Leveling the Playing Field for Independent Agents with Michael Zalle, Episode #286

In every season of The Protege, one thing becomes crystal clear—success in the commercial insurance industry isn’t about where you start, it’s about who you become.
In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, I sat down with Lloyd Brown, a middle market producer from Orlando, Florida, whose story is equal parts faith, resilience, and purpose.

Salespeople are often taught to be charismatic, friendly, and well-liked. But as David Carothers and high-ticket sales expert Austin Medlin explore in their recent conversation, that mindset could be the very thing sabotaging your close rate. Austin, the founder of CloseSales.com, brings a fresh perspective from outside the insurance industry that perfectly aligns with what commercial producers face daily: buyers who need leadership, not another friend.

That idea sits at the heart of a powerful conversation I had with Joe Hollier, better known as Mr. Hotel, on the Power Producers Podcast. Joe’s story is one that every producer can learn from. He started his career in hospitality, spent two decades working in restaurants and hotels, and eventually found his way into insurance. What he brought with him from hospitality turned out to be his biggest competitive advantage — the ability to understand people.

In the fast-paced world of commercial insurance, new trends and technologies seem to emerge daily. But some strategies stand the test of time—particularly when they’re rooted in deep client empathy, practical experience, and a commitment to legacy. In this post, we reflect on insights shared by Kevin Ring from the Institute of WorkComp Professionals during a recent Power Producers Podcast. Kevin joined David Carothers to honor the contributions of industry legend Preston Diamond and explore how his wisdom still applies in today’s sales landscape.

The insurance industry isn’t known for flash or flair. Most people picture gray suits, paperwork, and words like “renewal,” “loss runs,” or “premium audit.” But a new generation of producers is proving that this business doesn’t have to be boring. They’re showing that authenticity, energy, and creativity can make insurance not only engaging but a platform for meaningful connection and career fulfillment.

The world of commercial insurance is evolving rapidly. It’s no longer just about quoting policies and hoping for renewals. Today, producers have the opportunity to lead with value, bring strategy to the sales process, and create long-lasting client relationships that transcend policy pricing.