Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet

How to Build a Specialty Practice That Outlasts Its Founders: Travis Brown of Rich and Cartmill

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Finding an insurance partner who actually understands the construction business, not just the construction policy, is rare. Rich and Cartmill, a Tulsa, Oklahoma based agency founded in 1922, has built its reputation on exactly that combination, pairing deep surety expertise with construction insurance across a practice that now makes up 40 percent of the firm's revenue.

Host Matt Sasso talks with Travis Brown, President of Rich and Cartmill, about the agency's century-long history, how its construction practice grew out of a 2003 merger, and why contractors who need bonds so often need matching insurance coverage. The conversation also covers how the firm has diversified into healthcare, senior living, and energy sector risk without losing its construction roots.

If you want a real look at how a century-old agency builds specialty practices and deep client relationships, this is the episode for you.

Timecodes:

0:02 – 1:34 | Welcome and introducing Rich and Cartmill
1:35 – 4:06 | How Travis and Matt connected through RiskProNet
4:07 – 6:38 | Founding the agency: 1922 and the Tulsa oil boom
6:39 – 7:59 | Three generations: Dick Toobner and Ryan Toobner
8:00 – 9:14 | Office locations and the Olathe, Kansas setup
9:15 – 10:47 | Building the construction practice: the 2003 merger
10:47 – 12:18 | Construction practice by the numbers: 21 producers, 40 percent of revenue
12:18 – 14:49 | Typical clients and Oklahoma's federal military base work
14:49 – 16:19 | Why bonding clients become insurance clients
16:19 – 17:52 | Surety 101: the Miller Act and bond types
17:52 – 18:42 | Memorable claims: the OKC arena and Murrah bombing recovery
18:43 – 20:44 | Beyond construction: healthcare, senior living, and medical malpractice
20:44 – 22:44 | Energy sector risk and roustabout contractors
22:44 – 24:59 | Closing thoughts: culture, legacy, and RiskProNet
24:59 – 25:21 | Outro

Resources:

Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sasso-8161b752/
Connect with Travis Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-brown-03aba59/
Connect with Rich and Cartmill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rich-&-cartmill-inc/

The Cluster Model That Beat the Big Guys: Sullivan's 70-Year Insurance Story

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Fran Shea, partner at Sullivan Insurance Group in Worcester, Massachusetts, joins Know Your Risk to discuss how regional independent agencies develop meaningful expertise. With 35+ years in the business, Fran shares Sullivan Group's evolution from a 1950s cluster model to a sophisticated player in the life sciences and clinical trial insurance markets. The conversation covers the value of deep specialization over broad commoditization, how to navigate complex CRO and biotech exposures, developing custom coverage solutions when standard markets fall short, and the collaborative spirit that makes networks like RiskProNet essential for modern brokers.

Timecodes:

0:00 – 1:13 | Welcome & Guest Introduction
1:31 – 2:54 | Sullivan Group's Origins and Cluster Model
2:55 – 4:39 | Finding RiskProNet Through Common Connections
5:48 – 8:19 | Geographic Reach and Business Model
7:22 – 8:09 | Life Sciences and Clinical Trial Specialization
17:52 – 20:14 | Deep Expertise: Custom Coverage Forms and Contractual Risk Transfer
20:15 – 21:44 | Learning from Claims and Mentoring the Next Generation
21:45 – 23:32 | RiskProNet Collaboration and Market Dynamics
23:42 – 25:12 | Closing: Building Relationships and Giving Back

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sasso-8161b752/
Connect with Fran Shea on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francis-shea-6985b610/
Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riskpronet-international
Learn More About Sullivan Group https://www.sullivangroup.com

How Moody Insurance Cut Proposal Time by 90% Using AI

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Insurance agencies are sitting on a productivity problem most haven't fully named — account managers spending four to five hours on renewal proposals, document reviews, and contract cross-checks that AI can now handle in a fraction of the time. The agencies moving on this are already inside the tools and reclaiming hours every week.

In this episode, host Chip Arenchild sits down with Matt Sasso, Executive Director of RiskProNet, and Troy Moody, COO of Moody Insurance in Denver. Troy's agency has been live on OutMarket, an AI platform built for independent agencies, since September 2025. He brings an operational, on-the-ground perspective on what's working, where adoption has been harder than expected, and what's coming next.

The clearest example: proposals. Before OutMarket, a complex renewal presentation took four to five hours. Now it takes 30 minutes and comes out more detailed and more polished. Drop in carrier quotes, run pre-built prompts, and 85 to 90 percent of the proposal is done before the first verification pass. The conversation also covers document interrogation tools, ten workflow templates, and emerging features that pull property photos, summarize loss histories, and auto-package underwriter submissions.

Troy addresses staff adoption honestly, including who's embraced it and who hasn't touched it, and closes with a look at where agency AI is heading: personal lines tools that detect a renewal variance, run a comparative rater query, and have a client-ready email waiting for the agent the next morning.

For RiskProNet members, OutMarket has joined as a corporate sponsor and is offering a free demo plus a discounted plan to the network. This episode gives you the clearest real-world picture available from inside a peer firm.

Timecodes:

00:02 – 00:42 | Show Intro and Welcome
00:43 – 01:26 | Meet the Guests: Matt Sasso and Troy Moody
01:26 – 03:03 | Troy's AI Journey: From Skeptical to Six Vendors Evaluated
03:04 – 04:23 | The Problem That Started It All: Cutting Proposals from 5 Hours to 30 Minutes
04:23 – 05:28 | Document Conversation: Interrogating Policies, Loss Runs, and Contracts
05:29 – 06:57 | Staff Adoption: Fear, Age Gaps, and the Cost of Waiting
06:57 – 08:23 | Learning to Trust AI: Measuring Results and Verifying the Work
08:23 – 09:57 | Rollout Strategy, Usage Tracking, and the Art of Prompting
09:57 – 11:35 | OutMarket's Workflow Library: Coverage Gap Analysis, Contract Review, and More
11:35 – 12:41 | New Business Submissions and How the Marketing Department Took Off
12:42 – 14:13 | OutMarket as a Partner: Responsiveness and Collaborative Development
14:14 – 15:27 | Why OutMarket Won the Demo and How RiskProNet Members Are Using It
15:28 – 17:29 | The Peer Demo That Started It All: How OutMarket Spread Through the Network
17:30 – 18:45 | What's Next: AI-Powered Renewals and Getting Agents Back in Front of Clients
18:46 – 19:55 | Member Benefit, OutMarket Partnership Announcement, and Outro

Resources:

Become a member at RiskProNet.com

Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiparenchild/

Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sasso-8161b752/

Connect with Troy Moody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-m-711258a/

Learn more about OutMarket: https://outmarket.ai/

Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riskpronet-international

How Outmarket AI Is Transforming Insurance Workflows for Independent Agencies

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Independent agencies are being asked to move faster, manage more data, and deliver more value without increasing headcount. Outmarket AI was built to solve exactly that challenge.

In this episode, RiskProNet Executive Director Matt Sasso sits down with Vishal Sankhla (CEO & Co-Founder) and Andrew Khalatov (Head of Sales) to explore how Outmarket AI is reshaping daily workflows for brokers and account managers. From policy reviews and quote comparisons to branded proposals, contract analysis, and claim disputes, Outmarket gives teams the ability to work faster and with greater accuracy.

We dive into why general-purpose AI tools fall short for insurance, what makes vertical AI essential for agencies, and how RiskProNet members are already seeing time savings, workflow improvements, and real revenue impact. We also cover Outmarket’s security-first architecture and why their private cloud deployment model matters for compliance and client trust.

