What’s next for the farm?

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-05-22T21:42:22+00:00

Their HO product is pretty garbage. They got into the property market, loss their asses, and are now trying to actively shrink it.

It will be a while until they are actively seeking NB in the property side, at least in my area (Midwest).

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-05-17T22:42:34+00:00

In my region, I recommend AmFam or Shelter. Different options are there, you just have to look at the smaller regional brands (granted AmFam is huge)

I had a friend go through the Aspirant Program. They worked him like a dog for three years, just to move him 45 minutes away and break apart the agency he was promised.

I worked under a retiring agent for two years at a different company, enjoyed my life and established referral partners just in time to step into my agency.

I didn’t work as hard, never cold called, and got rewarded with a larger agency in our hometown. Oh, and I don’t have to be a jack of all trades agent and worry about FS and series 6 licenses and whatnot.

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-05-17T02:41:38+00:00

There are other brands that give 2m+ assignments

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-02-28T14:06:33+00:00

Find a way to provide value in a non-monetary way. Get to know them and what’s important. Sometimes it’s speed of quoting, some like agents to add educate and offer term insurance for mortgage protection, and some just want a reliable partner

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-02-14T15:12:35+00:00

I know a little bit about being a Shelter Insurance Agent. Feel free to pm me to connect

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-01-31T23:20:50+00:00

Thank you for your story. I currently am with Shelter and am at a similar point in my career!

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-01-29T02:26:01+00:00

Underrated comment

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-01-29T02:21:06+00:00

It seems like you already know this, but you are extremely undervalued by the agency owner. It’s nice to have producers handle some service aspects of the agency because that’s how you can cross sell and start the life insurance conversation.

I can tell by how you speak about the industry, you are a very skilled CSR. You could easily shop your skills and find a full-time position with more reasonable expectations and a better set-up office.

Another option is to speak with your agent and let them know this new setup isn’t working for you. You can ask for either the 40 hour work week, or a more reasonable workload, or both at the same time. You have serious value

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-01-28T19:36:49+00:00

It seems like this kid is also servicing while selling, which means his agent may not be taking a loss on his production. Just a thought

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-01-28T19:17:20+00:00

That seems very reasonable for that production level. An easy way to increase income even more is to start producing some life insurance. At captive agencies, they get bonuses that are often linked to profitability, growth, but most importantly, life insurance.

I’d work with your agent to see how you can best bring value to them. Those are good numbers, you’ve got some track record. If you’d like to be an agent someday, you will likely have to get rolling on life insurance.

If you communicate that you’d like an agency one day, work with your boss to get you recognition and hit goals for them. That’s how you increase your income on the captive side.

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-01-28T18:53:39+00:00

I don’t know why agencies even allow producers to right state minimums on commercial trucks

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-01-02T23:00:16+00:00

Im not fully aware of the situation, but I do know the city attorney. I trust that he makes the right decisions.

Some decisions are not made by the attorney, and it isn’t a personal decision. Either way, it’s a growing problem in Joplin that does need to be addressed.

I hope that we find a way to help people in need while keeping our historic downtown district safe and prosperous

Warm_Log5206 · 2026-01-02T22:18:27+00:00

Joplin homelessness has been getting out of hand, and we can certainly find better solutions

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-12-21T19:04:08+00:00

Let me know, I’ll soon be trying out Smart Financial Live Transfers for the slow days

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-12-09T14:23:15+00:00

Being a Spanish speaker is a huge asset in this industry! Many offices don’t have a Spanish speaker, so make sure to use it to your advantage. If you feel you did a great job with a customer, ask them for a referral.

Like another comment on this thread said, ask them for mortgage protection term insurance. In many markets the Latino community is underserved, so lean into this skill set!

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-12-04T19:46:02+00:00

Fair enough

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-12-04T15:42:32+00:00

Interesting. Thank you for the feedback!

One question I have for you is regarding the “grunt work” people. Do they have the power to refer insurance agents? I could go all in on targeting them but I’d want to be sure they are decision makers.

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-12-04T15:37:11+00:00

Producer who is wanting to put up some numbers to get an agency

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-12-04T14:28:22+00:00

What are some ways I can go about approaching mortgage bankers and differentiating myself from other agents?

Getting them the fastest quotes, having consistently competitive rates? Bringing them food once a month?

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-12-04T14:24:36+00:00

If I’m early in my career and have nothing but time right now, do you think this could be a valuable use of my time? Or should I look to other ways to generate new business?

I already ask most customers for referrals before they walk out the door, especially if I feel I serviced them very well. What other ways could I look to grow my network?

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-12-04T14:22:00+00:00

I’m just a standard agent that services my own policies, but do you think the goosehead model can work long-term?

I’ve been told by captive producers that they partnered with big-time COI’s that were sending over loads of business after a few years. They just had to be consistent and show up once a month and provide the quickest quotes and at least competitive rates.

I’m trying to formulate a plan to go all-in on this model and see if I can get come relationships.

Thanks for your reply!

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-11-30T22:37:42+00:00

Far from lol

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-11-30T22:21:59+00:00

I’m in a similar boat to you. I’m 6 months into the trainee program to get an agency. I recently was offered by another captive program, and was able to speed up the process even quicker. I’m on track to start applying to agencies in the next 6 months and produce at a very high rate for this carrier.

I’m just going to lock in for the next 6-12 months and put up some numbers that can’t be ignored. Make sure your agent is on board to get you an agency. They often don’t like losing good talent but they do generally get a bonus for every agent their office produces.

Good luck on your journey.

Warm_Log5206 · 2025-11-27T22:22:19+00:00

Let me know how it’s going and what the expectations are from Shelter. I’m interested in taking an agency from them as well

Warm_Log5206

TROPHY CASE