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Rates on Florida coastal property have fallen 50 to 60 percent from their peak, but that does not mean the risks got easier to place. Carriers are only chasing the best of the best, wind limits are capped on large projects, and Florida's 558 statute has turned construction defect into a cottage industry that reshapes what casualty looks like for anyone touching residential. Matt Sasso sits down with Howard Newman, President of Bateman, Gordon and Sands in Lighthouse Point, Florida. The agency has been managing risk since 1947 and runs a 41 person operation built around construction, surety, and coastal property, with a personal lines division that handles high net worth, boats, and yachts. Howard walks through the 2026 property market, windstorm deductibles and buybacks, flood limits on large construction projects, the statute of repose window, and why the marine market punishes anyone who does not know the policy forms cold. He also shares how deep involvement with ABC moved him from green committee member to incoming Chairman of the Board for 2027, the first associate ever elected to the role. If you have a client building, buying, or boating in Florida, this one gives you the local market intelligence and the phone number to go with it. Timecodes: 00:00 – 00:33 | Show Intro 00:33 – 02:55 | Meet Howard Newman of Bateman, Gordon and Sands 02:55 – 04:16 | Agency History and a Successful Ownership Perpetuation 04:16 – 06:39 | How a 41 Person Agency Is Structured 06:39 – 09:36 | The 2026 Coastal Property Market: Soft Rates, Selective Carriers 09:36 – 12:17 | Windstorm Deductibles, Wind Limits, and Out of State Developers 12:17 – 14:19 | Flood, Buybacks, and Lender Requirements That Bust Budgets 14:19 – 16:24 | Florida's 558 Statute and the Construction Defect Cottage Industry 16:24 – 18:07 | Statute of Repose and Deciding Who You Write 18:07 – 19:39 | Where Independent Agencies Beat the Alphabet Houses 19:39 – 23:33 | Inside the Yacht and Marine Market 23:33 – 25:24 | Construction Expertise: Contracts, Sub Agreements, and Balance Sheets 25:24 – 27:21 | Surety, SDI, and Florida's Commercial Auto Litigation 27:21 – 31:33 | The Payoff from Deep ABC Involvement 31:33 – 34:04 | First Associate Chairman and Perpetuating the Agency System 34:04 – 34:52 | Closing and Outro Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sasso-8161b752/ Connect with Howard Newman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-newman-38a37320/ Connect with Bateman, Gordon and Sands on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bateman-gordon-&-sands-inc./ Bateman, Gordon and Sands website: https://bgsagency.com/

Finding an insurance partner who actually understands the construction business, not just the construction policy, is rare. Rich and Cartmill, a Tulsa, Oklahoma based agency founded in 1922, has built its reputation on exactly that combination, pairing deep surety expertise with construction insurance across a practice that now makes up 40 percent of the firm's revenue. Host Matt Sasso talks with Travis Brown, President of Rich and Cartmill, about the agency's century-long history, how its construction practice grew out of a 2003 merger, and why contractors who need bonds so often need matching insurance coverage. The conversation also covers how the firm has diversified into healthcare, senior living, and energy sector risk without losing its construction roots. If you want a real look at how a century-old agency builds specialty practices and deep client relationships, this is the episode for you. Timecodes: 0:02 – 1:34 | Welcome and introducing Rich and Cartmill 1:35 – 4:06 | How Travis and Matt connected through RiskProNet 4:07 – 6:38 | Founding the agency: 1922 and the Tulsa oil boom 6:39 – 7:59 | Three generations: Dick Toobner and Ryan Toobner 8:00 – 9:14 | Office locations and the Olathe, Kansas setup 9:15 – 10:47 | Building the construction practice: the 2003 merger 10:47 – 12:18 | Construction practice by the numbers: 21 producers, 40 percent of revenue 12:18 – 14:49 | Typical clients and Oklahoma's federal military base work 14:49 – 16:19 | Why bonding clients become insurance clients 16:19 – 17:52 | Surety 101: the Miller Act and bond types 17:52 – 18:42 | Memorable claims: the OKC arena and Murrah bombing recovery 18:43 – 20:44 | Beyond construction: healthcare, senior living, and medical malpractice 20:44 – 22:44 | Energy sector risk and roustabout contractors 22:44 – 24:59 | Closing thoughts: culture, legacy, and RiskProNet 24:59 – 25:21 | Outro Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sasso-8161b752/ Connect with Travis Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-brown-03aba59/ Connect with Rich and Cartmill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rich-&-cartmill-inc/