RiskProNet members receive full access to a free trial, unlimited seats, and onboarding support.

If you want a look at how AI is actively transforming agencies today, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Outmarket AI at: https://outmarket.ai/

Timecodes:

00:02 – 01:32 | Opening the Conversation: Insurance Meets AI
01:33 – 03:36 | Vishal’s Journey: Uber, Meta, Ethos Life, and the Spark for Outmarket
03:37 – 04:45 | Andrew’s Path: From Strategy to Insurance AI
04:46 – 06:06 | Why Outmarket Exists: Solving the Agency Workflow Problem
06:07 – 07:03 | The Outmarket Pitch: One Platform for Every Workflow
07:04 – 08:18 | Vertical AI vs. General AI: The Real Difference
08:19 – 09:50 | How Outmarket Understands Insurance Better Than General Tools
09:51 – 12:32 | Real Use Cases Across the Network: Policy Reviews, Comparisons, Proposals
12:33 – 13:49 | Security First: Private Cloud Instances and Data Isolation
13:50 – 16:09 | Eliminating Busywork: Quotes, Contracts, Claims Done Fast
16:10 – 17:16 | Zero-Lift Adoption: Drag-and-Drop Workflows and Instant Output
17:17 – 18:33 | Two-Minute Analysis: Deep Review at Lightning Speed
18:34 – 20:36 | Prospecting Power: Faster Proposals and BOR Wins
20:37 – 22:48 | What Truly Sets Outmarket Apart: Breadth, Customization, Adoption
22:49 – 24:04 | One Platform vs. Many Tabs: Keeping Teams in Sync
24:05 – 25:41 | Getting Started: Free Trials and No Implementation Required
25:42 – 26:36 | Measuring ROI: User Adoption and Team Impact
26:37 – 27:31 | Looking Ahead: Deepening the Partnership
27:32 – 28:01 | Outro

Resources:

Become a member at RiskProNet.com

Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sasso-8161b752/

Connect with Vishal Sankhla on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishalsankhla

Connect with Andrew Khalatov on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkhalatov/

Connect with Outmarket AI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outmarket-ai/

Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riskpronet-international

What’s Next for RiskProNet in 2026 with Executive Director, Matt Sasso

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, host Kyle Watts talks with Matt Sasso, Executive Director of RiskProNet, to reflect on a transformative year for the network—and lay out what’s ahead in 2026.

From a complete brand refresh and a new website to adding four new member agencies, launching new practice groups, and expanding corporate partnerships, RiskProNet has solidified itself as a nimble, collaborative force in the independent insurance landscape.

If you're part of the RiskProNet network—or considering joining—this conversation outlines everything you need to know about how the group is growing, modernizing, and creating new opportunities for its members across the country.

Timecodes:

00:00 – 01:10 - Podcast intro and episode overview

01:11 – 02:47 - Why the rebrand? A new logo, colors, and market positioning

02:48 – 03:56 - Member-led brand refresh process with creative collaboration

03:57 – 05:29 - Four new agencies in 2025: who they are and why they joined

05:30 – 06:59 - Key regions targeted for 2026 membership expansion

07:00 – 08:59 - New practice groups launching in 2026: surety, sales, nonprofit & more

09:00 – 10:50 - CIO, AI, and Risk Control groups: tech-driven collaboration for agencies

10:51 – 12:33 - Corporate partnerships: what they bring and what’s coming

12:34 – 14:07 - Two big wins from 2025: quality growth and strategic alignment

14:08 – 15:31 - Practice groups as a value engine—for both leadership and frontline staff

15:32 – 16:53 - New website and mobile app: modern tools for member access

16:54 – 17:25 - Shoutout to Patti Reed for her leadership on the site launch

17:26 – 18:23 - Final reflections on 2025 and closing remarks for the year

Resources:

Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn
Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn

Botanical Gardens & Risk Coverage: Glasshouses, Storms, and Slips with Kim Slager of BHS Insurance

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we’re joined by Kim Slager, President of Commercial Lines at BHS Insurance, to dive into one of the most unique and misunderstood sectors in insurance: botanical gardens.

With over 30 years of specialization, Kim walks us through the unexpected risks, coverage gaps, and creative underwriting strategies that make gardens far more complex than your average cultural institution. From glass greenhouses and hurricane zones, to slip-and-fall litigation and rare plant appraisals, Kim explains how her team builds tailored programs that protect these vibrant, high-exposure environments.

Whether you’re a RiskProNet member looking to serve a botanical garden client, or just curious how garden operations and coverage intersect, this episode reveals what makes this niche so critical and why standard policies just don’t cut it.

Timecodes:

00:00 – Welcome & guest introduction

01:11 – How BHS built the botanical garden insurance program

03:57 – Key exposures: slips, paths, glasshouses, misclassification

05:43 – Disaster readiness & natural disaster funding

07:43 – Event liability, liquor risks, and TULIP coverage

10:09 – Real-world claim: Abuse exclusion and uninsured loss

13:22 – Volunteer accident gaps, active shooter coverage, and client education

16:01 – Insuring rare trees, indoor plant collections, and replication strategies

17:57 – Who underwrites the program

19:14 – Partnering with RiskProNet members & claims trend insights

21:34 – Final thoughts and invitation to connect

Resources:

Become a member at RiskProNet.com

Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn

Connect with Kim Slager on Linkedin

Connect with BHS Insurance on LinkedIn

Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn

How Moody and M3 Are Solving Insurance’s Talent Problem

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:00:00 -0400

In this special two-part episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, host Chip Arenchild talks with leaders and interns from Moody Insurance and M3 Insurance to explore how real internship programs are shaping the future of the independent agency model. Guests include Ashley Canny and Hunter Rivers from Moody, and Jake Cline and Cyrus Choisy-Madon from M3. The episode dives into what makes these programs successful—from rotational department exposure to executive mentorship—and why young professionals are choosing to stay in insurance. Whether you’re building a pipeline or launching your first internship, this episode delivers practical ideas and candid stories.

Timecodes:

00:00 – Welcome and introduction
01:03 – Why RiskProNet is spotlighting internships
02:00 – Meet Moody Insurance’s internship leaders
03:20 – How Moody’s rotational program is structured
04:31 – Intern Hunter Rivers on his experience and takeaways
05:55 – What surprised him about working in insurance
07:13 – How Moody sources and selects interns
08:44 – What a “day in the life” of an intern looks like
10:31 – Live work, real projects, and measurable impact
11:52 – Summer School & executive mentorship at Moody
13:30 – How Moody evaluates and hires from the intern class
15:05 – Now to M3: Meet Jake Cline and intern Cyrus Choisy-Madon
16:23 – How M3 views internships as a culture-building tool
18:04 – M3’s internship model: data science, pharmacy, IT & more
19:46 – What Cyrus learned—and what changed his mind about insurance
21:21 – Interns doing real actuarial and benefits work
22:33 – The human side of the insurance industry
23:40 – Why insurance is complex, valuable, and growing
25:06 – Planning career paths after the internship
26:18 – Final thoughts from all four guests

Resources:

Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn
Connect with Moody on Linkedin
Connect with M3 Insurance on LinkedIn
Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn

Win in a Shrinking Apartment Insurance Market with Dustin Thome of Buckner Insurance

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet, Kyle Watts and Matt Sasso talk with Dustin Thome, Executive Vice President of Buckner Insurance in Denver, about their Elite Property Insurance Program. Underwritten by Ascot Specialty, this exclusive product is designed for apartment complexes caught between shrinking standard market appetites and expensive E&S options. Dustin walks through eligibility requirements, underwriting flexibility, competitive commission strategies, and recent success stories. If you’re a broker struggling to place mid-market multifamily risks, this program could be your winning move.

