Welcome to the

Power Producers
Podcast

This is The Power Producers Podcast where we are refining and redefining the sales game.  A place where sales professionals can come to learn from other sales professionals and thought leaders who have mastered their craft. As well as their peers who are still striving for perfection to achieve their “why”.  Real sales professionals. Real stories. Real results. Are you ready to feel the power?

Power Producers Podcast
The Captive Conversation Part 4

The Captive Conversation Part 4, Shoptalk Episode #192

In the fourth and final episode of The Captive Conversation on Power Producers Shoptalk, host David Carothers and Warren Cleveland of Captive Coalition unpack the conversation framework that allows agents to stay in control of their most valuable client relationships. They reframe the captive solution as the ultimate business continuity plan for an agent’s book, ensuring long-term retention. The conversation provides tactical advice, including a powerful “pattern interrupt” to start the discussion, and stresses the importance of shifting from a salesperson to a true strategic advisor. They also cover the right and wrong times to introduce the captive concept and why agents must act as the “quarterback” to guide their clients.

Read More »
Turning Risk Into Opportunity with Valkyrie Holmes

Turning Risk Into Opportunity with Valkyrie Holmes, Episode #386

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck are joined by Valkyrie Holmes, the CEO and co-founder of FAURA, for a look into the future of risk assessment. Valkyrie explains how her background in data science at NASA and SpaceX led to the creation of FAURA, a platform that quantifies a property’s ability to withstand natural disasters, a concept she calls property survivability. They discuss how this technology equips agents with the tools to explain risk, justify pricing in a hard market, and offer clients actionable steps for mitigation. The conversation covers the agent education gap, building codes as “minimum wage,” and how granular, property-level data is changing the insurance landscape.

Read More »
Warren Cleveland podcast

The Captive Conversation Part 3, Shoptalk Episode #191

In the third installment of our four-part series on Power Producers Shop Talk, host David Carothers and Warren Cleveland of Captive Coalition break down the fundamentals of captive insurance. This episode is designed to give agents the foundational knowledge needed to confidently discuss captives with clients. Warren demystifies the core concept, explains the different models, and provides a critical warning against the misused 831(b) tax election. They also tackle common misconceptions about size and risk, and outline the ideal prospect profile, emphasizing that commitment to risk management is non-negotiable for success.

Read More »
Ema Roloff with David Carothers

From Cold Calls to Carpool Closers with Ema Roloff, Episode #385

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers sits down with Ema Roloff of Roloff Consulting for a deep dive into modern digital marketing for the insurance industry. They discuss the critical shift from traditional sales tactics to building trust through educational content, a strategy Ema calls the “Favorite Teacher Framework.” The conversation tackles the biggest hurdles for agents to talk about and lack of time—and offers practical solutions for creating a sustainable content engine. They also explore the right and wrong ways to leverage AI, the trap of vanity metrics, and why authenticity is the most important currency in today’s digital landscape.

Read More »
The Captive Conversation Part 2

The Captive Conversation Part 2, Shoptalk Episode #190

In this second episode of our four-part series on Power Producers Shop Talk, host David Carothers is joined again by Warren Cleveland of Captive Coalition. They dive deep into the three primary mental roadblocks that prevent agents from successfully presenting captive insurance solutions to their clients. The conversation quickly evolves into a powerful critique of flawed commission models, with David making a compelling case for a fee-based compensation structure that aligns an agent’s success directly with client savings. They break down common agent fears, provide tactical advice on educating clients, and explain why mastering these concepts is critical to retaining your best accounts.

Read More »
Jon bassford podcast with David

Driving Business through Curious Leadership with Jon Bassford, Episode #384

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers joined by Jon Bassford, author of the insightful book, “The Curious Leader,” to discuss the transformative power of curiosity in leadership, sales, and personal growth. We explore how an inquisitive mindset fuels innovation, the crucial distinction between a salesperson and a true consultant, and the flaws within the insurance industry’s compensation models. The conversation also touches on the parallels between endurance challenges like running marathons and the journey of leadership, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, building diverse teams, and fostering psychological safety.

Read More »

The Captive Conversation Part 1, Shoptalk Episode #189

In this episode of Power Producers Shoptalk, host David Carothers kicks off a new series on captive insurance with special guest Warren Cleveland of Captive Coalition. They dive into the critical dilemma facing insurance agents today: the risk of losing their best clients to competitors who offer captive solutions. David and Warren discuss why many agents are unaware or unprepared for this threat, leaving their top accounts vulnerable. The conversation focuses on the necessity of being proactive, identifying the right opportunities for captives, and integrating this conversation into an agent’s workflow to protect and grow their book of business.