Fran Shea, partner at Sullivan Insurance Group in Worcester, Massachusetts, joins Know Your Risk to discuss how regional independent agencies develop meaningful expertise. With 35+ years in the business, Fran shares Sullivan Group's evolution from a 1950s cluster model to a sophisticated player in the life sciences and clinical trial insurance markets. The conversation covers the value of deep specialization over broad commoditization, how to navigate complex CRO and biotech exposures, developing custom coverage solutions when standard markets fall short, and the collaborative spirit that makes networks like RiskProNet essential for modern brokers. Timecodes: 0:00 – 1:13 | Welcome & Guest Introduction 1:31 – 2:54 | Sullivan Group's Origins and Cluster Model 2:55 – 4:39 | Finding RiskProNet Through Common Connections 5:48 – 8:19 | Geographic Reach and Business Model 7:22 – 8:09 | Life Sciences and Clinical Trial Specialization 17:52 – 20:14 | Deep Expertise: Custom Coverage Forms and Contractual Risk Transfer 20:15 – 21:44 | Learning from Claims and Mentoring the Next Generation 21:45 – 23:32 | RiskProNet Collaboration and Market Dynamics 23:42 – 25:12 | Closing: Building Relationships and Giving Back Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sasso-8161b752/ Connect with Fran Shea on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francis-shea-6985b610/ Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riskpronet-international Learn More About Sullivan Group https://www.sullivangroup.com

Insurance agencies are sitting on a productivity problem most haven't fully named — account managers spending four to five hours on renewal proposals, document reviews, and contract cross-checks that AI can now handle in a fraction of the time. The agencies moving on this are already inside the tools and reclaiming hours every week. In this episode, host Chip Arenchild sits down with Matt Sasso, Executive Director of RiskProNet, and Troy Moody, COO of Moody Insurance in Denver. Troy's agency has been live on OutMarket, an AI platform built for independent agencies, since September 2025. He brings an operational, on-the-ground perspective on what's working, where adoption has been harder than expected, and what's coming next. The clearest example: proposals. Before OutMarket, a complex renewal presentation took four to five hours. Now it takes 30 minutes and comes out more detailed and more polished. Drop in carrier quotes, run pre-built prompts, and 85 to 90 percent of the proposal is done before the first verification pass. The conversation also covers document interrogation tools, ten workflow templates, and emerging features that pull property photos, summarize loss histories, and auto-package underwriter submissions. Troy addresses staff adoption honestly, including who's embraced it and who hasn't touched it, and closes with a look at where agency AI is heading: personal lines tools that detect a renewal variance, run a comparative rater query, and have a client-ready email waiting for the agent the next morning. For RiskProNet members, OutMarket has joined as a corporate sponsor and is offering a free demo plus a discounted plan to the network. This episode gives you the clearest real-world picture available from inside a peer firm. Timecodes: 00:02 – 00:42 | Show Intro and Welcome 00:43 – 01:26 | Meet the Guests: Matt Sasso and Troy Moody 01:26 – 03:03 | Troy's AI Journey: From Skeptical to Six Vendors Evaluated 03:04 – 04:23 | The Problem That Started It All: Cutting Proposals from 5 Hours to 30 Minutes 04:23 – 05:28 | Document Conversation: Interrogating Policies, Loss Runs, and Contracts 05:29 – 06:57 | Staff Adoption: Fear, Age Gaps, and the Cost of Waiting 06:57 – 08:23 | Learning to Trust AI: Measuring Results and Verifying the Work 08:23 – 09:57 | Rollout Strategy, Usage Tracking, and the Art of Prompting 09:57 – 11:35 | OutMarket's Workflow Library: Coverage Gap Analysis, Contract Review, and More 11:35 – 12:41 | New Business Submissions and How the Marketing Department Took Off 12:42 – 14:13 | OutMarket as a Partner: Responsiveness and Collaborative Development 14:14 – 15:27 | Why OutMarket Won the Demo and How RiskProNet Members Are Using It 15:28 – 17:29 | The Peer Demo That Started It All: How OutMarket Spread Through the Network 17:30 – 18:45 | What's Next: AI-Powered Renewals and Getting Agents Back in Front of Clients 18:46 – 19:55 | Member Benefit, OutMarket Partnership Announcement, and Outro Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiparenchild/ Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sasso-8161b752/ Connect with Troy Moody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-m-711258a/ Learn more about OutMarket: https://outmarket.ai/ Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riskpronet-international

