How Industry Changes Are Influencing, But Not Deterring, M&A Activity
While some recent trends have influenced the mergers & acquisitions marketplace, it certainly hasn’t been interrupted.
HR and Staffing
Using AI and Automation to Strengthen Succession Planning
Technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, is now reshaping what it means to prepare an agency for transition.
Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in March
In March, Independent Agent magazine saw the Big “I” realize the fruits of its work with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in revising their property insurance requirements for federally backed mortgages.
A Seat at the Table and What We Do With It
On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Jill Roth, executive vice president of Ahart Frinzi and Smith hosts a conversation with Louise “BeBe” Canter, former Big “I” president, senior vice president at USI Insurance Services, and a Woodworth Memorial Award Winner, and Angela Ripely, current Big ‘I’ chair and president of VW Brown Insurance.
Setting a New Standard for Women in Insurance with Marissa Winkelman
On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Marissa Winkelman, managing partner of Webb + Winkelman in Grove, Oklahoma. Winkelman entered the insurance industry in 2012 as a receptionist at Webb Insurance and quickly realized the role wasn’t the right fit. After transitioning to a back-office position, she focused on learning the business and working her way up. By 2023, Winkelman became a…
Declaration of Independents: Marrissa Winkelman
Marrissa Winkelman entered the world of insurance in 2012 when she started as the receptionist at Webb Insurance. Understanding quickly that the position wasn’t the right fit for her, she moved to the back office, where she focused on insurance and working her way up.
Hiring Smart: How Independent Agencies Can Compete for Talent
On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Jennifer Becker, Big “I” executive director of research and education, is joined by Claudia St. John, founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors. During the episode, they explore how small independent insurance agencies can compete with large corporations for talent; whether artificial intelligence (AI) is helping agencies address staffing shortages or simply adding another layer of complexity; and what agency owners…
How to Compete for Top Talent Without Breaking the Bank
The most successful companies understand that attracting top talent isn’t just about offering the highest salary; it’s about leveraging creative strategies and building an authentic workplace culture.
Top 5 Most-Read Articles in Independent Agent in January
The new year kicked off with hard-won pieces of advice from seasoned agency leaders, plus Big “I” Virtual University experts’ takes on whether a first named insured can cancel a homeowners policy without the signature of the second.
How the Insurance Industry Is Tackling the Talent Crisis
To address the talent shortage, here are five successful, replicable strategies already in motion to recruit the next wave of insurance talent in 2026 and beyond.
