In this episode, Jim interviews Winston Smith, CEO of Bridge, a customer communications management software designed for independent insurance agents. Winston discusses the importance of agency owners working on their business rather than in it, and how Bridge can help them achieve this. He highlights the bottleneck that agency owners often face and explains how Bridge streamlines operations and provides tools for sales, marketing, and customer communication. Winston shares success stories and feedback from Bridge users, emphasizing the increase in revenue per employee as a key metric. He also discusses the role of Bridge as a companion to agency management systems and the importance of customer satisfaction. The episode concludes with Winston's advice to be true to oneself and the opportunities available in the insurance industry.

Takeaways

• Bridge is a customer communications management software designed for independent insurance agents, helping them work on their business rather than in it.
• Agency owners often become bottlenecks in their own businesses, hindering growth and scalability.
• Bridge provides an all-in-one solution for sales, marketing, and customer communication, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
• Bridge offers features such as video recording, marketing automation, and personalized communication to enhance customer relationships.
• Success stories from Bridge users include increased revenue per employee and improved customer satisfaction.
• Bridge serves as a companion to agency management systems, focusing on communication and customer relationship management.

Resources From Winston

Website
LinkedIn
Google Calendar
Think-Cell
How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clay Christensen

About Winston

Winston Smith is the CEO of Bridge, a customer communications management software designed just for independent agents.

Winston came to Bridge after a decade on the carrier side of P&C. Prior to Bridge, Winston ran his own micro-Private Equity fund, Hammersmith Capital.

While on the carrier side, Winston was a general manager responsible for P&Ls across multiple states for the Safeco and Liberty Mutual brands (but he takes no responsibility for the 'LiMu Emu') and spent a LOT of time in the field with Safeco-appointed agencies (and is lucky enough to count many of them as friends).

He started his insurance career at AIG on Water Street in Lower Manhattan as an underwriter of Executive Lines for Financial Intuitions during the Great Recession.

Winston holds the CPCU and API designations, has an MBA from NYU Stern and his undergrad degree from Princeton. He lives in Johns Creek, GA with his wife and two kids.

ePayPolicy
The simplest solution for insurance agents to collect credit card and ACH payments

Chris Greene from Flood Insurance Guru shares what he's learned about creating the most robust library of content that is selling flood insurance like hotcakes. In fact, he created 1,500 videos in 1,500 days! He also discusses the importance of perfecting your processes so you can free up your time to "Wow" your customers.

3 Key Takeaways

• The most effective way to create content that sells insurance for you while you sleep is answering questions your clients and prospects constantly ask you.
• Creating consistent content positions you as an expert in your field.
• You need to perfect your processes so you can keep your customers engaged without you having to exert extra effort.

Resources From Chris

Website
YouTube
Facebook
LinkedIn
Munch AI
HubSpot
Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller
Marketing Made Simple by Donald Miller

About Chris

Chris Greene is the owner of the Flood Insurance Guru where they provide "Coverage For Now and Education for the Future." After buying a house in a flood zone 12 years ago and having a terrible experience with it Chris has spent the last 12 years helping property owners, real estate agents, real estate investors and business owners avoid the same thing he had to go through.

ePayPolicy
The simplest solution for insurance agents to collect credit card and ACH payments

Today, Melissa Stallings shares the secret formula for growing her agency to one of the most respected all-female agencies in Georgia. It all comes down to the culture she's developed with her employees and the relationships she's developed with her community and her referral partners. Get ready to learn how you can grow your own book of business through culture and relationships.

3 Key Takeaways

• Melissa started out seeking balance in her own life, but ended up fostering it in her own staff, which is a BIG part of their culture.
• If you work hard to keep your employees, they will work hard to keep their jobs.
• The key to growing referral partners is focusing on revenue generating activities and not being willing to compromise on the standard of client you want to have referred to you.

Resources From Melissa

Website
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
TickTock
InsuredMine
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

About Melissa

Meet Melissa L. Stallings, a trailblazer who forged her path by establishing Stallings Insurance Agency in the fall of 2008. She founded the agency on three core values – Positive, Polished, and Commitment while creating a brand rooted in the values of Family, Faith, and Fun.

Beyond the confines of her agency, Missy is an integral participant in industry and community circles, affiliating with organizations such as IIAG, SNA, IAOA, SecureRisk, and more in addition to actively engaging with the Douglas County and Carroll County Chambers. Her affinity for like-minded peers fosters enduring relationships that fuel her agency's success, while her philanthropic spirit drives her involvement in numerous charitable initiatives annually, underscoring her commitment to giving back to the community.

As Missy continues to inspire with her unwavering dedication, thriving agency, and genuine spirit, her story remains an embodiment of success, family values, and boundless possibilities.