The Scratch Agency Podcast

The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 22. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Maverick Pitchford with Bison Ridge Insurance . In this episode, we're talking about building a scratch agency and much more. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now. Make sure to hit the subscribe button and let us know your thoughts in the comments! #thescratc...

The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 21. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Ashley Paolozzi (Title & NMLS#: Loan Officer | NMLS #556632 ). In this episode, we're talking about building trust with mortgage lenders, prospecting for lender referral partners, and much more. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now. Make sure to hit the s...

The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 20. In this episode, Shawn Fitzgerald and Stephen Turnbull are joined by Michael Richardson. In this episode, we're talking about the customer experience and much more. Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now. Make sure to hit the subscribe button and let us know your thoughts in the comments! #thescratchagencypodcast #insurance

This week Shawn and Stephen talk about their recent trip to NYC and much more.  Make sure to follow @thescratchagencypodcast on Instagram.   Contact your host below!   Stephen Turnbull -  stephen@t5insurance.com  Shawn Fitzgerald - sfitz@lafadvisers.com   #insurance #scratchagency

This week we welcome James Jenkins, Owner & Founder of Risk Well! As a prior Farmers agent, James talks about how it is now a few years removed from the captive side.  James talks about looking at his tech stack, and how he determines what to use for his agency. James talks about when he started his agency, it was a different name. He shares his why behind the rebrand of Risk Well. James...

This week on The SAP, Stephen & Shawn welcome Chris Langille, Founder of Advisor Evolved! Chris touches on the early days of Advisor Evolved.  How he was growing it while working in insurance as well and how those processes correlate with starting a scratch agency. Chris touches on important factors when looking at building and maintaining your website for your agency. Chris touches on th...

This week Stephan and Shawn dive deep into the story behind The Bunker with the one and only Ciara Gravier.  Ciara talks about her history in insurance and how The Bunker is her 3rd Scratch Agency! Ciara talks about the thought behind “ The Bunker” and how she came up with the brand. Ciara talks about her commercial experience, referral partners, and how to provide value. Subscribe now and jo...

Hey everyone! In this video, we’re excited to announce our latest episode of The Scratch Agency Podcast.    In this episode, we're talking about building a scratch agency, the recent snowstorm in Buffalo, and much more with special guest Doug Benz of New Buffalo Insurance.    Get ready for some amazing insights and join the conversation now.   Make sure to hit the subscribe button and let us know...

This week Stephen & Shawn bring on Brad Boldt President of Ameriguard Insurance Agency! Brad starts by sharing his journey as a captive agent, and what brought him to the Independent agency channel. Brad talks about the challenges of taking over ownership of an older agency.   Brad touches on IAOA and what getting together with his peers has done for his business. Brad talks about the abi...

This week Stephen & Shawn talk shop and update you on what is going on within their scratch agencies.\ Stephen & Shawn talk about time blocking, and what has helped them in the day-to-day as a scratch agency owner.   Shawn talks about bringing on his first producer and what it has taught him so far.    Stephen & Shawn talk about enjoying the journey and taking it one ste...

Today we have a special treat for you! Daniel Seong President & Founder of Great Park Insurance joins the show!  Daniel talks about the financial struggles he experienced at the beginning of his career, before insurance. Daniel talks about his experience in the mortgage business and how he started his career in insurance. Daniel talks about the process of stepping away from quoting and bi...

Today we are excited to welcome Dr. Billy Williams from Inspire A Nation Business Mentoring and Inspire a Nation Insurance Agency to the show! Billy shares some exciting news that he and his three children started their own scratch agency in 2023. Billy shares how to identify specific types of clients and how to serve them. Billy talks about where every scratch agent needs to start. Billy shares t...

In this episode, Brian Bixby joins the SAP! Brian is the President of IAAC at Big I NY. Brian talks about his experiences in the insurance industry and how he ended up being at the BIG I for 20 + years. We talk about the important things to look for in your E&O policy. What happens if you don't have E&O or have some gaps in coverage. What happens if you do have an E&O claim? Make sure...

In this episode, Luis Gazitua, Partner at JAG Insurance Group (a HUB company) joins the podcast! Luis talks about building his book in the early days, how you need to focus on the long game, and why culture and people are #1 at JAG Insurance. Make sure to follow @scratchagencypodcast on Instagram. Contact your host below! Stephen Turnbull -  stephen@t5insurance.com Shawn Fitzgerald - sfitz@la...

In this episode, Stephen & Shawn talk about their journey of getting carrier appointments. Shawn talks about the relationships he had, doing his homework before taking the jump, and how he communicates with the carriers to show his value add. Stephen shares a similar story of having carrier relationships and finding a level of support from them before he went scratch. Stephen also talks about...

Today Nate Jones from Wexford Insurance (located in Indianapolis, Indiana) joins us on the show! Nate talks about his previous journey in insurance, working corporate and why he and his wife decided to start a scratch insurance agency. We also discussed Nate's obsession with cold calling, how to get started, and some of the things he took from his time working at a top 100 agency. Make sure to fol...

Jessica Fukuchi , President of PCRG Insurance joins the show.  Jessica talks to us about her niche in high-net-worth clients, what referral partners she targets to get in front of high-net-worth clients, and the pitch she makes to gain their trust.     Jessica also talks about how she successfully runs a 100% remote agency, and tips for managing a team this way.   &nb...

Stephen & Shawn welcome Taylor Garcia , VP of Jackson & Jackson Insurance onto the show. Taylor talks about what it is like to work in a family business and take the leadership role of an existing business. Taylor talks about how he got started with video, how he implements video, and stays consistent in his video marketing. Taylor touches on his initial fears of being on camera, and what...

In this episode, David Jackson joins the show! Dave is the CEO & Founder of IAOA (Independent Agency Owner Alliance). Dave talks about building FIVE scratch agencies and what it takes to do well in this industry. Dave talks about IAOA, who can join, their yearly conference, and where that will be in 2023! If you are an agency owner, make sure to join the IAOA group on Facebook. Make sure to fo...

This week we sat down with Aaron Gordon from Gordon Companies to discuss building a brand within the insurance space, why it's important to be consistent while building your brand, and the small steps to do so. Make sure to follow @scratchagencypodcast on Instagram Contact your host below! Stephen Turnbull -   stephen@t5insurance.com Shawn Fitzgerald - sfitz@lafadvisers.com

In this episode, Mike Crowley owner of Crowley Insurance sits down with Stephen & Shawn to discuss mentorship, why it’s important and how to be coachable. Make sure to follow @scratchagencypodcast on Instagram! Contact your host below! Stephen Turnbull -   stephen@t5insurance.com Shawn Fitzgerald - sfitz@lafadvisers.com

Stephen Turnbull & Shawn Fitzgerald introduce themselves, share their story and explain why they wanted to start this podcast.   Make sure to follow @thescratchagencypodcast on Instagram.    Contact us below!    Stephen Turnbull -  stephen@t5insurance.com    Shawn Fitzgerald - sfitz@lafadvisers.com