Vertafore Insurance Podcast

2021 time capsule: Part 2

In the second and final episode of our time capsule series, we’ve got more never-before-heard content from our incredible guests in 2021.

Listen as more VIP guests share what their biggest piece of advice would be for the insurance industry. Some of their answers might surprise you!

• Bill Pieroni, ACORD (1:08-2:48)
• Kelly Byrom, Vertafore (2:55-3:10)
• Brett Allen, BOSS Social (3:16-4:26)
• Dimitrios Argitis, Vertafore Canada (4:33-4:58)
• Michael Freilich, Renaissance Alliance (5:05-7:24)
• Shawn Michael Walker, Premier Group Insurance (7:34-8:23)
• Charles Specht, Permission Network Insurance Agency (8:32-10:46)
• Kelly Lennon, USI Insurance Services (10:54-11:17)
• Pete Tessier, BSI Insurance (11:27-13:02)
• Matt Masiello, SIAA (13:12-14:08)

InsuRant: How will your business be better in 2022?

It’s the last InsuRant of 2021, so we’re in goal-setting mode for 2022. Rick believes agencies needs to figure out what “itches” they need scratched to improve their business in the new year—whether that's automating the sales process, optimizing efficiency, or even enhancing the way they celebrate high-performing employees.  

Rick also shares more about Vertafore’s recent AgencyZoom acquisition and its potential impact on our industry. 

2021 time capsule: Part 1

Today we're traveling back in time for our special “time capsule” episode with never-before-heard content from our 2021 guests. 

For this part 1 episode, hear what beliefs about the industry some of our guests have in common:

• Jason Walker, Agency InsurTech (1:23-2:48)
• Crystal Ware, Empower Benefits &Insurance Group (2:50-4:00)
• David Carothers, Florida Risk Partners, LLC (4:01-6:20)
• Ashley Fitzsimmons, Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc. (6:22-8:22)
• Peter van Aartrijk, Aartrijk (8:24-9:00)
• Tyrre Burks, Player’s Health (9:01-10:05)
• Wyatt Stewart, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (10:07-11:29)

Asking the right questions, with Pete Tessier

Today on the episode, we welcome Pete Tessier, vice president of sales and marketing at BSI Insurance and host of The Insurance Podcast. Pete shares why asking “what if?” is the key to helping an agency remain successful in the long term.  

Rick and Pete dive into how addressing hypothetical questions help agencies be more agile and prepared for the unexpected. Also, learn one of Pete’s favorite hacks he uses during brainstorming sessions that will help your team feel included and improve company culture.   

Rick or Treat: Things that go bump in the night

Listen all you gals and ghouls,

We've got a spooky show for you.

Grab your candy and take a seat,

It's time for a special "Rick or Treat!"

 

What's your fear, your worry, your fright?

Which problems lurch and go bump in the night?

Whatever haunts you or freezes your veins,

Let's bury the hatchet and dig its grave.

 

There's something for everyone,

Listen if you dare.

But enter with caution,

Cause you might get scared.

Pro-football turned pro-insurance, with Tyrre Burks

Today on the episode, we welcome Tyrre Burks, founder and CEO of Player’s Health, to talk about insurance in the world of sports. Tyrre is a former football pro whose career-ending injury forced him to pivot career paths before landing in insurance. He eventually founded Player’s Health, a risk services and insurance firm that protects that supports over 10 million athletes.

Listen in as Tyrre and Rick dive into topics, including how the USA Gymnastics scandal made a lasting impact on insurance, Tyrre’s thoughts on the NIL (name, image, and likeness) debate in the NCAA, and more.

Slow down to speed up, with David Carothers

This week, insurance expert David Carothers joins the VIP to discuss ways to supercharge sales with better processes and habits. One of the big influencers in the insurance space, David shares why his secret sauce for success has everything to do with developing good habits (for him, time blocking is KEY).

In the world of sales, simply working hard and fast might seem like the quickest path to success, but in the words of David, sometimes you have to “slow down to speed up.”

If you’re looking to build better habits, this episode is for you.

Ask Rick: The “Great Resignation,” cybersecurity, and tech investments

We’re back with another Ask Rick episode! Today Rick is answering your burning industry questions about cybersecurity, investing in tech, and steps you can take to overcome the “Great Resignation” transforming the job market.

Be sure to check out this article Rick mentions in the episode, written by Vertafore Chief Revenue Officer Cassidy Smirnow, which discusses how the insurance community can find and keep great people in this industry.  

Remember, if you have a question you would like answered, you can submit your own questions to podcast@vertafore.com.

Getting curious, with Kelly Byrom

This week we welcome Vertafore’s VP of Platform and Experience Design Kelly Byrom to talk about the power of design to impact people, business, and everyday experiences.  

In this episode, Kelly shares why curiosity is essential for fostering more inclusive design, and why there is a big opportunity for the insurance industry to use this thinking to attract younger generations in the workforce.  

Hear real-life stories of the serious implications of design, including why poor design led to women being 47% more likely to be seriously injured in a car crash.

Ready to get curious? Push play and enjoy the episode! 

InsuRant Roundtable: The power of choice in insurance

In this special episode of the VIP, Rick is joined by two Vertafore colleagues for our very first InsuRant Roundtable. You’ve probably heard of our guests before: Dylan Braun is a producer of the show, and Justin Lair recently joined Vertafore as director of networks and associations.

Justin, Dylan, and Rick share their individual perspectives on the industry and marketplace right now. Justin believes that NOW is the most exciting time to be in insurance, and it has something to do with the sheer number of choices agencies have at their fingertips. Stick around for some fun rapid-fire questions at the end (with a few surprising answers), and we hope you enjoy this week’s episode!