Read More »
Resiliency of Reaction with Alexander Dopazo

Resiliency of Reaction with Alexander Dopazo, Episode #383

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers is joined by one of his favorite content creators in the industry, Alexander Dopazo of Dopazo & Associates Insurance. They tackle the challenges of the brutal Florida insurance market, which Alexander describes as a 20-year hard market. The conversation centers on the crucial themes of resiliency and homeowner accountability, exploring why agents must educate clients on proactive mitigation rather than relying on insurance as a maintenance plan. They discuss the tough conversations around aging roofs, the real meaning of Actual Cash Value (ACV), and how agents can use automation to handle mundane tasks, freeing up more time for the essential work of building relationships and providing real value.

Read More »
clicks to calls

From Clicks to Calls Part 2, Shoptalk Episode #188

In this Power Producers Shoptalk episode, in continuation of our conversation inspired by Chris Langille, we dig deeper into strategies that help insurance agencies thrive in a crowded digital landscape. Part 2 focuses on how Google Business Profiles, local SEO, and personal branding can attract high-intent leads and convert them into loyal clients.

Read More »
From Fragmented Systems to Intelligent Automation with Jonathan Maloney

From Fragmented Systems to Intelligent Automation with Jonathan Maloney, Episode #382

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers is joined by Jonathan Maloney, the founder of InsurStream, to discuss the intersection of insurance and technology. Jonathan, with over 25 years in the industry, shares his insights into the rapidly evolving insure-tech space, specifically the tools he’s building to bridge the gap between technology and insurance operations.

Read More »
From Clicks to Calls Part 1

From Clicks to Calls Part 1, Shoptalk Episode #187

In this Power Producers Shoptalk episode, David Carothers is joined by Chris Langille to discuss the evolving role of websites in the age of AI and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. They explore how agencies can refine their digital strategies while keeping websites relevant in a rapidly changing environment. Chris shares his insights on the current state of digital marketing, emphasizing that while AI is shifting the landscape, websites remain crucial for agency success.

Read More »
Beyond the Buzzwords with Chris Luiz

Beyond the Buzzwords with Christopher Luiz, Episode #381

In this Power Producers Podcast episode, David Carothers welcomes Chris Luiz, CEO of Scout Insurtech, to talk about the intersection of technology and the insurance industry. From MGAs to claims adjusters, Chris sheds light on the latest tech innovations that are helping the insurance ecosystem. They discuss the importance of community building in tech and how the right tech solutions can improve processes and enhance efficiency for agencies and carriers alike.

Read More »
AI Powered Sales Strategy with Lance Dowdell

AI Powered Sales Strategy with Lance Dowdell, Episode #380

In this Power Producers Podcast episode, David Carothers is joined by Lance Dowdell, co-founder of MotiVerse, to discuss how insurance producers can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance their sales process. Lance shares valuable insights on utilizing AI to generate lead lists, create personalized outreach, and optimize sales strategies. This conversation dives into the growing role of AI in sales and marketing, with practical tips that can help producers thrive in a competitive environment.

Read More »
Streamlining the Insurance Back Office with Doug ver Mulm

Streamlining the Insurance Back Office with Doug ver Mulm, Episode #379

In this Power Producers Podcast episode, David Carothers chats with Douglas ver Mulm, founder of Turris, a company revolutionizing the back-office operations for MGAs and carriers. Douglas shares insights into how Turris is simplifying the process of working with retail agents by streamlining licensing, compliance, and operational tasks. The conversation dives into how technology can help insurance agencies, wholesalers, and carriers collaborate more effectively, ultimately leading to better distribution and smoother operations.

Read More »
Building a Sustainable Commercial Pipeline Episode 3

Building a Sustainable Commercial Pipeline Episode 3, Shoptalk #186

In this Power Producers Podcast episode, David Carothers shares valuable insights on content marketing, focusing on the importance of building a blog on your own domain, using SEO tools like Yoast, and effectively leveraging email marketing. David explains how to optimize your content creation process, automate tasks, and scale your marketing efforts. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your strategy, this episode will help you grow your agency and generate leads consistently.

