Navigating the Peaks and Valleys of Building a Scratch Agency with Donald Shampine

The Scratch Agency Podcast Episode 36! Don shares his experiences and valuable insights throughout the episode, shedding light on the realities of starting an agency from scratch and the importance of continuous learning in the ever-changing insurance industry. Discover the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the mindset required to navigate the extreme peaks and valleys of building a scratch agency. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned insurance professional, or simply curious about the industry, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and expert knowledge. - Introduction to today’s show 0:00 - Working for a more prominent agency gave me false confidence about my understanding of the industry 2:19 - When starting a scratch agency, a wealth of information and support is available to you. 3:55 - Checking your ego at the door and being curious. 7:33 - Why it’s so critical to be a student of the industry and engage in a meaningful way with other people in a peer-to-peer manner 14:42 - You must have the grit and the discipline to go through the extreme peaks and valleys of success. 17:32 - The importance of building a strong culture in your business. 20:43 - What would be a good idea for you to start? 26:12 - Gather as much information as possible about the industry as possible. 29:16 - What is a restaurant and bar insurance program? 32:35 - What does education do for your business? 39:30 - Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable. 42:02 - The one thing I would have done differently. 44:53