- 46 minutes 4 seconds$6 Million Non-Renewed - Then Everything Changed with Dan Kitajima
Struggling to stay profitable when carriers change the rules on you overnight?
Dan Kitajima shares the brutal moment his captive agency lost $6 million of book in six months, right as he had just signed a $20,000-a-month office lease - and how that shock forced him to rethink everything.
We pushed Dan into the numbers behind the move from captive to independent, from broker fees and comp plans to closing ratios, retention, and why hyper-specializing can beat trying to sell everything. You’ll hear how Dan retained most of the affected book, why charging $150 to $250 in broker fees can actually improve service, and how independence gave him more control over pricing, appetite, and client outcomes.
If you’re a captive agent wondering whether the independent model is worth the leap, this conversation gives you the real-world pros, cons, and ramp-up lessons without the hype. Essential listening for agents who want more control, better margins, and a business built to survive the next market disruption.
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcastHey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes26 August 2026, 1:00 pm - 55 minutes 14 secondsThe Hiring Mistake That Costs Visionary CEOs Their Best People with Mandy Keene
Hiring for insurance agencies requires a specific strategy to avoid turnover and protect your company culture.
This episode covers the common hiring mistakes that lead visionary CEOs to lose their best talent and how to implement better agency systems for long term retention. Mandy Keene, a specialist in helping business owners align their team with their vision, joins us to discuss role fit and leadership. Learn how to identify the right candidates for your P&C agency and keep them engaged.
If you are struggling with hiring or culture, check out TeamIQ to find the right role fit for your next producer.
Connect with Mandy Keene: mandykeene.com/transformative-coaching
Key Takeaways and Timestamps
00:00 - Why self-awareness is now a business necessity
01:59 - Mandy Keene’s path from bullied student to coach
04:14 - 25 years of coaching and using assessments
05:16 - What separates grounded high achievers from destructive ones
09:45 - Why misalignment creates struggle and suffering
11:29 - The penguin in the desert metaphor
14:14 - Jason’s turning point from proving to performing
18:14 - How calm and relaxed became the new standard
21:53 - What understand.me is and why Russell Brunson created it
25:20 - Why assessments reduce hiring risk
27:26 - Hiring by personality fit instead of hiring “more of you”
30:27 - Why sales hiring often goes wrong
32:08 - How assessments reduce interview and hiring BS
35:22 - Enneagram, DISC, and different entrepreneurial styles
40:30 - Why the “integrator” is often really two or three roles
44:43 - Visionaries need a manager so they can stay in the cave and create
47:57 - Why EOS is useful but oversimplified for many founders
50:04 - The rock star analogy for leadership and energy management
53:21 - The Beatles example: staying in the creative lane
56:34 - What to look for in sales and service roles
60:13 - How to keep top performers by meeting their top values
62:55 - Where to find understand.me
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcastHey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes19 August 2026, 7:00 pm - 57 minutes 1 secondHow $500 Became a 50-Employee Insurance Empire
Struggling to grow when your best move feels too risky to make?
We discuss how to scale a P&C agency from scratch. The episode focuses on the transition from a small startup to a 50 employee operation by implementing specific outbound dialing processes and hiring the right producers. Guest Dan Garzella, owner of The Garzella Group, explains his journey of building an agency empire starting with only 500 dollars.
If you are looking to scale your outbound efforts and improve lead generation, check out TeleDudes / Telefunnel.
Connect with Dan Garzella: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-garzella-87944510
Key Takeaways and Timestamps
0:00 Introduction to scaling a P&C agency
2:45 Starting an agency with 500 dollars
7:12 The reality of outbound dialing for growth
12:35 Hiring producers and building a 50 employee team
18:50 Systems for consistent lead generation
25:10 Managing agency valuation and long term scaling
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcastHey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes12 August 2026, 5:00 pm - 25 minutes 26 secondsWhy Your Agency Hiring Process Is Failing
Hiring Producers for P&C Agencies.
