John Mason, a native New Yorker, shares with Captain Dave about his illustrious career as an independent insurance agency retail broker and later in his career how he acquired Chenango Brokers, a wholesale broker.  He tells us about the exciting new rating platform that Chenango Brokers has released and how it can help agency brokers place more business.

Episode Highlights:

• John shares his journey from operating a small diner to buying an insurance agency. (3:20)

• John discusses the challenges faced by smaller agents in selling commercial lines and offers a solution to help them access a network of carriers and obtain real-time quotes. (10:53) 

• John mentions that agents can capitalize on the Commercial Auto market by using an online portal for real-time quotes and to access low-cost options for additional companies and commercial insurance products. (16:37)

• John explains that Florida's insurance market presents challenges in auto insurance, but agents can capitalize on selling personal and small commercial policies in niche markets and prioritize insurance coverage retention. (22:05) 

• John emphasizes the importance of embracing technology and seeking innovative solutions, such as using robots and technology to replace virtual assistants, in order to improve processes and stay ahead. (28:12)

• John discusses the importance of AI being able to differentiate content to avoid redundancy and competition, particularly in digital formats. (38:06)

• John mentions that Chenango Brokers is focused on making it easier for agencies to do business with them by expanding their presence across the country and developing tools for instant quotes and access to carriers. (40:45)

  
  

Key Quotes:

• “My number one customer is the independent insurance agent. I can't tell you the number of times when I get a prospect. I'll call another IAOA member who does business with us and say, you know, you want to take this, I'd be more than happy to refer it to you and they place it with us. So, we are both retail and wholesale. That's pretty much the focus, I want to do what's right for the customer.” - John Mason

• “Talk to your customers, be in their face, use social media, proactively show them how you can better protect them, help them save money, etc., and be their advocate.” - John Mason

• “We are trying to develop tools to just make it easier and easier and easier to do business with Chenango Brokers.” - John Mason

  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• John Mason LinkedIn

• Chenango Brokers

• Reach out to Dave Jackson

• Independent Agency Owners Alliance | IAOA