Advertise on podcast: Placing You First Insurance Podcast by CRC Group

The senior living world is growing fast, but the risk profile is changing even faster. We dig into what happens when higher acuity residents stay longer in assisted living, how staffing shortages and inflation strain operations, and why verdicts are getting bigger and tougher to defend. Alongside partners from Future Care RRG, we unpack the friction between occupancy goals and clinical capability, and we explain how those pressures ripple through underwriting, pricing, and coverage structures. You’ll hear straight talk on the claims that keep operators up at night and why documentation discipline can be the difference between a defensible file and a six-figure problem. We explain the current capacity landscape, tackle ownership dynamics, including the extra scrutiny on private equity platforms, acquisitions of distressed facilities, and the need to present clear improvement plans to underwriters. If you place, operate, or insure senior living and long-term care, this conversation offers a candid map through a market defined by growth, complexity, and rising stakes. Make sure you reach out to your CRC specialty producer for assistance with your senior living account placements. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Speed is winning deals, but speed is also feeding fraud. We sit down with CRC Specialty Professional Lines Broker Mark Waldeck to unpack the messy middle where e‑signatures, legacy policy language, and decentralized bank controls collide. From the difference between a simple e‑signature and a cryptographically protected digital signature to why underwriters hesitate when controls vary by department, we map the risk pathways that turn convenience into claims friction. We examine a headline‑grabbing fraud where a bank funded a multimillion‑dollar loan to an impersonator despite notary involvement and remote verification. The dispute with the insurer highlights a wider issue: policy forms born in the era of signature cards are being stretched to cover today’s remote closings, and the gaps show up at the worst time. If you work with financial institutions, you’ll get a practical checklist to help ensure your banking clients are protected, from enforcing MFA and encryption to tightening scrutiny as transaction size grows.  Tune in to understand how small cracks in verification can become multimillion-dollar failures—and what you can do right now to help clients stay ahead of emerging fraud risks. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Urban wildfires are rewriting the rules of home insurance, and the details matter more than ever. We sit down with Brittany Martin, Personal Lines Team Leader for CRC’s Western Region, to break down the construction features, spacing standards, and modeling tools that are redefining eligibility in California, Colorado, and beyond. From tempered glass and enclosed eaves to ember-resistant vents and Class A roofs, we get specific about what moves the needle with underwriters, and what can push a well-appointed home straight into the E&S market. The conversation turns practical as we map a smart sequence of upgrades during renovations, helping clients elevate materials before renewal crunch time and signal stronger risk control to carriers. We also explore how carriers combine third-party data, AI, and wildfire modeling to evaluate homes at a parcel level. That precision opens doors for case-by-case underwriting even in tough counties with shrinking capacity. Agents will leave with actionable takeaways that can shift accounts from declines to competitive terms. Subscribe for more retail agent insights, share this episode with your team, and leave a review with the wildfire upgrade that delivered the biggest underwriting win for your clients. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Spills don’t wait for business hours, and neither should your coverage. We dig into transportation pollution liability with Mike Padula, President of Starwind Environmental, to discuss why relying solely on MCS-90 or CA 99 48 can leave painful gaps when real-world logistics meet environmental scrutiny. From remote cleanups to loading dock mishaps, we break down how TPL delivers true risk transfer, rapid response, and specialized claims handling that standard endorsements simply can’t handle alone. We explore hidden exposures many teams overlook: loading and unloading, staging, third-party carrier use, and non-auto modes like rail and watercraft. If you advise motor carriers, shippers, or anyone moving goods, this conversation will help you turn compliance into real protection and keep operations moving when the unexpected occurs. Subscribe for more specialist insights from CRC Group and share this episode with colleagues who handles transportation risks. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

