The Insurance Perspectives Podcast

Getting to Know HawkSoft's New Director of Partner Integrations with Darrin DeFouw

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, host Brad Boldt sits down with Darrin DeFouw, Director of Partner Integrations at HawkSoft, to explore his 20‑year journey with the company and his new role building and maintaining HawkSoft’s partner ecosystem. Darrin shares what it was like joining HawkSoft as one of the company’s first employees, how his experience across every department shaped his perspective, and why partner integrations play a critical role in solving real‑world agency problems.  Takeaways * Partner integrations solve agency problems holistically. * HawkSoft carefully vets partners for quality and fit. * Agencies retain full ownership of their data. * Cloud architecture enables better, faster integrations. * Technology should support real agency workflows. Learn more about HawkSoft and the Partner Program: https://www.hawksoft.com/ [https://www.hawksoft.com/] https://www.hawksoft.com/about/partners/ [https://www.hawksoft.com/about/partners/] https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft/ [https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft/] https://www.instagram.com/hawksoft/ [https://www.instagram.com/hawksoft/] To get in touch with today's guest, reach out below: * Darrin DeFouw (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrin-defouw/]) * Brad Boldt (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-boldt-00318278/]) ________________________________________________________________________ If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email marketing@hawksoft.com. For more information on HawkSoft, visit: https://www.hawksoft.com/ [https://www.hawksoft.com/] https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft [https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft]https://x.com/HawkSoft [https://x.com/HawkSoft]https://instagram.com/hawkSoft [https://instagram.com/hawkSoft] Music by AudioCoffee(Denys Kyshchuk): https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Choosing a Network and Auditing Tech with Michael Ley

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, host Brad Boldt is joined by Michael Ley, HawkSoft Director of Networks, to discuss choosing the right network and conducting effective technology audits. Michael shares practical guidance on how agencies should evaluate networks, identify red flags in contracts, and avoid common mistakes that can lead to costly exits or misalignment. The conversation concludes with a discussion on technology audits and how agencies can assess their current tech stack, avoid “shiny object syndrome,” and ensure new tools actually support workflows and growth goals. Takeaways * Interview multiple networks before committing. * Always review contracts and exit terms. * Strong networks offer more than commissions. * Annual tech audits reduce waste and improve ROI. * Assign a tech owner to drive adoption. * New tech should support clear workflows. * Integration and training matter more than price. Learn more about HawkSoft: https://www.hawksoft.com/ [https://www.hawksoft.com/]https://www.hawksoft.com/networks/ [https://www.hawksoft.com/networks/] https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft/ [https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft/] https://www.instagram.com/hawksoft/ [https://www.instagram.com/hawksoft/] To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below: * Michael Ley (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/realmichaelley/]) * Brad Boldt (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-boldt-00318278/]) ________________________________________________________________________ If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email marketing@hawksoft.com. For more information on HawkSoft, visit: https://www.hawksoft.com/ [https://www.hawksoft.com/] https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft [https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft]https://x.com/HawkSoft [https://x.com/HawkSoft]https://instagram.com/hawkSoft [https://instagram.com/hawkSoft] Music by AudioCoffee(Denys Kyshchuk): https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Family Dynamics with Dirk and Beth Zeigler