Get in touch with the Elite Property Insurance underwriter, Cindy Smith-Tomlinson: 972-666-8740 | csmithtomlinson@innovative-risk.com

Resources:

Become a member at RiskProNet.com

Connect with Dustin Thome on Linkedin

Connect with Buckner Insurance on LinkedIn

Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn

Timecodes:

00:00 – Welcome to RiskProNet podcast

00:41 – Meet guest Dustin Thome of Buckner Insurance

01:00 – Overview of the Elite Property Insurance Program

01:17 – Market challenges for multifamily property placement

02:13 – Origins of the Elite Property Program

02:59 – Target property types and eligibility

03:57 – What makes a strong submission

05:00 – Broker commission strategies and flexibility

06:29 – Deductible structures and lender compliance

07:26 – Competitive water damage deductible advantage

07:54 – Risks that disqualify a property

09:18 – Key advantages for brokers using the program

10:41 – States where the program operates

11:47 – Where the program excels most

12:32 – Recent success story: winning a Colorado deal

13:58 – Submission process and dedicated underwriter contact

14:43 – Closing thanks and how to learn more

4 Generations, 1 Workforce: Solving the Insurance Talent Gap with Luis Rivera

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Luis Rivera of Solutions 21 joins host Chip Arenchild to explore the real challenge facing independent insurance agencies: developing the next generation of leaders. From military insights to succession planning analogies, this episode uncovers how brokerages can address generational shifts, preserve institutional knowledge, and build leadership at every level. If you’re navigating retirements, M&A, or growth challenges, this conversation is a must-listen. Stick around for practical advice that blends strategy, human behavior, and hard-won experience.

Timecodes
00:00 – Welcome and guest introduction
00:52 – What Solutions 21 does and why it started
02:00 – Why the name “Solutions 21” matters
02:35 – The military connection and leadership philosophy
05:09 – Generational shifts in today’s workforce
06:32 – The silver tsunami and Gen X talent gap
08:11 – Preparing millennials and Gen Z to lead
09:34 – The baton analogy for leadership transition
11:02 – When leadership handoffs go wrong
13:05 – Ideal clients for Solutions 21
14:15 – Leadership lessons from the military
15:48 – The power of 1-on-1s and influence
18:19 – Solutions 21’s work with the Council of Insurance Agents
19:08 – What firms must analyze before investing in people
21:08 – Tools vs. carpenters: how leadership is developed
22:09 – M&A, onboarding, and protecting culture
23:17 – Final takeaways on human capital and agency success

Resources:

Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Luis Rivera on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

How the California Wildfires Changed Insurance Policies: Rate Reform and Recovery

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this follow-up conversation with Jill Epstein, CEO of IABCal, we dive deep into the state of the California insurance marketplace following the devastating January wildfires. Jill walks us through major regulatory shifts, including the commissioner’s new tools, the inclusion of cat modeling and reinsurance in rate applications, and how these changes are impacting carriers and consumers alike. She shares candid insights into how independent brokers are rising to meet the needs of their communities, the evolving role of the FAIR Plan, and what the future may hold for rate approvals, market stabilization, and rebuilding efforts across the state.

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction and welcome to Jill Epstein
01:04 New rate reform regulations and timelines
04:19 Cat modeling, reinsurance, and how fires accelerated change
08:18 Brokers’ on-the-ground response and early carrier actions
12:59 FAIR Plan updates and industry leadership during crisis
18:07 Market impact, rate realities, and future carrier return
24:03 E&O risks, sticker shock, and consumer understanding
27:14 Legislation, hope for change, and broker resilience

Resources:

Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Jill Epstein on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

Agencies within Agencies: The Story of M3 Elevate with Matt Cranney - Part 2

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet, we continue our insightful conversation with Matt Cranney from M3 Insurance. Matt leads M3 Elevate, a pioneering small business insurance division that redefines how firms approach this crucial market. He shares how M3 transformed its small business unit into a sustainable, profitable, and high-value operation by leveraging advisory-led, tech-supported strategies.

We dive deep into key challenges, including how to balance profitability with excellent service, integrate technology efficiently, streamline workflows, and align producer and carrier incentives. If you’re looking to optimize your agency’s small business unit, this is an episode packed with practical takeaways. Tune in for part two of our discussion with Matt Cranney and gain valuable insights into the future of small business insurance.

Timecodes
00:00 Introduction: Welcome Back with Matt Cranney
00:47 The Philosophy Behind M3 Elevate’s Success
02:30 Small Business vs. Large Commercial: Navigating the Challenges
05:00 Creating an Agency within an Agency: M3’s Unique Structure
07:17 Cross-Selling & Internal Workflows for Small Business Insurance
10:26 Producer Roles & Expectations in Small Business Units
13:39 Touchpoints & Customer Experience: How Often Should You Engage?
17:13 The Power of Insurance Technology in Small Business Operations
20:21 Why M3 Elevate Took a Cautious Approach to InsurTech Adoption
22:45 Specialization & Growth Strategies for Small Business Accounts
24:50 Managing Workload & Scaling Small Business Books Effectively
27:10 Producer Compensation, Sales Goals, and Performance Tracking
30:05 Carrier Consolidation: Strategy for Building Strong Partnerships
32:26 Key Lessons: What to Avoid When Building a Small Business Unit
35:15 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Matt Cranney on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

Agencies within Agencies: The Story of M3 Elevate with Matt Cranney - Part 1

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet, we sit down with Matt Cranney of M3 insurance to explore the unique approach behind their small commercial unit, M3 Elevate. Matt shares his journey from Liverpool to leading M3 Elevate, the strategies that turned an accommodation service into a thriving agency within an agency, and the intentional decisions that made it possible. From operational challenges to aligning leadership, this episode provides actionable insights for any agency looking to elevate its small business strategy. Stay tuned for a preview of our second session with Matt, where we’ll dive deeper into insurer tech and operational solutions.

Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction to the podcast and RiskProNet
00:19 Episode overview and guest introduction: Matt Cranney from M3 Elevate
00:51 Matt's personal journey from Liverpool to leading in Wisconsin
02:50 How Matt connected with M3 and started shaping the small business unit
05:04 The evolution of M3’s small business focus and the decision to create M3 Elevate
08:24 Establishing M3 Elevate as an "agency within an agency"
12:33 Aligning internal messaging and branding to gain leadership and team support
15:24 The operational effort behind launching M3 Elevate and early success stories
19:22 Closing remarks: Preview of the next episode with Matt Cranney

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Matt Cranney on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

Disaster-Proofing Your Agency: Lessons from Houston with Cheryl Sanders

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage" with RiskProNet, Cheryl Sanders from Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates in Houston shares her expertise on disaster recovery planning for insurance agencies, drawing from real-life experiences with major hurricanes like Katrina, Rita, and Harvey. Cheryl discusses the evolution from manual backup tapes to cloud-based systems, strategies for maintaining operations during crises, and the importance of staff safety and client communication. She also highlights the challenges posed by modern weather events, internet and cell service disruptions, and the growing need for cybersecurity preparedness. Packed with practical advice, this episode provides value for agencies looking to enhance their disaster recovery plans and better serve their clients.

