The Scratch Agency Podcast

The Entrepreneur Reset: Burnout, Delegation & Learning to Unplug

In Episode 163 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald sit down for a raw and honest solo conversation about entrepreneurship, burnout, work-life balance, and the challenge of truly unplugging as a business owner. Fresh off a vacation where Sean was unexpectedly forced to disconnect after the entire island’s Wi-Fi and cell service went down, the guys dive into the reality of always feeling “on” as a scratch agency owner—and why learning to slow down might actually make you more effective. From delegation struggles and mindset shifts, to parenting, family, team trust, and the pressure entrepreneurs put on themselves, this episode is a candid behind-the-scenes look at what it really feels like building a business while trying to stay present in life. 🔍 If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a break, struggled to unplug, or constantly felt like you should be working harder—this episode will hit home. 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:10 – Sean’s Vacation & The Island Wi-Fi Disaster 07:20 – Why Entrepreneurs Struggle to Relax 11:15 – “I Felt Like I Was Falling Behind” 15:40 – The Power of Fully Disconnecting 20:05 – Delegation, Trust & Letting the Team Step Up 24:30 – Family, Kids & Reframing Priorities 29:10 – Why Rest Makes You More Effective 33:20 – The Mental Side of Entrepreneurship 38:05 – Scratch Agency Meetup Updates 42:10 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement for Agency Owners 💼 Sponsored by HawkSoft https://www.hawksoft.com A family-owned agency management system built to serve independent agencies with flexibility, transparency, and human-centered support. 🔗 Links & Resources: 📍 Scratch Agency Mastermind Meetup – July 30, 2026 🌆 New York City 🔗 https://scratchagencynyc.com 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescratchagencypodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ5NUPqF5hRdC79Hl 🌐 Visit Our Website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com

Commercial Lines, Niche Strategy & Winning Bigger Accounts with Charles Specht

In Episode 162 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald sit down with Charles Specht, owner of Permission Network Insurance Agency, for a deep dive into commercial lines strategy, niche positioning, and how scratch agents can start winning bigger accounts—without overcomplicating it. Charles shares his journey from accidental entry into insurance to becoming a commercial producer, consultant, and sales trainer. He breaks down exactly how agents can transition into commercial lines, why picking a micro-niche is critical, and how mindset—not product knowledge—is the real barrier holding most agents back. From identifying carrier strengths and building a focused prospect list, to driving a wedge in competitive relationships and understanding what truly differentiates great agents—this episode is packed with tactical insights for agents ready to level up. 🔍 If you’re a scratch agent trying to break into commercial, land larger accounts, or stop spinning your wheels as a generalist—this episode will help you think bigger and act more strategically. 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Charles Specht 03:10 – From Teacher to Commercial Producer 07:25 – Consulting for Large Commercial Accounts 11:40 – Where Scratch Agents Should Start in Commercial 15:05 – Why Picking a Niche Changes Everything 20:30 – The Mindset Problem Holding Agents Back 25:10 – “The Size of the Account Is in Your Head” 29:45 – Driving a Wedge in Client Relationships 35:20 – How to Pre-Qualify Prospects Effectively 40:05 – Best Prospecting Methods (And Why It Depends) 45:15 – Real Competitive Advantage of Independent Agencies 50:30 – What Clients Actually Look for in Their Agent 55:10 – Final Advice for Scaling Smarter 💼 Sponsored by HawkSoft https://www.hawksoft.com A family-owned agency management system built to serve independent agencies with flexibility, transparency, and human-centered support. 🔗 Links & Resources: 📲 Join Our Community: (Private Facebook Group – link shared in episode) 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescratchagencypodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ5NUPqF5hRdC79Hl 🌐 Visit Our Website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com

Building the Remedy Circle with Kenny Jones | Referral Partners, Social Proof & Scaling Fast

