Oklahoma Young Agents Show: Recent Episodes
Jerry Rappe
Our aim with the Oklahoma Young Agents Show is to engage, educate and expand the horizons for Young Independent Agents in Oklahoma, by presenting quick interviews of leaders in our space.
"Join Ryan Smith and Jase Riggs on the Young Agents of Oklahoma podcast as they sit down with Scott Howell, a decorated Marine Corps veteran and insurance industry powerhouse. Scott shares his journey from serving in the Marines to becoming a successful insurance agency owner, co-creating the world's most popular insurance podcast, The Insurance Guys, and launching a new division specializing in cannabis industry risk management. Tune in for inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical advice from one of the industry's most innovative leaders."
Join hosts Ryan and Krista on the Oklahoma Young Agents Show as they dive deep with Charles Specht, CEO of Permissions Network Insurance Agency, LLC. Charles, a renowned keynote speaker, pastor, and father of four, shares his expertise on guiding cutting-edge insurance agents and savvy business owners towards more profitable renewals. As the host of The Millionaire Insurance Producer Podcast, Charles reveals the 7 steps to ethically build a million-dollar book of business. Don't miss this episode packed with insights and inspiration!
Join Ryan and Ashley as they sit down with Carol Edwards, a seasoned pro in the insurance industry and a proud Oklahoma State Cowboy graduate. With over a decade on the Young Agents Board and many more years navigating the insurance landscape, Carol brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Currently a marketing representative and agribusiness underwriter at One General Agency, she shares a candid look at her journey, offering insights and stories from her impressive career. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation that’s perfect for young professionals looking to learn from one of the best in the business!
Meet an individual whose diverse expertise spans across executive leadership, entrepreneurship, public speaking, writing, and podcasting. While these accolades may not inherently capture your attention, there is one compelling reason to heed his words: his unwavering perseverance. Through every challenge and triumph, he refuses to surrender or compromise, embodying resilience in its truest form. Whether guiding teams, facilitating corporate workshops, or captivating audiences on stage, his narratives reflect the inevitable ebbs and flows of relentless growth. If you seek insight into a life propelled by perpetual advancement, wrestle with ambitious aspirations, or strive to evolve into your utmost potential, you've arrived at the perfect destination. Welcome to a discussion with Ryan, Ryan and Jase as they discuss a journey of relentless progression and boundless determination.
Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language, listener discretion is advised.
BIGiOK welcomes Jim Schubert who is CEO at Southern States Insurance, Inc, Podcast Host and "Headmaster" at Agents Growth Academy and brings much insight to a discussion with Wes and Connor. Who is Jim you ask...click and take a listen.
Heath Shearon is a versatile professional with experience as an agency owner, marketing representative, producer, podcast host, and Sr Content Marketing Manager at Vertafore. Heath is actively involved in the insurance industry, showcasing his passion through the "Insurance Town" podcast. As a marketing expert, keynote speaker, and sales coach, he is dedicated to growing businesses through niche strategies. Enjoy hearing from Wes Becknell and Ryan Smith as they visit with Heath.
Welcome back to the latest and most exciting installment of the "Young Agents of Oklahoma Show" podcast! In Episode 16, your dedicated hosts Wes Becknell and Kyle Mathewson are joined by two outstanding guests, Ryan Teubner of Rich & Cartmill, Inc and Stewart Berrong of Berrong Insurance Agency, both seasoned professionals in the independent insurance industry. Get ready for an engaging and informative conversation as these industry experts share their insights, experiences, and invaluable knowledge.
Kelly Donahue-Piro, keynote speaker for the 2023 Young Agents Conference, visit with Krista Kautz and Kate Adams. In this podcast you will get a good overview of what you will hear in-depth at the conference on September 28th and 29th. Kelly, who is the Founder and President of Agency Performance Partners, describes her focus as a no-nonsense effectiveness expert who has helped hundreds of insurance agencies identify and capitalize on sustainable improvement opportunities.
Ciara Gravier visits with Wes Becknell and new committee member Kyle Mathewson. Ciara bring 20 years of insurance industry experience as the Founder and CEO of the Bunker Insurance & Risk Management. She plans to offer insight on branding and marketing your agency in a changing marketing environment.
Peter MacDonald visits with Ashley Napier and Brooke Willhite. Peter will be an insightful presenter at the 2023 Young Agents Conference on September 28th and 29th. Peter brings a unique perspective of software technology to the insurance industry. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Wunderite, Peter is a well versed and knowledgeable speaker, he is passionate about helping agents achieve their goals and objectives, while sparking new thoughts and ideas for processes and procedures within their agencies.
Brad and Ryan visit with Vaughn Graham, Jr. Vaughn serves as property and casualty insurance and bonding agent and vice president at Rich and Cartmill in Tulsa. Vaughns commercial business is focused in areas of commercial construction, health care, manufacturing and other types of commercial risks. Vaughn joined Richard & Cartmill in 2009, following six years as a commercial lender at Bank of Oklahoma and Tulsa, where he served as vice president.
