Best HawkSoft Podcasts (2025)

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30 Years Strong at HawkSoft: The Employees' Perspective 35:25

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4d ago35:25

35:25

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast hosted by Michael Ley, director of network relations at HawkSoft, we celebrate 30 years of HawkSoft by speaking with a few of the long-tenured employees at the company. The conversation highlights their unique journeys, the core values that define the company culture, the challenges faced in pro…

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What to Know Before Buying an Agency (Carey & Hawksoft) 39:23

26d ago39:23

39:23

In this special re-release, we’re sharing an episode originally featured on HawkSoft’s Insurance Perspectives podcast. Carey joins Kenny Hendricks to break down what it really takes to buy an agency—from assessing your readiness and evaluating cultural fit to spotting red flags before you sign. They dive into the key performance indicators every bu…

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#144 - Why Every Agency Owner Needs a Mastermind Group 23:35

4d ago23:35

23:35

On this episode of Insurance Refocused, Carey and Lindsay Wallace explore one of the most impactful growth tools for independent insurance agencies — mastermind groups. They discuss how these peer groups function like a “board of directors” for agency owners, providing accountability, fresh perspective, and real-world solutions that drive measurabl…

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The Differences in M&A: Accounting vs Insurance M&A w/ Aaron Stocks 32:39

11d ago32:39

32:39

On Insurance Refocused, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Aaron Stocks, CEO of AgencyPoint (PFS Global), to compare accounting firm acquisitions with independent insurance agency M&A. Aaron breaks down why client transferability, systems standardization, and regulatory disclosures make accounting roll-ups very different from buying an insurance agenc…

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Agency Perpetuation Pt. 2 - Landon Bentham 34:56

11d ago34:56

34:56

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks speaks with Landon Bentham, President and CEO of Callahan and Rice Insurance Group, about the intricacies of agency perpetuation. They discuss Landon's journey within the agency, the importance of leadership during transitions, and the key lessons learned throughout the perpetua…

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#142 - Doubling Your Independent Insurance Agency's Value in Three Years 28:05

18d ago28:05

28:05

In this episode of Insurance Refocused, Carey and Lindsay Wallace break down a powerful agency transformation that doubled in value in just four years. Starting with $3.5 million in revenue and 27–28% profitability, this agency faced key challenges—an aging owner, outdated systems, and compensation structures that limited growth. Carey and Lindsay …

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Agency Perpetuation Pt. 1 - Carey Wallace 40:07

19d ago40:07

40:07

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks and Carey Wallace delve into the critical topic of perpetuation planning for insurance agencies. They discuss the definition of perpetuation planning, its importance, and the challenges faced by agencies that lack a solid plan. The conversation emphasizes the need for a living d…

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Agency Acquisitions Pt. 2 - Rob Bowen & Jason Hansen 52:01

27d ago52:01

52:01

By HawkSoft

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#140 - Why Transferability Defines Your Agency’s Value w/ Monica Adwani 33:14

1M ago33:14

33:14

Your agency might have strong revenue, solid margins, and loyal clients, but does the business truly stand on its own? The answer comes down to transferability. In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace talk with Monica Adwani of Breezy Seguros about what it really takes to build an agency that is valuable beyond the owner. Monica shares her journ…

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Agency Acquisitions Pt. 1 - Carey Wallace 38:44

1M ago38:44

38:44

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks and Carey Wallace discuss the intricacies of agency acquisitions. They explore the importance of understanding what it means to buy an agency, the readiness of an agency to acquire, and the significance of team communication during the process. The conversation also delves into …

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#139 - Transitioning from Captive to Independent w/ Charley Todd 40:47

1M ago40:47

40:47

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace sit down with Charley Todd from Charley Insurance to explore his pivotal decision to transition from a captive agency to the independent side of the insurance industry. They delve into the motivations behind this bold move, the surprising challenges of starting anew, and the exciting opportunities it prese…

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Social Media Success Secrets & Creating An Effective Campaign with Jeff White 19:44

1M ago19:44

19:44

In this conversation, Jeff White, HawkSoft social media manager, shares insights on effective social media strategies for agencies. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in posting, the need to stand out in a crowded digital space, and the significance of nurturing client relationships through social media engagement. Jeff also discusses the …

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#138 - Inside the Acquisition: Year After Reflection w/ Rob Bowen 37:21

