• Episode 308: Clarity Over Speed: The Key to Scaling Insurance Agencies
    Feb 7 2026

    In this conversation, Daniel Metcalf and Mike Stromsoe discuss the critical importance of clarity over speed for independent insurance agencies looking to scale.

    They share insights from their experiences, emphasizing that moving quickly without a clear plan can lead to wasted resources and a reactive culture. The discussion covers the costs of rapid hiring, the pitfalls of adopting new technology without a strategy, and the necessity of having systems in place to support growth. They also highlight the importance of clear communication and leadership in building a proactive culture and preparing for exponential growth.

    Chapters

    00:00
    The Importance of Clarity in Scaling Insurance Agencies

    02:53
    Lessons from Experience: The Dangers of Speed

    05:45
    Creating a Proactive Culture

    08:51
    The Cost of Going Fast: Hiring and Turnover

    12:08
    Navigating Technology: The Shiny Object Syndrome

    15:00
    The Role of Systems in Scaling

    18:05
    Defining Clarity: Mindset and Communication

    21:02
    Key Metrics for Clarity and Growth

    24:04
    Preparing for Exponential Growth

    27:08
    The Team Readiness Myth

    30:00
    Leadership and Communication: Building a Culture of Ownership

    33:04
    Final Thoughts: Simplifying for Success

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Episode 307: The UPPOnyx Agency Operating System
    Jan 24 2026
    Most agency owners don’t struggle because they lack effort. They struggle because they lack a system that scales with them. Hosted by Daniel Metcalf with Mike Stromsoe, this episode breaks down the UPP Onyx Agency Operating System and explains why growth stalls when operations, accountability, and leadership aren’t aligned. Together, they unpack the real structure […]
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Episode 306: D’s Get The Greens with Justin Goodman of Total CSR
    Jan 10 2026
    Training and leadership are still the two biggest constraints holding independent insurance agencies back. In this episode, I sit down with Justin Goodman to talk about how agencies can finally solve both without burning out owners or losing great people to competitors. Justin shares the real story behind Total CSR and why daily, practical training […]
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Episode 305: Imagine ….
    Dec 27 2025
    If you want more out of life and business next year, it starts with becoming more of who you’re capable of being. In this solo episode, I share the exact year-end framework I’ve used for decades to design my most joyful, fulfilling, and successful years. I walk through three simple but powerful questions that shape […]
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Episode 304: Price Guarantee for Insurance Premiums Using Data and Tech with Dylan DiMarchi
    Dec 13 2025
    Predictability is becoming one of the most valuable advantages in today’s insurance market, and data and technology are finally making it possible. In this episode, I sit down with Dylan DiMarchi, Co-Founder and CEO of Eventual, to explore how independent agents can use price guarantee strategies to stand out, retain clients, and grow in a […]
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Episode 303: Scale Like Never Before
    Nov 22 2025
    Scaling an agency requires clarity, intentionality, and the courage to focus on what truly drives growth. In this episode, I share the mindset and systems used by top independent insurance agencies to compress time, eliminate distractions, and scale faster than ever before. I also introduce Onyx, our new high-level program built for agency owners who […]
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Episode 302: Unleash Your Team’s Secret Weapon to Scale Your Business with Ashley Harwood
    Nov 1 2025
    The most powerful advantage in your agency might not be what you think—it’s understanding how your people work best. In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Harwood, entrepreneur, national speaker, and author of Move Over Extroverts, to explore how introverts and extroverts can work together to create balance, trust, and unstoppable growth within your […]
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Episode 301: How Your Team Takes Ownership For Their Agency Role with Joel McKinley
    Oct 11 2025
    The fastest-growing agencies aren’t just built on strategy—they’re powered by accountability. In this episode, I sit down with Joel McKinley, our Director of Accountability at UPP and a 20-year U.S. Army Ranger veteran, to talk about how true ownership transforms teams from task-driven to results-driven. We dive deep into what it really takes to create […]
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins