Thanks for all the responses! I've been speaking to a lot of people and doing a lot of research ad I build my model. I need input on a few items. Firstly, autonomous cars are a major concern of mine. I don't want to build a book, only to have it be worthless as manufacturers provide their own covera...

Hey D, I'm not really looking to replicate a State Farm agency. In fact, that's one of the reasons I'm going independent. I'm tired of losing clients by the handful to other carriers with lower prices. I'm tired of working crap internet leads for a <5% close ratio. State Farm and Allstate have reall...

Have you considered buying a small independent agency? Find someone who is nearing retirement and make them an offer, asking them to stick around for retention purposes for a year or so. This works well in Virginia. This is definitely a consideration. I'm open to any idea that makes fiscal sense as...

Thanks for the pep talk, lol. I'm not disillusioned about the risk and difficulty of opening a new business. I expect to work late nights and weekends. I also understand that there are inherent differences between independents and captive(although I haven't opened a 3 ring binder in 20 years lol). I...

Hello, I have been managing a State Farm office in Florida for almost 10 years. I have decided I can no longer manage another book, but rather need to begin building my own. The idea of writing for many carriers is extremely appealing, so I am beginning the process of researching and developing a bu...