Timecodes
00:00 Introduction – Welcome to "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage"
00:19 Episode Overview – Disaster recovery planning with Cheryl Sanders
00:44 The Challenge – Lessons from Hurricane Katrina and Rita
03:12 Disaster Recovery Evolution – Moving from manual backups to cloud-based systems
05:18 Modern Challenges – Houston’s increasing climate risks
06:06 Today’s Disaster Plan – Cloud reliance and unexpected hurdles
10:07 Communication Issues – Addressing cell and internet outages
12:18 Claims Reporting – Streamlining the process with proprietary tools
14:01 Staff Preparedness – Training and role clarity for disaster events
15:41 Client Touchpoints – Enhancing empathy and client communication
17:17 Budget Considerations – Allocating resources for disaster recovery
18:09 Cybersecurity – Safeguarding against evolving threats
20:12 Future Planning – Improving employee support during crises
24:45 Closing Remarks – Thank you for tuning in and staying prepared

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Cheryl Sanders on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

Matt Sasso: Building a Stronger RiskProNet Community

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we sit down with Matt Sasso, the new Executive Director of RiskProNet. Matt shares insights from his 40-year career in the insurance industry, his motivations for joining RiskProNet, and his vision for its growth. With experience spanning underwriting, marketing, and business development, Matt brings a unique perspective to the organization. He discusses the evolving role of independent agents, opportunities for collective growth, and his goals for RiskProNet's future. Listen in to discover how Matt plans to strengthen relationships within the insurance community while expanding the organization’s reach.

Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage
00:19 - Introducing Matt Sasso, New Executive Director of RiskProNet
00:44 - Matt's Initial Impressions of RiskProNet
01:05 - Matt’s 40-Year Career in Insurance
02:20 - Insights from Carrier and Underwriting Experience
03:24 - The Shift in Insurance Brokerage and Independent Agents
05:25 - Matt’s Personal Journey to RiskProNet
08:23 - Vision and Goals for RiskProNet’s Future
11:39 - Enhancing Relationships with Carriers and Members
12:04 - Strategic Growth and Expanding RiskProNet’s Membership
14:19 - Personal Insights: Matt's Family and Hobbies
16:43 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

The Future of Insurance Brokerage: AI and Data with Erik Vandermause

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we chat with Erik Vandermause from M3 Insurance, who leads the Applied Intelligence team focused on data analytics, digital solutions, and CRM strategies. Erik talks about Broker Pro, a data and insights platform built for brokers, detailing its role in enhancing client outcomes, transforming sales strategies, and optimizing operational efficiencies. He also discusses the impact of generative AI with Gen Pro and how these innovations are reshaping the insurance landscape. Join us to learn about the future of insurance brokerage and the shift toward a data-driven, AI-enhanced approach.

Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage
00:19 - Welcoming Erik Vandermause from M3 Insurance
00:45 - Erik’s Background: From Accenture to M3 Insurance
01:28 - The Development and Purpose of Broker Pro
02:35 - Scaling Analytics for Insurance Brokerages
03:45 - Transition from Relationship Selling to Data-Driven Strategies
06:26 - Implementing AI Tools like Gen Pro in Brokerages
09:12 - Overview of Benchmark Pro and Its Use in Client Outcomes
12:00 - Ensuring Data Security and Quality in Broker Pro
15:00 - Adoption and Training for Broker Pro Users
24:20 - Future Roadmap and Additional Data Products for 2025
34:41 - Closing Thoughts on Broker Pro’s Impact and Evolution

Unmasking the Insurance Industry in California with Jill Epstein of IIABCal

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we sit down with Jill Epstein, the Executive Director of IABCal (Independent Agents & Brokers of California), to discuss the ongoing property insurance challenges in California. Jill provides an in-depth look at how Proposition 103, regulatory delays, and reinsurance costs have shaped the current crisis. She shares how California's unique regulatory environment differs from other states and what the future holds for homeowners and insurance agents. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand the complex dynamics of California’s insurance market and how it affects both consumers and insurance companies.

Timecodes:
00:00 – Introduction to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage
00:19 – Introducing Jill Epstein of IABCal
00:45 – California's Regulatory Differences
02:00 – The Impact of Proposition 103 on California’s Insurance Market
03:20 – The Trifecta of California’s Insurance Regulatory Challenges
05:00 – Rate Delays and Public Participation in California
06:40 – Reinsurance and Historical Data Limitations
08:00 – Wildfire Crisis and Its Role in Insurance
09:02 – Understanding Reinsurance and Capacity
10:12 – State Farm’s Decision to Halt New Policies
11:41 – California Fair Plan: A Market of Last Resort
13:41 – Exposure Concerns and the Fair Plan
14:50 – The Importance of Allowing Adequate Rates
16:20 – Staffing and Operational Challenges in the Department of Insurance
18:04 – IABCal’s Coalition and Legislative Efforts
19:42 – What Does the Future Hold for California's Insurance Market?
21:43 – Final Thoughts on Industry Challenges and Moving Forward
30:02 – Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Jill Epstein on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

How Specialization Transformed M3 Agency: Insights from Brad Reitzner - Part 2

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with Risk ProNet," host Chip Arenchild continues his conversation with Brad Reitzner, Executive Vice President of Property and Casualty at M3 Agency, to discuss the transformative power of specialization. Brad discusses the impact of their Business Assurance Associates program, how they efficiently train and integrate new talent, and the cultural shift that has made specialization a winning formula at M3. Discover how M3’s focus on industry verticals and product specialization has not only driven growth but also set a new standard for client service in the insurance industry.

Timecodes
00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with Risk ProNet
00:19 - Brad Reitzner on Specialization and Practice Groups at M3 Agency
01:37 - The Business Assurance Associates Program: Training Future Specialists
02:57 - Aligning Talent with Industry Verticals: Finding the Right Fit
04:15 - The Value of Hands-On Experience in Developing New Talent
06:58 - Building Relationships and Expertise: The Importance of Industry
Associations
08:04 - Balancing Day-to-Day Responsibilities with Professional Development
09:54 - The Role of Development Plans in Talent Retention and Growth
11:11 - Ensuring Accountability and Clear Expectations in Practice Groups
13:20 - Setting New Business Goals and Sales Velocity Targets
14:42 - The Importance of Team Selling and Collaborative Growth
16:45 - The Cultural Shift: Embracing Specialization and Reciprocity
19:13 - Competing with Industry Giants: How M3 Stands Out
20:58 - Continuous Improvement: Looking Ahead at New Specializations
21:52 - Specializing in Small Business with M3 Elevate
23:17 - Product Specialization: Captives, Cyber, and Beyond
24:31 - Closing Thoughts: The Impact of Specialization on M3’s Success

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Brad Reitzner on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

How Specialization Transformed M3 Agency: Insights from Brad Reitzner - Part 1

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with Risk ProNet," host Chip Arenchild welcomes Brad Reitzner, Executive Vice President of Property and Casualty at M3 Agency, to discuss the transformative power of specialization. M3 Agency, a top 100 agency with 400 employees across eight offices, has successfully grown organically through a strategic focus on practice groups. Brad shares the agency’s journey from being generalists to specialists, highlighting the challenges and successes along the way. He delves into the structure and operations of practice groups, the importance of industry-specific knowledge, and how M3’s culture and ownership model support this specialized approach. Tune in to learn how M3’s innovative strategies can inspire your own agency’s growth.