Read More »
Creating Life Changing Wealth with ESOPs with Brian Baughman

Creating Life Changing Wealth with ESOPs with Brian Baughman, Episode #378

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers is joined by Brian Baughman, VP of Sales at the Hartwell Corporation. They delve into the fascinating world of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) within the insurance industry. Brian shares valuable insights on how ESOPs work, their benefits, and why this ownership structure is a game-changer for businesses looking to create long-term wealth for their employees. They discuss the significance of fostering ownership culture, the challenges and advantages of implementing ESOPs, and how it impacts recruiting and retention in today’s competitive job market.

Read More »
Building a Sustainable Commercial Pipeline Episode 2

Building a Sustainable Commercial Pipeline Episode 2, Shoptalk #185

In this Power Producers Podcast episode, David Carothers delves into the power of content marketing and strategic lead generation. Sharing insights from his own journey, David emphasizes how building a strong, sustainable pipeline can ensure long-term success in sales, especially in industries like trucking and pressure washing. This episode focuses on how to use ChatGPT for deep research, the value of content marketing, and how it can be leveraged to generate inbound leads, close deals faster, and build authority in niche industries.

Read More »
David podcast with Cary Weston

Powering Your Workflow with AI with Cary Weston, Episode #377

In this Power Producers Podcast episode, David Carothers is joined by Cary Weston, a certified marketing coach and founder of CM Weston. Cary discusses how ChatGPT can transform marketing and sales strategies by saving time, increasing efficiency, and enhancing customer interactions. They explore how AI can streamline repetitive tasks and improve communication, both for internal teams and with clients.

Read More »
Building a Sustainable Commercial Pipeline Episodes 1

Building a Sustainable Commercial Pipeline Episodes 1, Shoptalk #184

In this Power Producers Podcast episode, David Carothers discusses the fundamentals of prospecting and building a successful leads list. Drawing from his own experiences and 20 years in the industry, he emphasizes the importance of starting with a strong foundation and avoiding the temptation to rely too heavily on technology and automated lead-building tools. David also highlights how using underwriter insights and geography-specific databases can unlock hidden opportunities in your market.

Read More »
Refocusing and Streamlining with Colby Tunick

Refocusing and Streamlining with Colby Tunick, Episode #376

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers welcomes back Colby Tunick from ReFocus AI. Colby dives deep into the company’s latest innovation that’s transforming the way insurance agencies service policies. Refocus AI, which started with helping agencies predict customer churn, has now transitioned to automating one of the most time-consuming aspects of insurance — quoting policies. Colby shares how their new technology is helping agencies scale efficiently without burning out staff, allowing producers to focus on building relationships and growing their book of business.

Read More »

The Power Producers Podcast where we are refining and redefining the sales game.

Kyle Houck

Employee

Why Employee Ownership is the Key to Sustainable Agency Growth and Talent Retention

In an increasingly competitive commercial insurance landscape, agency owners are struggling to find long-term solutions for succession planning, talent retention, and business perpetuation. Many have considered private equity sales, others offer limited equity to top producers—but a growing number are discovering a more powerful alternative: the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Read More »
Sales

How to Reverse Engineer Your Sales Funnel and Crush Your Q4 Insurance Production Goals

As we enter the fourth quarter, many commercial insurance producers begin to panic. Whether you’re behind on your goals or just trying to hit that final sprint, the Q4 crunch is real. But the producers who consistently win don’t treat Q4 as a Hail Mary. They plan with precision, reverse engineer their goals, and execute with ruthless consistency.

In this post, we’ll break down how you can reverse engineer your sales funnel, identify your revenue gaps, and finish the year stronger than you started. Whether you’re writing workers’ comp or cyber liability, these strategies apply across all middle market verticals.

Read More »
wholesale

Mastering Wholesale Partnerships: Submission Strategies, Underwriter Relationships, and Technology Tools for Middle-Market Success

In today’s competitive insurance marketplace, middle-market agencies must leverage every available advantage to win and retain business. One of the most underutilized yet powerful resources at an agent’s disposal is the wholesale market. By establishing strong partnerships with wholesalers, agents can access capacity, expertise, and proprietary programs that are often unavailable through direct channels. However, success in the wholesale arena requires more than simply submitting risks and hoping for the best.

Read More »
Client

How AI-Powered Workflows Are Transforming Sales, Marketing, and Client Communication

In the fast-paced world of commercial insurance, where every hour counts and every interaction matters, producers and agency owners are turning to artificial intelligence not as a replacement for human connection—but as a force multiplier. AI tools like ChatGPT are no longer just novelties or futuristic concepts. They are strategic business assets, helping commercial producers streamline workflows, scale personalization, and reclaim valuable time.

Read More »
Killing Commercial Login