Tag: Entrepreneur

Episode 303: Scale Like Never Before

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

Scaling an agency requires clarity, intentionality, and the courage to focus on what truly drives growth. In this episode, I share the mindset and systems used by top independent insurance agencies to compress time, eliminate distractions, and scale faster than ever before.

I also introduce Onyx, our new high-level program built for agency owners who are ready to elevate their leadership, strengthen their culture, and create the scalable infrastructure needed for long-term success. We dive into how planners outperform reactors, why subtraction accelerates growth, and how early adopters are using automation and AI to create massive efficiency gains. This episode will challenge you to lead with purpose and build your agency like the one you want to own three years from now.

Highlights:

  • How intentional planning—not reaction—creates the clarity needed for breakthrough growth.
  • Why calculated courage separates stagnant agencies from those scaling at record speed.
  • How subtraction (fewer priorities, fewer distractions, fewer wrong-fit people) accelerates success.
  • What early adopters teach us about using automation, RPA, and AI to compress time and build efficiency.
  • Why leadership depth, culture alignment, and people architecture determine long-term scalability.
  • How the Onyx Program is helping agency owners elevate performance, build stronger leadership, and achieve exponential growth.

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Live Events: http://uppmastermind.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Episode 301: How Your Team Takes Ownership For Their Agency Role with Joel McKinley

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

The fastest-growing agencies aren’t just built on strategy—they’re powered by accountability. In this episode, I sit down with Joel McKinley, our Director of Accountability at UPP and a 20-year U.S. Army Ranger veteran, to talk about how true ownership transforms teams from task-driven to results-driven. We dive deep into what it really takes to create a culture where accountability is embraced, not enforced—and where every team member takes responsibility for their own success.

Sharing how trust, clear expectations, and consistent follow-through can help agency owners shift from micromanaging to leading with confidence. Together, we break down practical ways to build accountability into your agency’s foundation—so your people don’t just show up for work, they show up for results.

Highlights:

  • How accountability builds trust and empowers independent insurance agency teams to own their results.
  • Why accountability must start with leadership—and how agency owners can model it daily.
  • The difference between holding people to tasks versus holding them to outcomes that truly matter.
  • How consistent one-on-one accountability builds confidence, clarity, and momentum across your agency.
  • Ways to identify and eliminate “busy work” so your team focuses on high-value, productive activity.
  • How building an accountability culture attracts A-players who want to grow and lead within your agency.

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Live Events: http://uppmastermind.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Episode 298: Smart Agents, Smarter Back Office with Chris Paradiso

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

The smartest agencies aren’t just selling insurance—they’re reimagining how every back-office process works. In this conversation with Chris Paradiso, I explore how he’s using AI and automation to transform his agency’s operations while giving his team the tools to work faster, smarter, and with greater accuracy. Chris shares how platforms like the Intelligent Agent are helping streamline communication, improve accuracy, and free up licensed agents to focus on what they do best: building relationships and earning client trust. This isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering them with the right tools to thrive in today’s marketplace.

Highlights:

  • How AI-powered questionnaires can help generalist agents uncover the right details and reduce errors.
  • Why simplifying communication at an eighth-grade level builds stronger client trust.
  • Practical ways to use AI for policy comparisons, renewal reviews, and identifying missed coverage opportunities.
  • How a “closed” AI environment ensures accurate answers and protects sensitive client data.
  • The impact of removing workplace distractions like Slack and replacing them with smarter AI-driven support.
  • Why speed and clarity in communication directly improve closing ratios and client retention.

About Chris Paradiso:

Chris Paradiso is the Founder & Agency Owner of Paradiso Insurance and the driving force behind Paradiso Presents, recognized as a marketing and branding powerhouse in the insurance industry.

  • Entrepreneurial Foundation
    Launched Paradiso Insurance that Chris and his team have built it into a thriving, multi-state firm—now with 80+ team members and a footprint in at least 37 states, with expansion plans continuing strong.
  • Digital & Social Media Maverick
    Chris stands out in a traditionally slow-moving industry by mastering online marketing. He’s a dynamic speaker, educator, and author, teaching agents nationwide how to harness digital tools like social media, SEO, blogging, and analytics—not fluff, but real tactics that drive results.
  • Coaching for Purpose & Freedom
    Through Paradiso Presents LLC, he empowers independent agencies to thrive amid industry upheaval— not just survive, but dominate. His offerings range from marketing roadmaps to leadership training, delivered with real-world examples and high impact.
  • Award-Winning Visionary
    A winner of the Safeco and Liberty Mutual National Agent for the Future Award (2019), Chris’s Parcel Delivery Division is now the second largest in the country for FedEx independent contractor insurance, and rapidly growing with Amazon DSPs and LSPs.
  • Forward-Focused Innovator
    Known as a digital pioneer, he’s pushing the edge with data-driven insights through work with Aureus Analytics, improving customer understanding and profitability for agencies everywhere.
  • Heart-Driven Leader
    At his core, Chris is a family man who leads with passion. He operates on the principle that when you do what you love, “you’ll never work a day in your life

 

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Live Events: http://uppmastermind.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

 

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Episode 297: Easier Money in Your Bank Account with Ray Huang of Canopy Connect

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

The fastest way to lose a prospect is friction, and Ray Huang is helping agents eliminate it for good. In this episode, I sit down with Ray, Head of Growth at Canopy Connect, to explore how their insurance data intake platform is helping over 12,000 agents collect complete, verified client information in seconds.

