Closing the Gap: Recent Episodes
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Providing insurance agents with tips and tricks that will help their agency grow by offering input, advice and solutions.
You know what they say, it takes a village – we’re part of your village. We’re Westfield and we care about your success. So let’s get started.
Sarah Muniz, author of Undiscovered Voices, is our guest this week on Closing the Gap. We take a hard look at the systems in insurance that perpetuate women being left to the side, including stories from industry professionals, and how we can work to support women in insurance. We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners and Westfield Bank.
In person with Josh Heebner and Dave Rivell of Element Risk. We discuss the inception and growth of the agency and how they have built culture in a world where not everybody can be in the same room. How does Element Risk balance growth with keeping true to their mission and values? Listen to find out!
Instincts are important but could they mislead insurance leaders in a complex, unpredictable world? Jennifer Garvey Berger, author of Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps, is our guest as we discuss five human quirks and how they become mindtraps for leaders.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners and Westfield Bank.
How have independent agents progressed in complex times? Aaron Bickle, Shannon Seel and Kassy Bean of Bickle Insurance join Chris Cline to talk about their agency over the past couple years. We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Back for another episode to discuss agency banking and mergers & acquisitions is Mike Wagar, Westfield Bank. What is his outlook? Find out on this episode! We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Get to know Jack Kuhn, President Westfield Specialty. In this episode, we spend time discussing the specialty market and the importance of culture and talent for successful businesses.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Rob Stansbury, KPA, is this week’s Closing the Gap Guest. In this episode we discuss risk management and how insurance agents can arm their clients with the tools to keep their employees safe.
Rob has been with KPA for 16 years in various leadership roles. Rob started his career with KPA working directly with employers to establish and maintain their EHS and HR programs. After KPA acquired the Risk Management Center (channel partnership with Brokers), Rob took over the Insurance Operations for KPA. He marries the software as a service with KPA’s traditional field services team to allow for value at both the broker and insured levels.
Gamma Iota Sigma leads the sustainable growth and diversification of the insurance industry’s student talent pipeline across all functional areas. Get to know their Executive Director, Grace Grant, and members Jensen Worsley and Finn O’Brien.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
These can be tough conversations but how can you approach conversations about diversity with others? Learn how Jon Loftin, MJ Insurance, had the courage and comfort to lean in, ask and learn.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
What can insurance agencies learn about cyber security, and how can they protect their data? Troy Stairwalt, Westfield’s Chief Information Security Officer, is this week’s Closing the Gap guest.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
In person at Insuretech Connect 2021, Chris Cline is joined by the team of Fudge Insurance. Learn about their journey and the changes they put into place to bring tech forward
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Technology does not replace human experience; it can enhance it. Clint Houck, is this week’s guest as we dig into building a fully digital insurance agency.
Clint believes we can be better as an industry and that technology, when used properly, enhances the personalized insurance experience, it doesn't replace it. He has dedicated his career to building a smarter, more efficient, and effective insurance experience for consumers.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Whether you’re a 2 person or a 2,000 person agency; there is a need diversity, equity and inclusion. MJ Insurance has embraced this philosophy. Join Jon Loftin and Shaq Thomas, MJ Insurance as we discuss being better if we can all live our truth.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
The right data to the right person at the right time. Jamie Peers, Synatic, and Jason Walker, Agency Insuretech, talk to us on this episode of Closing the Gap. Get to know your customers better through data.
- Fear of Getting Started Brochure
- You Should Know Me Better By Now - Customer-Centric Insurance
As the VP of Business Development and Alliances, Jamie is responsible for strategic partnerships and the growth and GTM strategies for Synatic, working closely with Sales and Marketing teams and the Head of Delivery on implementation of processes. With 20 years’ experience in the SaaS industry, Jamie is an accomplished executive with a track record of business development in global markets. Prior to joining Synatic, Jamie held a variety of leadership roles most recently as the CEO of Chase Software. He is a big believer in people and enabling the people around him to be push for growth and their best version of themselves.
Jamie holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Good for you, good for me and we are good to go. Brian Ahearn, Influencer PEOPLE, LLC talks with Chris about how insurance agents can ethically influence others.
