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Join Dennis and Stephanie on this insurance podcast as they navigate the industry from their studio in the Texas heat. We are settling in for another session of Insurance Gone Wild. If you are looking for independent insurance agents who actually tell it like it is, you have found the right place. We are cutting through the noise to help you understand your coverage options without the corporate jargon. Whether you are dealing with tricky policy language or just trying to make sense of your benefits, this Texas insurance discussion keeps things practical. We want to ensure you are fully informed and protected, regardless of the climate outside. Subscribe for weekly insurance education breakdowns, and let us know what topics you want us to cover next. Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093 0:00 Dealing with the Texas Heat3:34 A Winter Trip to Chicago6:37 Introducing the Panvesters Program10:44 The Overlooked Risks of Rental Insurance15:18 Navigating Complex Rental Strategies24:51 Streamlining Your Insurance Portfolio

That insurance company ranked #1 on TikTok? That “expert” telling you which carriers to avoid? That Facebook ad promising an unbelievably cheap rate? Maybe don’t take their word for it. In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie issue a PSA about the insurance advice flooding social media—and why doing your own research matters. Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. A carrier that performs well in one state, city, or region may be a completely different story somewhere else. Even the language inside the policy can dramatically change what you're actually buying. Dennis and Stephanie break down insurance company “tier lists,” TikTok financial advice, misleading Facebook ads, lead-generation companies collecting and selling your information, and why the cheapest quote doesn't necessarily mean you're getting the coverage you think you are. They also explain why working with a knowledgeable independent agent can give you something an online ranking can't: context. The takeaway? Use social media as a starting point—not the final word. Ask questions, understand where the information is coming from, and make sure the policy actually fits YOUR situation. Because when it comes to insurance, a policy is not a policy is not a policy. #InsuranceGoneWild #Insurance #InsuranceTips #InsuranceAdvice #HomeInsurance #AutoInsurance #IndependentInsuranceAgent Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

After all these episodes talking about insurance, there’s really only one question left: Have Dennis and Stephanie actually been listening to each other? This week on Insurance Gone Wild, they're putting it to the test. Stephanie quizzes Dennis on health insurance and employee benefits, while Dennis fires back with commercial insurance questions—and somehow this turns into one of the most educational episodes they've done. They tackle HMOs vs. PPOs, copays vs. coinsurance, commercial property penalties, EPLI, prescription formularies, Manufacturers E&O, HSAs vs. FSAs, additional insureds, qualifying life events and plenty more. Some answers are surprisingly impressive. Some require a little help. And several eventually arrive at everyone's favorite insurance answer: “It depends.” Along the way, Dennis and Stephanie break down why a business insured for the wrong replacement value could get hammered at claim time, how employment practices claims can come from unexpected places, why your insurance company may prefer one prescription over another, and how seemingly tiny wording differences can completely change commercial coverage. So play along. How many questions can you answer before Dennis or Stephanie does? And more importantly… who actually wins the Insurance Gone Wild quiz? ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Insurance Gone Wild Quiz00:58 – Have Dennis & Stephanie Actually Been Listening?02:25 – HMO vs. PPO: What's the Difference?05:48 – The $2 Million Building Insurance Question07:14 – How a Coinsurance Penalty Really Works11:06 – Copay vs. Coinsurance12:50 – What Covers a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit?14:28 – What the Heck Is a Drug Formulary?15:58 – GLP-1 Drugs, Coverage & Why Plans Differ20:27 – The Robotic Equipment Insurance Problem22:31 – Manufacturers E&O Explained24:41 – What General Liability Actually Pays For25:51 – Can You Have an HSA AND an FSA?27:54 – HSA vs. FSA: The Big Differences29:31 – What Does “Additional Insured” Actually Mean?30:40 – Named Insured vs. Additional Named Insured33:10 – Why Policy Language Changes Everything34:38 – Name Four Qualifying Life Events36:47 – So… Did They Actually Learn Anything?37:12 – The Official Answer: “It Depends” Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

