If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a thriving insurance agency and keep clients confident during a tough market, this episode is a must-watch.
In this conversation with Premier Group Insurance, Chris Mitchell shares the full story of how he went from long restaurant hours at Pinehurst to building a fast-growing independent agency. He breaks down what changed when he left the captive world, why independence created a better client experience, and how his agency scaled through both “easy” years and the reality of a multi-year hard market.
What you’ll hear in the episode
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Chris’s career path: from Pinehurst hospitality to insurance, and what he learned in those early years
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Captive vs. independent insurance: the real differences (carrier access, flexibility, and client outcomes)
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How he grew the agency: referral partners, networking, and trust-first selling
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Leading with education: why “explaining coverage” beats selling a price, and how trust is built over time
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Hard market survival: what changed with property insurance, underwriting restrictions, pre-bind rules, deductibles, and carrier tightening
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Retention strategies: why retention became the priority and how proactive communication reduced surprises
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Systems and processes: shifting from “shooting from the hip” to documented workflows, automation, and consistent touchpoints
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Agency tech stack: tools mentioned include EZLynx, Typeform, Zapier, Loom video proposals, Canopy Connect, SALT, and an integrated phone system
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Video proposals with Loom: how side-by-side coverage comparisons help clients actually understand what they’re buying
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Lessons from the hard market: why data matters, why process matters, and what he expects moving forward
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Transition to independence: the tough parts of leaving, what he’d do differently, and advice for newer agents