Timecodes:
00:03 - Introduction and Welcoming Brad Reitzner
01:19 - Background on M3 Agency and Brad's Role
03:28 - Transitioning from Generalist to Specialist: The Beginning
05:23 - Initial Practice Groups and Early Challenges
06:54 - Success and Expansion Post-2005
08:24 - Brad’s Transition from a Generalist Agency to M3
09:55 - Aligning Operations and Service Teams with Practice Groups
12:30 - Structure and Efficiency within Practice Groups
14:22 - Benefits of Centralizing Expertise
17:03 - Managing Expectations and Accountability in Practice Groups
19:14 - Organizational Structure and Management Layers
23:36 - Role of Directors and Support Systems
26:51 - Compensation and Incentives for Directors
27:55 - Back to Basics: Focus for 2024

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Brad Reitzner on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

Bridging the Gaps: Young Professionals and Women Working in Insurance with Kelsey Swingle-Robertson

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with Risk Pro Net," host Chip Arenchild sits down with Kelsey Swingle-Robertson from Swingle Collins in Dallas, Texas. Kelsey shares her unique journey from working at JP Morgan to joining her family’s insurance agency. She discusses the importance of work ethic, the advantages of commission-based careers, and the value of women in the insurance industry. Kelsey also provides insights on how to attract young talent to the field, the benefits of work-life integration, and the critical role mentorship plays in developing successful insurance professionals. Tune in to learn about the diverse opportunities within the insurance sector and why it's a hidden gem for career seekers, especially women. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a rewarding career in insurance.

Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction and Kelsey's Background
01:16 - Kelsey's Early Career and Creative Networking
02:18 - Lessons from Banking Applied to Insurance
03:53 - Transition to Insurance and Work-Life Balance
06:00 - Commission-Based Careers and Advantages for Women
07:26 - Overcoming Gender Barriers and Role Models in Banking
10:44 - Confidence and Speaking Up in Male-Dominated Industries
14:08 - Cold Calling and Building Confidence in Sales
18:02 - Mentorship and Training at Swingle Collins
21:47 - Recruiting Women to Insurance and Building a Diverse Team
26:45 - Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Kelsey Swingle-Robertson on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

Unlocking the Secrets of Pharmacy Benefit Managers: Insights from Adam Aguilar

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode of “Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage,” Chip Arenchild welcomes Adam Aguilar from Action Pharmaceutical Consulting to demystify the world of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). With healthcare costs rising, understanding PBMs is more critical than ever. Adam explains what PBMs do, why they impact your health plan costs, and how businesses can take control of their healthcare expenses. Whether you’re a broker or a business owner, this conversation provides actionable insights to help you navigate the complex landscape of pharmacy benefits and achieve significant savings.

Timecodes:
00:00 – Introduction and Guest Overview
00:47 – Understanding PBMs and Their Role in Healthcare
02:16 – Current Healthcare Cost Increases and Causes
05:36 – Market Share and Options in the PBM Industry
07:34 – Self-Funding and Cost Management Strategies
10:57 – Characteristics of Plans Suited for Self-Funding
12:15 – Customizing Pharmacy Benefits Plans
18:00 – Ongoing Management and Review Process
21:16 – Future of PBMs and Industry Transparency
23:11 – International Sourcing for Cost Savings
24:02 – Raising Awareness and Providing Options
25:03 – Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Adam Aguilar on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

How Parametric Insurance Is Changing the Game with Garrett Koehn

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Dive into the world of parametric insurance with Garrett Koehn, President of Executive Lines and Chief Innovation Officer at CRC. In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet," Garrett sheds light on the origins of parametric insurance, its evolution beyond weather-related events, and its growing applications in various sectors. From automatic triggers to social benefits and data-driven underwriting, discover how parametric insurance is revolutionizing risk management. Join the conversation to explore the intricacies of this innovative insurance approach and its implications for businesses and insurers alike.

Timecodes:
Introduction and Overview (00:00 - 01:00)
Exploring Parametric Insurance (1:00 - 3:19)
Benefits and Applications (3:19 - 0:05)
Marketplace Applications (5:05 - 7:43)
Data-Driven Underwriting (7:43 - 10:51)
Future Trends and Innovations (10:51 - 13:11)
Blockchain and Emerging Technologies (13:11 - 16:01)
Introduction of New Products (16:01 - 18:57)
Evolving Landscape and Broker Role (18:57 - 21:44)

Resources:
Become a member at RiskProNet.com
Connect with Garrett Koehn on Linkedin
Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

Navigating 2024 with Webb Milward – Unveiling Trends, Transaction Value, and the Run vs. Build Mindset

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this week's episode we are joined by Webb Milward, the Head of Strategic Development at Reagan Consulting. Tune in as we dive into trends to look out for in 2024, the Run vs. Build agency, Screamin’ Mimi’s, and so much more!

00:34 – Episode start and brief guest introduction.
01:23 – Background on Web and what led him to Reagan.
04:36 – What are some trends that should be paid attention to, as an agency, going into 2024.
06:51 – Producer recruitment, staff recruitment, and where he sees recruitment on the importance scale moving forward.
15:17 – How recruitment ties into agency ownership, discussion on employee retention strategies, investing in people, and culture.
23:50 – Diving into the Run vs. Build a value agency mindset and how he would prepare others for each type of agency.
29:11 – What is the time frame and his recommendation on where to start at a firm.
32:02 – Bringing value to a transaction, creating specialists, and key takeaways.
34:03 – Having/building a plan for change management and his recommendation for change management.
36:12 – His final thoughts going into 2024.
37:14 – What’s going on with Screamin’ Mimi's Salsa.
38:30 – His involvement The University of Kentucky Women’s basketball team and the NIL, and how he got involved.

Resources:
Connect with our host Chip on LinkedIn
Connect with Webb on LinkedIn
Lear more about Reagan Consulting & Screamin’ Mimi’s

The Approach to Success When it Comes to Benefits and Communicating Rate Increases to Clients with John Melborn

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode we are joined by John Melbon, the benefits division leader at SullivanCurtisMonroe which is located in Southern California. We dive into benefits, alternative funding, what is the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), and more!

00:34 - Episode start and brief guest introduction.
01:37 - What is he seeing and what is he doing in his approach that may be different than others when it comes to benefits.
02:48 - How does he talk to someone about a 30% rate increase, what can he do to mitigate that, and how do they communicate rate increases to clients.
07:37 - How they manage their renewals and how they use their renewal success calendar.
08:52 - What are people doing to overcome challenges, what alternative methods is he looking into, and what strategies he recommends.
15:27 - What is the pharmacy benefit manager and what role does it play in trying to control costs.
19:13 - Are more people, prospects, or clients going this direction of self-funding mechanisms?
21:38 - What are John’s thoughts on what the future holds?
25:16 - How has it been for John and his firm participating with RiskProNet and how has it benefited him as a broker and his firm.
27:41 - Diving into branding and messaging.
29:57 - What technology they offer and utilize at SullivanCurtisMonroe.
34:53 - How they are continuously evolving and growing for success.

Connect with our host Chip on LinkedIn!
Connect with John on LinkedIn
Learn more about SullicanCurtisMonroe
Learn more about RiskProNet

Bolton Street, Developing Programs, and Program Eligibility with Geraldine DelPrete from SterlingRisk

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode we are joined by Geraldine DelPrete, the President of Programs at SterlingRisk. Tune in to learn more about Bolton Street, creating programs, program eligibility, and more!

00:34 - Episode start and guest introduction.
01:23 - What does it mean to create a program and how did they get started creating programs?
04:29 - Diving into what Bolton Street means.
06:38 - Why are reinsurance costs going up and explanation.
11:57 - What capacity means to them, the misuse of the word capacity, and social inflation.
13:54 - What has to change for capital flowback and how are they going to find a better rate of return?
16:44 - What is the program eligibility, how does she find the carrier to pick, what kind of value commitments she might have to have with them, why is it better as an agent to go to Bolton Street and what are you getting with them.
18:13 - How to get in contact with Bolton Street.
18:56 - How they develop a program.
22:36 - Discussion on limits going down due to the market and purchasing limits.
24:33 - What programs is she most excited about?
26:52 - More on Bolton Street and what they can do to help.
28:56 - Is there a limit on their cyber and is there a target?

