Shady Games Contractors Play | Shoptalk Series, Episode #80
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck talk about some of the difficulties they have encountered when working with construction accounts.
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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?
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck talk about some of the difficulties they have encountered when working with construction accounts.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Clayton Wood, CFP®, Managing Partner at C. B. Wood Financial. Clayton shares cold calling strategies that have worked for him and discusses the current landscape of self funding and healthcare benefits.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Wes Becknell, Vice President of Marketing at RockLake Insurance Group. Wes answers the most queried questions in the trucking industry.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck talk about how to use a financial discussion with your client or your prospect to make your point and drive the wedge.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Randy Schwantz CEO of The Wedge Group and creator of Bignition, the simplified growth system built for independent commercial insurance agencies. Randy discusses the purpose behind Bignition and how it is helping middle-market producers grow agencies.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers went to Vegas for the Keystone Emerging Leaders Conference, where he got a chance to jump on a podcast with a few of the best people in the industry, including Keynote Speaker, Alan Stein Jr., Shawn Eagan – Senior Vice President at Imperial PFS, Katherine Smith, Chief Customer Officer at Strate Insurance Group, Andy Phillips, Risk Manager, Motivational Speaker, Josh Gurley of HM advisors, Stephen Sedlak, President at Workcompology, Christian DeLozier, Trusted Business Risk, and Insurance Consultant at Mike Keith Insurance.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers, Todd Thams, Founder of Mod Adviser, Direct Work Comp and President of Thams Agency, and Kevin Ring of the Institute of WorkComp Professional talk all about learning to read and understand mod worksheets.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Dawnyel Smink, President of Canyon Lands Insurance. Dawnyel shares strategies that have contributed to her agency’s success in commercial lines, how they are building a network of agencies, and offers her perspective on how the industry has changed for women over the years.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and guest host Ryan Mathisen of GloveBox, interview Zach Mefferd, Co-Founder at ZipBonds. Zach explains the importance of giving your clients access to a bonding capacity and how ZipBonds is working to help agents provide that access in a simple and intuitive way.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers together with Todd Thams, the Founder of Mod Adviser, Direct Work Comp and President of Thams Agency, and Kevin Ring of Institute of WorkComp Professional, discuss audits and certificates of insurance.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers interviews Steve Williams and AJ Peterson of Workers’ Compensation Company of America. Steve and AJ talk in-depth about the complexities of Workers’ Comp claims.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Howie Zales, President of HJZ Productions. Howie talks about being a professional camera operator for network level sports and entertainment events and his recent shift into broadcast-quality live streams and remote recording productions.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and guest host, Todd Thams sit down with Kevin Ring. Kevin talks about the common challenges agency and business owners are facing with misclassification.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Michael Zalle Founder & CEO at YellowBird. Michael discusses how YellowBird is helping agents help their clients with environment safety and risk management.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck sit down with Mitch Gibson, Risk Advisor at HRM Insurance Services and host of The MVP Podcast. Mitch talks about his growth as a young agent and discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with right people.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck together with Kevin Ring discuss ownership changes and how they affect the Workers’ Compensation program for a company.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Patrick Zerarka, founder of EzyTise. Patrick discusses how EzyTise is making waves in the insurance industry.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview EmPower HR’s Brent King and Jennifer Guzman to discuss their company’s mission and values. They talk about what PEO is and how their service adds value to their clients’ businesses.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Kevin Ring from the Institute of WorkComp Professional. Kevin discusses Workers’ Compensation and loss runs.
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck interview Mike Crowley, Vice President of Crowley Insurance Agency. Mike discusses what they observed and learned during the pandemic, and how they are utilizing technology to improve the service they provide for their clients.

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.
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