2M ago37:21

37:21

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace sit down with Rob Bowen from Patriotic Insurance Group to reflect on his first-year post-acquisition. They explore the challenges and lessons learned during the transition from a paper-based system to a digital one, the importance of communication with carriers, and the human element in maintaining busines…

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Culture Eats Strategy For Breakfast with Dustin Parker 23:12

2M ago23:12

23:12

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Dustin Parker, co-founder of SALT, shares his journey of transforming agency culture. He emphasizes the importance of showing care for employees, developing a clear vision, and fostering a collaborative environment. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, Parker illustrates how hum…

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#137 - Women Supporting Women w/ Dawnyel Smink 34:24

2M ago34:24

34:24

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Dawnyel Smink, President of the Western region at Keystone Insurers Group, about her initiatives to empower women in the insurance industry. They discuss the importance of collaboration between men and women, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the need for open conversations about leadership an…

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Cultivating Leaders at Every Level & Phone and Email Etiquette 20:17

2M ago20:17

20:17

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Nicole Harris and Mary Hyland discuss strategies for cultivating leadership at every level and phone and email etiquette. Nicole focuses on the importance of empowering staff and fostering a positive workplace culture. Mary provides practical tips for effective communication in the insurance in…

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#136 - Building a Niche Independent Insurance Agency w/ Elizabeth Moore 32:46

2M ago32:46

32:46

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Elizabeth Moore, co-founder of Amelia Risk, to discuss on building a specialized insurance agency in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space. Elizabeth shares how her career path shifted from advertising dreams in New York to a fulfilling journey in insurance, and why choosing a niche has been key to…

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Servant Leadership & Finding The Joy 35:58

2M ago35:58

35:58

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Rushang Shah and Paul Moyes of HawkSoft share insights on leadership and personal fulfillment. Rushang discusses the concept of servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of supporting team members and fostering growth. Paul explores the difference between fleeting happiness and lasting joy…

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#135 - Building a Generational Insurance Agency w/ Lee Gaudette 30:30

2M ago30:30

30:30

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace sit down with Lee Gaudette from Gaudette Insurance Agency. They discuss the evolution of the insurance industry, the importance of generational perspectives, and the role of community engagement. Lee shares his family's rich history in the insurance business, the significance of outside experience for fami…

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How To Lead When You're Not In Charge & Engaging Your Team 30:55

2M ago30:55

30:55

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Brent Thurman and Michelle Hancock discuss the importance of team dynamics, leadership, and employee engagement within the insurance industry. Brent shares insights on leading without authority, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and the ability to influence others positively. Michelle hig…

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#134 - What Banks Look for in Insurance Agency Buyers w/ Kimberly Bunce 41:58

3M ago41:58

41:58

In this episode, Carey and Lindsay Wallace sit down with Kimberly Bunce from Security Financial Bank to explore the intricacies of the insurance industry. Kimberly shares her journey from accounting to banking, offering a unique perspective on lending to insurance agencies. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities in agency acquisitio…

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The Value of the HawkSoft User Group with George Patterson 22:05

3M ago22:05

22:05

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, George Patterson shares his experiences and insights from attending the HawkSoft User Group (HUG) National Conference. He discusses the value of networking, building relationships, and the importance of engaging with HawkSoft leadership. The conversation highlights the benefits of being part of…

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#133 - Taking Over the Family Insurance Agency w/ Taylor Garcia 40:33

3M ago40:33

40:33

In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Taylor Garcia, owner of Jackson & Jackson Insurance, to discuss his unique journey from musician to insurance leader. Taylor shares his experience taking over the family business, the challenges and opportunities of rebranding a legacy agency, and the importance of maintaining authentic client relati…

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#132 - How Agencies Are Using AI in the Insurance Industry w/ Justin Thomas 34:05

3M ago34:05

34:05

In this episode, Carey and Lindsay Wallace sit down with Justin Thomas, CEO of YourPolicy Insurance Agency, to discuss the evolving landscape of the insurance industry, particularly about the impact of AI. Justin shares his journey into insurance, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, and the importance of adapting to change. The discus…

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#131 - The Client-Centric Approach to Agency Acquisitions w/ John Darr 29:51

3M ago29:51

29:51

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with John Darr, the president and founder of Darr Schackow Insurance, to discuss the intricacies of agency acquisitions in the insurance industry. They explore the impact of acquisitions on client relationships, the importance of communication during transitions, and the challenges of maintaining a consis…