We delve into the seven principles of the acronym PEOPLE
- Powerful
- Everyday
- Opportunities
- To persuade
- That are lasting
- And Ethical
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
How can you prove to your boss that the digital marketing efforts you have put forth are working? Listen to Jody Geiger, CMO of the OIA, as we discuss ways data can be used for success in your insurance agency.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
If you’ve dealt with your auto insurance in recent years, you’ve probably heard the term UBI. What is usage based insurance and how can it benefit agency and customer? Steve Butler, Personal Lines Product Manager at Westfield, is our guest this week on Closing the Gap.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
The insurance industry is evolving. What does this mean for young talent at your agency, and why does it matter? Olivia Strauss, Social Media Intern, and Rob Koszkalda, Social Media Marketing Manager, of Westfield are our guests this week on Closing the Gap.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Agency evaluations are at an all-time high. Why is this happening, and what does it mean? Mike Wagar, Westfield Bank, returns on this episode of Closing the Gap.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
It’s no secret that technology is changing the insurance industry. How are InsurTech tools bringing value to insurance carriers, agencies, and the industry overall? Raghav Tanna, Cofounder and CEO of Tarmika, is this week’s Closing the Gap guest.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Finding the “best” insurance is hard work. How can insurance agents compare carriers with data to find the best fit for their customers? Dan Karr, Founder and CEO of ValChoice, and Chelsea Zweifel, Personal Lines Manager at Evarts Tremaine are this week’s Closing the Gap guests.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
What can insurance agencies learn about cyber security, and how can they protect their data? Troy Stairwalt, Westfield’s Chief Information Security Officer, is this week’s Closing the Gap guest.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Lumber prices have been increasing for some time. How could this affect your insurance? Dave Coil, Principal and Business Risk Advisor at Hummel Group, is this week's guest on Closing the Gap.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Take friction out of an agents life. How are 8 insurance startups working to create a true advantage while delivering to the customer. Bryan Falchuk, The Future of Insurance, is this week's guest on Closing the Gap.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
What market conditions have led us to the current hard market? Dave Ruppel & Troy Crawford, Westfield go deep into this hard market and provide insight on how an agent can succeed.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Let’s demystify Surety. Kathryn Truman, Commercial Surety Leader at Westfield Insurance, is this week’s Closing the Gap Guest.
Join us as we give the 101 on commercial and contract surety, why surety is profitable for you and develops long lasting customer relationships for your agency.
Surety helps you sell yourself as a full service agency.
Want to learn more? Reach out to Kathryn through LinkedIn or at commercialsurety@westfieldgrp.com, 1-877-233-9836.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Back in person, Chris discusses analytics, valuations and the landscape of the independent agent channel with Jeff Smith and Megan Smith of the Ohio Insurance Agents Association.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Calling all passionate women who want to embrace and empower other women in insurance.
Local agent and Founder & CEO at InsureWomen, Kim Beach, is this week’s Closing the Gap Guest. Learn Kim’s journey of starting a scratch agency and how she is creating a community of women owned agencies.
InsureWomen's mission is to empower women in the insurance buying process to feel confident, educated and treated with the respect and attention they deserve. The company will also provide a marketing platform for other female agents who are passionate about helping women in this process.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Phil Klotzbach, Research Scientist at Colorado State, shares his thoughts regarding the frequency and intensity of hurricanes. Specifically historical trends and what that means for the 2021 season and beyond.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Phil Klotzbach is a Research Scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. He received his Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from CSU in 2007. Klotzbach has worked in the Department of Atmospheric Science for the past twenty years and was co-author on the Atlantic basin hurricane forecasts with Dr. William Gray through 2005. He became first author on the seasonal hurricane forecasts in 2006. Klotzbach developed the two-week forecasts currently being issued during the peak months of the hurricane season between August-October. He has authored over 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Climate and Weather and Forecasting.
Klotzbach graduated from Bridgewater State College with a BS degree in Geography in 1999. After receiving his Masters degree from CSU in 2002, Klotzbach thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine (2100+ miles). He has also climbed all 54 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado, and has completed nine marathons and six ultra-marathons.
There are more tech solutions than ever for insurance agencies and it is a challenge. Steve Anderson, Catalyit, and Carey Wallace are this week's guests.
Join us as we discuss relationships, data and technology. And why insurance agents must blend the three for success.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Welcome to Westfield Workshop. Our colleague, Stacey Bruce, shares what workshop is and the value it brings to our insurance agency partners. Including a few simple steps to enhance your digital presence.
- Know your numbers
- Define your goals on your digital platforms
- Build a simple content calendar
- Ask your current providers what free or low cost offerings they may have to improve your digital footprint
Want to learn more? Reach out and connect!
