IA Forward
The Independent Insurance Agency Playbook: The insurance business is all about playing an infinite game. Shane and Tonya discuss how to play the long-term game of being a successful agent and creating a culture of freedom for yourself.
Episodes
286 episodes
What Does $20 Billion Mean For You: The Personal Lines Shift to Independent Agencies
Independent agents just scored a major win! The personal lines market share for the IA channel has grown nearly $20 billion in the last four years. Shane and Tonya break down what this momentum means for agency owners, why consumers are choosin...
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Season 1
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Episode 284
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27:50
From Just Do It to Why Do It: What Nike’s Change Means for Independent Agency Owners
Nike’s iconic Just Do It has shifted to Why Do It, but what does that mean for independent agency owners? Shane and Tonya break down Nike’s pivot, the risks of fixing what isn’t broken, and why asking “why” may be the most important step in bui...
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Season 1
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Episode 283
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31:39
Paper, Texts, or FaceTime: Bridging Communication Gaps
How do you communicate effectively when your clients and staff can span generations? Traditionalists trust paper, Boomers want a phone call, Gen X prefer bullet-point emails, a millennial seeks collaboration, and Gen Z has a s video-first minds...
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Season 1
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Episode 282
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35:38
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Chasing New Business and Cultivating Clients
Some people thrive on the thrill of landing the next account, others excel at deepening relationships and growing existing business, and some focus on building systems that attract opportunities. Shane and Tonya explore how these different appr...
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Season 1
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Episode 281
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26:44
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
Shane and Tonya discuss what it means to pivot with purpose, and why embracing change isn’t risky when it’s rooted in strategy. Whether you're an agency owner stuck in the daily grind, a producer ready to lead, or someone clinging to w...
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Season 1
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Episode 280
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32:28
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Pitching Gen Z Perspectives with Campbell Bagshaw
What happens when a Division I athlete spends her summer interning in the insurance world? You get a fresh, insightful look at how Gen Z views our industry. Shane and Tonya talk with Campbell Bagshaw, University of Kansas softball player and In...
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Season 1
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Episode 279
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33:59
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Buying Dreams, Blaming Insurance: FHA Loans Under the Microscope
Headlines say rising insurance premiums are crushing the American dream of homeownership. But is insurance really the problem? Shane and Tonya discuss FHA loans, skyrocketing costs, and why insurance keeps getting blamed for issues created else...
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Season 1
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Episode 278
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36:43
The Legislation That Could Change Your Agency and Why It Matters
What if one bill could change how you do business overnight? Shane and Tonya discuss the Insurance Regulatory Reform Act, federal legislation that has very real consequences for independent agents. From the threat of dual regulation to the risk...
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Season 1
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Episode 277
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29:49
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Building Your Agency Like Jeter Played Ball
Drawing inspiration from baseball great Derek Jeter, Shane and Tonya discuss how focusing on daily consistency, foundational systems, and small wins can create powerful long-term momentum. Whether you're building a personal lines powerhouse or ...
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Season 1
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Episode 276
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29:03
Delegate to Elevate with Beaux Pilgrim
Beaux Pilgrim of IA Blueprint joins Shane and Tonya to discuss how virtual assistants are transforming independent insurance agencies, including better documentation, improved retention, and freeing up producers to actually produce. If you’re o...
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Season 1
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Episode 275
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46:02
Quoting Is For The Weak: A Conversation with Charles Specht
Charles Specht, host of the Millionaire Insurance Producer podcast, joins Shane and Tonya to discuss how independent agents can win bigger with commercial insurance through his unique “quoting is for the weak” approach to pre-prospecting, micro...
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Season 1
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Episode 274
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38:41
Lessons from the Inside: What’s Working for Us
Shane and Tonya sit down with Retail Director Tara Graham to share real-world lessons from inside the Integra “lab.” From evolving service roles and managing change to improving customer experience and boosting team morale during a hard market,...