Connect with Geraldine DelPrete on LinkedIn
Follow SterlingRisk on LinkedIn
Learn more about SterlingRisk
Connect with Chip Arenchild
Learn more about RiskProNet

Being an employee-centric agency and how that has contributed to CMR’s success with Travis Pearson

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode we are joined by Travis Pearson the CEO of CMR Risk and Insurance, Inc. Today we dive into CMR, how they are doing with the current market, why CMR wanted to join RPN, and more!

00:34 - Episode start and guest introduction. What does CMR stand for?
01:51 - Why CMR wanted to join RiskProNet and what was it about RiskProNet that made him want to work with them.
03:16 - Learn more about Travis’s background and starting at CMR
05:39 - Being voted one of the best places/agencies to work for. What inspired him to be so employee-centric focused in his life and how applying that approach contributed to the success of the company.
10:32 - What are the core beliefs around the role of the broker with the clients and the expectations they have for their brokers.
14:03 - How is he doing in the current market and discussion on client retention rate.
17:07 - What systems and technologies they utilize at CMR.
19:31 - What are they doing with their clients in terms of customer feedback and what are his thoughts on customer feedback?
21:08 - How does he see his firm contributing to the growth of RiskProNet and how is RPN set up to help CMR continue to grow?
23:44 - What does he see for the future of CMR within the next 3-5 years and what is he focused on.
25:46 - What is CMR doing with their broker associates?
30:42 - More about the agency and their private ownership.
32:57 - Bringing value to clients, CMR’s guarantee, and their transition package.

Connect with our host Chip on LinkedIn!
Connect with Travis Pearson
Learn more about CMR
Learn more about RiskProNet

Unveiling the London Market: Common Perceptions, Misconceptions, and Maximizing on Opportunities with David Price

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode we are joined by David Price who is the President and CEO of Fenchurch Broking in London. Today we are going to talk a little bit about the London market, the perceptions and misperceptions of what that market is, how to access, how to utilize a London broker, and so much more!

00:34 - Episode start and guest introduction
01:40 - What are some of the common misconceptions that brokers have about London
03:16 - What does it take to get a piece of business done in London, how do you prequalify it, how much time do you need, and what are some concrete ideas that people can take away
07:08 - Discussion on the stability and competitive pricing in London
09:34 - As a broker, what does David do to qualify to make sure that it is appropriate, if a domestic broker wants to work with a London broker what would they need to do to prequalify a risk, and what would need to be done to be successful
15:41 - The art and science of a submission, what is his secret to package it up and know who takes the lead, what makes it work, and how is he so successful
18:16 - Diving into the policies and claims at Lloyd’s, what it means, and how policies and claims are issued at Lloyd’s
23:15 - The Hunt for Red October, what he is trying to do with that analogy, and what he is doing a Fenchurch
26:01 - The importance Identifying what opportunities you have and working on prequalification
26:59 - What has life been like for him/work environment post-COVID, having great relationships and networks, and the difficulty of getting people back in-office
29:58 - Discussion on Parametric, what it does, and what to look out for
32:45 - Final thoughts, state of the current market, what Fenchurch is doing, and providing creative solutions

Learn more about RiskProNet
Want to learn more about Fenchurch Advisory Partners? Check out their LinkedIn and Website
Connect with our host Chip!
Connect with David Price on LinkedIn

JKJ's Development of International Business, What it has Grown into Today and more with Bruce White

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage With RiskProNet, host Chip introduces Bruce White, a Partner at JKJ, who specializes in their international business unit. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of handling insurance for multinational companies, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and adjusting to different business practices in various countries. Bruce shares insights on how JKJ got involved in international business and the evolving nature of the insurance industry. They explore program design, claims handling, and the significance of building trust and relationships in the international insurance market.

00:33 – Meet Bruce White and his thoughts on handling programs for multinational companies and international business

01:57 – JKJ background, how it ended up in this space, what it’s turned into today, and cultural dynamics

06:08 – Distribution, international exposure, coverage, and who/how JKJ is serving

08:38 – What an independent brokerage firm or member of RiskProNet would do if struggling with placement internationally, what the brokerage environment looks like in other countries, are they different or do they look the same

11:59 – Importance of relationships, building trust, their design to international relationships, and creating friendships/partnerships

14:25 – Hiring locally or internationally and what is their strategy for continued growth

16:09 – How international claims are handled, coverage designs, and evaluating what is in the best interest of a global group

19:27 – Connecting with JKJ, what is the best way to connect with them, and final thoughts

JKJ’s Culture, Perpetuation, Investment Strategies, and more with Pat Mullen and Kyle Rogers

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we're joined by Pat Mullen and Kyle Rogers from Johnson Kendall & Johnson, Inc., one of our member agencies in Philadelphia. They're here to share their unique approach to perpetuation and maintaining their independence in the insurance industry. JKJ's success is built on a culture of shared ownership, mentorship, and a commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders. Kyle, who is also the CFO, explains how they've set up a framework for perpetuation, including a healthy financial operation, reasonable sellers, able buyers, and transfer mechanisms. They also discuss the importance of communicating this vision to new acquiring shareholders and how their partnership with the Tugboat Institute has been instrumental in fostering their independence. Tune in for valuable insights on sustaining long-term success in the insurance world.

00:34 – Meet Kyle Rogers and Pat Mullen from Johnson Kendall & Johnson, Inc.
01:46 – What agencies are doing to be able to stay independent when it comes to perpetuation, mergers, and acquisitions, discussion on JKJ, and their perpetuation model
04:43 – Agency investment strategy, their process, and the importance of training and mentoring.
07:19 – JKJ's culture, key strategies, coming up with a methodology, evolving, and shared ownership.
10:09 – Acquiring shareholders, trusting the process, generational notices, continuing to educate and communicate, and the difference in communicating with different generations.
12:17 – Advice for shareholders on perpetuation, their opinions, and the payoff of investment.
13:47 – Joining the Tugboat Institute and what it is.
15:25 – How often they work on culture, the time they have put into culture, and their thoughts on perpetuating this culture that they have created.
17:31 – Long-term approach for producers, JKJ’s development, and their 10-week internship program
20:29 – More on perpetuation, ESOP, and their final thoughts

Resources:
Tugboat Institute
Connect with Pat Mullen on LinkedIn
Connect with Kyle Rogers on LinkedIn
Learn more about RiskProNet
Want to learn more about JKJ? Check out their website
Connect with our host Chip!

How BHS Continues to Support Gardens When Natural Disasters Strike with Kim Slager

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode, Chip is joined by Kim Slager, partner at BHS Insurance. Kim specializes in the public garden space. She is the team leader for the BHS proprietary national public gardens program. Kim has been in the insurance space for a little over 28 years and has been with BHS for 11 years.

BHS Insurance has been providing superior service and managing insurance for over 80 years. They are a leading insurance provider that finds innovative solutions to those who value individualized services and shared passions for helping others.

Chip and Kim dive into:

The Botanical Gardens and how she got involved.
The Grand Rapids Garden, the community, and 5O1C3 gardens.
Preserving native gardens and the importance of keeping them safe.
The importance of passion and how that correlates to running and maintaining a program.
Unique challenges that Kim has had to face and the challenges of property insurance.
How BHS benefits and provides for both small and large gardens.
How they supported and safely helped gardens open back up after COVID.
Insuring gardens when and if a natural disaster strikes one of their gardens.

