Caldwell is an author, speaker and CEO of One Agents Alliance, an alliance of 185 independent insurance agents in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and California.
October 4, 2021
In our business — the business of developing insurance agencies — our coaches work closely with agency owners and their teams to develop the business of the founder’s dreams. Along the way, they teach, coach and mentor, cultivating a variety …
September 6, 2021
In virtually every independent insurance agent survey that I’ve ever seen, respondents overwhelmingly list “service” as one of the most important reasons clients do business with them. In fact, when you visit with agents to discuss service, you always hear …
August 2, 2021
Do you remember the first time you rode a roller coaster? I do, and I was absolutely terrified when I felt it pick up steam and hurtle down toward the bottom of the first big dip. As the car began …
July 5, 2021
There is no shortage of articles opining on the future of work after COVID-19, all seeming to believe that virtual work in one form or another is here to stay. I agree. But I also believe the issue is not …
June 21, 2021
For many years independent agencies waited anxiously for a practical multi-company rating system in commercial lines. Now, several easy-to-use products are available to agencies with quoting capability among a growing number of standard market commercial carriers. Companies like Tarmika are …
April 19, 2021
Recently I had a conversation with a well-known author and sales coach of high performers in which we discussed critical characteristics of successful commercial lines producers. One stood out to me. This consummate coach of high performers identified fearlessness as …
March 22, 2021
It is estimated that entrepreneurs created between 6,000 and 8,000 new independent insurance agencies over the last decade. Each of these entrepreneurs sought to create their own unique vision of the future. But their start-ups, while they may offer some …
February 8, 2021
Unfortunately, research indicates that most people will not keep their New Year’s resolutions. My theory is that this failure is closely related to the failure many businesses have in achieving their goals. And that reason is a failure to plan …
January 28, 2021
In the most recent Closing Quote in Insurance Journal, I wrote about why I believe this is the best time in history for entrepreneurial agents to create a new independent insurance agency. My reasons include lower costs, the increased need …
January 21, 2021
Starting an independent insurance agency, or any business, is a risky proposition. You’re moving from a secure position with a regular income and foreseeable future to a place where uncertainty is the new normal. Some may think that’s truer than …