In this episode, we discuss effective recruitment techniques for finding high performing talent in a competitive market. We break down the mechanics of role fit and how to screen for candidates who actually want to work.
If you are looking to improve your hiring process, hiring producers, and team culture, check out TeamIQ.
Key Takeaways and Timestamps
0:00 Introduction to hiring challenges
4:15 Why role fit is more important than experience
8:30 Screening for work ethic in the first interview
12:45 Creating a culture that attracts producers
18:20 Using assessments to find the right team members
24:10 Closing thoughts on recruitment strategy
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcastHey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes5 August 2026, 5:00 pm - 31 minutes 26 secondsMastering the Insurance Sale: Six Stages to Success
How to close more P&C deals in 6 steps.
In this episode, we break down the six stages of every successful insurance sale. We explain how to move prospects through the funnel using consistent outbound dialing and proven lead generation strategies. Mastering these stages is essential for agency growth and maximizing your overall agency valuation.
Improve your results with our outbound lead gen and dialing tools at Teledudes.
Key Takeaways and Timestamps
0:00 The first stage of the insurance sales cycle
4:15 Why lead generation is the foundation of growth
8:30 Mastering the outbound dialing process
12:45 Strategies for moving prospects to the next stage
17:00 How to handle common sales objections
22:15 Final steps to closing the deal and improving retention
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast
Listen to the Audio Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insurance-dudes/id1451888095Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes29 July 2026, 5:00 pm - 24 minutes 11 secondsMastering Lead Generation: Six Steps to Insurance Agency Success with iDudes Mailbag
Are your marketing efforts leaking money without delivering the growth you need?
This episode dives into the real, behind-the-scenes challenges of running successful lead campaigns and how to fix the leaky buckets draining your budget.
You’ll learn the six crucial stages to optimize, from sourcing reliable leads and managing cold calls to navigating carrier flags and discover how to fix broken systems that keep your agency stuck. We share their proven strategies to cut through the noise, avoid common pitfalls like inconsistent lead flow, and control your marketing like a well-oiled machine. Whether you're struggling with contact rates, dialing issues, or just want more for less, this episode reveals how to turn your marketing investment into predictable, scalable growth. Perfect for agents looking to upgrade their game and finally see measurable results from their efforts because with the right setup, you can make your marketing work for you, not against you.
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast
Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes22 July 2026, 5:00 pm - 21 minutes 24 secondsThe Secret Sauce to Insurance Business Success with iDudes Mailbag
Think your agency has a lead problem?
Most agencies aren’t losing sales because they bought the wrong leads, they’re losing because they’re not tracking the right numbers. In this episode, we break down the 3 metrics every P&C agency needs to scale with confidence: cost per sale, lifetime value, and payback period.
When you know your numbers, you stop guessing, stop bleeding cash, and start building a real money machine. Better decisions. Better margins. Better growth.
Ready to build a stronger, more profitable agency?
👇 Join the elite ranks of P&C agents. Sign up for Agent Elite today and get exclusive resources to grow your agency!
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast
Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes15 July 2026, 5:00 pm - 1 hour 57 secondsFrom Chaos to Order: The Insurance Journey of Andrew Engler
Most agencies aren’t losing growth because of price, they’re losing because of process. 👀
In this episode, we break down why the best P&C agencies win by building better systems, not just pushing harder. From producer accountability to closing more business, the real edge comes from creating a repeatable process that helps your team sell with confidence. We also dig into why chaos kills scale and how top agencies turn messy workflows into momentum.
Ready to build a stronger, more profitable agency?
👇 Join the elite ranks of P&C agents. Sign up for Agent Elite today and get exclusive resources to grow your agency!
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast
Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes8 July 2026, 5:00 pm - 24 minutes 18 secondsHow Hiring Mistakes Drain Your Agency's Profits with iDudes Mailbag
Are bad hires quietly draining your profits?