…and much more!

Do you get overwhelmed with insurance policies? Are you interested in learning about the different types of insurance and getting an in-depth look at insurance and risk assessment? Visit our website at www.riskpronet.com

Resources:
Learn more about American Public Gardens Association
Learn more about BHS Insurance here
Follow BHS on Twitter, Instagram, & LinkedIn
Connect with Kim on LinkedIn

How to Safely Shop Online During the Holidays and Beyond

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, Chip is joined by Beth Martin, with the Crane Agency is St. Louis and longtime RiskProNet member. Beth is their cyber security expert and talks about things to pay attention to during the holiday season, and online shopping in general, as it related to cyber and individuals.

Crane Agency is one of the oldest independent insurance agencies west of the Mississippi River, where they aim to be the premier independent insurance agency for our clients, our team, and our communities every day.

Tune in for cyber security tips for shopping during the holiday season and beyond!

In a nutshell, Chip and Beth shed light on:

· What to think about when shopping online when it comes to cyber exposure

· Best practices when it comes to giving out personal information for discounts

· The option of creating a separate email account for shopping

· The importance of multifactor identification

· The use of public Wi-Fi

· The best way to store your passwords

… and so much more!

Do you get overwhelmed with insurance policies? Are you interested in learning about the different types of insurance and also getting an in-depth look at insurance and risk assessment? Visit our website at www.riskpronet.com

Resources:
Learn more about the crane agency here
Follow the Crane Agency on Twitter and LinkedIn
Connect with Beth

Community Outreach, Recession, and Technology with Mac Wesson

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0500

In today's episode, Chip is joined by Mac Wesson, the President of Swingle Collins. Mac serves on the agency’s Executive and Finance Committees where he develops and implements long-term business plans.

Swingle Collins & Associates is the largest privately owned Insurance agency in Texas, with both national and global reach. They deliver the highest quality commercial and personal insurance and risk management solutions to businesses.

Tune in for a fantastic talk from the president of an A-list Insurance agency in Texas.

In a nutshell, Chip and Mac shed light on:

The firm's primal objective is to serve the entrepreneurial community that is now unequaled
How they are maintaining a good financial standing amidst the economic recession
As a dominant firm in Texas, why they opted to partner with Riskpronet
How they are using technological advancements to promote growth and drive efficiencies
Their liberal approach toward staff turnover and account management
Insightful reflections on risk advisors and how they are doing it

… and so much more!

Do you get overwhelmed with insurance policies? Are you interested in learning about the different types of insurance and also getting an in-depth look at insurance and risk assessment? Visit our website at www.riskpronet.com

Resources:
Follow Chip on LinkedIn
Follow Mac on LinkedIn
Learn more about Swingle Collins
Connect with Swingle Collins on Facebook & LinkedIn
Have Questions About Insurance That You Want Answered? Fill Out This Form

Coverage Specialities with Jamie Madonna from AHT Insurance

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0400

In today's episode, Chip is joined by Jamie Madonna, the Managing Advisor in AHT’s Seattle office. Jamie has extensive expertise in creating innovative insurance solutions primarily for the aviation, manufacturing, and technology industries. He is also a private pilot.

As AHT celebrates its 100th anniversary, it has been operating as an employee-owned insurance brokerage and consulting firm offering property and casualty, employee benefits, retirement, and personal and international services for a wide range of industries – boasting national recognition for its practices in areas including technology, manufacturing, government contracting and nonprofits.

In the episode, Jamie states the benefits an individual, agency owner, principal, or organization stands to garner as a member of the RiskProNet community.

The company, AHT, is rooted in their specialty thus providing unwavering value, integrity, and excellence because they understand deeply what risks are there to the Industry and what they can do from an insurance coverage perspective whilst remaining client-centric.

Jamie also expands on the synergy between his specialties; working with companies in technology, aviation/aerospace, and manufacturing industries. And as a specialist in the named niches, he may start creating a product the market doesn't know they need and also encourage underwriters on either side to add that coverage or consider partnering with other firms to add that coverage to their products.

During the episode, he dives into the type of clients they are currently working with, the newest thing in the marketplace (UAV), the new technologies such as electric propulsion, and the traditional and modern placement of aviation insurance.

Tune in as Jamie informs us of the Insurance Brokerage and Consulting firm that has achieved superior status with many carriers.

Resources:
Follow Chip on LinkedIn
Follow Jamie on LinkedIn
Follow AHT on LinkedIn
Check out AHT's Website to Learn More
Have Questions About Insurance That You Want Answered? Fill Out This Form

Why W3's Partnership with Riskpronet is more than a Value-adding Relationship for Business Owners

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Things continue to evolve and grow and it is important to have relationships that can help serve your clients across the country, help you with scale, market knowledge, and everything that you need to compete with the ever-growing increase in aggregators, whilst remaining independently owned. To achieve this, you need partnerships that are going to help you meet the needs of your clients and internal employees long term.

In today's episode, Chip is joined by Jon and Clay from W3 Insurance in the Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg area. They are the most recent members to join RiskProNet.

Clay is the vice president of W3 St Petersburg, a stallholder, and a Commercial Insurance Advisor. He has extensive experience controlling workers' compensation costs for large companies and his niche focus includes manufacturing, construction industries, and large workers' compensation cases.

John is the President of W3 St Petersburg. His specialty is working closely with businesses to find insurance and risk management solutions that match their unique needs.

W3 has been in existence for 97 years, and for almost 25 years now they have focused on what to do to increase value besides brokering services; their shift to a value-added platform.

In the episode, Jon and Clay show you that W3 covers everything. The multi-channel and commercial insurance is their largest revenue stream, representing probably about 50% of their income today followed by employee benefits. They have one of the largest employee benefits in the Tampa Bay market. And they also do a lot of personal lines and recreational marine.

Tune in as John and Clay shed light on:

Why you should join Riskpronet
How they (WE) are the differentiators in the marketplace currently and in years to come
What Clay's doing to promote alternative financing options for people that qualify
What's going on in the construction market in St. Petersburg economically
The kind of issues their clients are having and their worries as cyber takes off
Their amazing incorporation of technology into the platform before a lot of people did
What the future looks like for W3 in terms of growth and niche

… and so much more!

If you are a business owner and are looking to have a different relationship because something has revolved in your world, this episode shows you why W3 ( partners with Riskpronet) is the missing piece of the puzzle.

Do you get overwhelmed with insurance policies? Are you interested in learning about the different types of insurance and also getting an in-depth look at insurance and risk assessment? Visit our website at www.riskpronet.com

Resources:
Follow Chip on LinkedIn
Check out W3 to learn more
Follow Chip on LinkedIn
Follow Jon Hammond on LinkedIn
Follow Clay Crum on LinkedIn
Have Questions You Want Answered? Fill Out This Form

Active Shooter Training with Ted Hayes

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Active shooting has been a sensitive topic. Mass school shootings as well as other threats of violence have spiked dramatically lately in the country. How can we prepare to manage this risk both corporately as a business and as an Individual?

In today's episode, Chip is joined by Ted Hayes, the senior risk manager at M3 Insurance. For the past 29 years, Hayes has served as a safety and security consultant to school districts and municipalities in Wisconsin and throughout the United States. He specializes in active shooter training and he has worked extensively with both public and private schools. Additionally, Hayes authors monthly violence prevention articles for various school-related magazines.