Ray and I discuss why reducing the number of follow-ups, form fields, and back-and-forth emails is the key to winning more business faster. We dive into how Canopy Connect lets clients share policy details, dec pages, driver info, and even claims history directly from their carrier, streamlining the quoting process while building trust and professionalism. If your agency is still chasing down missing documents or rekeying data, you’re leaving time, revenue, and client satisfaction on the table.

Highlights:

  • How eliminating friction in your intake process leads to higher quote conversion and better client experience.
  • Verified data direct from the carrier is more accurate, secure, and time-saving than manual entry.
  • Ways to use Canopy Connect to shorten sales cycles and boost professionalism from the first interaction.
  • How to implement smart automations that guide prospects and reduce drop-off during the quoting process.
  • The real reasons prospects ghost agents—and how better intake removes barriers to trust.
  • Actionable steps to increase revenue per lead by leveraging data instead of chasing it.

 

About Ray Huang: Ray Huang has helped dozens of startups and growth companies over his 20-year career develop strategies and implement tactics that yield high-impact business results. As the Head of Marketing for Canopy Connect, he’s grown the platform into the market-leading insurance intake platform for insurance agents and beyond.

https://www.usecanopy.com/

 

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Live Events: http://uppmastermind.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

 

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Episode 296: Your Online Presence

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

Diving into the crucial topic of why you MUST monitor your online presence. From branding essentials to cutting-edge tools, Mike shares invaluable tips to help you enhance your brand identity and consistency. He recommends Donald Miller’s book “Building A Story Brand” for mastering brand messaging and discusses the importance of social media engagement, content marketing, and robust email marketing strategies.

This episode also highlights the importance of maintaining a stellar e-commerce platform and leveraging analytics for informed business decisions. We’ll explore the vital role of customer support, adaptability, and innovation, all aimed at impacting lives personally and professionally.

Whether you’re looking to ramp up your recruiting efforts, improve your business success, or simply ensure your online presence is top-notch, this episode has you covered. So tune in and get ready to transform your online presence into a world-class operation.

Highlights:

  • Ensure all brand elements are uniform across platforms for a cohesive identity.
  • Create engaging and relevant content to captivate your audience.
  • Develop a unique selling proposition that clearly differentiates your brand.
  • Maintain active and engaging profiles on key social media platforms.
  • Respond promptly to customer reviews and feedback.
  • Produce blogs, videos, and educational content to maintain visibility.
  • Focus on personalized, value-driven messages and consistent newsletters.
  • Ensure your e-commerce platform is reliable and user-friendly.
  • Use tools like Google Analytics for informed decision-making.
  • Guarantee responsive design, fast loading speeds, and effective CTAs.

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Live Events: http://uppmastermind.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Episode 295: Building an AI-First Agency with Erik Jensen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

The future isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s AI-first. In this powerful conversation with Erik Jensen, I uncover what it really takes to build an agency from the ground up with automation, bots, and agentic AI at the core. Erik, a seasoned executive leader and founder of InsureCor and Hatteras Insurance, brings over two decades of experience in operations, M&A, and technology strategy, making him one of the most forward-thinking voices in insurance tech today.

Diving into how he’s reimagined every aspect of his operations by starting with AI first, building workflows where bots do the heavy lifting and humans step in only where truly needed. From native AI and robotic process automation (RPA) to team leadership and scalable tech stacks, this conversation is a masterclass in building an optimized, future-proof agency. If you’re ready to multiply your team’s capacity, increase revenue per employee, and truly operate with a growth mindset, this is the blueprint.

Highlights:

  • Understand the difference between native AI, agentic AI, and RPA—and how to use each strategically in your agency.
  • Learn how starting with AI-first operations can increase revenue per employee to $400K–$600K or more.
  • Discover why listening to your team is the critical first step to identifying what should be automated.
  • Explore real-world examples of AI intake bots, quoting bots, and multi-layered automations working together.
  • Learn how to create a “tech brain” hierarchy with multiple bots feeding into a central AI system.
  • Get inspired by the agency-as-a-lab model that tests, learns, and adapts in real time to stay ahead of the curve.