Staceybruce@westfieldgrp.com
LinkedIn - Stacey Bruce | LinkedIn
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
How does the insurance industry become better, quicker, faster? Don Hurrle, Westfield IT Leader and Agile Guru, joins Closing the Gap Insurance Agency Podcast to discuss the agile transformation happening at Westfield and the insurance Industry.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
What tips are there to create value through content on social media for insurance agents? How can agencies move from listening on social to implementing a sales strategy? Hadie Bartholomew and Rob Koszkalda, Westfield discuss during this episode.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Greg Garrett, Westfield’s Diversity and Inclusion Operations Leader, is this week’s Closing the Gap Guest. We discuss the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion and the value insurance provides for individuals and communities alike. Join us as we reshape the conversation about insurance.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Jana Schellin Foster this week's guest. Jana is an agency principal at Nevada Insurance Agency Co, a family owned agency, in Nevada since 1935. She currently sits as the Chair of the National Young Agents for the IIABA (Big I).
Join us as we discuss the story of Jana's family owned agency and how the Big I is preparing young agents for success.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Mike Wagar is this week’s guest to discuss insurance agency finances. How did 2020 impact insurance agency valuation and mergers & acquisitions?
Learn more about agency banking with Westfield Bank.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
How has 2020 impacted consumer and insurance agency behavior? The year may have not created trends, but it defiantly accelerated them. Chip Bacciocco, Trusted Choice is our guest.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Olivia Schmitt, You Don’t Know Schmitt podcast, is our guest this week. Join us as we delve into the book What Makes Your Brain Happy and Why You Should Do the Opposite by David DiSalvo.
Before listening, ask yourself this question. “Is the human brain ever going to be powerful enough to figure out the human brain?”
Enjoy!
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
How have you accepted what has gone on in the world during 2020? Ryan Hanley, Rogue Risk, energizes us with an open dialogue about his 2020 and where the insurance industry is. Your tribe may be smaller due to COVID but is it not stronger than ever?
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Adam Sheridan, Reed Brothers Insurance Services, Inc & creator of Against the Current Podcast is our guest to kick off 2021.
Learn how Adam started his own podcast, learn how he did it!
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
2020 has been an unexpected and tough year for us all. Chris and Rob reflect on the year and the things that they are grateful for in 2020 and beyond. We hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday season!
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Aaron Bickle, Bickle Insurance, takes us through the journey from captive agency too independent. Listen in as we take a break from COVID-19 discussions and learn about another agency's story.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
How many sales could you make with the time you allocate for administrative activities? Mr. Biz, Ken Wentworth, discusses revenue producing activities, innovation and understanding your customers.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
Find out what you love, because you will be doing it a long time. Joyce Sigler, Jones-Wenner Insurance Partner, and President-Elect, American Insurance Marketing and Sales Society, discusses professional development.
Never be satisfied and believe in whatever you are good at.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
If you are going to influence your team as a leader, you must understand their perspective, Richard Franzi, Killing Cats Leads to Rats, joins Closing the Gap to discuss unintended consequences of business decisions.
It’s not all business talk as we look into history and how the fear of black cats helped lead to the Bubonic Plague. Join us!
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
To acknowledge International Fraud Awareness Week, Jordan Rahe, Westfield Special Investigative Unit, joins Closing the Gap to discuss all things fraud. And shares a few examples of insurance fraud along the way.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
The more perspectives you receive the more accurate a solution to a complex problem. Ken Cloke, Director of the Center for Dispute Resolution, provides solutions to conflict.
Whether a conflict exists in your work or home life, you can find ways to find a mutual benefit for all parties.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
More than 90% of word of mouth happens offline even in a digital world. How are you connecting to your clients and providing them peace of mind?
Jim Karrh, author of The Science of Customer Connections: Manage Your Message to Grow Your Business, joins this episode of Closing the Gap.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
The art of storytelling never goes away. Michelle Auerbach, Resilience, discusses the art and science of storytelling. As insurance processionals, we interact with customers on the worst of days. A simple “I’m here for you, you aren’t alone, and we will do this together.” Could make all the difference.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Running a business during COVID-19 is like playing ping pong on a 20-dimensional ping pong table. Multiple parameters are affecting today’s business climate and Scott Page, John Seely Brown Distinguished University Professor of Complexity, Social Science, and Management at the University of Michigan is here to explain solutions and ways businesses are looking to thrive post-pandemic.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Your credibility is your biggest asset. Tim Ward joins Closing the Gap to discuss the Pro Truth Pledge and importance of telling the truth in business, politics and media. You won’t want to miss this episode.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
Join the Westfield team of Chris Cline, Amber Sharratt and Catherine Young as they dive into the book Tough Truths by Deirdre Maloney.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
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Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
For Catalyst Insurance Group and J.C. Wogomon, it is not about the premium it is about the impact.