Vaughn graduated with a finance degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2003. Most recently in December 2014. Vaughn was voted in as a shareholder at Rich & Cartmill and is currently serving on the executive committee. He has served on various boards and committees in Tulsa, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Tulsa Area United Way and the Tulsa Zoo.
He is also active in various construction trade associations, including Association of Builders and Contractors, American Subcontractors Association of Oklahoma Association of General Contractors and the Independent Insurance Agents of Tulsa. Previously, Vaughn was the president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Greater Tulsa and chairman for the Young Agents of Oklahoma. Additionally, he was voted as the first Oklahoma Young Agent of the Year in 2015, which was voted on by his peers and insurance company representatives.
Currently, he serves on the state board for the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma Association, BIGiOK as vice chairman, rolling into the chairman post in July of 2023. Vaughn and his wife Natalie have three children, Vaughn, the third, Eva and Corbin.
Vaughn Graham, former president of Richard and Cartmell Insurance and Bonds, joined the insurance agency in 2003 through a merger. His commercial business focuses on construction, insurance, bonding, energy, physician and medically related, and other commercial risks. Vaughn has been a leader in the Oklahoma insurance industry, serving as chairman for the Association of Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma and president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Greater Tulsa. He has also served as chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents Young Agents Committee and a former chairman and executive committee team member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Vaughn is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and is involved in the leadership of Tulsa, the Rotary Club of Tulsa, and is a volunteer mentor at Celia Clinton Elementary School.
Wes and Ashley speak with Marit Peters, the President & Executive Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT). She has been working with agencies for years as an executive coach helping leaders untap human potential and create winning cultures.
Marit has worked in a variety of industries over her career including healthcare, technology, insurance, associations, and aviation manufacturing. Her core management modeling is developed from LEAN methodology. She is certified with both the WHY INSTITUTE and KOLBE for leadership and talent management.
Marit is a passionate, innovative, success-oriented leader whose specialty lies in using strong relationship and business skills complemented with organizational design and strategic planning to create and sustain organizational growth and productivity.
Ryan and Krista welcomed Delaney Beller, President of the Beta Epsilon Chapter at the University of Central Oklahoma's Gamma Iota Sigma Fraternity, and Tana Altland of the Gamma Iota Sigma insurance fraternity. The group engaged in a productive discussion about the importance of pre-professional opportunities, such as internships, for young individuals seeking careers in insurance.
Ashley and Tom have a candid discussion with Jase as to his success in southern Oklahoma as owner of Riggs and Associate in Ardmore.
Why is it important to be politically active in our industry as a Young Agent? Why is it important to have legislative lobbyists? Why is OKPac important to your industry? Answers to these questions are provided by experienced lobbyist Jamie Longacre. Jamie is the president of Longacre Inc., a full service legislative marketing and consulting firm who is the current lobbyist for Big I Oklahoma. Enjoy this very interesting conversation with Jamie and hosts Wes and Ashley.
Brock Elliot is a partner and producer at Elliot Group in Louisburg, Kansas. He has been in the insurance industry for 10 years and has held various leadership positions, including chairman of the Kansas Young Agent Committee, National Young Agent Board member, and Kansas Association Board member. He was named Insurpac National Young Agent of the Year by IIABA in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the insurance industry. Brock is a highly respected leader in his field and is dedicated to helping young professionals succeed in the insurance industry.
A full conversation about health, leadership challenges and future perspectives from Denise Johnson. Ryan Smith and Jase Riggs visits with Denise and open the door to our longest episode to date.
A great time visiting with Dr Tatum about his upcoming presentation at the Oklahoma Young Agents Annual Conference and a little in depth as to his book writing venture. Great stuff!
Our guest today is Beth Miller of Executive Velocity. Beth will be a presenter at the Oklahoma Young Agents Conference and is an experienced corporate executive, business owner, and entrepreneurial leader with a love for developing talent and seeing other leaders succeed. She started her career working in finance and sales, and later co-founded a technology project management firm that was recognized by INC as one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies. Through her work with the CEO peer advisory group Vistage, she realized her love of impacting businesses and their employees by developing leaders, spurring her to found her current venture, Executive Velocity. She now helps businesses grow, scale, and thrive by developing the leaders within them. She’s authored two books: “Replaceable, An Obsession with Succession” and “Are You Talent Obsessed?” Beth also has a passion for animals and exploration that’s inspired her to be a world traveler who’s set foot on all seven continents. Learn more at ExecutiveVelocity.com.
Today we are starting our first episode out with a bang by interviewing Chris Floyd! For those of you new to Big I Oklahoma, he was chairman back in 2018. Chris is the Vice President of the Tribal Nations Program at Brown & Brown and in recognition of his hard work, he was awarded the Savoy Special and Top Gun of the office awards at their annual conference in 2021. He is also currently State National Director, representing our great state at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.