 

About Erik P. Jensen:

Erik P. Jensen is a tech-forward insurance strategist with over 20 years of experience across sales, operations, and executive leadership. As founder of Holistic Business Consultants, he leads a suite of interconnected companies transforming how independent insurance agencies grow, compete, and scale through technology.

Erik is the creator of:

  • InsurCore – A consulting and implementation firm focused exclusively on modernizing independent agencies.
  • ZoInsure – A full-featured, customizable AMS/CRM built on Zoho One with native AI agents, workflow automation, and real-time insight tools.
  • Hatteras Insurance – His own Florida-based agency, operating as a living case study for modern tech-enabled growth.
  • IO – A lead gen platform using AI to qualify, route, and nurture leads automatically.

He and his team have developed one of the industry’s most comprehensive and intelligent ecosystems, including a proprietary AI-enhanced knowledgebase with thousands of carrier profiles, SOPs, training scripts, and service workflows—powering both agency staff and automated AI agents.

With voice-based learning tools and native AI support rolling out soon in ZoInsure, Erik continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the insurance space—helping independent agencies thrive without adding overhead.

Websites:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erikpjensen

[email protected]

 

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Live Events: http://uppmastermind.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Episode 294: Accelerating the Speed of Trust with Ryan Hanley

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

When trust becomes your agency’s fastest growth lever, the game changes—and Ryan Hanley is here to prove it. In this episode, I talk with Ryan about his journey from agency owner to tech innovator and how his new venture, Linqura, is transforming the way commercial insurance agencies build trust more efficiently.

We dive into the rising importance of data privacy in AI tools, why most agents are still overwhelmed by fragmented tech stacks, and how Linqura is creating a secure, AI-powered solution that makes every agent a commercial expert, without needing to reinvent the wheel. Ryan shares how agency teams can reduce 15 tabs down to 3, win more business by identifying policy gaps, and finally give CSRs the time and space to upsell, cross-sell, and serve at a higher level. If you’re serious about operational excellence and lasting client relationships, this conversation is packed with insight.

Highlights:

  • Why agentic AI will reshape commercial insurance—and how it differs from traditional large language models.
  • How to win more business by shifting your focus from speed-to-bind to speed-to-trust.
  • A simple strategy to reduce systems from 15 to 3 and save hours on every submission.
  • Ways to automate coverage gap analysis and use it to create better client conversations.
  • The real reason CSRs don’t upsell—and how better tech can free them up to do so.
  • How to ethically harness client data with privacy-first AI and still deliver unmatched insights.

About Ryan Hanley:

Ryan Hanley is the Chief Growth Officer of Linqura, the only agentic AI growth engine for commercial insurance profitability, and the founder of Finding Peak, a leadership coaching company. Ryan previously founded Rogue Risk, a first-of-its-kind digital commercial insurance agency, and held executive leadership positions across the technology, fitness, and insurance industries. In addition, Ryan is a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership, growth, and technology, bestselling author of Content Warfare, and producer of the Apple Top 20 podcast, The Ryan Hanley Show.

https://ryanhanley.com/hanley/

https://lnk.to/ryanhanleyshow

 

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Live Events: http://uppmastermind.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

 

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Episode 293: Harnessing AI for Growth with Daniel Metcalf

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

When a speaker leaves an entire room buzzing, you know they’re onto something powerful—and that’s exactly what happened when Daniel Metcalf shared his insights at our Grand Mastermind. In this episode, I finally got him behind the mic to break down what’s really happening at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and independent insurance agency growth.

Daniel, co-founder of CyberFin and a seasoned expert in both AI and security, shares how agencies can stop drowning in AI “features” and start extracting real business benefits. We explore how to build a protected, efficient agency tech stack with AI and automation at the core—freeing up your people, reducing risk, and ultimately driving profitability. Daniel also walks us through how to identify repetitive tasks ripe for automation, the right way to adopt AI tools without compromising data, and why building a custom AI “co-CEO” might be your smartest next move.

Highlights:

  • How to identify and automate the most time-consuming, repetitive agency tasks for maximum efficiency gains.
  • Why “features fatigue” is real—and how to focus on AI tools that actually deliver measurable ROI.
  • What agentic AI is, how it differs from bots, and how it’s quietly reshaping operations in forward-thinking agencies.
  • The real risks of unsecured AI use in agencies and how to implement zero-trust, verifiable AI policies.
  • How to reverse-engineer your agency’s structure by leading with AI, then layering in VAs and licensed experts.
  • Why your first AI move should be building a custom GPT “co-CEO” to guide strategic decisions and save hours of thinking time.

 

About Daniel Metcalf:

Daniel Metcalf, Co-founder & President of CyberFin. Daniel’s a Speaker & Cybersecurity Evangelist for the Insurance Industry on a mission to simplify cybersecurity for SMBs, and especially for Financial and Insurance Agencies.

