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.

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 …

Performing Your Agency Report Card

The beginning of a new year with all the related planning is a perfect time to take a look back and find areas of improvement. Planning ahead requires an understanding of where you are now, how you got there, what …

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 …

10 Basic Tenets for Successful Family Owned Agencies

The presence of family run businesses continues to play a major role in the U.S. economy. From rural mom and popyshops to international conglomerates, family businesses are at the foundation of our economy. Ford Motor Company, Walmart, Berkshire Hathaway, and …

Lessons from the Stone Age

In our modern world of rapidly advancing technology and complex corporate structures, it’s absurd to consider looking toward the distant past for insights. Yet, the Paleolithic or Stone Age era — characterized by early humans’ usage of stone tools and …

Effective Sales Management & Monitoring Producer Performance

Who is responsible for sales management in most firms? Often the task falls to the owner or the top producer in the firm. This is not necessarily a good idea, because sales management can take away time from the manager’s …

The Continual Producer Dilemma

The shortage of good insurance producers is still a valid concern for the industry and the problem has only grown worse over time. Oak & Associates must get an average of one call a week with clients and new potential …

Dressing Up the Agency for the Wedding – Part 2 – Book of Business

You can’t take it with you. Every business owner will eventually sell his or her business. It can either be on terms the owner defines, or it can be based on whatever happens at the end. So, if an owner …