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About This Podcast
Agency Ascend is a podcast for insurance agents and agency owners who are looking for resources to scale their business. The show is hosted by CEO, Chris Sterlacci, and other staff members of CAA to bring you tools and guidance on how they help Agency Owners turn their business into a major asset.
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Recent Episodes
The Math Behind Going Independent (as an Insurance Agency)
Richard Johnston joins Agency Ascend to share one of the most transparent conversations we’ve had yet about leaving the captive insurance model and rebuilding independently.Richard walks through the…
The Hidden Cost of Staying Captive
The captive agency model has helped many agents enter the insurance industry, build discipline, and learn how to sell. But in 2026, the model is facing new pressure.In this episode of Agency Ascend,…
Starting an Insurance Agency? These 5 Things Decide If You Make It
Starting an agency is exciting, but the first 12 to 24 months can also expose every weak spot in a business plan. In this episode of Agency Ascend, Chad Brumet, Chris Sterlacci, Jessica McBurney, and…
The New Rules of Carrier Access and Agency Growth
In this episode of Agency Ascend, Chad, Chris, and Jessica break down what’s really happening with carrier relationships, market access, and agency positioning heading into 2026. While many agents…
How to Choose the Right Insurance Network Model
Choosing a network, aggregator, or franchise isn’t about finding the “best” option—it’s about finding the right fit for your vision. In this episode, Chad and Jessica break down the primary models…
Growth, Scale, or Exit: Choosing the Right Agency Path
In this episode, the team breaks down the real paths agency owners take—and why choosing the wrong one can quietly limit growth. From lifestyle agencies and producer-owners to builders, acquirers,…
Why Most Agency Owners Don’t Actually Own Their Book
In this episode of Agency Ascend, the core team dives deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in the insurance industry: contracts. Building on feedback from a previous acquisition-focused…
Agency Ascend Reacts: Hard Truths About Growth, Exits, and Reality
This special reaction episode of Agency Ascend brings the full core cast back together to revisit and react to standout moments from earlier episodes. Producer Sir Isaac steps in as moderator,…
Why Agency Acquisitions Are Exploding in 2026
This episode of Agency Ascend digs into one of the hottest topics in the independent insurance world: acquisitions—why they’re accelerating, what drives agency value, and how owners on both sides can…
How ICA is Reinventing Insurance Education with David Allen
In this episode of Agency Ascend, hosts Chad Brummett, Chris Sterlacci, and Jessica McBurney sit down with David Allen, Commercial Lines and Sales Instructor for Insurance Centers of America (ICA).…
Mentorship Meets Metrics: How Growth Coaches Drive Agency Success
In this episode of Agency Ascend, Chad and Jessica sit down with CAA’s Growth Coaches, Mindi Monaco and Robyn Dallas, to discuss how growth coaching transforms independent agencies.Mind shares her…
Stop Chasing Growth—Start Pursuing Alignment: Austin Jordan's Story
In this episode of Agency Ascend, we sit down with Austin Jordan, a Regional Sales Manager with AmTrust Financial Services in the DFW area who shares his career journey, lessons from the field, and…
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Insurance Agency with Amanda Hightower
In this episode of Agency Ascend, hosts Chris and Chad sit down with Amanda Hightower, founder of Hightower Insurance Group. Amanda shares how a moment of divine inspiration led her to start her own…
Married Couple Builds Insurance Empire: The Crenshaw Journey
In this episode of Agency Ascend, hosts Chad Brumit and Chris Sterlacci sit down with Diana and Ron Crenshaw of Elite Security Insurance. From military service to agency ownership, the Crenshaws…
The $800K Bet That Paid Off: Wes Spencer’s Agency Story
In this episode of Agency Ascend, hosts Chris and Jessica sit down with Wes Spencer, co-owner of Spencer Insurance DFW, for a masterclass in agency growth and strategic decision-making.Wes shares how…
How Referrals Built a Powerhouse with James Spencer of Insurance DFW
In this Agency Ascend episode, James Spencer of Insurance DFW shares his journey from the captive world to building one of the most respected independent agencies in the Career Agency Alliance. He…
Selling Insurance During a Hard Market with Cameron Moore
In this episode of Agency Ascend, Cameron Moore, founder of ProCo Insurance, shares how he built a thriving independent agency during one of the hardest insurance markets in decades. From abandoning…
Sean Munger on Playing the Long Game in Insurance
In Episode 7 of Agency Ascend, we sit down with Sean Munger, a producer with an owner’s mindset, to unpack what it really means to play the long game.This episode is all about consistency, execution,…
Hidden Risks of Agency Contracts and How to Avoid Them
Many agency owners assume they own their book of business—but the reality can be far more complicated.In this episode of Agency Ascend, we dive deep into the ownership dilemma that many agents face.…
Scaling an Insurance Business While Keeping Margins in Check
Growing an insurance agency isn’t just about adding clients—it’s about building a business model that retains top talent, maximizes profitability, and scales efficiently. In this episode of Agency…
Frequently Asked Questions
Agency Ascend has published 24 episodes since October 2024, covering topics in Business, Careers.
Agency Ascend is currently highly active with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 42m.
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