In Episode 161 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald welcome back Kenny Jones of Remedy Insurance and Wealth Builders for a powerful conversation on growth, visibility, referral strategy, and what it really takes to scale a modern agency. Kenny shares how his business has exploded over the last year through intentional referral partner relationships, strong branding, and fearless social media marketing. He breaks down the creation of the Remedy Circle—his unique referral partner incentive ecosystem—and explains how it’s helping him attract top realtors, lenders, attorneys, and other partners while building serious momentum in the Charlotte market. From content strategy and personal branding to team growth, SOPs, and scaling beyond yourself, this episode is packed with practical ideas for any scratch agent who wants to stand out, grow faster, and create a brand people actually remember. 🔍 If you’ve been wondering how to generate more referrals, market yourself better on social media, and build a business people talk about—this episode will give you both the mindset and the playbook. 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome Back Kenny Jones 02:05 – What’s Changed Since Episode 49 04:10 – Why Social Media Still Matters in 2026 07:20 – “Get Over It” – Kenny’s Advice on Showing Up Online 10:45 – The Birth of the Remedy Circle 15:30 – How the Referral Partner Model Works 20:05 – Building Events That Create Loyalty & Buzz 24:18 – How Kenny Markets the Remedy Circle 28:40 – Why Realtors Have Been the Best Fit 32:12 – Social Proof, Deal Closed Posts & Brand Positioning 36:05 – The Power of Fast Execution 39:22 – Growing the Team & Scaling with SOPs 43:18 – Kenny’s Vision for Stepping Out of Sales 46:10 – Final Thoughts & Where to Follow Kenny 💼 Sponsored by HawkSoft https://www.hawksoft.com A family-owned agency management system built to serve independent agencies with flexibility, transparency, and human-centered support. 🔗 Links & Resources: 📲 Join Our Telegram Community: https://t.me/+cISob2kA3pAyMmY5 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescratchagencypodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ5NUPqF5hRdC79Hl 🌐 Visit Our Website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com

The Scratch Agency Mastermind Is Back | NYC 2026 Event Breakdown

In Episode 160 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald bring a special solo episode announcing the return of the Scratch Agency Mastermind Meetup—bigger, better, and more intentional than ever. After an incredible response from last year’s event, this episode walks you through everything you need to know about the 2026 mastermind happening in New York City. From the structure and format, to what makes this event different from traditional conferences, Stephen and Shawn break down how this intimate, high-value room is designed to help agency owners at every stage grow faster—together. This isn’t a sit-and-listen conference. It’s a true roundtable mastermind where you’ll get direct feedback on your agency, learn from others in the trenches, and build real relationships that extend far beyond the event. 🔍 If you’re building a scratch agency (or thinking about it) and want to surround yourself with the right people, ask better questions, and get real answers—this is the room you want to be in. 💼 Sponsored by HawkSoft https://www.hawksoft.com 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Why This Episode Matters 02:10 – Scratch Agency Mastermind Announcement 05:00 – Event Dates, Location & NYC Details 08:45 – What’s Included (Meetup, Dinner, Experience) 12:30 – Why We’re Capping It at 30 People 16:10 – Hotel, Travel & Logistics Breakdown 19:40 – New Format: True Roundtable Mastermind 24:15 – Who This Event Is For (All Levels) 28:05 – “Proximity Is Power” – Why This Room Matters 32:00 – Real Feedback from Last Year’s Attendees 36:10 – Sponsors & What Makes Them Different 39:30 – Final Details & How to Secure Your Spot A family-owned agency management system built to serve independent agencies with flexibility, transparency, and human-centered support. 🔗 Links & Resources: 📲 Join Our Telegram Community: https://t.me/+cISob2kA3pAyMmY5 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescratchagencypodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ5NUPqF5hRdC79Hl 🌐 Visit Our Website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com

Owning Workers’ Comp with Kevin Ring | Lower Mods, Better Processes & Stronger Commercial Accounts

In Episode 159 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald sit down with Kevin Ring, Chief Experience Mod Officer at Emerge Apps and Lead Workers’ Compensation Analyst for the Institute of WorkComp Professionals, for a practical deep dive into one of the most overlooked opportunities in commercial insurance: workers’ comp. Kevin breaks down how agents can stop treating workers’ comp like a commodity and start using it as a true wedge in the sales process. From understanding the experience mod and minimum mod, to helping clients build injury response systems, return-to-work programs, and physician relationships, this episode is packed with tactical ways to create real results for commercial clients. 🔍 If you’re a scratch agent trying to write better commercial business, stand out from quote-chasers, and turn workers’ comp into a true value-add for your clients—this episode is a must-listen. 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Kevin Ring 03:12 – How Kevin Accidentally Got Into Insurance 06:10 – What the Institute of WorkComp Professionals Does for Agents 10:18 – Where Agents Should Start with Workers’ Comp 14:22 – What Brokers Can Do When a Workers’ Comp Claim Happens 19:08 – Why Employers Need a Clear Injury Process Before a Claim 24:11 – Using the Experience Mod as a Sales Wedge 29:35 – Minimum Mod, Lost Profits & Explaining the Math Simply 35:42 – Why Workers’ Comp Creates Real Exit Barriers 41:05 – What Scratch Agents Should Learn First 46:18 – How to Speak About Comp in the Client’s Language 50:02 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Kevin 💼 Sponsored by HawkSoft https://www.hawksoft.com A family-owned agency management system built to serve independent agencies with flexibility, transparency, and human-centered support. 🔗 Links & Resources: 📲 Join Our Telegram Community: https://t.me/+cISob2kA3pAyMmY5 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescratchagencypodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ5NUPqF5hRdC79Hl 🌐 Visit Our Website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com