In this episode of Agency Ascend, the core team dives deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in the insurance industry: contracts. Building on feedback from a previous acquisition-focused episode, the conversation explores how contract language determines who truly owns client relationships, carrier access, and long-term agency value. The hosts break down why many agents believe they own their book—when in reality, they may only be producing business for someone else.

Chris, Jessica, and Chad unpack the difference between owning client data and owning carrier contracts, using MGA, captive-light, and network models to illustrate how revenue can exist without equity. The episode also tackles acquisitions, red flags, and advice for both new and established agency owners.

Shares:
Chad: “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” - Quote from George Brenard Shaw

Jessica: “The Man in the Arena” - Speech from Teddy Roosevelt

Chris: ““I would rather earn 1% of a hundred people’s efforts than 100% of my own efforts.” - Quote from John D. Rockefeller

About the Show

Agency Ascend is a podcast for insurance agents and agency owners who are looking for resources to scale their business. The show is hosted by Managing Partner, Chris Sterlacci, and other staff members of CAA to bring you tools and guidance on how they help Agency owners turn their business into a major asset.

CoVerica Agency Alliance is a strategic master agency of SIAA, the fastest growing agency partnership in the country. Our “integrator” model combines the best aspects of each partnership model — clusters, aggregators, franchises — to create a one-of-a-kind partnership that enhances distribution and drives organic growth. As a top insurance agency strategic partner in Texas, we offer solutions to greatly strengthen your agency’s position in the market.

New episodes drop triweekly on Wednesdays. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at podcast@coverica.com. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

Visit us at www.covericaaa.com

This special reaction episode of Agency Ascend brings the full core cast back together to revisit and react to standout moments from earlier episodes. Producer Sir Isaac steps in as moderator, curating clips and guiding discussion as the cast reflects—sometimes seriously, sometimes humorously—on how those conversations land with hindsight. The episode blends industry insight with candid behind-the-scenes commentary, giving listeners context on why certain moments resonated and how perspectives have evolved.

About the Show

Agency Ascend is a podcast for insurance agents and agency owners who are looking for resources to scale their business. The show is hosted by Managing Partner, Chris Sterlacci, and other staff members of CAA to bring you tools and guidance on how they help Agency owners turn their business into a major asset.

CoVerica Agency Alliance is a strategic master agency of SIAA, the fastest growing agency partnership in the country. Our “integrator” model combines the best aspects of each partnership model — clusters, aggregators, franchises — to create a one-of-a-kind partnership that enhances distribution and drives organic growth. As a top insurance agency strategic partner in Texas, we offer solutions to greatly strengthen your agency’s position in the market.

New episodes drop triweekly on Wednesdays. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at podcast@coverica.com. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

Visit us at www.covericaaa.com

This episode of Agency Ascend digs into one of the hottest topics in the independent insurance world: acquisitions—why they’re accelerating, what drives agency value, and how owners on both sides can make the smartest decisions. Chad, Chris, and Jessica discuss why recurring revenue, private equity activity, and market shifts have turned acquisitions into a central growth strategy for agencies of all sizes. They also explore how aging-out owners, premium inflation, and the hard market have forced many agencies to rethink their future.

They share real examples of acquisition pitfalls—from terminated contracts to bad servicing codes—as well as the key questions every buyer should ask before entering a deal. On the seller side, they outline what owners can start doing today to prepare for a clean, profitable transition years down the line.

Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply want to understand the landscape, this episode provides the clarity and practical insight every agency owner needs to stay competitive in a changing market.

Shares:

Jessica -If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Chris- Success is rent, and the rent is due every day.

Chad -Proverbs 20:18 — “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.”

About the Show

Agency Ascend is a podcast for insurance agents and agency owners who are looking for resources to scale their business. The show is hosted by Managing Partner, Chris Sterlacci, and other staff members of CAA to bring you tools and guidance on how they help Agency owners turn their business into a major asset.

CoVerica Agency Alliance is a strategic master agency of SIAA, the fastest growing agency partnership in the country. Our “integrator” model combines the best aspects of each partnership model — clusters, aggregators, franchises — to create a one-of-a-kind partnership that enhances distribution and drives organic growth. As a top insurance agency strategic partner in Texas, we offer solutions to greatly strengthen your agency’s position in the market.

New episodes drop triweekly on Wednesdays. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at podcast@coverica.com. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.

Visit us at www.covericaaa.com