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