Learn about this scratch insurance agency and their culture of using insurance as a vehicle to impact those in need in and around their community.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
People do business with the those they know, like and trust. Insurance agents and carriers are a partnership with the customer in mind. Join Carey Wallace and Derek Sprouse as we discuss relationships in our industry.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
How is your insurance agency attracting clients, deepening engagements and extract more value from every relationship through marketing? Justin Lair, Agency Revolution shares his thoughts.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
Back on Closing the Gap is Joey Giangola! Get ready for a discussion regarding digital marketing and your agency.
Insurance is a relationship business why wouldn’t you participate in a forum that best allows you to do that? Social media!
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
Craig Welsh and Chris breakdown where a dollar of insurance premium goes. Join us as we discuss the economics of our industry!
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
In a COVID world, agencies are not dying but they do need to evolve. As people stay out of work and businesses close, you have to think about what is in your book of business.
Carey Wallace, OIA and IntellAgents, discusses agency valuation and mergers & acquisitions in a world impacted by COVID-19.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
Applying intrinsic and extrinsic motivators for greater production. Seth Preus motivates listeners in this episode of Closing the Gap.
Learn more about Seth's company Mivation, which helps carriers and agencies turn to gamification programs to motivate and keep track of workers working from home -- inlight of COVID 19.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
Do you understand where your data lives? Ron Bennatan, JSonar joins us as we breakdown database security and what you can do to protect your data.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
What did your 10 year old self enjoy doing? Is that your career now? Krista Moore, author of The Race to Amazing, joins us to discuss living the life you love and discovering your true gifts.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Closing the Gap named top #15 Insurance Podcast via Feedspot https://wf.insure/2Pnf62D
From disruption to evolution. Brian Falchuk sheds light on innovation in a changing world thanks to COVID-19. Insurance agents should ask themselves, are you actually hearing from what your customers are saying and what are you doing about it?
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Adjust to COVID-19 life or be left behind. We welcome a small business owner, Brian Wick, One Hour Heating and Cooling to the show. How is his small business adjusting and thriving in spite of COVID-19? Find out today!
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
The 5-step decision making process by Gleb Tsipursky will help you prevent your biases and thrive during the new abnormal of COVID-19.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
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Flipping the script. For our hundredth episode Chris is interviewed by the one and only Seth Zaremba. Thank you all for following us, we look forward to another hundred episodes of Closing the Gap.
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Talking about race, although hard, is absolutely necessary. How can we support one another as we explore the topic of race in America? Whitnee Dillard, Director of Diversity and Inclusion with the Big I, provides tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation. This podcast is a must listen for everyone, no matter your race, background, education or experience.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Running a business during COVID-19 is like playing ping pong on a 20-dimensional ping pong table. Multiple parameters are affecting today’s business climate and Scott Page, John Seely Brown Distinguished University Professor of Complexity, Social Science, and Management at the University of Michigan is here to explain solutions and ways businesses are looking to thrive post-pandemic.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Do you have flood insurance? Only 4% of Americans have insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Who better to discuss flood than David Maurstad, FEMA.
It is the responsibility of insurance agencies and carriers to educate the public and ensure they are properly insured against flood risk.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Craig Welsh and Chris breakdown where a dollar of insurance premium goes. Join us as we discuss the economics of our industry!
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Construction during Coronavirus, communication is key. Our friends from Vertex join Closing the Gap to discuss construction and surety as we move through COVID-19. How is the economy performing from the construction aspect?
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
The story of rebranding, is not about what is changing. Focus on what is not changing, your values! Matt Simon, CoverLink Insurance Services discusses their rebrand journey in this episode of Closing the Gap.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Aaron Bickle, Bickle Insurance, takes us through the journey from captive agency too independent. Listen in as we take a break from COVID-19 discussions and learn about another agency's story.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
How has COVID-19 impacted the American farmer? The demand for food is consistent but how we consume it has changed, and that is impacting the industry. Join Dave Ruppel, Westfield Agribusiness as we discuss COVID-19 and the future of the American Farmer.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Matt Sprang, Westfield Bank, joins Closing the Gap to discuss the the Paycheck Protection Program for insurance agencies. While the funds have run out what can you do if you have not already signed up due to COVID-19.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Ed Largent and III CEO, Sean Kevelighan, discuss the current landscape of the insurance industry impacted by COVID-19.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
The deadliest and most expensive weather hazard in the United States each year is flooding. So why do less than 20% of Americans have flood insurance? Dr. Rick Knabb, The Weather Channel, joins us to discuss the power couple that is meteorologists and insurers.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Coronavirus has impacted small and large businesses alike. Listen in as Craig Hassinger, Seibert Keck Insurance Partners, discusses how his local insurance agency is addressing a Coronavirus business continuity plan.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
We all have data and that is great! But the challenge is filtering through the noise to find the right data to achieve business results. Dan Mazur, Westfield, joins us to discuss all things data.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Everyone is talking about diversity & inclusion. But what is being done intentionally to solve the problems that face the insurance industry and beyond? Jen Tadin, Gallagher, joins us and is ready to “Shake the Tree”.