Independent agencies are being asked to move faster, manage more data, and deliver more value without increasing headcount. Outmarket AI was built to solve exactly that challenge. In this episode, RiskProNet Executive Director Matt Sasso sits down with Vishal Sankhla (CEO & Co-Founder) and Andrew Khalatov (Head of Sales) to explore how Outmarket AI is reshaping daily workflows for brokers and account managers. From policy reviews and quote comparisons to branded proposals, contract analysis, and claim disputes, Outmarket gives teams the ability to work faster and with greater accuracy. We dive into why general-purpose AI tools fall short for insurance, what makes vertical AI essential for agencies, and how RiskProNet members are already seeing time savings, workflow improvements, and real revenue impact. We also cover Outmarket’s security-first architecture and why their private cloud deployment model matters for compliance and client trust. RiskProNet members receive full access to a free trial, unlimited seats, and onboarding support. If you want a look at how AI is actively transforming agencies today, this episode is for you. Learn more about Outmarket AI at: https://outmarket.ai/ Timecodes: 00:02 – 01:32 | Opening the Conversation: Insurance Meets AI 01:33 – 03:36 | Vishal’s Journey: Uber, Meta, Ethos Life, and the Spark for Outmarket 03:37 – 04:45 | Andrew’s Path: From Strategy to Insurance AI 04:46 – 06:06 | Why Outmarket Exists: Solving the Agency Workflow Problem 06:07 – 07:03 | The Outmarket Pitch: One Platform for Every Workflow 07:04 – 08:18 | Vertical AI vs. General AI: The Real Difference 08:19 – 09:50 | How Outmarket Understands Insurance Better Than General Tools 09:51 – 12:32 | Real Use Cases Across the Network: Policy Reviews, Comparisons, Proposals 12:33 – 13:49 | Security First: Private Cloud Instances and Data Isolation 13:50 – 16:09 | Eliminating Busywork: Quotes, Contracts, Claims Done Fast 16:10 – 17:16 | Zero-Lift Adoption: Drag-and-Drop Workflows and Instant Output 17:17 – 18:33 | Two-Minute Analysis: Deep Review at Lightning Speed 18:34 – 20:36 | Prospecting Power: Faster Proposals and BOR Wins 20:37 – 22:48 | What Truly Sets Outmarket Apart: Breadth, Customization, Adoption 22:49 – 24:04 | One Platform vs. Many Tabs: Keeping Teams in Sync 24:05 – 25:41 | Getting Started: Free Trials and No Implementation Required 25:42 – 26:36 | Measuring ROI: User Adoption and Team Impact 26:37 – 27:31 | Looking Ahead: Deepening the Partnership 27:32 – 28:01 | Outro Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sasso-8161b752/ Connect with Vishal Sankhla on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishalsankhla Connect with Andrew Khalatov on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkhalatov/ Connect with Outmarket AI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outmarket-ai/ Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riskpronet-international

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, host Kyle Watts talks with Matt Sasso, Executive Director of RiskProNet, to reflect on a transformative year for the network—and lay out what’s ahead in 2026. From a complete brand refresh and a new website to adding four new member agencies, launching new practice groups, and expanding corporate partnerships, RiskProNet has solidified itself as a nimble, collaborative force in the independent insurance landscape. If you're part of the RiskProNet network—or considering joining—this conversation outlines everything you need to know about how the group is growing, modernizing, and creating new opportunities for its members across the country. Timecodes: 00:00 – 01:10 - Podcast intro and episode overview 01:11 – 02:47 - Why the rebrand? A new logo, colors, and market positioning 02:48 – 03:56 - Member-led brand refresh process with creative collaboration 03:57 – 05:29 - Four new agencies in 2025: who they are and why they joined 05:30 – 06:59 - Key regions targeted for 2026 membership expansion 07:00 – 08:59 - New practice groups launching in 2026: surety, sales, nonprofit & more 09:00 – 10:50 - CIO, AI, and Risk Control groups: tech-driven collaboration for agencies 10:51 – 12:33 - Corporate partnerships: what they bring and what’s coming 12:34 – 14:07 - Two big wins from 2025: quality growth and strategic alignment 14:08 – 15:31 - Practice groups as a value engine—for both leadership and frontline staff 15:32 – 16:53 - New website and mobile app: modern tools for member access 16:54 – 17:25 - Shoutout to Patti Reed for her leadership on the site launch 17:26 – 18:23 - Final reflections on 2025 and closing remarks for the year Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we’re joined by Kim Slager, President of Commercial Lines at BHS Insurance, to dive into one of the most unique and misunderstood sectors in insurance: botanical gardens. With over 30 years of