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, host Brad Boldt sits down with Dirk and Beth Zeigler of Zeigler Insurance to discuss the realities of building and running an independent insurance agency as a married couple. Dirk and Beth share their journey from the early days of starting the agency out of necessity, through the leap from a captive model to independence, and into the long‑term growth of a community‑focused agency. They open up about the challenges of working alongside a spouse, setting boundaries between work and home, navigating major business decisions together, and learning to trust each other’s strengths. Takeaways * Working with a spouse requires clear role separation and strong communication. * Setting boundaries between work and home helps protect both the business and the marriage. * Mentorship and business coaching can accelerate growth and clarity in leadership roles. * Shared values and community involvement strengthen agency culture and client trust. * Empowering both partners as true owners leads to long‑term sustainability. Learn more about Zeigler Insurance: https://www.zeiglerinsurance.com/ [https://www.zeiglerinsurance.com/] https://www.facebook.com/zeiglerinsurance/ [https://www.facebook.com/zeiglerinsurance/] https://www.instagram.com/zeiglerins/ [https://www.instagram.com/zeiglerins/] To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below: * Dirk Zeigler (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkzeigler/]) * Beth Zeigler (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethzeigler/]) * Brad Boldt (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-boldt-00318278/]) ________________________________________________________________________ If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email marketing@hawksoft.com. For more information on HawkSoft, visit: https://www.hawksoft.com/ [https://www.hawksoft.com/] https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft [https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft]https://x.com/HawkSoft [https://x.com/HawkSoft]https://instagram.com/hawkSoft [https://instagram.com/hawkSoft] Music by AudioCoffee(Denys Kyshchuk): https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Family Dynamics with Ashmead Insurance Associates

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Megan Ashmead Pacella and Kim Ashmead Leyens share insights on managing family dynamics within their independent insurance agency. They discuss the evolution of their agency, the challenges and rewards of working with family, and strategies for effective partnership and leadership. Takeways * Multi‑generation agencies succeed with clear succession and communication. * Family hires need mentorship, not shortcuts. * Open communication reduces legacy and leadership pressure. * Strong teams smooth leadership transitions. * Family becomes an advantage when trust aligns goals. Learn more about Ashmead Insurance Associates: https://ashmeadins.com/ [https://www.facebook.com/EABInsuranceGroup] https://www.facebook.com/AshmeadInsurance [https://www.facebook.com/AshmeadInsurance] https://www.instagram.com/ashmeadinsurance/ [https://www.instagram.com/ashmeadinsurance/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/ashmead-insurance-associates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ashmead-insurance-associates/] To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below: * Megan Ashmead Pacella (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megashmead/]) * Kim Ashmead Leyens (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimashmead/]) * Brad Boldt (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-boldt-00318278/]) ________________________________________________________________________ If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email marketing@hawksoft.com. For more information on HawkSoft, visit: https://www.hawksoft.com/ [https://www.hawksoft.com/] https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft [https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft]https://x.com/HawkSoft [https://x.com/HawkSoft]https://instagram.com/hawkSoft [https://instagram.com/hawkSoft] Music by AudioCoffee(Denys Kyshchuk): https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Family Dynamics with Dee and Jackie Zampella

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Brad Boldt speaks with Dee and Jackie Zampella of EAB Insurance Group about leading and modernizing a family‑owned independent insurance agency. They discuss working together as a family, leadership, agency technology, and how tools like HawkSoft helped modernize operations while preserving a strong, client‑first culture. Takeaways * Running a family‑owned insurance agency requires clear roles and accountability * Modernizing systems can improve efficiency without losing culture * Technology works best when teams are involved and changes roll out gradually * Strong community relationships drive long‑term agency success * Clear processes make agencies easier to scale and protect against E&O risk Learn more about EAB Insurance Group: https://www.facebook.com/EABInsuranceGroup [https://www.facebook.com/EABInsuranceGroup] https://www.linkedin.com/company/eabinsurance/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/eabinsurance/] To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below: * Dee Zampella (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deezampella/]) * Jackie Zampella (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiezampella/]) * Brad Boldt (click here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-boldt-00318278/]) ________________________________________________________________________ If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email marketing@hawksoft.com. For more information on HawkSoft, visit: https://www.hawksoft.com/ [https://www.hawksoft.com/] https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft [https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft]https://x.com/HawkSoft [https://x.com/HawkSoft]https://instagram.com/hawkSoft [https://instagram.com/hawkSoft] Music by AudioCoffee(Denys Kyshchuk): https://www.audiocoffee.net/