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Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Sean Kevelighan, III, discusses the Resilience Project and how they are leveraging data to help people visualize and understand the risk of natural catastrophes.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
How is a guy from Silicon Valley leveraging his experience in the independent insurance world? Dave Davis, Fudge Insurance, joins Closing the Gap to explain just that.
Bowie once sang “Time may change me. But I can’t trace time.” Kitty Ambers joins Closing the Gap to discuss the 5 D’s of change management.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
February is Insurance Careers Month and we welcome the CEO of Gamma Iota Sigma, Noelle Codispoti. Noelle discusses Gamma and the importance of insurance careers.
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David Aylor, IIHS, joins Closing the Gap to discuss the work IIHS is conducting to test auto safety technology and autonomous vehicles.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
What is the greatest business opportunity in our lifetime? AI could change humanity and business. Paul Roetzer, joins Closing the Gap to discuss all things AI.
Dramatic changes demand dramatic change. Rapid changes demand rapid change. Where does you agency stand? Michael Jans, explains the 5 Levels of the Modern Insurance Agency on this episode of Closing the Gap.
Be sure to listen to the end of this episode as Michael offers a free marketing kit for your agency.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Kay Wakeman, IIHS/HLDI shares knowledge regarding technology and automobiles. Check out trends which are keeping drivers safe and preventing claims.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Starting 2020 off with a bang. Ed Largent, President, CEO and Board Chair shares his thoughts regarding the future of the independent agency channel and insurance industry as a whole.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
2019 is coming to a close and we would like to take this last episode and thank all of you our loyal listeners! Chris and Rob discuss some of our favorite memories from 2019 and insights we learned along the way.
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It’s our first book club episode! There are many books to inform you as a business owner and today we will dive deeper into one of them, Traction by Gino Wickman.
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It is time for your agency to get REAL. Christian Moore and Zach Doyle, REAL Insurance Agency, join us as we discuss culture, your mentality and the noble nature of insurance.
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Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Are you building or maintaining? Meg McKeen wants you to get comfortable being uncomfortable, she took that challenge recently and is flourishing. Join us as we discuss women in the insurance industry and her trajectory.
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Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
How do customers want to experience your brand? Giving back to your community can be a differentiator.
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Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
To celebrate International Fraud Awareness Week, Jordan Rahe, Westfield Special Investigative Unit, joins Closing the Gap to discuss all things fraud. And shares a few examples of insurance fraud along the way.
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Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
It is time to take your setbacks and turn them into comebacks! Shawn Harper, Shawn Harper speaks, joins us to discuss resiliency and allowing your strengths to flourish so that your agency can succeed.
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Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Rick Fox, Vertafore provides ground floor thinking through operational improvement to have your insurance agency in order.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Can merger and acquisition activity continue in the insurance agency space? How can agents put the right dollar amount on their agency's valuation? Phil Trem, Marshberry answers these questions and more in this episode of Closing the Gap.
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Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Brian Ahearn, stops by Closing the Gap for a second time to discuss sales and motivating others. Brian provides tips while incorporating psychology.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
What should insurance agencies think about when recruiting? Tips regarding talent & acquisition from Brooke Lugonjic, Marshberry
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Technology may change how insurance agents look but will not replace them. An agent will only lose their job if they do not keep up with the times. Billy Williams, Inspireanation.org discusses technology and processes he looks at while investing in insurance agencies.
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Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Insuretech is not a dirty word for insurance agents. Jason Walker, Agency Insuretech demystifies the common myths around Insuretech and how your local insurance agency can leverage technology enablement.
- Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
- Follow Agency Insuretech
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
Is your insurance agency capitalizing on social media to drive business results? Chris and Rob Koszkalda, Westfield's Social Media Manager discuss all things social and easy ways your insurance agency can succeed socially.
We welcome your review of Closing the Gap on Apple Podcasts.
Learn more about Westfield's independent agency partners.
People do business with people they like. Learn how to influence others ethically with tips from Brian Ahearn, Influence PEOPLE, LLC.