Crazy Rick
Expert
- 92
Guys, I’m an indy A H&L producer out in Pa, studying for the P&C exam. I’ve recently spoken with an Allstate agency owner down in FLA, who’s fiercely independent like myself.
My three year goal is to own a book of business OR that blue sign (I know, it’s expensive, but that’s not an issue). I got into this industry because I love it and I get it. And if my Dad’s Allstate agent/owner in an upscale town in Jersey only speaks Ebonics can do it, then so can I. Laugh all you want. After twenty years he’s yet to pronounce my last name correctly.
I’ve been researching agency ownership for months now. Purchase and existing book/agency, or the Allstate sign or Travelers, etc. I’m sure carrier heads will tell me anything to get my name on that contract, but this is why I’m here.
So, HOW independent can an owner be with the majors? How much flexibility is there? For example, will the carrier, whoever that may be, insist on getting me on daily, hour-long, conference calls insisting my agency push more of a particular product than another? And if so, what could possibly be the consequences if I didn’t? Are there impossible quotas? Why would there be quotas at all? What’s the difference? That doesn’t sound like independent ownership to me. I'll be investing a lot of money for that sign! Bad attitude? No, I’m realistic and prepared to run my agency the way I see fit and after investing a ton of money nobody but the DOI should be telling me how to run it. I want to retire in twenty years while I’m still able to enjoy the fruits of my hard labor.
Thanks,
-Crazy Rick
My three year goal is to own a book of business OR that blue sign (I know, it’s expensive, but that’s not an issue). I got into this industry because I love it and I get it. And if my Dad’s Allstate agent/owner in an upscale town in Jersey only speaks Ebonics can do it, then so can I. Laugh all you want. After twenty years he’s yet to pronounce my last name correctly.
I’ve been researching agency ownership for months now. Purchase and existing book/agency, or the Allstate sign or Travelers, etc. I’m sure carrier heads will tell me anything to get my name on that contract, but this is why I’m here.
So, HOW independent can an owner be with the majors? How much flexibility is there? For example, will the carrier, whoever that may be, insist on getting me on daily, hour-long, conference calls insisting my agency push more of a particular product than another? And if so, what could possibly be the consequences if I didn’t? Are there impossible quotas? Why would there be quotas at all? What’s the difference? That doesn’t sound like independent ownership to me. I'll be investing a lot of money for that sign! Bad attitude? No, I’m realistic and prepared to run my agency the way I see fit and after investing a ton of money nobody but the DOI should be telling me how to run it. I want to retire in twenty years while I’m still able to enjoy the fruits of my hard labor.
Thanks,
-Crazy Rick