Whether shooting at an organization lasts two minutes, four minutes, or 12 minutes, you have about three seconds to make the right decision to save your own life. And that starts with creating Mental Action scripts. That you should always have a plan, thought out, not something you have to write down but just thought out. This is just but a preview of the incredible wisdom Ted has in stored for you in the show today.

Tune in as Ted dives into pragmatic strategies to change your mindset around shooter situations such as: Having an understanding and adapting the Mental action script, 3 things an active shooter seeks, and the ABCs of weapon control ( A for avoiding the weapon, B for blanketing the weapon with your body and C for controlling it to minimize it from injuring people).

In the episode, he also recommends something to chew on immediately after listening to the show: Having an immediate mass notification system, locking up your doors, and developing room security controls.

Ted has life-saving knowledge that he can't keep to himself, information that you should definitely grasp. Tune in as he shares these golden nuggets on active shooter training.

Resources:
Follow Chip on LinkedIn
Follow Ted Hayes on LinkedIn
Learn More About M3
Check Out Ted's Book: If it's Predictable, it's Preventable; More than 2000 Ways To Improve The Safety & Security In Your School.
Have Questions You Want Answered? Fill Out This Form

Protecting Your Home from Risk and Wildfires with Adam Loner and Martha Ricci

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 18:00:00 -0400

Wildfires are creating some serious problems for homeowners. The risk of owning homes in certain states has escalated due to infrastructure and wildfires. Adam and Martha of Moody Insurance Agency based in Colorado are familiar with the woes of ensuring a home in a wildfire zone. Listen to them discuss the state of homeowner’s insurance amidst the high rates of wildfires across the United States. On the episode, Adam and Martha also discuss some alternative ways to prevent and protect your home from fire risk.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild, Adam Loner, or Martha Ricci
Learn more about Moody Insurance Agency
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

The Sharing Economy of Insurance with Kevin Brooks Part 2

Wed, 18 May 2022 11:00:00 -0400

What’s the sharing economy? Think Uber. There was a need for transportation and a surplus of drivers. With the sharing economy, there was an opportunity to optimize underutilized assets. Same thing happens in insurance. Kevin Brooks, an agency partner at Johnson Kendall Johnson, discusses how the sharing economy works within the world of insurance. Listen to Chip and Kevin dive into how insurance companies work smarter to optimize assets in the sharing economy.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild and Kevin Brooks
Check out InterWest Insurance Services and Johnson Kendall Johnson
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

Inflation and Homeowners insurance with Kevin Brooks

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 17:00:00 -0400

With inflation at its highest since the 1980s, American homeowners are experiencing painful insurance premiums and renewal rates. The cost of building new homes is more than last year. Global supply shortages create surges in construction labor and material costs. As a partner at Johnson Kendall Johnson insurance agency, Kevin Brooks specializes in homeowners insurance. Homeowners across America want to make keep their home safe from wildfires and water damage. Listen to Chip and Kevin chat about insurance’s role for safety in new home builds and against catastrophic events.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild and Kevin Brooks
Check out InterWest Insurance Services and Johnson Kendall Johnson
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

Specializing is a superpower with Scott Faris

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Since specializing in construction and real estate, M3 Insurance Agency has seen massive company and culture growth. This new direction in the construction industry means learning the ins and outs of general liability contracts for their clients. For Scott Faris, a senior member of the Real Estate and Construction Risk Practice Group at M3 Insurance, specializing has provided opportunity for learning with other experts in the field. Listen to Chip and Scott discuss why specialization can elevate your agency.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild and Scott Faris
Check out InterWest Insurance Services and M3 Insurance
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

Mitigate risk and navigate Wraps with Charles Comiskey Part 2

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500

On the second of a two-part series, Chip speaks with Charles Comiskey of RiskTech Inc. about business insurance policies or Wraps. The industry has changed rapidly. Tune into this conversation about mitigating risk for large business projects involving contractors and employees.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild and Charles Comiskey
Check out InterWest Insurance Services and RiskTech Inc.
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

Mitigate risk and navigate Wraps with Charles Comiskey Part 1

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0500

If you’re running a business or project with multiple employees, this episode is for you. Wrap insurance, an umbrella type policy, provides coverage for general contractors, subcontractors, and individual employees. Learn how you can navigate a wrap policy for your business or project with Charles Comiskey, President of RiskTech, Inc in Houston, Texas.

The current cybersecurity landscape with Matt Lee of Pax8

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0500

Cybersecurity is simple. It’s based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. As Senior Director of Security and Compliance at Pax8, Matt Lee understands the significant measures to keep data protected and secure for your business. Since the internet boom, our ideas about technology and data have changed. So have our cybersecurity policies. Listen to Chip Arenchild and Matt Lee examine the infrastructure insurance brokers and IT providers use to protect data.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild and Matt Lee
Check out InterWest Insurance Services and Pax8
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

Why preparing your business for cyber-crime is critical with Ryan Smith of Rigid Bits

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 20:00:00 -0400

Mitigation and risk assessment are increasingly important for businesses in the evolving cyber space. As an insurance consultant, Ryan Smith explains his collaborative efforts with IT and leadership teams to reinforce existing infrastructure and prepare businesses for cyber-attacks. Tune into this episode as Chip Arenchild and Ryan Smith explore how to select a good cyber insurance policy and what to do in the event of an attack.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild and Ryan Smith
Check out InterWest Insurance Services and Rigid Bits
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

How to navigate cyber threats in the wake of cybercrime and cryptocurrency

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 16:00:00 -0400

Insurance agencies are attempting to manage the high volume of cyber-attacks claimed each year. As cryptocurrency increases in popularity, so does the opportunity for individual cybercrime. What happens if the attacker comes back? Can you afford to pay the ransom again? Learn what you need to do to protect yourself and your business in today’s world of cybercrime. Join your host Chip Arenchild and cybercrime expert Patrick Hernandez from Sullivan Curtis Monroe on this episode about navigating cyber threats.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild and Patrick Hernandez
Check out InterWest Insurance Services and Sullivan Curtis Monroe Insurance Services LLC
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

Ransomware and Cyber Insurance is for everyone now

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -0400

Losing customers as a result of a cyber-attack may not be on your radar as a manufacturer or brick and mortar, but should it? Alexandra Bretschneider from RiskProNet Cyber Practice discusses how remote working has put cyber insurance to the forefront for businesses. The cyber world is still very young. Countries are still figuring out the proper legal action to deal with hackers. The insurance world knew this was coming. Now that we’re all online and working remotely, cyber insurance to protect against ransomware attacks is an important decision for all businesses. For more on cyber insurance, listen to the full episode.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild and Alexandra Bretschneider
Check out InterWest Insurance Services and Johnson, Kendall & Johnson
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

Why You Need a Local Insurance Broker

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Fires, building collapses, and identity theft. There’s a lot going on the world right now. On this episode, Chip Arenchild interviews Troy Moody of Moody Insurance Agency about the current state of insurance agencies. Chip and Troy talk about the advantages of working with a local insurance broker. This episode covers why having a strategic advisor to help mitigate risk identification is a must.

Resources
Connect on LinkedIn with Chip Arenchild and Troy Moody
Check out InterWest Insurance Services and Moody Insurance Agency
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.

Welcome to the Club

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0400

Buying insurance got you frustrated? Confused? Welcome to the club. Look we get it. Insurance isn’t a one-size fits all process. RiskProNet is here to help you make well-informed insurance decisions. Be empowered.

Resources
Learn more about RiskProNet check out our website.
Follow us on Twitter.