In this episode of Agency Freedom Podcast, James talks with Marit Peters, Executive Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, otherwise known as the Big I of Texas.

Episode Highlights:

Marit explains that one of the reasons she works for the industry is because she thinks of independent agents as being so gracious in their communities. (4:54)
Marit shares the fundamentals of running a successful agency, including the importance of identifying those on your team that are dragging it down, and getting your metrics right. (12:00)
Marit explains why it is important to look back on historical trends in order to be able to determine the things that did not work out. (15:52)
Marit shares about the leadership book that she and her employees read called "The Dichotomy of Leadership." (23:07)
Marit mentions that their goal at the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas is to make sure that the independent agency channel is healthy. (27:35)
Marit explains how COVID has helped them become better at being reachable. (32:58)
Marit discusses the impact of the advocacy work that the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas is involved in on a government level. (41:08)
Marit shares that in a lot of rural communities a local presence makes a difference, but that may change in 10-20 years. (48:08)
Marit discusses an organization called "Salt" that is trying to create a modern experience for the personal line space. (52:48)
Marit shares that independent agents are critical to the communities, as they make sure that we are getting the right product. (56:18)

Key Quotes:

"I think the fundamentals are leadership and having the right courage to deal with difficult decisions, and making sure that you have the right people and hire people that are smarter than you and then trust them to do the work." - Marit Peters
"I want to make sure that we're constantly hearing what people need and making sure that we're adjusting and that we have the courage to do it and we don't get stuck in that piece." - Marit Peters
"If you are an agent out there that's not involved with an association, pick up the phone and call and explain why you're not. Because that is probably the best feedback an association can hear." - Marit Peters

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about IIAT at https://www.iiat.org/.

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