Tag: Growth

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

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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 288: Preparation is Separation

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Success in the independent insurance business isn’t about luck but preparation. In this episode, I take you back to 1998, when I started my agency from scratch. Long hours, early mornings, and sacrifices were the norm, but one defining moment made me realize that preparation isn’t just about work but balance, vision, and showing up where it matters most. I’ll share the hard-earned lessons that separate top performers from the rest and how you can apply them to grow a thriving business without losing sight of what’s important. Let’s dive in!

Highlights:

  • Success isn’t built on big wins alone; it comes from the small, consistent habits you commit to every day.
  • The work you put in before others even start their day gives you a competitive edge and sets the tone for long-term success.
  • Staying focused, resilient, and intentional in your approach will determine how far you go in business and life.
  • No level of success is worth it if you’re not showing up for the people who matter most in your life.
  • Hard work is necessary, but failing to balance business and personal priorities can create challenges that are difficult to fix later.
  • Study the habits, strategies, and mindsets of top performers, and apply what works to accelerate your own 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/

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 262: Why Masterminds Change the Game with Russ Castle

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In today’s game-changing conversation, Russ Castle and Mike Stromsoe dive into the transformative power of mastermind groups. They discuss how being a part of these collaborative forums has not only led to a significant financial uplift for participants but has also fostered exponential growth in both personal and professional realms. They’ll share experiences from their own journeys, highlighting how mastermind groups have evolved their businesses over decades. Additionally, Russ and Mike stress the importance of preparing for and actively participating in these meetings, the impact of in-person interactions over virtual ones, and the crucial role of skilled facilitators. They’ll also touch on the upcoming mastermind pop-ups around the country, an opportunity for anyone looking to experience the power of strategic collaboration first-hand.

So, tune in to learn how to leverage the collective intelligence of mastermind groups to amplify your success and live life on your own terms.

Highlights:

  • Seeking answers, found inspiration, ready to act.
  • Mastermind sessions offer networking and powerful ideas.
  • Visionary leader chairs drive long-term planning success.
  • Experience in UPP, hold people accountable, mastermind meetings.
  • Importance of experienced leader in mastermind sessions.
  • Plan ahead, prioritize, and focus on essentials.
  • Diamond polishing, revenue increase, providing desired lifestyle.

About Russ Castle:

Russ Castle is a dynamic and seasoned insurance professional with over three decades of experience in the industry. As the CEO of Insurance by Castle, he has transformed a small operation into a leading insurance provider in California. Known for his exceptional expertise in niches, ethical professionalism, and commitment to unmatched client service, Russ excels in delivering tailored insurance solutions through a broad network of providers, ensuring the best coverage at competitive prices for a diverse range of clients including both businesses and individuals. His strategic leadership has fostered the development of key partnerships and cultivated a company culture focused on integrity and customer satisfaction, which has significantly contributed to the firm’s reputation and growth. Additionally, Russ is an author and real estate investor, dedicated to community service and empowering residential rental owners with his book, Growing Your Real Estate Empire, which offers insider knowledge on managing rental properties in California. His achievements include steering the company’s evolution from a local entity to a recognized name in the national insurance landscape and designing innovative business models that cater to the specific needs of residential landlord owners.

Opportunity is always knocking, especially if you are looking for it…

One of the absolute keys to consistent agency growth and wealth today is learning and masterminding with other TOP business leaders in a smaller, proven forum. A very special, exclusive opportunity just became available as I will be in town on business and want to serve and help agents more whenever possible.

Join us for a collaborative one-day mastermind session with other top agents in the region, designed to grow your business in today’s rapidly changing business environment.

This private, invitation only session will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana. There is no cost to you, however, we have only 7 remaining seats.

This opportunity is for Top, A player agents ONLY. If that’s you, please apply quickly HERE before the seats are gone.

DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

LOCATION:

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

APPLY NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT!

 

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 213: It’s Better to Give Than to Receive with Patty Lares (Encore)

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Patty Lares does not believe in giving up. Faced with challenges in her youth, she had to quit school to find a job and survive but that did not stop her. At the age of 18 she earned her insurance license and never looked back. Patty shares her story and the lessons learned to inspire all the entrepreneurs out there.

Highlights:

  • Foraging ahead to start her own business, knocking on doors and handing out flyers
  • The strength of asking for support and investing in yourself
  • Being the first female Hispanic woman to be recognized by Rough Notes Magazine
  • Acquisitions and helping them sustain their legacy
  • Strategies for organic growth

About Our Guest:
Patty Lares is the founder and President of AA Lares Insurance Services, Inc. Starting her insurance career at the age of 16 in Anaheim, CA, Patty has been an active member of the in the insurance community for over 30 years. On October 2, 2000 Ms. Lares opened her own agency. Fast forward 19 years later, Patty is now leading a team of 15 members across two locations.
Recognized as Agency of the Month in 2018 by Rough Notes Magazine and BIG Independent Group’s Professional Agency of the Year in 2016, the AA Lares Insurance team continue to wow their community and push the boundaries from what is expected of insurance brokers and agents in the eyes of insurance carriers and clients. The AA Lares team volunteers monthly at a number of local nonprofits such as March of Dimes, Backpacks for Success, and OC Heart Walk. Ms. Lares has participated in various insurance business groups including the Alliance of Insurance Agents and Brokers, as well as the Unstoppable Profit Producers.
Outside of the office, Patty loves spending time with her family on road trips and at soccer matches. Early morning hikes and motivational audio books are embedded into her daily routine.
Stay connected with Patty and her team by visiting the company website (laresinsurance.com) or social media accounts (@laresinsurance).

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
Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/Virtual Events: http://www.uppfaststart.com/
Email [email protected]
Podcast: http://unstoppableprofitpodcast.com
Virtual Training: http://uppfaststart.com
In Person Training: http://beunstoppablebootcamp.com

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