His mission and my passion is to protect entrepreneurs and agency owners from cyber-crimes & compliance fines.

But my journey doesn’t stop there.

With a rich background in marketing, tech, and e-commerce, Daniel’s worn multiple hats – from a visionary entrepreneur to a results-driven Chief Revenue Officer. His expertise in revenue operations for tech and e-commerce companies has consistently driven growth and innovation to all my endeavors.

At his core, he’s a tech enthusiast with an entrepreneurial spirit, a Marketing Maverick with a Tech Twist, always eager to connect, collaborate, and create.

Whether it’s pioneering cybersecurity solutions at CyberFin or strategizing revenue growth for tech ventures, Daniel thrives on challenges and the thrill of innovation.

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just someone passionate about tech and innovation, let’s connect and explore synergies!

 

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Episode 292: 70% FREE Time Efficiency for Your Team with Carl Ziade of Gaya.ai

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

When quoting time drops from ten minutes to two, you don’t just save time—you transform how your agency operates. In this episode, I sit down with Carl Ziade, co-founder of Gaya.ai, to explore how his lightweight AI solution is helping independent insurance agencies reclaim up to 70% of their team’s time.

Carl breaks down how Gaya’s “super-copy, super-paste” technology eliminates redundant data entry across AMS, raters, and carrier portals. We discuss how agencies of all sizes are using this simple but powerful tool to reduce friction, increase quoting capacity, and ultimately boost profitability without increasing headcount. More than just automation, it’s a people-first approach to technology that empowers CSRs, processors, and producers to focus on what really matters—serving clients and growing the business.

Highlights:

  • Learn how one simple browser extension can eliminate repetitive form-filling across your entire quoting process.
  • Understand why freeing up 70% of your team’s time isn’t about cutting staff—it’s about giving them time to do higher-impact work.
  • Discover how agencies are onboarding Gaya in under two weeks, starting with just two team members to build internal champions.
  • Hear how Gaya adapts to both personal and commercial lines, including non-bridging carriers and PDF applications.
  • Find out why Carl emphasizes that great processes must come before technology—so you scale the right way.
  • See how adopting tech like Gaya boosts agency value and multiple—especially crucial in a changing ownership landscape.

About Carl Ziade:

Carl Ziade is the co-founder and CEO of Gaya.ai, an AI startup putting an end to repetitive data entry in the insurance world. Gaya’s browser extension lets agents supercopy data from anywhere and superpaste it directly into carrier portals — cutting quoting time in half across both Personal and Commercial Lines. Carl holds an MBA from Stanford, where he met his co-founder Jean-Pierre. He’s also a computer engineer who’s been deep in AI for over a decade. Carl didn’t stumble into insurance — he earned it, after spending over a thousand hours shadowing agents and CSRs as they quoted and serviced policies. As of May 2025, Gaya is being used by more than 150 agencies including top 5 brokers.

https://gaya.ai/

 

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/

Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Episode 291: AI Coworkers for Your Agency with Vishal Rohra

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

When someone on stage says your bots are already outdated, you sit up and listen—and that’s exactly what happened when I heard Vishal Rohra speak. His message about AI coworkers being the future of independent insurance agencies wasn’t just compelling, it was urgent. In this episode, Vishal, co-founder of K.ai, explains how AI has evolved beyond traditional bots into adaptive, trainable digital teammates—AI coworkers who can learn your agency’s processes, take on repetitive tasks, and free up your human team to do what they do best: build relationships and close business. We explore how these tools are already being used in real agencies to handle everything from quoting to renewals, and why adopting AI isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for survival and growth in today’s competitive landscape.

Highlights:

  • Learn how AI coworkers differ from traditional bots and why adaptability is their biggest strength.
  • Discover the types of agency workflows AI can take over—from quoting and data entry to carrier logins and form processing.
  • Understand how agencies are saving over 100 hours per month by implementing AI coworkers strategically.
  • See how AI coworkers integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and workflows without disrupting your team.
  • Hear how onboarding can be completed in two weeks, starting small and scaling up as the coworker learns your processes.
  • Get inspired to shift your team’s mindset from fear of tech to seeing AI as a powerful tool that honors their time and skills.

 

About Vishal Rohra:

Vishal is the Co-Founder and CEO at Kay.ai, building AI Coworkers for Insurance Operations. Kay is on a mission to eliminate double entry work across agencies. Their bots can navigate any carrier or agency management system, and pick up tasks across submissions and servicing. Previously, Vishal worked as a machine learning initiative across Microsoft and Twitter, before joining the South Park Commons Fellowship. They are backed by Insurance Associations and Industry veterans to disrupt the $300B BPO market.

 

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

If you want to learn more about our Coaching & Mastermind Programs and how they can help you grow your agency business, schedule your private Agency Growth Session with Mike Stromsoe Now (click here)!

Skip to toolbar