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Season 1
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Episode 273
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31:13
Midyear Micro Moves for Maximum Impact
It’s halftime of 2025, and you’re still in the game! Shane and Tonya break down what winning agency owners do in the second half of the year with small shifts and smart strategy.
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Season 1
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Episode 272
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28:37
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Renewal Isn’t Retention (Wait, What?)
Just because a policy renewed doesn’t mean your client is loyal. Shane and Tonya discuss the surprising difference between renewals and retention, explore why insurance agents often confuse the two, and why that mindset is costing them long-ter...
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Season 1
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Episode 271
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31:49
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Still Thinking About It? It’s Not Too Late
You’ve built something, thinking about walking away, and are now asking, “Do I have it in me to start again” Shane and Tonya explore why starting over isn’t a step back, it’s a strategic move forward. With experience, clarity, and relationship ...
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Season 1
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Episode 270
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25:15
Cash Out vs. Cash Flow: What is Your Retirement Plan?
Selling your agency might sound like the ultimate success, but is it the best path for your financial future? Shane and Tonya discuss the options of cashing out or creating long-term, sustainable revenue. They explore what buyers are really loo...
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Season 1
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Episode 269
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28:59
Micro Moves, Massive Results
Big change isn’t always the answer. Shane and Tonya break down how small, strategic adjustments can create a massive impact on your agency. From tweaking processes to rethinking priorities, learn how to stay nimble, lead with clarity, and build...
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Season 1
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Episode 268
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32:22
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Swing Big. Miss Big. Win Big.
Great ideas don’t build successful agencies, action does! Shane and Tonya discuss why taking big swings (and sometimes missing) is the only way to truly grow. From overcoming analysis paralysis to tuning out the noise of social media “experts,”...
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Season 1
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Episode 267
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30:54
From Burnout to Balance
Shane and Tonya tackle the cultural obsession with busyness and unpack why a full calendar doesn’t always equal fulfillment. From personal stories to leadership lessons, they explore how agency owners can shift from hustle mode to healthy balan...
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Season 1
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Episode 266
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26:56
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More than a Green Jacket: Lessons from Augusta for Your Agency
Shane and Tonya tee off with a conversation about what The Masters can teach us about agency ownership. From Rory McIlroy’s daughter reminding him, “You already know how to play golf,” to recognizing the value of your own strengths and systems,...
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Season 1
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Episode 265
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29:51
Visibility or Sustainability? Defining Your Agency’s Path
Shane and Tonya discuss the rise of insurance influencers, the pressure to chase visibility over sustainability, and the challenge of rethinking your agency’s direction to create a business that aligns with your goals and works for you.
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Season 1
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Episode 264
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30:11
Resilience, Relationships & Real Conversations
Resilience isn’t just a word, it’s a way of showing up when things get tough. In this episode, Shane and Tonya dive into what resilience really looks like in the independent agency world, why relationships matter more than ever, and how honest ...
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Season 1
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Episode 263
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34:58
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What AI Really Means for Independent Agents (with Chad Jackson and Justin White)
Shane and Tonya talk AI in the independent insurance channel with special guests Chad Jackson and Justin White of Strawberry Antler. From automating quoting to solving real agency problems, they explore how AI can transform the way small and mi...
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Season 1
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Episode 262
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28:20
Fees & Fumbles: Avoiding E&S Mistakes
Excess and surplus lines (E&S) can open up new opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Shane and Tonya break down the common fumbles agents make, share how to avoid costly mistakes, decide when to say no, and discus...
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Season 1
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Episode 261
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24:34
Don’t Lose Your Agency Identity at Baggage Claim
When Southwest Airlines starts charging for checked bags, it’s more than a policy change; it’s a brand identity crisis. Shane and Tonya discuss how staying true to your agency’s unique strengths, rather than chasing trends or comparisons, is th...
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Season 1
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Episode 260
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29:02
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