What if repairs didn’t stall your schedule or drain your cash while invoices pile up? We sit down with Starwind Equipment Services’ president, Randi Glaszer, to unpack a smarter way to protect heavy equipment—one that matches the way contractors actually buy, finance, and fix their machines. We break down how multi‑year physical damage insurance on admitted paper can be written to the life of a lease or loan, with rates locked, loss payees satisfied, and premiums often rolled into financing. Randi explains why Starwind pays 100% actual cash value up front instead of staging replacement cost, and how broad PDI protection follows the machine through real‑world risks like transit damage, overturn, flood, theft, and job site incidents.  The real unlock is claims. Starwind assigns one adjuster to coordinate both PDI and ESC from day one, opening files together, paying verified labor during parts delays, and ensuring towing, cranes, and protection costs don’t slip through notice windows. We also talk eligibility, state availability, equipment age and exclusions, and why this model was built to advocate for small and mid‑sized contractors who can’t afford friction when iron is idle. If you want fewer surprises, faster releases from the dealer, and protection that keeps projects moving, this conversation is for you. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Sexual abuse and molestation claims have skyrocketed in recent years, creating significant financial and reputational risks for organizations across various sectors. The numbers are staggering – $651 million in settlements in 2023 alone, with each settlement exceeding $1 million. What's driving this dramatic increase, and how can organizations protect themselves? Michelle Levine, SVP with CRC San Francisco, pulls back the curtain on this critical issue. The traditional assumption that general liability policies provide adequate coverage no longer holds true. Insurance carriers have responded to increasing litigation by cutting limits, non-renewing policies, or explicitly excluding sexual abuse coverage. This shifting landscape necessitates specialized solutions and a stronger risk management approach. While schools and religious institutions represent approximately 70% of claims, the exposure extends to any organization with third-party contact – from wellness centers to gyms to service providers of all kinds. The most effective protection combines comprehensive insurance coverage with proactive risk management – proper hiring practices, consistent training, and creating a culture where concerns can be raised and addressed immediately. Don't wait for a claim to discover your organization's vulnerability. Reach out to your CRC specialty broker today to ensure you have the coverage and risk management tools needed to protect your mission, your finances, and most importantly, the people you serve. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

ChatGPT reached a million users in just five days, while Bank of America's AI assistant Erica has handled over two billion customer interactions without human intervention. The AI revolution in banking isn't coming—it's already here, transforming how financial institutions operate and creating complex liability questions few insurance policies directly address. Mark Waldeck, Team Leader and Broker with CRC Chicago, takes us beyond the marketing hype to explore the serious insurance implications of AI implementation in banking. While chatbots and automated systems promise efficiency and competitive advantage, they create significant exposures most banks haven't fully contemplated. Current insurance policies remain largely silent on AI-specific risks, creating ambiguity about whether claims would fall under professional liability or cyber coverage. Employment risks also loom large as banks leverage AI to reduce headcount, potentially triggering discrimination claims if not handled properly. Perhaps most concerning is the regulatory vacuum surrounding AI implementation. Without clear guidance from regulatory authorities, financial institutions are developing practices that may later require significant overhauls once regulations catch up with technology. Connect with your CRC Specialty broker to better understand how your insurance program addresses these emerging AI risks and explore additional resources at crcgroup.com. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Rising construction costs coupled with widespread labor shortages have created a perfect storm for homeowners facing property losses. The gap between insurance coverage and actual rebuilding expenses continues to widen, putting families at significant financial risk.. Mary Roy, Senior Underwriting Team Leader at CRC Group, breaks down the complex factors driving this trend. The fundamental difference between new construction and reconstruction after a loss creates much of this disparity. Rebuilding involves unique challenges – from debris removal and working around existing structures to scheduling complications and protection of remaining assets. These projects lack the economies of scale found in new developments, where contractors purchase materials in bulk and efficiently schedule labor across multiple properties. Don't wait until disaster strikes. Connect with your clients today to review their homeowner's policies and ensure they have adequate protection against today's rebuilding realities. Subscribe to the Placing You First Podcast for more specialist insights on navigating the complex world of insurance coverage. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

