Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition

How SIAA Partnerships Drive Agency Growth
Jack Calabrese, Chief Growth Officer at SIAA, joins us to share how SIAA helps agencies grow stronger, smarter, and faster. From market access to technology and training, these partnerships go beyond policies—they help independent agencies build long-term value and prepare for the future.

We discuss:

• The history and evolution of SIAA
• Why growth is the cornerstone of the model
• How local...

What commission do independent insurance agents get paid? In this episode, we break down how agencies earn 100% commission when writing business directly with carriers. Discover why this structure means faster payments, greater ownership, and long-term equity for your agency.

Listen in to learn:
 ✔ How direct commissions improve cash flow
 ✔ Why ownership of contracts builds lasting value
 ✔ The benefits of eliminating m...

Direct codes may open doors, but they aren’t the whole story. In this episode, we explore why agency partnership benefits keep independent agencies engaged for the long haul. From profit-sharing opportunities to consulting services and long-term stability, partnerships provide resources no agency should overlook.

Listen in as we break down why agencies stay for decades—and how partnerships deliver lasting value.

#insurance #siaofnc #...

Your agency is your legacy—but can you pass it on to the people you trust most? The answer is yes. In this episode, we dive into how to pass your agency to family or key employees, why it matters for your succession plan, and real-world examples of successful transitions.

From family ownership to key employee buyouts, we share what works, what to watch out for, and how to make sure your agency thrives in the next generation.

Listen n...

Are you ready to make the leap from producer to agency owner? In this episode, we explore how to determine your readiness for insurance agency ownership. From building strong mentor relationships to generating your own business opportunities, these steps will help you prepare for long-term success.

We’ll cover:

• The value of mentorship in guiding your ownership journey
• How networking creates centers of influence that drive growth
• Wh...

Curious about what it really costs to partner with a network like SIA of NC?

In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, we answer one of the most asked questions from agency prospects—“How much does it cost?” Spoiler alert: the cost depends on your goals.

✅ No set fees – every partnership is tailored
 ✅ Strategic assessment process – built around your agency’s needs
 ✅ Custom agreements – options for compensatio...

Are carriers still offering appointments in 2025? The short answer: yes—but strategically.

In this quick solo episode, we break down the state of the current carrier appointment process, how profitability is driving growth again, and what agencies need to show in order to secure those opportunities.

From targeting the right lines to participating in carrier programs like telematics, there’s a formula for success—and SIA of NC’s Acces...

Brent Farley didn’t set out to be an insurance agency owner—but once he discovered the path, he never looked back. In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, Brent shares how he went from selling life insurance and working in claims to building a successful independent agency partnered with SIA of NC.
✅ What pushed him to leave the captive world
✅ How he overcame the challenges of starting from scratch
✅ T...

Captive and direct writers are feeling the pressure. 
In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, we break down the growing disruption in the captive space—and why so many agents are making the move to independence. From commission cuts to lack of ownership, we cover the factors driving this shift and what it means for long-term success.
✅ How compensation cuts are affecting captive agents
✅ The demand for ...

Cyber intrusions are up 72%—and small businesses are feeling the heat. 
In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, we explore the latest cyber insurance trends with Adam Connor of RPS. From social engineering scams to card tumbling fraud, we cover the threats driving today's claims—and what agencies must do to stay protected.
✅ Why ransomware payments are declining
✅ The rise of cyber fatigue among em...

🎙 Thinking about starting your own insurance agency? Before you leap, it’s critical to understand what it really takes to succeed.
In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, we talk about the expectations vs. reality of launching an insurance agency. From long hours and stress management to handling every part of the business yourself, we break down the truths new owners need to hear.
✅ The misconception of &...

Thinking about growing your commercial book of business but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we sit down with Jerry Thacker, Director of Commercial Lines Development at SIAA, to discuss how independent agents can confidently break into the commercial space.
✅ Why commercial insurance is key to agency success
✅ Common mistakes new commercial producers make
✅ How to align with carriers and build your prospect lis...

Is your agency ready to acquire another book of business or agency? In this episode, we walk through what it takes to prepare financially and strategically for an acquisition.
✅ Learn why agency buyers need a plan before they shop
✅ Discover the importance of building banking and seller relationships
✅ Hear real-world insights on creative deal structuring
✅ Understand how small agencies can compete with larger broke...

Is your agency prepared for a cyberattack?
In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, we talk with Adam from RPS—our go-to cyber expert—about the real impact of cyber threats and how cyber liability insurance protects agencies and their clients.
✅ What cyber liability insurance really covers
✅ Why every agency needs this policy—even if using third-party platforms
✅ How policies respond during a breach ...

💼 Is your agency hitting the right profit margin? In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, we unpack what insurance agencies should be targeting for profitability—and why so many fall short.
✅ Typical agency profit margins: Why 2-10% isn’t enough
✅ What’s driving low margins—and how to fix it
✅ How to improve profit through smarter business placement
✅ The hidden impact of contingency bonuses and ca...

📢 Wondering how to make digital marketing actually work for your insurance agency?
In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, we break down what a strong digital marketing strategy looks like—and how agents can avoid common pitfalls while boosting online visibility and lead generation.
✅ Learn how to identify your ideal client and target the right platform
✅ Understand the difference between traffic and c...

How Much Should Insurance Agency Owners Pay Themselves?
How do independent insurance agency owners decide what to pay themselves?
In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, we dive into insurance agency compensation—how much to pay yourself, when to adjust your salary, and why stability matters more than spikes in income.
✅ Producer vs. Owner Pay – How to set your rate based on your role
✅ Market-Based...

Is your agency truly stable—or are you just hoping for the best?

In this episode of Build Your Legacy: Insurance Edition, we dive into how insurance agency partnerships offer the financial and carrier stability that every established agency needs.

✅ Guaranteed Contingencies – Build a stable revenue stream with quarterly payouts
 ✅ Market Access – How partnerships help you replace or expand carriers without disruption
 ✅ Finan...