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#130 - Producer Compensation in Independent Insurance Agencies 22:17

3M ago22:17

22:17

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey Wallace discuss the complexities of employee compensation in insurance agencies. They explore various compensation models, the importance of aligning compensation with agency goals, and the challenges of merging different structures. The conversation emphasizes the need for accurate data and the significance of co…

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#129 - From R&B Artist to Agency Owner w/ Jarrard "Rod" Powell Sr. 31:05

4M ago31:05

31:05

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Jarrard "Rod" Powell Sr. to share his unique journey from the music industry to the insurance sector, highlighting the opportunities within the insurance field that many overlook. He discusses the inception of his podcast, 'You Should Get a License,' aimed at educating and inspiring others about care…

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#128 - Exploring the Insurance Industry w/ Molly Harrigan 31:32

4M ago31:32

31:32

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Molly Harrigan to explore her journey in the insurance industry, from working in her family’s agency to making the move to the carrier side. Molly shares insights on navigating a challenging market, the importance of clear communication, and the unique opportunities available to young professionals i…

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Developing Company Culture with Paul Hawkins and Rushang Shah 39:24

4M ago39:24

39:24

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Paul Hawkins and Rushang Shah discusses the importance of developing a strong company culture. They share insights on how to define and disseminate culture within an organization, the significance of core values, and the role of leadership in fostering an environment where employees feel valued…

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#127 - Portal Becomes a Best Practices Agency w/ Bradley Flowers 35:16

4M ago35:16

35:16

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Bradley Flowers of Portal Insurance to discuss his agency's recognition as a Best Practices Agency. Bradley shares his journey to earning this industry distinction, the rigorous application process, and how it impacts his business operations. The conversation covers financial best practices, growth s…

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Levitate Pt. 2 - April Jordan 32:09

4M ago32:09

32:09

In this episode, Kenny Hendricks chats with April Jordan about the impact of Levitate on Carolina Property Insurance. They discuss the agency's growth, the importance of client relationships, and how Levitate has transformed their operations through automation and personalized communication. April shares her passion for the insurance industry and t…

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#126 - Maximizing Agency Value in Acquisitions w/ Kelly Drouillard 36:54

4M ago36:54

36:54

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Kelly Drouillard, an insurance industry expert, to discuss agency acquisitions. Kelly shares her extensive career journey, insights on sourcing targets, and the importance of understanding the acquisition process. The discussion also covers market trends, the evolving landscape of M&A, and practical …

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Levitate Pt. 1 - Leia Stallings 28:08

4M ago28:08

28:08

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks sits down with Leia Stallings from Levitate and April Jordan from Carolina Property Insurance to discuss the unique value proposition of Levitate's communication platform. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by insurance agencies and the rewarding relationships buil…

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#125 - Reinventing Insurance: Talent, Tech, and Taking Risks w/ Aubie Knight 35:58

5M ago35:58

35:58

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Aubie Knight, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, to discuss the evolution of insurance associations, the importance of talent development through initiatives like InsurAcademy, and technology's role in modernizing the industry. He emphasizes how associations must adapt to crea…

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RPost Pt. 2 - Brenda James 28:21

5M ago28:21

28:21

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks is joined by Brenda James and Jake Finnell to discuss the importance of secure communication, the innovative features of RPost, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Brenda shares how Mathews Insurance utilizes RPost to enhance agency efficiency and client security. Takea…

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#124 - The Future of Work: Bots in Insurance w/ Raul Guerra 29:16

5M ago29:16

29:16

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Raul Guerra from Alleviant VBOTS to discuss the transformative impact of robotic process automation (RPA) and AI on independent insurance agencies. They explore the growth of RPA technology, its applications, and the importance of data security. The discussion highlights the benefits of automation in…

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RPost Pt. 1 - Jake Finnell 28:10

5M ago28:10

28:10

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks sits down with Jake Finnell from RPost and Brenda James from Mathews Insurance to discuss RPost's easy-to-use and affordable email security/compliance services. The conversation highlights the evolution of RPost and the challenges and rewards of working with independent insuranc…

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#123 - Decoding Leadership Excellence w/ David Keller 30:48

5M ago30:48

30:48

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with David Keller to discuss key takeaways from a recent leadership training session, emphasizing the importance of defining success, learning from past mistakes, and fostering psychological safety within teams. They also explore the implementation of the EOS framework in business and the value of network…

