:In the ever-changing world of insurance, especially within the Medicare space, staying ahead means thinking beyond just the day-to-day. Recently, Rob and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rob and Christian Brindle for a conversation that really resonated with me: succession planning and business acquisition.
This wasn’t just another episode of Insurance 360; we got personal, we got practical, and we touched on topics that every agent, especially those who’ve been in the game a while, needs to consider seriously.
My Take on the Industry Today
As someone who’s seen this industry evolve, I’ve noticed a shift. More young agents are entering the field, and the dynamics of agency ownership are changing rapidly. In our conversation, Christian shared his own story of how he got into the business, built his agency, and started thinking long-term from early on. His perspective on generational succession really stuck with me. He’s not just talking theory, he’s living it.
Succession Planning: Not Optional Anymore
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode was the importance of having a clear succession plan. Christian laid it out in a way that makes complete sense. He talked about the risk of leaving your book of business vulnerable if you haven’t incorporated or created a transition strategy. His advice? Get your business structured. Consider getting your spouse licensed. Take steps now so your life’s work doesn’t disappear overnight if the unexpected happens.
What Christian Taught Me About Buying a Book of Business
When we shifted gears to talk acquisitions, Christian really brought the goods. He’s done it; he’s bought books of business and knows what to look for. He walked us through what makes a book valuable: client demographics, policy types, policy age, and more. What stood out to me was how methodical he is; he’s not just grabbing whatever’s available. It has to align with his business model and location. That’s smart business.
Timing (and Tech) Is Everything
I asked Christian about the best time to make a move on a book of business. He prefers the first two quarters of the year- smart move, considering the chaos that is AEP. We also dove into how technology has made all of this easier. With better CRMs and digital tools, the acquisition process is way more efficient than it used to be.
Advice for Fellow Agents
We wrapped up the episode with some real-world advice. Christian stressed the importance of staying plugged into the industry, going to events, networking, and building relationships. That’s how doors open. He also emphasized using tech not just for operations but to stay connected with clients year-round. If you’re not doing that yet, you’re already behind.
Final Thoughts
Look, succession planning and strategic acquisitions aren’t just buzzwords, they’re essential if you want your agency to outlive you. This conversation wasn’t just helpful, it was a wake-up call. Christian Brindle is a guy who gets it. He’s walking the walk and proving that with the right mindset and moves, you can build something lasting.
If you haven’t heard the episode yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen. Whether you’re thinking about the next stage of your career or just trying to build smarter, Christian’s insights are pure gold.
Let’s start planning not just for today but for the legacy we want to leave behind.
Stay informed, stay connected, and keep exploring the dynamic world of insurance.
Succession Planning: Whitepaper
Watch here: YouTube
Listen here: Insurance 360 Podcast
