On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Jarrard “Rod" Powell Sr., agency principal at Encore Insurance Group Chesterfield, Virginia, shares his unique experience in insurance.

Powell grew up cutting records and touring as an R&B artist, but by the time he reached his 30s, he was looking for a more stable career. After breaking into insurance through claims and benefits, Powell realized that “insurance was not only something that I could do, but something that I would enjoy," he says. “And lo and behold, it went from something on the side to a passion to, ultimately, a purpose."

In 2022, Powell and his business partner founded Encore Insurance Group, a mid-Atlantic independent agency that runs the gamut from commercial property & casualty to life, retirement solutions and employee benefits, specializing in voluntary benefits and enrollment communication services.

Starting the agency was “an opportunity to create the culture that's going to service communities in the way that we desire, help people, bring value and be a solution," Powell says.

Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

Powell was also featured in the February issue of Independent Agent. Check out his interview here or read the full issue online.