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A Prospect's Perspective with Sembley & Aron Robertson 19:30

5M ago19:30

19:30

In this episode of the Insurance Protectors podcast, Aron Robertson interviews Joseph G. Ems from Sembley, discussing the importance of data ownership in insurance, the benefits of Sembley's technology for streamlining the insurance process, and the shift from personal to commercial lines among independent agents. They explore Sembley's origin stor…

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#122 - The Art of Knowing When to Walk Away in Business w/ Jeff Brehmer 31:45

5M ago31:45

31:45

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Jeff Brehmer to discuss the intricacies of agency acquisitions. They explore the importance of relationships, due diligence, and acquisition challenges. Jeff shares his personal experiences, emphasizing the need for patience, persistence, and understanding the unique dynamics of each acquisition. The…

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Navigating Conflict Pt. 2 with Elia Gourgouris Ph.D. 28:43

5M ago28:43

28:43

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives Podcast, we share Elia Gourgouris's presentation on navigating conflict from the 2025 HawkSoft User Group National Conference, #HUGatSea. Elia emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and kindness in resolving conflicts. By identifying whether we fall into victim, critic, bystander, or…

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#121 - The Heart of Operations: Building a Strong Agency w/ Jessica Yarbrough 27:33

6M ago27:33

27:33

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Jessica Yarbrough to talk about her unique journey into the insurance industry, the importance of operations within an agency, and the value of building strong internal and external relationships. They discuss the significance of agency values, team culture, and adopting new technologies, particularl…

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Navigating Conflict Pt. 1 with Elia Gourgouris Ph.D. 26:50

6M ago26:50

26:50

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks sits down with Elia Gourgouris to discuss the complexities of workplace conflict and resolution. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership, the necessity of clear communication, and the role of curiosity in understanding differing perspectives. The conversation…

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#120 - Navigating Family Dynamics in Business w/ Jackson Rollo 32:32

6M ago32:32

32:32

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Jackson Rollo to discuss the dynamics of family-run businesses, particularly in the context of Rollo Insurance, which he leads. They explore the importance of company culture, growth strategies, and the challenges of merging different agency cultures post-acquisition. Jackson shares insights on commu…

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A Follow-Up Conversation with ePayPolicy, Pt. 2 - Sandi Copson 27:55

6M ago27:55

27:55

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks, Zac Franz, and Sandi Copson discuss the integration of ePayPolicy at O'Quinn Insurance. Sandi shares insights on the agency's history, their experience with ePay, and how the integration has streamlined workflows and improved client interactions. The conversation also touches o…

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#119 - Agency Risk 20:09

6M ago20:09

20:09

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey discuss the importance of focusing on agency growth and business strategy, emphasizing the need for agency owners to work on their business rather than just in it. They explore the challenges of risk assessment within agencies, highlighting how many agencies struggle to identify their own risks despite being adept…

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A Follow-Up Conversation with ePayPolicy, Pt. 1 - Zac Franz 31:31

6M ago31:31

31:31

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks sits down with Zac Franz from ePay Policy to discuss the evolution of ePay, its new features, and the impact on agency operations and client experiences. The conversation touches on the importance of data ownership in the insurance industry, emphasizing the need for agencies to …

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#118 - Concentration Risk 24:42

6M ago24:42

24:42

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey discuss the detailed exploration of concentration risk in agency valuations. They cover various aspects of concentration risk, including its definition, factors contributing to it, and strategies for managing it effectively. The discussion highlights the importance of diversification and awareness in mitigating ri…

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#117 - Can AI Answer Your Agency’s Phones? w/ Francisco Lopes 32:44

6M ago32:44

32:44

In this episode, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Francisco Lopes to talk about the innovative AI technology he developed for insurance agencies. The AI functions as a receptionist, handling calls and customer inquiries while maintaining a personal touch. They explore common objections to AI, the implementation process, and the future of AI in the i…

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#116 - Buying an Agency After Loss w/ Ted Rusinoff 41:03

7M ago41:03

41:03

In this episode, Carey and Lindsay sit down with Ted Rusinoff to discuss a transition story few agency owners prepare for, purchasing an agency after the unexpected death of its owner. Ted shares the real-world challenges of stabilizing operations during a time of loss, building trust with clients and carriers, and making critical tech and business…