specialization, Kim walks us through the unexpected risks, coverage gaps, and creative underwriting strategies that make gardens far more complex than your average cultural institution. From glass greenhouses and hurricane zones, to slip-and-fall litigation and rare plant appraisals, Kim explains how her team builds tailored programs that protect these vibrant, high-exposure environments. Whether you’re a RiskProNet member looking to serve a botanical garden client, or just curious how garden operations and coverage intersect, this episode reveals what makes this niche so critical and why standard policies just don’t cut it. Timecodes: 00:00 – Welcome & guest introduction 01:11 – How BHS built the botanical garden insurance program 03:57 – Key exposures: slips, paths, glasshouses, misclassification 05:43 – Disaster readiness & natural disaster funding 07:43 – Event liability, liquor risks, and TULIP coverage 10:09 – Real-world claim: Abuse exclusion and uninsured loss 13:22 – Volunteer accident gaps, active shooter coverage, and client education 16:01 – Insuring rare trees, indoor plant collections, and replication strategies 17:57 – Who underwrites the program 19:14 – Partnering with RiskProNet members & claims trend insights 21:34 – Final thoughts and invitation to connect Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Matt Sasso on LinkedIn Connect with Kim Slager on Linkedin Connect with BHS Insurance on LinkedIn Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn

In this special two-part episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, host Chip Arenchild talks with leaders and interns from Moody Insurance and M3 Insurance to explore how real internship programs are shaping the future of the independent agency model. Guests include Ashley Canny and Hunter Rivers from Moody, and Jake Cline and Cyrus Choisy-Madon from M3. The episode dives into what makes these programs successful—from rotational department exposure to executive mentorship—and why young professionals are choosing to stay in insurance. Whether you’re building a pipeline or launching your first internship, this episode delivers practical ideas and candid stories. Timecodes: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 01:03 – Why RiskProNet is spotlighting internships 02:00 – Meet Moody Insurance’s internship leaders 03:20 – How Moody’s rotational program is structured 04:31 – Intern Hunter Rivers on his experience and takeaways 05:55 – What surprised him about working in insurance 07:13 – How Moody sources and selects interns 08:44 – What a “day in the life” of an intern looks like 10:31 – Live work, real projects, and measurable impact 11:52 – Summer School & executive mentorship at Moody 13:30 – How Moody evaluates and hires from the intern class 15:05 – Now to M3: Meet Jake Cline and intern Cyrus Choisy-Madon 16:23 – How M3 views internships as a culture-building tool 18:04 – M3’s internship model: data science, pharmacy, IT & more 19:46 – What Cyrus learned—and what changed his mind about insurance 21:21 – Interns doing real actuarial and benefits work 22:33 – The human side of the insurance industry 23:40 – Why insurance is complex, valuable, and growing 25:06 – Planning career paths after the internship 26:18 – Final thoughts from all four guests Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn Connect with Moody on Linkedin Connect with M3 Insurance on LinkedIn Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet, Kyle Watts and Matt Sasso talk with Dustin Thome, Executive Vice President of Buckner Insurance in Denver, about their Elite Property Insurance Program. Underwritten by Ascot Specialty, this exclusive product is designed for apartment complexes caught between shrinking standard market appetites and expensive E&S options. Dustin walks through eligibility requirements, underwriting flexibility, competitive commission strategies, and recent success stories. If you’re a broker struggling to place mid-market multifamily risks, this program could be your winning move. Get in touch with the Elite Property Insurance underwriter, Cindy Smith-Tomlinson: 972-666-8740 | [email protected] Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Dustin Thome on Linkedin Connect with Buckner Insurance on LinkedIn Connect with RiskProNet on LinkedIn Timecodes: 00:00 – Welcome to RiskProNet podcast 00:41 – Meet guest Dustin Thome of Buckner Insurance 01:00 – Overview of the Elite Property Insurance Program 01:17 – Market challenges for multifamily property placement 02:13 – Origins of the Elite Property Program 02:59 – Target property types and eligibility 03:57 – What makes a strong submission 05:00 – Broker commission strategies and flexibility 06:29 – Deductible structures and lender compliance 07:26 – Competitive water damage deductible advantage 07:54 – Risks that disqualify a property 09:18 – Key advantages for brokers using the program 10:41 – States where the program operates 11:47 – Where the program excels most 12:32 – Recent success story: winning a Colorado deal 13:58 – Submission process and dedicated underwriter contact 14:43 – Closing thanks and how to learn more

