In this episode of Insurance Refocused, Carey sits down with Dan Vander Kooi of Manna Insurance to talk about the value of having the right people around you as an agency owner.

Dan shares the story behind Agent Underground, a small, collaborative event created for independent agency owners who want to learn from each other, talk openly about what is working, and have honest conversations about the challenges that come with ownership and leadership.

The conversation also gets into something many business owners experience but do not always talk about. Running an agency can feel lonely. Having a group of peers who understand the decisions you are making, the pressure you carry, and the problems you are trying to solve can make a real difference.

Dan and Carey also talk about technology, leadership, and how agencies can use tools like AI to create more capacity for their teams. The goal is not to replace people. It is to give them more time to focus on clients, relationships, and the work that actually needs a human touch.

A few things we cover

• Why agency ownership can feel isolating
• How trusted peers can help you make better decisions
• Why collaboration can make independent agencies stronger
• How technology can create more capacity for your team
• What agency owners can learn from each other about staffing, leadership, and growth
• Why smaller, relationship-driven events can lead to better conversations
• The importance of staying curious and open to new ideas

Connect with us:
Follow AgencyFocus for more conversations that help agency owners build clarity, confidence, and long-term value. Learn more at https://agency-focus.com/

Show previously named Insurance Refocused