Transforming Vehicle Warranties: How Insurance Agents Can Unlock New Revenue Streams
January 14, 2026
blog clinton houck
Killing Commercial Login
Last Updated on: January 20, 2023
Read More »
Read More »
Read More »
Read More »
Read More »
Read More »
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
In this episode of The Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck are joined by Crystal Ware. They discuss why having a clear vision and the right mindset is important, particularly for those in sales roles in the insurance industry.
Episode Highlights:
- Crystal mentions that the first thing people should concentrate on when they are unhappy is what they want out of life because once people are clear on their vision, the rest will fall into place. (2:28)
- According to Crystal, the vision is the image that someone has for their lives, but the mindset is how people get up every day ready to move toward their vision. (7:38)
- Crystal explains that we must retrain their minds if our natural condition is to be unhappy and whine about everything. (12:11)
- Kyle believes that having a mentor is helpful if you want to pursue something and have a clear goal in mind. (12:20)
- Crystal explains the distinction between a vision and a decision, and why the vision is important. (18:15)
- David believes that people must reflect in order to stay on track, but it is also part of their attitude to recognize the need for reflection and to go back and do it. (21:04)
- Crystal mentions that a person’s perspective is ultimately what takes them from being good athletes, to great athletes, and world-class athletes. (23:57)
- David explains that when individuals have taken the effort to determine their objective and have a plan for how they want to achieve it, if that attitude is locked in, there’s practically nothing that can stop them but themselves. (25:13)
Tweetable Quotes:
- “The first thing people need to focus on when they’re thinking about “my life sucks right now” is, “what do I actually want out of my life?”.” – Crystal Ware
- “The vision is really the image that you have for your life. Like, you know, I want to live in this kind of house, I want to live in the country…what is the picture you have of your life that’s hanging on your wall that you can look at and say, “Wow, I love my life, I’m happy.” That’s the vision. The mindset is how you wake up every day ready to achieve and move forward to your vision.” – Crystal Ware
- “Your mindset has to keep you moving forward, that what is on the other side is really more important than these really tough, difficult, you know, tumultuous feelings that I’m having inside right now.” – Crystal Ware
Resources Mentioned:
Kyle Houck
From Contestant to Champion: Lessons from The Protege’s First Mentor Call
January 12, 2026
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.
Ethical Influence and Faith: How Biblical Principles Align with the Psychology of Persuasion
January 7, 2026
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.
From Med Device to Middle Market: Lessons on Sales, Risk Management, and Reinventing Yourself in the Insurance Industry
January 6, 2026
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.
From Executive Leadership to Field Underwriting: Lessons Producers Can Learn from Aaron Puchbauer’s Transition into Middle-Market Insurance
December 31, 2025
The most successful producers in the middle market did not get there because they quoted faster, smiled bigger, or knew how to talk longer. They got there because they learned how to differentiate themselves so clearly that prospects had no choice but to see them as trusted advisors. They learned to operate like businesspeople first and insurance technicians second. They learned how to tie operational mechanics to insurance outcomes. They learned how to control their time, their pipeline, and their future.
Protecting Your Middle Market Accounts with High Net Worth Referral Strategies
December 29, 2025
In commercial insurance, the most dangerous threats to your book of business aren’t always visible on the loss runs. One of the most overlooked vulnerabilities for middle market producers is ignoring the personal lines needs of their business owner and executive clients.