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January 14, 2026
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Killing Commercial Login
Becoming the Protege with Jeff Rountree, Shoptalk Episode #201
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In this fifth installment of the “Becoming the Protégé” series on Power Producers Shop Talk, host David Carothers chats with contestant Jeff Rountree, principal of the Roundtree Agency. The conversation is a flavorful blend of business strategy and culinary passion, as Jeff shares his journey from life insurance and corporate training to commercial ownership. They dive into the challenges of navigating an agency after a partner’s passing, the importance of specialization in niche markets like health and fitness, restaurants, and contractors, and how Jeff’s participation in The Protégé is already reshaping his professional life through networking and mentorship.
Key Highlights:
From Corporate Training to Agency Principal
Jeff Rountree shares his pivot from life insurance to commercial ownership, navigating a partner’s passing to focus on niche specialization in markets like restaurants and contractors.
The Protégé: More Than a Competition
Jeff joins Season 3 not just to win, but to leverage top-tier mentorship, expand his network, and accelerate his agency’s growth through continuous learning.
Mastering the Technical Side
Jeff emphasizes the need for “brain surgeon” precision in insurance auditing and classifications to differentiate himself from transaction-focused agents.
Crafting the Underwriter Narrative
To prevent non-renewals, Jeff advocates for onsite client visits to build detailed, compelling stories for underwriters rather than simply submitting forms.
Business Acumen with a Culinary Twist
Using stories of cooking Katz’s Deli pastrami and Italian pasta, Jeff illustrates how patience, preparation, and attention to detail are the secret ingredients for sales success.
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Kyle Houck
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