Episode 278: The Positive Opportunity with David Brush and Nancy Mendizabal

In this episode, I’m excited to continue highlighting the Top 3% high-achieving agents from our UPP circle, who have also graced the cover of Rough Notes magazine. Today, I’m joined by Nancy Mendizabal and David Brush, the dynamic sibling duo behind Apple Valley Agency.

We dive deep into the power of positive thinking and the immense growth opportunities in the business world. Nancy and David share their journey of transforming their insurance agency, reaching incredible milestones, and embracing remote work to find the perfect balance in life.

They also explain how they shifted from daily operations to strategic growth, the importance of having a coach, and how their book, How to Protect Your Family, has strengthened their business relationships.

As the number one agency in America, according to Rough Notes magazine, Nancy and David talk about their ability to see change as an opportunity. Whether you’re in insurance or any other business sector, you’ll gain valuable insights on leveraging technology, capturing market share, and building strong relationships—all while celebrating wins along the way.

Highlights:

  • The value of joining mastermind groups for shared insights and growth.
  • Ensuring business objectives align with long-term vision through coaching and community support.
  • Viewing industry changes as opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Encouraging young talent to enter the industry amid retiring professionals.
  • Utilizing advancements in technology to streamline and amplify business operations.
  • Navigating remote work smoothly with clear expectations and trust-based relationships.
  • Forming and maintaining strong ties with carriers and the community for mutual success.
  • Creating a positive work environment through affirmations, celebrating successes, and tackling challenges constructively.
  • The significance of a balanced leadership team to complement strengths and weaknesses.
  • The necessity of mentorship, coaching, and external support for sustained business growth.

About David Brush:

David joined Apple Valley Insurance in 1991, and has been an owner with his sister, Nancy Mendizabal, since 2004.  He enjoys participating and volunteering for organizations that support youth.  He donates time as an Academy of Finance board member at the Smithfield High School, and as a Greenville Public Library board member.  He, along with his four sisters, is active in the New England MS Society 3-day Cape Cod walk in memory of his mother. In his free time he likes to ski, travel, cook, go to the beach, play board games, and spend time with his wife, children, and family.

About Nancy Mendizabal:

Nancy joined Scituate Insurance in 1990 after working in the banking industry for several years (and became an owner of Apple Valley Agency with her brother David in 2004).  She recently celebrated 25 years with Apple Valley & Scituate Insurance. Nancy donates her time to several organizations that support education, the Ponaganset Education Foundation and the First Class Scholarship program, and the VASA Order of America Scholarship Fund. She is Past President of the IIARI, and has served on the National Agents Panel for MetLife Auto & Home.  She, along with her siblings and dad, has supported the New England MS Society 3-day Challenge Walk in memory of her mother since 2001.  In her free time she enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with her family.

Visit our website: applevalleyagency.com

Like us on Facebook: Apple Valley Insurance Facebook

 

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 258: The Untapped Goldmine at Rough Notes with Walter J. Gdowski

Today’s journey dives into the rich history and dynamic presence of the insurance world. I’m your host, Mike Stromsoe, and I’m thrilled to have with us a venerable icon in the industry, the CEO and owner of Rough Notes Magazine Company, Walter J. Gdowski.

Walter, who joined Rough Notes in 1979 and eventually assumed the helm, will share the intriguing tale of how Rough Notes carved its niche in delivering top-notch technical information to independent agents and its historic contributions to the sector since 1878. Our discussion also touches on the evolution of the Accord forms and Rough Notes’ adept adaptation that resonates through Carmel, Indiana, where they’ve stood the testament of time. Plus, witness Walt’s passion for flight with tales that sweep through the skies on World War 2 trainer planes.

We invite you to buckle up for a ride into the past, the simplicity of ISO policies, and the electrifying potential of AI in insurance. Discover how Walt hints at new products tailored for agents, rooted deeply in Rough Notes’ celebrated content.

Highlights:

  • Diving into the rich history of Rough Notes Magazine Company.
  • Fantastic opportunity to tour the insurance industry history.
  • Insurance marketplace, essential information and tools available.
  • AI development gaining momentum, transforming industry processes.
  • Selflessly contribute to AI for greater impact.

About Walter J. Gdowski:

Owner & CEO The Rought Notes Company, Inc. Carmel, Indiana

Walter J. Gdowski began his insurance career in 1976 as a regional sales representative for The Rough Notes Company, Inc. in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut areas. Mr. Gwodski called an agencies of various sizes to promote the company’s manual and automated agency billing and accounting systems and sold advertising for its two publications – Rough Notes magazine and Life and Health Insurance Sales. He also handled promotions of the company’s various insurance textbooks and technical services.

In 1980, Mr. Gwodski was promoted to National Sales Manager and in 1982 became Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Mr. Gdowski was elected President and CEO of Rough Notes Company Inc. in 1988. and in February 1994 he purchased the company. He restructured the organization with an emphasis on leveraging the company’s wealth of technical data. Development of a host of software products to deliver Rough Notes’ technical data and services continued as technology evolves.

August 1996, marked The Rough Notes Company’s first anniversary of being on the Internet’s World Wide Web (http://www.roughnotes.com). Rough Notes magazine – the industry’s oldest national publication – was the first to appear in its entirety on the Internet. The company remains in the forefront as it has during its 146-year history, expanding its delivery of products and services on CD-ROM and the Internet’s World Wide Web.

Mr. Gdowski is a golf advocate and enjoys flying one of his three warbirds ( WW II trainers) to air shows after getting his pilot license at the age of 52.

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)!

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