Luis Rivera of Solutions 21 joins host Chip Arenchild to explore the real challenge facing independent insurance agencies: developing the next generation of leaders. From military insights to succession planning analogies, this episode uncovers how brokerages can address generational shifts, preserve institutional knowledge, and build leadership at every level. If you’re navigating retirements, M&A, or growth challenges, this conversation is a must-listen. Stick around for practical advice that blends strategy, human behavior, and hard-won experience. Timecodes 00:00 – Welcome and guest introduction 00:52 – What Solutions 21 does and why it started 02:00 – Why the name “Solutions 21” matters 02:35 – The military connection and leadership philosophy 05:09 – Generational shifts in today’s workforce 06:32 – The silver tsunami and Gen X talent gap 08:11 – Preparing millennials and Gen Z to lead 09:34 – The baton analogy for leadership transition 11:02 – When leadership handoffs go wrong 13:05 – Ideal clients for Solutions 21 14:15 – Leadership lessons from the military 15:48 – The power of 1-on-1s and influence 18:19 – Solutions 21’s work with the Council of Insurance Agents 19:08 – What firms must analyze before investing in people 21:08 – Tools vs. carpenters: how leadership is developed 22:09 – M&A, onboarding, and protecting culture 23:17 – Final takeaways on human capital and agency success Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Luis Rivera on Linkedin Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this follow-up conversation with Jill Epstein, CEO of IABCal, we dive deep into the state of the California insurance marketplace following the devastating January wildfires. Jill walks us through major regulatory shifts, including the commissioner’s new tools, the inclusion of cat modeling and reinsurance in rate applications, and how these changes are impacting carriers and consumers alike. She shares candid insights into how independent brokers are rising to meet the needs of their communities, the evolving role of the FAIR Plan, and what the future may hold for rate approvals, market stabilization, and rebuilding efforts across the state. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction and welcome to Jill Epstein 01:04 New rate reform regulations and timelines 04:19 Cat modeling, reinsurance, and how fires accelerated change 08:18 Brokers’ on-the-ground response and early carrier actions 12:59 FAIR Plan updates and industry leadership during crisis 18:07 Market impact, rate realities, and future carrier return 24:03 E&O risks, sticker shock, and consumer understanding 27:14 Legislation, hope for change, and broker resilience Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Jill Epstein on Linkedin Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet, we continue our insightful conversation with Matt Cranney from M3 Insurance. Matt leads M3 Elevate, a pioneering small business insurance division that redefines how firms approach this crucial market. He shares how M3 transformed its small business unit into a sustainable, profitable, and high-value operation by leveraging advisory-led, tech-supported strategies. We dive deep into key challenges, including how to balance profitability with excellent service, integrate technology efficiently, streamline workflows, and align producer and carrier incentives. If you’re looking to optimize your agency’s small business unit, this is an episode packed with practical takeaways. Tune in for part two of our discussion with Matt Cranney and gain valuable insights into the future of small business insurance. Timecodes 00:00 Introduction: Welcome Back with Matt Cranney 00:47 The Philosophy Behind M3 Elevate’s Success 02:30 Small Business vs. Large Commercial: Navigating the Challenges 05:00 Creating an Agency within an Agency: M3’s Unique Structure 07:17 Cross-Selling & Internal Workflows for Small Business Insurance 10:26 Producer Roles & Expectations in Small Business Units 13:39 Touchpoints & Customer Experience: How Often Should You Engage? 