Everyone keeps saying AI is coming for insurance agents… But is it? In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie discuss where artificial intelligence is actually helping the insurance industry—and where it's creating even more frustration. From endless chatbot loops and impossible customer service experiences to underwriting, healthcare approvals, and buying insurance online, they explain why insurance is still too complicated for AI to handle on its own. The conversation also dives into the growing role of insurance advisors versus order takers, why "cheaper" quotes aren't always real quotes, and how technology should be making life easier—not adding more roadblocks. Whether you're shopping for coverage, frustrated with automated customer service, or wondering if AI will eventually replace insurance professionals, this episode offers a realistic look at where the industry is headed. In this episode you'll learn: Why AI still struggles with complex insurance questionsThe difference between an insurance agent and an insurance advisorWhy online insurance sales have started to level offHow misleading preliminary quotes create problemsWhy customer service has become more frustrating than everWhere AI actually helps the insurance industryHow carriers could use technology to improve relationships instead of creating barriers⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – It's Been One of Those Weeks02:15 – Weddings, Life Changes & New Insurance Needs05:40 – Can AI Really Replace Insurance Agents?08:58 – Why Insurance Is Too Complex for AI Alone12:18 – The Rise of the Insurance Advisor15:06 – Chatbots, Hold Times & Customer Service Frustrations18:44 – The Truth About "Instant" Insurance Quotes22:11 – Underwriting: What Most People Never See25:37 – Why Healthcare Offices Are Drowning in Phone Calls29:26 – Technology Should Make Life Easier… So Why Doesn't It?33:02 – The Corporate Incentives Behind Bad Customer Experiences37:41 – What Makes a Great Insurance Representative?41:12 – Final Thoughts: AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

You leave your job… A COBRA packet shows up in the mail… …and suddenly you're expected to make one of the biggest health insurance decisions of your life. In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis Meyer and Stephanie Lynch break down what COBRA insurance actually is, who qualifies for it, how long it lasts, and—most importantly—whether it's really your best option. While COBRA can provide valuable continuity of coverage, many people automatically enroll without realizing there may be less expensive alternatives available through the Marketplace or private plans. Dennis and Stephanie explain when COBRA makes sense, when it doesn't, and the questions you should ask before writing that first premium check. In this episode, they discuss: What COBRA insurance actually isWho qualifies for COBRA coverageWhy COBRA premiums often feel so expensiveHow long COBRA benefits can lastWhen Marketplace plans may be a better optionWhy timing matters when changing health insuranceCommon mistakes people make after leaving a jobHow to avoid gaps in coverage during a transition Whether you're changing jobs, retiring early, being laid off, or simply planning ahead, this episode will help you better understand one of the most misunderstood parts of health insurance. Before you assume COBRA is your only choice, give this episode a listen. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – How This Topic Came Up01:20 – What Is COBRA Insurance?02:30 – What Does COBRA Actually Stand For?03:00 – Who Qualifies for COBRA Coverage?05:00 – When COBRA Makes Sense08:30 – Why COBRA Costs So Much11:15 – Are There Better Options?15:20 – COBRA vs. Marketplace Health Plans18:00 – How Long Can You Stay on COBRA?20:00 – Important Enrollment Deadlines22:15 – Early Retirement & Coverage Gaps25:30 – Common COBRA Mistakes to Avoid27:45 – Questions to Ask Before You Enroll30:00 – Final Advice for Anyone Leaving Their Job Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

UnitedHealthcare just announced one of the biggest health insurance changes in years. By the end of 2026, the company plans to eliminate prior authorization requirements for roughly 67% of pediatric services—meaning many families could see faster approvals for MRIs, specialist visits, routine surgeries, sleep studies, and more. Sounds like a huge win... But is it? In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis Settle Meyer and Stephanie Lincioni break down what this announcement really means for parents, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and ultimately every consumer paying for health insurance. They discuss why prior authorization exists in the first place, why doctors and hospitals have been pushing for change, and whether removing these guardrails could unintentionally drive healthcare costs even higher. The conversation also explores an important perspective many people overlook: while everyone wants faster access to care, somebody still has to pay the bill. Inside this episode: Why UnitedHealthcare is eliminating pediatric pre-authorizationsWhich medical services are affectedWhy prior authorization frustrates doctors, hospitals, and familiesThe hidden purpose behind pre-auth requirementsCould removing approvals lead to unnecessary testing?Will health insurance premiums eventually increase?Why parents should always advocate for their childrenWhether other insurance carriers are likely to follow Rather than taking sides, Dennis and Stephanie examine both the opportunities and unintended consequences of one of the biggest healthcare policy changes of the year. Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, employer, or simply someone trying to understand where health insurance is headed, this episode offers valuable perspective on a rapidly changing industry. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – UnitedHealthcare's Major Announcement01:05 – What Is Prior Authorization?03:32 – Why Pre-Auth Exists in the First Place06:56 – Every Parent Should Be an Advocate08:50 – How Delays Impact Families10:32 – The 67% Rule Explained11:17 – Which Pediatric Services Are Changing?15:13 – Why Doctors Have Been Fighting This for Years16:53 – The Statistics Behind Prior Authorization18:51 – Faster Care vs. Higher Costs22:36 – Could This Lead to Unnecessary Testing?25:01 – Using AI to Help Structure Conversations26:40 – Will Other Insurance Companies Follow?29:27 – What Happens If Everyone Plays Their Part?31:10 – Final Thoughts on the Future of Healthcare Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

