Big change isn’t always the answer. Shane and Tonya break down how small, strategic adjustments can create a massive impact on your agency. From tweaking processes to rethinking priorities, learn how to stay nimble, lead with clarity, and build momentum one micro move at a time. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn …

Great ideas don’t build successful agencies, action does! Shane and Tonya discuss why taking big swings (and sometimes missing) is the only way to truly grow. From overcoming analysis paralysis to tuning out the noise of social media “experts,” they share real-life stories and practical advice for agency owners ready to stop overthinking and start …

Shane and Tonya tackle the cultural obsession with busyness and unpack why a full calendar doesn’t always equal fulfillment. From personal stories to leadership lessons, they explore how agency owners can shift from hustle mode to healthy balance without sacrificing success. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more…

Shane and Tonya tee off with a conversation about what The Masters can teach us about agency ownership. From Rory McIlroy’s daughter reminding him, “You already know how to play golf,” to recognizing the value of your own strengths and systems, this episode is about presence, persistence, and trusting yourself. IA Forward to can help you take your …

Shane and Tonya discuss the rise of insurance influencers, the pressure to chase visibility over sustainability, and the challenge of rethinking your agency’s direction to create a business that aligns with your goals and works for you. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forwar…

Resilience isn’t just a word, it’s a way of showing up when things get tough. In this episode, Shane and Tonya dive into what resilience really looks like in the independent agency world, why relationships matter more than ever, and how honest conversations can move your business forward. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to gre…

Shane and Tonya talk AI in the independent insurance channel with special guests Chad Jackson and Justin White of Strawberry Antler. From automating quoting to solving real agency problems, they explore how AI can transform the way small and midsize agencies operate, why AI isn’t as intimidating as it sounds, and how it can turn efficiency into opp…

Excess and surplus lines (E&S) can open up new opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Shane and Tonya break down the common fumbles agents make, share how to avoid costly mistakes, decide when to say no, and discuss how build the processes that make E&S business work for your agency. IA Forward to can help you take your ag…

When Southwest Airlines starts charging for checked bags, it’s more than a policy change; it’s a brand identity crisis. Shane and Tonya discuss how staying true to your agency’s unique strengths, rather than chasing trends or comparisons, is the key to long-term success and avoiding burnout. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to …

What if the real key to success is JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out)? Shane and Tonya break down how to stay focused, make intentional decisions, and let your business serve you—rather than the other way around. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and …

Feeling frustrated with the lack of control in the insurance industry? Shane and Toya discuss how independent agents can move beyond frustration and take action. From carrier councils to industry advocacy, learn how to create real change for your agency and the industry. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at …

Shane and Tonya sit down with Justin and Aaron Husman of The Phoenix Insurance to discuss the mindset shift from “helping people” to strategically running a successful agency. They discuss building a business with intention, protecting your time, selecting employees and clients, and making decisions that set your agency up for real growth and profi…

The best way to connect with clients is through storytelling, not by being boring or overly technical. Shane and Tonya discuss into the power of 60-second stories that turn real-life lessons into personal, memorable, and successful sales moments. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow…

Does agency size determine success? Shane and Tonya break down the challenges of scaling, the myths around agency size, and why success isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this special anniversary episode, they reflect back on lessons learned over the last three years on IA Forward, and what it really takes to build an agency that works for you long-term. …

Tonya is joined by Kristyn Klaes and Kylie Lowery to explore the power of personalization in the insurance industry, strategies for making every client interaction meaningful, and setting your agency apart from the competition. They discuss how building genuine relationships with clients leads to long-term loyalty, stronger retention, and increased…

Shane and Tonya explore what it takes to thrive through challenges, from navigating a hard market to managing client expectation, and reveal their Words of the Year for 2025. Tune in for insights on staying steady, pushing forward, and embracing the opportunities that come with adversity. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to gre…

Shane and Tonya explore the shifting perceptions of financial success, diving into surprising salary and net worth expectations. Listen for insights on building realistic goals, managing "expense creep," and finding true financial fulfillment in business and life. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforwa…

Shane and Tonya dive into the eternal struggle between following directions and blazing your own trail. From puffer jackets to agency best practices, they explore how independent agents can balance tradition with innovation to drive success. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA F…

Celebrate with Shane and Tonya in the 250th episode of IA Forward! From the power of discipline over motivation to the best way to create a "stop-doing list," this one is full of practical insights, a look back at the most popular episodes, and a thank you to the listeners who made it all possible. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from g…

Shane and Tonya kick off the new year by exploring how independent insurance agents can Reflect, Realign, and Reset to set themselves up for success in 2025. They share insights on identifying what’s essential, eliminating distractions, and building a strong foundation for intentional growth. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to…

In this special New Year’s Eve episode, Shane and Tonya reflect on timeless lessons from holiday movies and how they can inspire your business and life as we welcome 2025. From the authenticity of Elf to the resilience of A Charlie Brown Christmas, discover insights to start your new year with purpose and a fresh perspective. 4o IA Forward to can h…

In this Christmas Eve episode, Shane and Tonya explore how independent insurance agents make a meaningful difference, turning unexpected challenges into opportunities to serve. From protecting families to creating lasting impacts, this episode unwraps the true value of what agents bring to their communities. IA Forward to can help you take your age…

Shane and Tonya discuss how carriers are pivoting for growth in 2025 amid shifting market pressures. From the disruptive Geico Effect to renewed focus on auto lines, they explore what these changes mean for independent agents. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on Linke…