17:13 The Power of Insurance Technology in Small Business Operations 20:21 Why M3 Elevate Took a Cautious Approach to InsurTech Adoption 22:45 Specialization & Growth Strategies for Small Business Accounts 24:50 Managing Workload & Scaling Small Business Books Effectively 27:10 Producer Compensation, Sales Goals, and Performance Tracking 30:05 Carrier Consolidation: Strategy for Building Strong Partnerships 32:26 Key Lessons: What to Avoid When Building a Small Business Unit 35:15 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Matt Cranney on Linkedin Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage with RiskProNet, we sit down with Matt Cranney of M3 insurance to explore the unique approach behind their small commercial unit, M3 Elevate. Matt shares his journey from Liverpool to leading M3 Elevate, the strategies that turned an accommodation service into a thriving agency within an agency, and the intentional decisions that made it possible. From operational challenges to aligning leadership, this episode provides actionable insights for any agency looking to elevate its small business strategy. Stay tuned for a preview of our second session with Matt, where we’ll dive deeper into insurer tech and operational solutions. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and RiskProNet 00:19 Episode overview and guest introduction: Matt Cranney from M3 Elevate 00:51 Matt's personal journey from Liverpool to leading in Wisconsin 02:50 How Matt connected with M3 and started shaping the small business unit 05:04 The evolution of M3’s small business focus and the decision to create M3 Elevate 08:24 Establishing M3 Elevate as an "agency within an agency" 12:33 Aligning internal messaging and branding to gain leadership and team support 15:24 The operational effort behind launching M3 Elevate and early success stories 19:22 Closing remarks: Preview of the next episode with Matt Cranney Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Matt Cranney on Linkedin Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage" with RiskProNet, Cheryl Sanders from Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates in Houston shares her expertise on disaster recovery planning for insurance agencies, drawing from real-life experiences with major hurricanes like Katrina, Rita, and Harvey. Cheryl discusses the evolution from manual backup tapes to cloud-based systems, strategies for maintaining operations during crises, and the importance of staff safety and client communication. She also highlights the challenges posed by modern weather events, internet and cell service disruptions, and the growing need for cybersecurity preparedness. Packed with practical advice, this episode provides value for agencies looking to enhance their disaster recovery plans and better serve their clients. Timecodes 00:00 Introduction – Welcome to "Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage" 00:19 Episode Overview – Disaster recovery planning with Cheryl Sanders 00:44 The Challenge – Lessons from Hurricane Katrina and Rita 03:12 Disaster Recovery Evolution – Moving from manual backups to cloud-based systems 05:18 Modern Challenges – Houston’s increasing climate risks 06:06 Today’s Disaster Plan – Cloud reliance and unexpected hurdles 10:07 Communication Issues – Addressing cell and internet outages 12:18 Claims Reporting – Streamlining the process with proprietary tools 14:01 Staff Preparedness – Training and role clarity for disaster events 15:41 Client Touchpoints – Enhancing empathy and client communication 17:17 Budget Considerations – Allocating resources for disaster recovery 18:09 Cybersecurity – Safeguarding against evolving threats 20:12 Future Planning – Improving employee support during crises 24:45 Closing Remarks – Thank you for tuning in and staying prepared Resources: Become a member at RiskProNet.com Connect with Cheryl Sanders on Linkedin Connect with Chip Arenchild on LinkedIn

In this episode of Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage, we sit down with Matt Sasso, the new Executive Director of RiskProNet. Matt shares insights from his 40-year career in the insurance industry, his motivations for joining RiskProNet, and his vision for its growth. With experience spanning underwriting, marketing, and business development, Matt brings a unique perspective to the organization. He discusses the evolving role of independent agents, opportunities for collective growth, and his goals for RiskProNet's future. Listen in to discover how Matt plans to strengthen relationships within the insurance community while expanding the organization’s reach.  Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction to Know Your Risk and Insurance Coverage 00:19 - Introducing Matt Sasso, New Executive Director of RiskProNet 00:44 - Matt's Initial Impressions of RiskProNet 01:05 - Matt’s 40-Year Career in Insurance 02:20 - Insights from Carrier and Underwriting Experience 03:24 - The Shift in Insurance Brokerage and Independent Agents 05:25 - Matt’s Personal Journey to RiskProNet 08:23 - Vision and Goals for RiskProNet’s Future 11:39 - Enhancing Relationships with Carriers and Members 12:04 - Strategic Growth and Expanding RiskProNet’s Membership 14:19 - Personal Insights: Matt's Family and Hobbies 16:43 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information