Nobody likes talking about death. But your family will have to. In this deeply personal episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis shares what he's experiencing firsthand while helping settle the affairs of an elderly couple—and why it's convinced him that life insurance is only one piece of the puzzle. The conversation goes far beyond policies and premiums. Dennis and Stephanie discuss the emotional, financial, and logistical chaos families face when there's no plan, no instructions, and no organization. From finding life insurance policies and dealing with banks to navigating funeral arrangements, powers of attorney, and estate documents, they explain why one simple decision today can save your loved ones months—or even years—of stress. Inside this episode: Why life insurance is only part of protecting your familyThe documents every family should have organizedWhy "I'll get to it later" creates chaos for everyone elseThe biggest mistakes families make after losing a loved oneHow to remove the guesswork for the people you love mostWhy writing your wishes down may be the greatest gift you'll ever leaveThis isn't a conversation about preparing to die. It's a conversation about making life easier for the people you love after you're gone. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – The Storm That Started This Conversation02:23 – Life Can Change in an Instant07:33 – Why Life Insurance Matters More Than You Think10:48 – Don't Leave Your Family Guessing13:23 – The Hidden Cost of Poor Planning15:55 – No Family Has Ever Turned Down a Life Insurance Check16:36 – Choosing the Right Policy for Your Stage of Life19:18 – Why Even Single People Should Have a Plan22:06 – You Can't Predict the Storm24:24 – The Nightmare of Finding Important Documents27:02 – Why the System Makes Everything Harder30:39 – The One Thing Dennis Wishes Everyone Would Do Today

Is life insurance a scam? Is investing your money instead a better idea? And do you really need it if you're young and healthy? In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie respond to real comments from listeners and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding life insurance. The conversation gets passionate as they explain why term life insurance is often far more affordable than people think, why waiting can be one of the most expensive financial mistakes you'll ever make, and why protecting your family isn't about making someone rich—it's about buying them time when they need it most. They also dive into another hot topic: public adjusters. Are they worth hiring on every roof claim, or can they actually end up costing homeowners more money? Whether you agree or disagree, this episode challenges some of the most common opinions circulating online and separates feelings from facts when it comes to protecting your financial future. If you've ever wondered whether life insurance is really necessary, this is an episode you don't want to miss. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Responding to Your Comments01:25 – "If You Can't Afford It, You Can't Afford NOT to Have It"04:30 – Feelings vs. Facts About Life Insurance07:03 – Why Young Families Need Protection09:59 – Investing vs. Buying Life Insurance11:25 – Life Insurance Buys Time During Crisis15:33 – Protecting Stay-at-Home Parents & Breadwinners16:28 – The Biggest Misconceptions About Life Insurance22:29 – Do Single People Need Life Insurance?24:19 – Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?27:25 – When Public Adjusters Actually Make Sense29:40 – Final Thoughts & Listener Questions Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

It started as a conversation about insurance... And quickly turned into a therapy session for just about everyone living in 2026. In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie tackle the growing frustration many consumers are feeling as prices continue to rise, health insurance becomes increasingly difficult to navigate, and information overload leaves people feeling stuck. From skyrocketing health insurance premiums and shrinking benefits to the constant pressure of being connected 24/7, this conversation explores why so many people feel exhausted—and what can actually be done about it. Along the way, they discuss:  Why health insurance costs continue to rise  The reality behind ACA plans and alternative coverage options  How employers are struggling with massive renewal increases  The concept of "choosing your discomfort" when evaluating coverage  Why information overload is creating decision paralysis  The difference between health insurance and actual healthcare  How consumers and agents are dealing with the same frustrations This episode is less about policies and paperwork—and more about the real-world impact insurance, healthcare, inflation, and uncertainty are having on everyday people. If you've ever looked at a renewal and thought, "You've got to be kidding me," this episode is for you. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – It's Been a Long Year Already 02:09 – Information Overload & Decision Paralysis 04:34 – Protecting Your Family in Uncertain Times 06:11 – Are Insurance Markets Finally Stabilizing? 07:20 – Why Health Insurance Keeps Getting More Expensive 09:16 – Alternatives to Traditional ACA Coverage 10:04 – "Choose Your Discomfort" 11:07 – The Employer Health Insurance Crisis 13:24 – Why People Shut Down When Talking About Insurance 14:38 – We're Consumers Too 17:25 – The Sticker Shock of Health Insurance Renewals 18:40 – Is the Healthcare System Reaching a Breaking Point? 20:19 – Health Insurance vs. Healthcare 22:42 – Why Nobody Knows What to Believe Anymore 23:19 – Living in a 24/7 World 24:24 – Society Is Tired, Confused & Overwhelmed 25:05 – Final Thoughts & Listener Feedback Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