In this conversation with Starwind Cannabis leaders Tony McIntosh and Eric Morrison, we unpack why traditional insurance approaches fall short for cannabis operations. From navigating the complex regulatory framework to addressing distinctive risk profiles like high-value crops and cash-heavy transactions, cannabis businesses face challenges that standard BOPs simply weren't designed to handle. The discussion tackles persistent misconceptions head-on and reveals how proper risk management and specialized broker knowledge can make this growing field both accessible and rewarding. We also explore what sets leading cannabis insurance programs apart. Whether you're already working with cannabis clients or considering this expanding opportunity, this episode provides practical insights from industry veterans who understand both insurance fundamentals and the unique demands of the cannabis marketplace. Discover how specialized knowledge can help you navigate this complex field with confidence. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Severe convective storms are reshaping America's insurance landscape, hitting communities harder and more frequently than ever before. What used to be a defined spring storm season has expanded into a year-round threat, leaving homeowners, businesses, and insurers scrambling to adapt. Join hosts Amanda Knight and Scott Gordon as they dive into the growing crisis with guests Ben Tschepikow from CRC Group's Arkansas office and Rob Porter from Vave MGA. Their frontline experiences reveal how these intensifying weather patterns are creating unprecedented challenges across the country. The conversation tackles the painful reality of rising premiums and deductibles while exploring innovative solutions emerging to help property owners. Learn about deductible buyback products that can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs during catastrophic events. Whether you're an insurance professional navigating these turbulent waters or a property owner seeking to understand your changing policy, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of property insurance. Education, communication, and partnership between insurers and insureds will be essential as we weather these storms together. Subscribe to the Placing You First podcast to stay ahead of the trends reshaping the insurance landscape and discover practical strategies for protecting what matters most. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Six years and 100 episodes later, the Placing You First podcast welcomes back Neil Kessler, CEO of CRC Specialty and Benefits, who was our very first guest in 2019. What a journey it's been! The transformation runs deep—while our collaborative, hustle-driven culture remains intact, we've become an entirely different organization. Perhaps most significant has been our shift to an ownership mindset. Looking ahead, our focus intensifies on specialization, data utilization, and cross-business collaboration. Despite our two-decade history, we operate with startup energy—constantly evolving, building something special where everyone shapes our future. Follow the Placing You First podcast to join us on this journey and discover what's next for CRC! Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Every business with a social media account now faces media liability exposures that were once limited to publishers and broadcasters. This reality stands at the core of our fascinating conversation with Mario Romero, a professional lines broker specializing in media and entertainment coverage with CRC Group in Los Angeles. The digital transformation has democratized content creation while simultaneously introducing complex liability questions. From the local bakery using music in Instagram reels without proper licensing to major corporations navigating influencer partnerships, the risk landscape has expanded dramatically. Beyond traditional concerns like copyright and defamation, we explore emerging claim categories including emotional distress, plagiarism, failure to attribute proper credit, deceptive advertising practices, and even claims filed for lack of trigger warnings. Whether advising a Fortune 500 brand or a small business with an active social presence, understanding today's media liability risks has become essential for insurance professionals. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

The healthcare insurance landscape is rapidly evolving beyond traditional pain points, creating new challenges for retail agents seeking coverage for specialized risks. From ketamine clinics to advanced med spas, these emerging sectors require specialist navigation to secure appropriate protection. Healthcare has always presented unique insurance complexities, but today's market features several particularly difficult placement categories. While correctional healthcare and locum tenens staffing remain challenging, CRC Healthcare Broker Scott Scheiblin highlights several additional sectors creating headaches for agents and insureds alike. Ready to navigate the complexities of today's toughest healthcare risks? Reach out to your local CRC Group producer for guidance and market access that can provide successful solutions when you hit placement challenges Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Technology is reshaping insurance placement, but the most powerful solutions don't just automate—they amplify human expertise. This fascinating conversation with Team CRC's ExecPro Broker Brian Benda and Director of Digital Distribution Erin Dyer reveals how CRC’s Quick Quotes platform delivers exactly that balance. Quick Quotes began as an internal tool refined over five years before being extended to retail partners. What makes it revolutionary isn't just the instant quotes—it's the seamless connection to specialist brokers who remain ready to assist. This hybrid approach means retail agents can handle small accounts efficiently without sacrificing the specialized knowledge that complex placements demand. Combined with features like limit benchmarking reports and side-by-side coverage comparisons, Quick Quotes transforms the entire placement process from submission to proposal. Currently supporting cyber liability, miscellaneous professional liability, and employment practices liability, the platform lets retail agents choose which markets to approach and offers multiple pathways for data collection based on client preferences. This flexibility acknowledges a fundamental truth: technology should adapt to how people work, not force people to adapt to technology. Ready to experience a digital solution that enhances rather than replaces expertise? Visit crcqq.com or contact your CRC producer to explore how Quick Quotes can transform your insurance placement workflows while keeping you connected to the specialized knowledge that makes CRC a trusted wholesale partner. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!

Learn more about navigating cyber threats and insurance with insights from Hunter Maskell, a Director with the CRC / INSUREtrust Cyber Practice Group and Professional Lines Broker Chris Zepeda. Ransomware attacks are making a sophisticated resurgence, matching the concerning levels of 2020 and 2021. Despite strides in incident response, the financial strain from business interruptions and legal battles lingers. While current market conditions may seem buyer-friendly, the looming specter of increasing claims warns of impending premium adjustments. Listen as we dissect the delicate balance between competitive pricing and sustainable risk management, ensuring you're prepared for the challenges ahead. The landscape of cyber insurance is ever-shifting, and understanding coverage nuances with the help of specialists is crucial. This episode is your guide to staying ahead in an era where cyber risks and solutions constantly evolve. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace. Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to [email protected] today!