The Insurance Dudes©

Hosted by The Insurance Dudes: Craig Pretzinger and Jason Feltman

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Episodes

818

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Insurance Dudes is a weekly podcast for independent and captive P&C insurance agency owners, hosted by Craig Pretzinger and Jason Feltman, covering lead generation, sales scripts, DISC-based hiring, producer training, recruiting, automation, and the KPI tracking that scales an agency past $10 million in premium. Craig and Jason ran their own agencies blind for years. No read on contact rates, quote rates, or close rates. Just grinding, and blaming the leads when production stalled. Then they started tracking the numbers that actually move revenue, and production jumped without adding a single hour to the week. That shift became this show: 800+ episodes on what actually runs an agency. Real-time vs aged lead economics, how many dials a day a producer should be making, scripts for the rate-increase objection, how to leave a captive carrier and go independent, how to run an agency on a 4-day week, and how to value and sell an agency when you're ready to exit. No theory, no motivational filler. Just the math and the systems that took two agencies to over $10 million in new annualized auto premium. If you're wearing every hat in your agency and ready to stop, this show is built for you. Website: theidudes.com Built from the show: TeleDudes for outsourced overseas dialers, TeamIQ for DISC-based hiring, LineShield for phone reputation, and Insurance Agency Trader for buying or selling an agency. New episodes every week. Subscribe, and let's sell some policies.

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60 recent

October 21, 202646 min

Giving Up Before Dial 21? You’re Leaving Sales on the Table | Nima Hakimi of Convoso

Shoot Us A Message! Improve your insurance lead contact rates by understanding contact rate math and speed-to-lead benchmarks. We sit down with Nima Hakimi, CEO and Co-Founder of Convoso, to break down the reality of outbound dialing and why reaching leads on the 21st attempt burns budget and agent morale. This episode covers outbound dialing workflows, smart cadence strategies, and how modern lead generation requires rapid, automated follow-up to convert web leads before they go cold. If your producers struggle with contact rates or connecting with real prospects, check out TeleDudes / Telefunnel to streamline your outbound operations. Connect with Nima Hakimi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimahakimi/?isSelfProfile=false Key Takeaways and Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and the contact rate dilemma 3:15 The math behind speed-to-lead and initial dial attempts 12:40 Why dialing 20+ times fails without a structured cadence 21:10 Outbound workflow strategies for insurance producers 32:45 Compliance, smart dialing tech, and maximizing connect rates 42:10 Final takeaways on lead conversion systems 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 Support the show 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 Dudes

October 14, 20261 hr 2 min

Surviving a 60% Rate Hike as a Brand-New Agent with Kathy Hitchcock

Shoot Us A Message! How to protect your P&C agency cash flow and survive sudden rate hikes when carrier underwriting guidelines tighten. Discover how to maintain agency growth, manage customer retention, and scale operations through hard market cycles. Kathy Hitchcock, agency owner of Hitchcock Insurance Group in Rome, Georgia, joins us to break down how she navigated back-to-back carrier rate increases of up to 60% as a scratch agent, scaled organic growth, and doubled her business by acquiring another book of business. If you are evaluating agency acquisitions, book purchases, or agency valuation, check out Insurance Agency Trader. Connect with Kathy Hitchcock : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-hitchcock-0b450999/?isSelfProfile=false Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 Opening up as a scratch agent in 2015 01:38 Facing a 60 percent rate increase in the first six months 04:00 Managing customer retention when rates spike 07:25 Law of large numbers and building cushion against cancellations 08:56 Growing 3 million dollars organically and buying a book of business 10:35 Integrating an acquired book into existing sales and service teams 15:05 Outbound telemarketing and quoting grind to survive early years 18:18 Family support structure and avoiding desperation hires 59:58 Transitioning from top producer to servant leadership 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 Support the show 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 Dudes

October 7, 202651 min

Meaningful, Customized, Unexpected: Reciprocity That Wins Clients

Shoot Us A Message! Turn insurance prospect conversations into closed business with ethical persuasion and reciprocity. This episode covers how P&C agency owners can leverage behavioral science, active listening, and relationship-driven sales to improve closing rates and client retention. Author and international influence consultant, Brian Ahearn breaks down the practical application of Robert Cialdini's influence principles and explains how meaningful, customized, unexpected outreach sets producers apart. If you want to scale your operations and develop high-performing systems, check out the Agent Elite community and our Million Dollar Agency book. Connect with Brian Ahearn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfahearn/ Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 How small extra steps separate you from the competition 03:13 Brian Ahearn on using AI to write and refine books 06:05 Connecting influence principles to a higher purpose 10:18 Applying reciprocity and the liking principle to sales conversations 16:03 Letting go of control and prioritizing people over process 27:06 Avoiding tunnel vision in career and business growth 34:48 Staying content without becoming complacent as an operator 40:08 Active listening and documenting personal details on prospect calls 47:28 Amplifying reciprocity: meaningful, customized, and unexpected touches 50:38 Why relationship building drives long-term insurance 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/id1451888095 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2gVVPkZ2MWQ1orwdltdIAK Support the show 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 Dudes

