on the book “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. The trick is to treat our strategic projects, big tasks, etc. as dominoes.
In a world where we glorify multitasking, it may be time to prioritize and focus on simply…. ONE THING!
So, what’s your lead domino?
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
It’s the gray area that no one really talks about… complete separation of personal and agency finances. Agency owners, we get it. It’s your agency and your money, so why are we even talking about this topic?
As the agency owner, it’s your responsibility to promote sound business decision making and running the agency as cleanly as possible – just as you expect your team to.
Not separating the personal and agency finances could:
…and these are only some of the reasons why clarity and complete separation are important. Listen in for tips on HOW to shift to complete separation.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
🗣 CALLING ALL AGENCY OWNERS WITH SHINY OBJECT SYNDROME!
Do you sometimes change for the sake of change? Do you come back from conferences excited, with 20+ ideas ready to share and implement with your team? Are you always looking for the next silver bullet to solve your agency’s problems?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this message is for you!
In this episode, #AgencyNavigators share key financial and organizational fundamentals that any agency can tackle, RIGHT NOW. Just because you can’t travel to conferences for ideas doesn’t mean you can’t work inside your four walls and on your agency's foundation.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
Is your agency under 2.5 million in revenue AND in growth mode? If so, have you asked yourself the 2.5 million-dollar question: “Does my agency scale AND how FAR does it scale to?”
Most often the #AgencyNavigators hear agency owners say, “What got me here will get me where I want to go." Although they’ve grown the agency, 10%+ of growth year after year is not possible without changing to a Mid-Agency Mindset.
As the #AgencyCFO says, the biggest difference in agency size is actually NOT the expense structure, but rather where revenue is derived.
Growth doesn’t mean more policies; it means purposeful change that scales your agency forward. So, is it time to change your mindset?
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
Yes, ANOTHER PPP update. Another month, another set of changes! This month brings modifications to the original PPP legislation.
We’re here this week to bring you clarity (as much as we can anyways) on the legislation changes.
As always, this is subject to change due to the Small Business Administration (SBA) still reworking the forgiveness details.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more updates.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
If you work in the insurance industry, do you remember how or why you started?
Very few people intend on having a career in insurance yet most "fall" into it and realize it's not so bad, so they never leave.
In the spirit of graduation, #TheAgencyNavigators challenge listeners to SHARE THE MESSAGE! Educate recent graduates on the career opportunities available and the "benefits" of the industry (no pun intended). You never know, a recent grad may be your newest hire!
If you are struggling with your hiring & talent pool - take a leap of faith on recent graduates. They may have limited job offers and be ready to work, learn and develop. They bring new energy and can build experience through internships. Plus, they are probably tech savvy!
For those who have graduated recently, congratulations! Have you thought about a career in insurance?
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
On this episode, #TheAgencyNavigators cover the power of Gratitude.
It’s easy to focus on the negative, but what’s the POSITIVE of working in the insurance industry?
We may be at different isolation stages, but we all have the opportunity to offer our clients peace of mind, confidence and stability in the worst of times.
It’s our choice to be grateful for what we have and what we can offer or, we can give in to the tides of negativity.
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
There’s no going backwards after social distancing ends. Life has changed and we’ve had to adapt in our own ways. Yet, think about what actually kept us connected during these uncertain times.
The real question is: how do we create a better, new normal once it’s all over? Have we really learned anything from this experience?
Before that can be answered, the RD Advisory Group team says...CAPTURE THE OPPORTUNITY. On this episode, the Agency Navigators discuss keeping a pulse on how you, your team and your clients have adapted.
There’s a major learning opportunity to debrief from the experience and help us move forward when “normal” life returns.
For questions, email #TheAgencyCFO: donp@rdadvisorygroup.com
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
If you were one of the lucky agencies to receive money through a PPP loan, it’s time to think about how you’re going to spend the money.
Your loan amount is in the bank….. now what? First, start with the most important question: Do you want to give any money back, or get it 100% forgiven?
On this episode, #TheAgencyCFO shares his tips on how to maximize your loan forgiveness amount.
For questions, email #TheAgencyCFO: donp@rdadvisorygroup.com
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
On today's episode we explain the difference of having cash in the bank and truly having USABLE, working capital. During this pandemic agencies should know their net cash position and build a reserve based on the agency's working capital. We've also come up with FIVE STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING AMPLE WORKING CAPITAL, because you never know when you'll need it!
For questions, email #TheAgencyCFO: donp@rdadvisorygroup.com
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.
On today's episode we answer the hot question on every agency owner’s mind, “How is the COVID-19 pandemic going to impact my agency financially?”
Don, the #AgencyCFO shares his insights and experience to help provide the answers.
For questions and the budget template, email: donp@rdadvisorygroup.com
Connect with us!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rdadvisorygroup
Facebook: facebook.com/rdadvisorygroup
Twitter: twitter.com/roeanddon
Youtube: RD Advisory Group - Roe and Don Polczynski, Jr.