We discovered how the true cost of a failed team member can skyrocket to $74,000 in just six months and why neglecting this is crushing your growth. You'll learn the concrete numbers behind hiring mistakes, the cascading effects of turnover, and practical steps to build a pipeline of champions who keep delivering for your agency long-term.
We break down the hidden expenses you’re paying: the opportunity costs, the lost revenue from underperformers, and the real value of a solid hiring process. We reveal a repeatable system for recruiting top-tier talent, assessing candidates objectively, and avoiding costly mistakes that bleed your bottom line.
Plus, they share how the right team setup turns into a revenue machine, helping you hit bonuses and scale faster than ever.
If you're tired of the revolving door and want to create a team that sticks, produces, and propels your agency forward, this episode is your blueprint.
Learn to turn hiring from a headache into a strategic advantage because the right people make all the difference in your journey to scale.
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast
Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes1 July 2026, 5:00 pm - 19 minutes 18 secondsHow 1% Improvements Lead to 40X Growth with iDudes Mailbag
How to teach and train a sales team effectively depends on consistency and repetition rather than one-off training events. We answer a mailbag question about the best way to develop producers and ensure agency growth.
The episode breaks down why daily meetings are the core of a successful sales system and how they prevent the natural entropy of an agency. It covers the compounding effect of one percent daily improvements, the skeleton of a high-converting sales script, and how to meet prospects where they are to close more auto insurance leads.
Join the Agent Elite community to access scripts and systems designed for scaling your agency.
Key Takeaways and Timestamps
00:16 How to teach and train a sales team
01:00 Why daily meetings change the business
02:02 The gym analogy for agency consistency
05:27 Using the plane flight analogy for course correction 07:11 The law of entropy in a sales system
09:07 How one percent daily improvements lead to 40x growth
10:54 Breaking down the sales script and the opener
12:20 Understanding what the prospect actually wants
14:56 Why big carriers spend billions on specific marketing messages
15:42 Connection and rapport building techniques
17:00 Stacking coverages and benefits
17:43 Handling and isolating objections
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.comInsurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast
Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes24 June 2026, 5:00 pm - 16 minutes 38 secondsHow to Hire A Players in a Tight Market
Think your agency has a lead problem? Think again.
In this high-energy episode, we reveal how top agencies are slicing through chaos by upgrading their talent game. Discover why ditching the bottom tier can triple productivity, how clear standards keep A players engaged, and why investing more upfront saves headaches and boosts profits fast.
Learn why hiring for attitude over cheap labor is the secret sauce to building a powerhouse team. We share real numbers, like paying $10 more an hour reducing turnover and skyrocketing sales and show you how to implement a success metric system that self-selects top performers. Plus, they drop insights on leveraging human connection to attract A players, so your agency thrives in any economy.
Ready to build a stronger, more profitable agency? 👇
Join the elite ranks of P&C agents. Sign up for Agent Elite today and get exclusive resources to grow your agency!
The Insurance Dudes Resources
Join the Agent Elite: https://www.skool.com/agentelite
Best Seller: https://MillionDollarAgencyBook.com
Insurance Dudes Files: https://blog.theidudes.com
TeamIQ: https://teamiq.theidudes.com
Telefunnel Lead Callers: https://theidudes.com
ILB: https://insuranceleadbrokers.com
Insurance Agency Trader: https://trader.theidudes.com
If this helps, subscribe and hit the bell so you can catch every episode.
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinsurancedudes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insurance-dudes-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancedudespodcast
Listen to the Audio Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insurance-dudes/id1451888095
Hey there! Thank you for listening! We'd be SUPER GRATEFUL for a subscribe!
And a review over on the Apple Podcasts would be incredible!
Check out our newsletter, webinar, and some great Internet Lead tactics at The Insurance Dudes Homepage.
We appreciate you!
Craig Pretzinger & Jason Feltman
The Insurance Dudes17 June 2026, 5:00 pm - More Episodes? Get the App