You set up the LLC.You bought the rental property.You got insurance. So you’re protected… right? Maybe not. In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie welcome investment property insurance specialist Todd Burnell to break down one of the biggest mistakes real estate investors make: 👉 Your insurance policy might not actually match your property ownership. And if the deed, LLC, and policy aren’t structured correctly?A lawsuit could expose way more than just the property. Todd explains: Why the phrase “the policy should follow the deed” mattersHow improperly structured LLCs can destroy your liability protectionThe difference between short-term and long-term rental risksWhy some major insurance carriers can’t properly insure LLC-owned homesHow investors are saving thousands by restructuring their coverageAnd why bundling multiple rental homes under one commercial policy can completely change the game The episode also dives into vacant property risks, renovations, water damage exclusions, umbrella policies, and how lowering insurance costs can actually help investors scale faster. If you own investment property—or plan to—this is the kind of episode you listen to before something goes wrong. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back & Meet Todd Burnell00:02:04 – The Insurance Problems Property Investors Don’t See00:07:48 – “What’s the Name of the LLC?”00:10:30 – Why the Policy MUST Match the Deed00:14:21 – Property Damage vs. Lawsuit Exposure00:18:01 – How LLCs Actually Protect Your Assets00:21:44 – Short-Term Rentals = Bigger Risks00:24:25 – The One Policy Strategy Saving Investors Thousands00:26:35 – Renovations, Vacant Homes & Coverage Gaps00:29:15 – The Hidden Risk After 60 Days Vacant00:30:29 – The 80% Coverage Strategy Explained00:31:47 – Lower Premiums Can Help You Scale Faster00:35:21 – Final Advice for Property Investors & Landlords

It’s time for the annual Airing of the Grievances… insurance edition. In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie vent about the thing everyone in insurance secretly complains about: 📞 endless hold times🤖 automated systems that solve nothing📧 underwriting departments that disappear for days📂 claims adjusters who never call back💸 rising premiums with shrinking coverage From fighting phone trees and broken billing systems to commercial underwriting games that make zero sense, this episode is basically therapy for insurance agents… and probably for clients too. Along the way, they break down: Why customer service in insurance feels worse than everHow AI is changing the industry (and not always for the better)The hidden frustrations behind claims handling and underwritingWhy agents are stuck balancing honesty with carrier relationshipsAnd the phrases that magically make claims departments move faster 👀 If you’ve ever yelled “REPRESENTATIVE!” into your phone while trying to fix an insurance problem…this episode is for you. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Festivus for the Insurance Industry00:02:30 – “The Carriers Have Gone Downhill”00:05:41 – The Portal, the Phone Tree & the Endless Waiting00:08:42 – Why Talking to a Human Feels Impossible00:10:22 – AI Customer Service Is Already Here00:13:06 – Billing Problems Nobody Can Explain00:16:36 – Spam Calls vs. Actual Insurance Calls00:19:22 – Claims Adjusters That Vanish Into Thin Air00:23:17 – The Secret Phrases That Get Claims Moving00:25:10 – Commercial Underwriting Games & Delays00:31:23 – Why Health Insurance Keeps Getting Worse00:35:42 – Why Insurance Agents Get Frustrated Too00:40:52 – What’s YOUR Biggest Insurance Grievance? Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

