Articles by Catherine Oak and Bill Schoeffler

Oak is the founder of the consulting firm, Oak & Associates, based in Northern California and Central Oregon. Oak & Associates. Phone: 707-935-6565. Email: catoak@gmail.com.

Industry Trends to Exploit for 2025 – Part Two

This article follows Part One from last month and covers group benefits and health insurance, the effects of natural disasters on insurance, insurtech and technology, and market conditions. Group Benefits and Health Insurance Today’s younger employees expect benefits packages to …

Industry Trends to Exploit for 2025 – Part One

Agency owners must observe and learn about significant new trends in the insurance industry. The following are three critical industry trends insurance agencies should track for 2025. Look for Part Two in January’s column. 2025 M&A Activity and Pricing The …

Proper Profit Center Accounting

Do owners really know which departments or lines of business are making money in their agency? What are small commercial accounts costing the agency? How can the agency make personal lines more profitable? When is it time to hire a …

The Anatomy of Employee Happiness: Key Factors That Drive Workplace Satisfaction

In today’s competitive job market, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of prioritizing employee happiness. It’s no secret that happy employees are more productive, engaged, and likely to stay with their employers for the long term. But what exactly makes …

Power of the Mastermind: Part Two

Editor’s note: The following article is a continuation of Part One, published in Insurance Journal’s May 6, 2024, issue in the Minding Your Business section. What is a mastermind group? A mastermind group is simply an alliance of two or …

Power of the Mastermind: Part One

What is a mastermind group? A mastermind group is simply an alliance of two or more individuals dedicating themselves to a specific goal. It is a way to get all the knowledge, expertise and connections needed to achieve a goal. …

M&A Due Diligence: Understanding the Issues and Solutions to the Pitfalls

Mergers and acquisitions in the insurance industry continue steadily despite a slowdown due to COVID-19 and higher interest rates. After the price and terms are negotiated and a Letter of Intent (LOI) is executed, then it is time for the …

The Future of Insurance Agencies

There is a traditional proclamation made following the accession of a new monarch in various countries that simultaneously announces the death of the previous monarch and asserts continuity by saluting the new monarch. “The king is dead; long live the …

Industry Trends to Exploit for 2024

Agency owners must watch and learn about major trends when they start. Following are key trends that insurance agencies should be tracking for 2024. 1. Insurtech Several trends are emerging in the insurtech sector. Artificial intelligence, or AI, and machine …

Merging Producer Development and Compensation in Insurance Agencies to Cultivate Success

In the dynamic world of insurance, producers — commonly known as agents or brokers — stand at the intersection of client needs and the array of insurance products available. They not only drive sales but also shape the face and …