Shane and Tonya break down Progressive's recent decision to exit the dwelling fire insurance market and explain why it’s not the catastrophe some agents fear. They discuss how this move will open new opportunities for homeowner’s capacity and give practical advice on adapting to industry changes. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from goo…

Shane and Tonya discuss the potential shift to a softer commercial market and what it means for independent agencies. They explore how a new market cycle can impact growth opportunities and share strategies to stay competitive. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on Link…

Join Shane and Tonya for a special Thanksgiving week episode as they share heartfelt reflections on gratitude, holiday traditions, and the power of building meaningful relationships in business and life. From turkey, dressing, and football rivalries to showing appreciation for carriers and clients, this episode is packed with insights to fuel your …

Shane and Tonya explore why salespeople often get sold on the next big thing, from spray-painted grass to shiny new software. They share practical strategies for avoiding impulsive decisions, questioning the need for change, and focusing on tools and processes that truly enhance your agency’s success. IA Forward to can help you take your agency fro…

Shane and Tonya explore how choosing gratitude and maintaining a positive perspective can make all the difference, even in the toughest of markets. They share personal stories, practical tips, and the importance of leading by example, reminding us that a mindset shift can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. IA Forward to c…

Shane and Tonya discuss venting up, carrier relationships, the danger of falling into lazy selling" habits, and strategies to keep your agency’s growth and profitability on track. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.…

What do a historic Vanderbilt football upset and independent insurance agencies have in common? More than you’d think! In this episode, Shane and Tonya discuss rethinking what it means to be a game changer in the insurance world. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on Li…

Shane and Tonya discuss the social media trend labeling insurance as a "scam," and what insurance professionals can do to educate consumers and change the narrative without fueling unnecessary conflict. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Insta…

Shane and Tonya dive into the realities of hurricane season, discussing how agency owners can lead with empathy during natural disasters, balance the challenges of insurance claims and industry pressures, and offer authentic support to those affected. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and f…

Beaux Pilgrim from IA Blueprint joins Shane and Tonya to share insights on leveraging technology, automation, and peer-to-peer learning through management system user groups. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.…

Shane and Tonya discuss the introduction of a new CSR role in Integra’s retail agency, and how this three-layered structure can help agencies of all sizes grow more efficiently, improve client retention, and empower your team to focus on what they do best. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, …

Shane and Tonya explore how independent insurance agencies can thrive by turning chaos into opportunity. Drawing inspiration from the famous Sun Tzu quote, they discuss strategies for navigating market challenges, managing chaos in both personal and professional life, and finding unexpected opportunities for growth. IA Forward to can help you take …

Shane and Tonya talk carrier updates and market shifts. Tune in for an episode filled with insights, a bit of speculation, and a dash of gossip on the latest industry trends. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.…

Shane and Tonya discuss strategies to help your customers understand the reasons behind rising auto premiums and how to effectively turn a difficult topic into an opportunity to build trust. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.…

Shane and Tonya explore the different sales personas—hunters, farmers, and trappers, how understanding these roles can help you build a more effective team, and why the right mix of skills and personalities is crucial for your agency’s growth and success. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, a…

Shane and Tonya discuss the right timing and strategies for growth and how to expand your team while preserving the personalized service your clients love. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.…

Shane and Tonya explore the decisions involved in shaping your agency’s identity. From the importance of branding to creating a strong company culture, they offer insights into business growth and impact. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Ins…

Shane and Tonya discuss the importance of staying true to your own vision in the independent agency world, as well as exploring the pitfalls of chasing others' dreams, the value of authenticity, and how to build a business that aligns with your personal goals and strengths. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more …

Shane and Tonya discuss the contentious political climate, the impact of polarized opinions on small business owners, and should agency owners take a political stance on their personal and business social media pages. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Face…

How can managing expectations enhance satisfaction in your personal and professional life? Shane and Tonya share insights on balancing bucket list experiences with business goals, setting realistic expectations, and nurturing relationships. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Fo…

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Texas, Shane and Tonya discuss how technology and proactive planning can help you support your clients and maintain business operations during and after significant weather events. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Fa…

Shane and Tonya discuss the importance of mid-year check-ins to reassess goals, make necessary adjustments, find alternate uses for existing tools and resources, and adapt business strategies for long-term success. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Faceboo…

Shane and Tonya discuss the negative talk prevalent within the insurance industry, strategies for promoting positivity, and the importance of a positive mindset in transforming conversations and customer interactions. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Face…

A unique takeover episode featuring D1 Softball player Olivia Bruno, Kylie Lowry, and Tonya, discussing fresh perspectives on leadership, success, and the evolving role of Gen Z in the insurance industry. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Ins…

Shane and Tonya discuss the TV show Welcome to Wrexham, and draw parallels to the insurance industry: emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent approach, rather than focusing on industry changes or market cycles; understanding one's niche; and playing the infinite game. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Le…

From global issues affecting the insurance market to interpersonal challenges within your agency, Shane and Tonya discuss practical strategies to navigate and resolve conflicts effectively, leading with empathy and strength, and ensuring a thriving business environment. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at i…

Shane and Tonya discuss the pressure to equate busyness with success, the effects on mental health and work-life balance, their personal experiences of being overbooked, and finding fulfillment beyond the hustle. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook,…