In this Power Producers Shoptalk episode, David Carothers returns for session five with the Insurance Futures team to tackle one of the most critical elements in managing a successful remote workforce: communication. Following four weeks of deep dives into building remote teams, this episode zeroes in on how effective communication can make or break your virtual agency’s culture and efficiency.
David and his guests Jeremy Huerta, Michael Overstreet, and Caleb Walker discuss the challenges unique to remote communication—like delayed responses, misinterpreted messages, and the absence of face-to-face cues—and share practical strategies to establish clear, consistent, and intentional communication frameworks. They emphasize the importance of having structured communication protocols, standardized abbreviations, and response expectations so that the whole team is aligned and productive, no matter where they’re located.
David highlights how delayed or unclear communication can cause frustration and impact client service and sales outcomes in a remote setting. Consistent and transparent communication is vital to keep everyone on the same page.
The team stresses the need to define who to contact for what and by which method—phone call, message, email, or quick acknowledgment—to prevent confusion and wasted time.
Jeremy and Michael explain the importance of picking one primary platform—like Microsoft Teams—and committing to it, even if it’s imperfect, to maintain consistency and avoid team frustration.
Using common abbreviations, uniform status indicators (like “BRB” or “Back”), and clear expectations around response times reduces misunderstandings and improves workflow across the virtual team.
The team shares how they’ve created a comprehensive communication playbook and organizational clarity tools that staff can access anytime, ensuring everyone knows how and where to communicate efficiently.
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We can talk all day about marketing funnels, quoting platforms, and prospecting strategies—but if you don’t have people who can sell, none of it matters. Every agency owner I talk to says the same thing: “We just can’t find producers who can sell.”
The Protege Season 3 cast met with special guest mentor Charles Specht to talk about what it really takes to build a million dollar book of business in the commercial insurance world. The result was one of the most valuable mentoring sessions the group has ever had.
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You could feel it—every producer, coach, and guest mentor knew this was the official start of something special. The conversation wasn’t just about competition. It was about purpose, legacy, and growth.
Hosted by David Carothers, creator of The Protege and founder of Killing Commercial, this kickoff call set the tone for what Season 3 will represent: a proving ground for producers who are ready to work harder, think deeper, and build something that lasts.
Influence is one of the most powerful tools we have in business, leadership, and personal life. Used well, it inspires people, builds trust, and creates ethical results. Used poorly, it can slide into manipulation and self-interest.
Reinvention is one of the most powerful themes in the insurance industry. Some of the best commercial producers in the country did not grow up wanting to sell insurance. They did not study risk management in college. They did not come from an agency family. They found this industry after they tried something else. They found it after life pushed them toward a career where performance, autonomy, and mindset determine the outcome.
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