Articles by Catherine Oak and Bill Schoeffler

Oak is the founder of the consulting firm, Oak & Associates, based in Northern California and Central Oregon. Oak & Associates. Phone: 707-935-6565. Email: catoak@gmail.com.

The Anatomy of Employee Happiness: Key Factors That Drive Workplace Satisfaction

In today’s competitive job market, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of prioritizing employee happiness. It’s no secret that happy employees are more productive, engaged, and likely to stay with their employers for the long term. But what exactly makes …

Power of the Mastermind: Part Two

Editor’s note: The following article is a continuation of Part One, published in Insurance Journal’s May 6, 2024, issue in the Minding Your Business section. What is a mastermind group? A mastermind group is simply an alliance of two or …

Power of the Mastermind: Part One

What is a mastermind group? A mastermind group is simply an alliance of two or more individuals dedicating themselves to a specific goal. It is a way to get all the knowledge, expertise and connections needed to achieve a goal. …

M&A Due Diligence: Understanding the Issues and Solutions to the Pitfalls

Mergers and acquisitions in the insurance industry continue steadily despite a slowdown due to COVID-19 and higher interest rates. After the price and terms are negotiated and a Letter of Intent (LOI) is executed, then it is time for the …

The Future of Insurance Agencies

There is a traditional proclamation made following the accession of a new monarch in various countries that simultaneously announces the death of the previous monarch and asserts continuity by saluting the new monarch. “The king is dead; long live the …

Industry Trends to Exploit for 2024

Agency owners must watch and learn about major trends when they start. Following are key trends that insurance agencies should be tracking for 2024. 1. Insurtech Several trends are emerging in the insurtech sector. Artificial intelligence, or AI, and machine …

Merging Producer Development and Compensation in Insurance Agencies to Cultivate Success

In the dynamic world of insurance, producers — commonly known as agents or brokers — stand at the intersection of client needs and the array of insurance products available. They not only drive sales but also shape the face and …

Lessons from the Stone Age

In our modern world of rapidly advancing technology and complex corporate structures, it’s absurd to consider looking toward the distant past for insights. Yet, the Paleolithic or Stone Age era — characterized by early humans’ usage of stone tools and …

Industry Trends to Exploit for 2023

Agency owners must watch and learn about major trends when they start. Following are the eight key trends that insurance agencies should be tracking for 2023. Insurtech Insurtech will continue to be the shiny object that gets much attention but …

The Basics of a Letter of Intent

When an agency owner decides to sell, there are a plethora of buyers to choose from. A seller should narrow down the options to two or three before serious discussions take place. The next step is to obtain from the …