Storm season is here—and if you think a little wind or hail means a brand-new roof, you might be in for a rude awakening. In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie break down what really happens when storms hit your home, your car, and your insurance policy. From wind vs. hail claims to the frustrating truth about partial roof replacements, they unpack the biggest misconceptions homeowners have during storm season. They also dive into why your neighbor getting a new roof means absolutely nothing for your claim, how cheap shingles can cost you thousands later, and why flood risk is way more common than you think—even in the middle of the city. Plus, they cover real-world scenarios like lightning strikes on vehicles, wind-blown debris damage, and the one thing you should always prioritize over your property when things go sideways. If you own a home, a car, or frankly… anything—this episode will save you headaches, money, and possibly a massive insurance mistake. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00:00 – Storm Season Is Here (And It’s Worse Than You Think)00:06:01 – Why Wind Damage Rarely Means a Full Roof Replacement00:10:08 – The Truth About Wind-Blown Rain (And What’s Not Covered)00:11:22 – Your Neighbor’s Claim Means Nothing for You00:14:07 – Tree Damage, Bad Faith Claims & Avoiding Disaster00:17:05 – What Actually Counts as Auto Insurance Coverage in Storms00:21:31 – Cheap Shingles = Expensive Problems Later00:24:07 – Flood Zones Aren’t Where You Think They Are00:27:19 – You Can’t Stop Water… So What Do You Do? Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

Most business owners think they’re covered… until they’re not. In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie pull back the curtain on the wild world of commercial insurance—and yeah… it’s worse than you think. We’re talking: A jiu-jitsu gym classified as a building materials dealer (??)A 24-hour restaurant with zero liquor liabilityClaims that were approved… then mysteriously “disappeared”And business owners paying for policies that basically protect… nothing The scary part?None of these people knew anything was wrong. This episode is part horror story, part masterclass—breaking down how bad classifications, lazy agents, and blind trust can cost you everything. And if you’re a business owner thinking “that would never happen to me”…you might want to double-check your policy after this one. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – “Is Insurance… Insured?” (Welcome to the Chaos)00:05:34 – The Restaurant That Had Coverage… But Not Really00:10:19 – The $94K Claim That Got Buried (Yes, Seriously)00:17:18 – Why You Can’t Just Trust Your Agent00:24:42 – When Cheap Insurance Gets Very Expensive Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote!Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/Call: 817-753-0093

What do a comedian, a fake deer accident, and a totaled car have in common? Apparently… a masterclass in what not to do with your insurance claim. In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie break down a viral comedy bit that raises a very real question: 👉 Could you actually fool an insurance company with a “creative” claim? From staged deer collisions (yes… involving venison 😳) to real-life stories of swerving for animals and totaling cars, this episode walks the fine line between hilarious and highly illegal. Along the way, you’ll learn: Why insurance companies care more about what you hit than why you swerved The difference between comprehensive vs. collision coverage (and why it matters more than you think) What a “phantom vehicle” is—and why it rarely works in your favor And why honesty in a claim might save you a LOT more than a clever story ever could Bottom line: It might sound genius… until it turns into fraud. 🎧 Hit play for laughs, real talk, and the kind of insurance advice you didn’t know you needed. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Lighting Problems & Studio Chaos 00:02:29 – The Viral “Fake Deer” Insurance Story 00:05:35 – Swerving vs. Hitting: What Insurance Actually Wants 00:09:36 – Phantom Vehicles & Who’s Really at Fault 00:18:40 – Fraud Stories That (Shockingly) Got Paid 00:24:34 – Commercials, Confusion & Classic Banter Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote! Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/ Call: 817-753-0093

Life insurance gets misunderstood… a LOT. In this episode of Insurance Gone Wild, Dennis and Stephanie break down why life insurance isn’t about “getting rich when someone dies”… and why that mindset is completely missing the point. From the classic “buy term and invest the rest” debate to the controversial topic of life insurance for kids, this episode tackles the real questions people ask—but don’t always understand. They dig into: Why life insurance is actually the most important policy you can have The truth about term vs permanent insurance Why most people fail at “invest the rest” How life insurance can be used for retirement (LIRP strategy) And the uncomfortable—but important—conversation around protecting your family financially This one isn’t just about policies… it’s about peace of mind, discipline, and making sure your family isn’t left scrambling. 👉 Bottom line: Life insurance isn’t about death. It’s about what happens to the people you leave behind. 📞 Have questions? Reach out to the team and build a strategy that actually fits your life. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00:00 – The Most Important Insurance (And Why People Avoid It) 00:02:21 – Biggest Life Insurance Misconceptions 00:07:39 – Term vs Permanent: What Actually Matters 00:13:58 – Life Insurance for Kids (The Most Misunderstood Strategy) 00:18:31 – The Reality of Loss & Financial Stress 00:20:48 – Using Life Insurance for Retirement (LIRP Explained) 00:22:48 – So… Which Policy Should You Choose? Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsuranceGoneWild Get a Quote! Panatela Group: https://panatelagroup.com/ Call: 817-753-0093