The Independent Roadmap

What happens when you combine the premium of over 5,200 independent insurance agencies? You get $18.1 billion in negotiating power.In Episode 4 of The Independent Roadmap, James Roberts and John Scheer dive into the history and massive scale of SIAA (the parent network of MIAA). Originating in the 1980s to combat carriers slashing commissions, SIAA has grown into the number one aggregator in the United States.But scale is only half the story. James and John break down exactly how SIAA leverages this size to provide members with cutting-edge, proprietary technology and unparalleled market access.In this episode, we cover:The SIAA Origin Story: How the network was built to protect independent agencies from carrier commission cuts.Proprietary AI (Agency IQ): Why SIAA completely bought out an AI company rather than just renting software, giving members a tech platform driven entirely by their own needs.Vetted Tech Stacks: How you get access to the largest software discounts in the industry for tools that have actually been tested by thousands of members.Market Access & Direct Appointments: Why you own and control your carrier relationships from day one, plus how to leverage the in-house MGA (Exchange) and access over 200 Life & Health carriers via Crump.Don't just produce—own your legacy.Resources Mentioned:Connect with James Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-roberts-kc/Connect with John Scheer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scheer-lincoln/Attend the next SIAA Informational Session: https://www.siaa.com/introduction-to-siaa-webinar/

You hear the acronyms all the time, but what exactly is MIAA, and how does it actually help you grow your book of business?In Episode 3 of The Independent Roadmap, hosts James Roberts and John Scheer pull back the curtain on the Midwest Insurance Agency Alliance (MIAA). Since 2001, MIAA has grown into the largest master agency of SIAA, supporting over 220 members and writing more than $600 million in premium.But it’s not just about size—it’s about structure. James and John break down the exact support system you get from day one, and reveal the massive financial wins MIAA members experienced in 2025.In this episode, we cover:The Support System: Why you get an assigned "Onboarder" for your first 90 days out of the captive world, plus "Agency Growth Coaches" in the trenches with you daily.The Tech Advantage: How MIAA acquired an AI company to build proprietary tech that helps members scale their largest assets.The 2025 Financial Win: How MIAA doubled year-end contingency bonuses from $3 million to over $6 million—and why they are contractually obligated to share that money directly with you.If you are ready to stop building someone else's legacy and start building your own, this is the blueprint.Resources Mentioned:Connect with James Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-roberts-kc/Connect with John Scheer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scheer-lincoln/Attend the next SIAA Informational Session: https://www.siaa.com/introduction-to-siaa-webinar/Don't just produce—own your legacy.

As we close out the first quarter of 2026, are we still in a hard market, or are things beginning to soften?In this episode of The Independent Roadmap, co-hosts James Roberts and John Scheer share exclusive insights from their recent meetings with national partner carriers. Whether you are focused on personal or commercial lines, understanding carrier appetite is critical to growing your book of business this year.In this episode, we cover:Personal Lines: Why "profitability" is the buzzword for 2026, how carriers are navigating recent Midwest wildfires, and why we are finally seeing expanded guidelines for roof ages (up to 15-20 years in the Midwest!).Commercial Lines: The return of Habitational (HAB) products to standard carriers from the E&S space, the extremely soft Workers' Comp market, and expanding property appetites.Industry News: Updates on Liberty Mutual taking on State Auto products and Safeco rebranding.If you want to stay ahead of the curve and maximize your market access, this episode is a must-listen.Resources Mentioned:Connect with James Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-roberts-kc/Connect with John Scheer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scheer-lincoln/Attend the next SIAA Informational Session: https://www.siaa.com/introduction-to-siaa-webinar/Don't just produce—own your legacy.

Are you tired of building someone else's book of business? Welcome to The Independent Roadmap, the podcast dedicated to helping you navigate the modern landscape of the independent insurance agency channel.In our debut episode, co-hosts James Roberts and John Scheer (Regional Vice Presidents at MIAA and SIAA) introduce themselves and the core mission of the show. With decades of combined experience in agency recruiting, commercial producing, and claims, James and John break down why there has never been a better time to transition to the independent side.In this episode, we cover:Who we are and the territories we serve within MIAA/SIAA.Why building your own independent agency is the ultimate path to creating a lasting legacy and generational wealth.What to expect in future episodes: from surviving your first year to buying an agency, growing revenue, and perpetuation planning.We want to hear from you! Connect with us on LinkedIn and let us know what challenges you are facing in the insurance space right now.Resources Mentioned:Connect with James Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-roberts-kc/Connect with John Scheer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scheer-lincoln/Attend the next SIAA Informational Session: https://www.siaa.com/introduction-to-siaa-webinar/Don't just produce—own your legacy.