September 30, 202628 min

Great Agencies Don’t Hire Salespeople, They Build Them

Shoot Us A Message! Hiring insurance producers who actually write premium comes down to building a repeatable training system rather than searching for a unicorn salesperson. In this episode, we break down why relying on experienced talent often leads to high turnover and bad sales habits inside your agency. Learn how to recruit for coachability, structure daily producer onboarding, and run consistent sales training to ramp new hires to full quota faster. If you need a structured framework to evaluate role fit and streamline hiring producers across your team, check out TeamIQ. Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 Why hiring experienced insurance salespeople often fails 04:15 The cost of uncoachable talent versus raw potential 09:30 Structuring daily onboarding and producer training 15:45 Setting clear production benchmarks and activity metrics 21:10 Building repeatable sales processes for agency scale 26:20 Final takeaways on developing top producers in-house 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 Support the show 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 Dudes

September 23, 202641 min

Why Most Agents Fail the Exam

Shoot Us A Message! How to help new insurance producers pass the licensing exam on their first attempt and reduce onboarding drop-off. Melissa, the Insurance Exam Queen joins us to break down why most candidates struggle with the insurance licensing exam and how agency owners can fix their preparation process. When bringing new talent into your agency, long study cycles and repeat test failures cost time and revenue. Structuring a clear study framework helps your new hires get licensed faster and onto the phones sooner. For screening and hiring producers who fit your agency culture, check out TeamIQ. Connet with Melissa: insuranceexamqueen.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2-mT7QUl_jHYQRIaw0Ihpg https://www.instagram.com/insuranceexamqueen/ https://www.instagram.com/insuranceexamqueen/ Key Takeaways and Timestamps 0:00 Common reasons candidates fail the insurance exam 5:15 The cost of delayed licensing during onboarding 12:40 Structuring a daily study routine for new hires 21:10 Study retention strategies and practice testing 31:05 Moving newly licensed producers to the phones 38:20 Building a repeatable producer onboarding system 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 Support the show 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 Dudes

September 16, 202653 min

The Future of Insurance: Technology, Risk & Relationships

Shoot Us A Message! How P&C insurance agency owners can adapt to modern technology, evaluate emerging risk, and strengthen client retention to scale their business. In this episode, we discuss the changing landscape of insurance technology, managing risk profiles, and maintaining strong relationship-driven service. Learn how to implement sustainable agency growth systems and streamline your operations in a shifting market. If you are looking to scale your agency systems and processes, check out the Agent Elite community and the Million Dollar Agency book. Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 The Unexpected Acquisition Journey 02:59 SageSure: A Deep Dive into the Company 05:56 The Path to Insurance: A Personal Story 08:59 Connecting Insurance and Financial Markets 11:58 The Birth of SageSure 14:53 Organic Growth and Strategic Decisions 17:47 Maintaining Momentum in a Competitive Market 21:10 Lessons Learned from Challenges 24:09 Investing in Technology for Growth 27:02 Understanding the Homeowners Insurance Market 30:35 Understanding the Cost of Capital in Insurance 36:06 The Role of Reinsurers in the Insurance Market 41:28 Challenges in the California Insurance Market 46:15 The Evolution of Insurance Agents and Technology 57:25 The Future of Insurance: Technology and Relationships 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 Support the show 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 Dudes

September 9, 202659 min

From Wild Claims to Agency Success: Michelle O'Connor's Journey

Shoot Us A Message! Scale your P&C insurance agency by building repeatable operations, handling complex claims, and tightening your client acquisition process. In this episode, we sit down with agency owner Michelle O'Connor to break down the operational shifts required to build a sustainable book of business. We walk through navigating claims handling, transitioning into agency leadership, and setting up daily processes that protect retention while driving steady agency growth. For frameworks on scaling systems and building long-term value, check out the Agent Elite community and the Million Dollar Agency book. Connect with Michelle O'Connor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellenagelioconnor/ Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to agency operations and claims handling 05:15 Lessons learned from early claims and operational challenges 14:30 Transitioning from individual producer to agency leader 26:45 Implementing daily operating systems for agency growth 38:20 Retention strategies and managing client relationships 49:10 Long term agency planning and building sustainable value 56:40 Final takeaways for P&C agency owners 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 Support the show 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 Dudes

September 2, 202615 min

The 15-Minute Meeting That Changes Everything

Shoot Us A Message! Meetings: the overlooked habit that keeps an agency from falling apart This episode breaks down why daily meetings are the “glue” that keeps an insurance agency running smoothly. We explain how inconsistent check-ins create hidden problems, while short, focused meetings surface roadblocks, accountability gaps, and team momentum before the numbers slip. We discuss why meetings are often avoided, why that avoidance makes problems harder to fix, and how AI tools can help track team sentiment and patterns over time. Key Takeaways and Timestamps 00:00 - The thing that disappears before agency numbers start dropping 02:36 - Why meetings are the uncomfortable habit owners avoid 06:03 - The simplest meeting agenda: targets, roadblocks, and fixes 09:06 - Set the meeting, forget the excuses 11:36 - Using AI note-taking to track daily team meetings 12:05 - Reading team sentiment and leading indicators with AI 15:40 - Why 15 focused minutes can replace scattered interruptions 16:44 - Surprises, accountability, and recognition in daily meetings 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 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2gVVPkZ2MWQ1orwdltdIAK Support the show 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 Dudes

August 26, 202646 min

$6 Million Non-Renewed - Then Everything Changed with Dan Kitajima

Shoot Us A Message! 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/insurancedudespodcast Support the show 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 Dudes

August 19, 202655 min

The Hiring Mistake That Costs Visionary CEOs Their Best People with Mandy Keene

Shoot Us A Message! 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/insurancedudespodcast Support the show 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 Dudes