In this episode, the Mayor sits down with industry veteran Jeff Kleid a 30-year insurance innovator, MGA, and carrier leader to talk about the business of hard-to-place risks, the truth about captives, and how brokers can turn complex accounts into profitable opportunities.
From selling insurance on the internet in the ‘90s to building niche programs for cannabis, film, and trucking, Jeff shares real-world lessons about taking chances, trusting data, and transforming the way independent agents think about risk.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The evolution from retail broker to MGA and carrier
- Why most agents misunderstand captives (and how to use them right)
- Building programs for high-risk industries like towing and hemp
- How to niche down without boxing yourself in
- The role of AI in underwriting and program innovation
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t fear the hard-to-place — that’s where opportunity lives.
- Captives aren’t restrictive; they empower growth and control.
- Niche success is built on relationships and risk awareness.
- AI is a tool, not a replacement — human insight still wins the day.
Connect with Jeff Kleid:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffkleid
- Email: jdkleid@eliterisk.com
- Website: eliterisk.com
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
🧡 Smart Choice – The fastest-growing agency network helping independent agents write more business and earn more income.
🔗 Canopy Connect – The easiest way to collect your client’s insurance information in seconds.
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