2026 Business Trends: What Every Leader Needs to Know About Risk, AI, Growth & More

The Hidden Risks in Your Property Portfolio (And How to Fix Them)

In this episode of The Accel Advantage podcast, host Corey Rekers is joined by Accel real estate insurance advisors Dustin Toner and Kate Rahfeldt to uncover the hidden risks many property owners and portfolio managers overlook. They break down why having multiple brokers can actually hurt your leverage, how your reputation in the insurance marketplace impacts your outcomes, and why insurance should be viewed as a strategic investment—not just a cost. The conversation dives into today’s evolving insurance landscape, rising deductibles, and how factors like construction materials, risk management practices, and alignment between stakeholders can significantly impact your program. Dustin and Kate also share real-world examples, including how poor coordination can lead to underinsured properties and missed opportunities in the market. If you manage or invest in real estate, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you better structure your insurance program, reduce risk, and position your portfolio for long-term success. Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://acceladvantage.com/] Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheAccelGroup%20] ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/theaccelgroup/%20] ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theaccelgroup/%20] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@the.accel.group] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@theaccelgroup] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dustin Toner and Kate Rahfeldt 00:46 Backgrounds in Real Estate and Insurance 03:57 The Biggest Mistake Portfolio Managers Make 05:41 Why Multiple Brokers Can Hurt Your Leverage 07:30 Real Example: When Too Many Brokers Go Wrong 10:15 The “Jockey and Horse” Approach to Insurance 11:21 How the Insurance Market Has Changed 12:27 What Insurance Really Is (Reframing the Mindset) 14:01 Taking a C-Suite Approach to Risk Management 15:27 Customizing Insurance vs. Chasing the Lowest Bid 17:07 Challenges Across Different Real Estate Asset Classes 19:11 Case Study: Improving Risk Through Better Construction 21:29 Understanding Loss Assessment Coverage 23:13 Key Takeaways for Property Owners & Managers Keywords real estate insurance, property portfolio risk, riskmanagement, insurance strategy, multifamily insurance, property management, insurance marketplace, underwriting, loss assessment coverage, real estate investing, insurance costs, deductible strategies, risk transfer, assetprotection, commercial real estate

No Plan, Big Problems: Estate Planning for Real Life

In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, Corey Rekers sits down with financial advisor Scott Durscher to break down the essentials of estate and succession planning, especially for business owners and farm families. From real-life stories growing up in rural Iowa to practical strategies using wills and trusts, Scott explains how poor planning can lead to costly delays, family conflict, and even the loss of a business. You’ll learn: * The difference between a will and a trust * Why probate can be expensive and time-consuming * How revocable trusts help avoid court involvement * What business owners need to know about continuity planning * How to prepare for incapacity, not just death If you own a business, a farm, or simply want to protect your legacy, this episode will help you understand why having a plan in place is critical and how to get started.   #EstatePlanning #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessOwners #Trusts #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #FarmSuccession #SmallBusiness #LegacyPlanning   Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Accel Advantage 00:30 Meet Scott Durscher 02:15 Farm Roots & Real Estate Planning Stories 04:30 Who Needs Estate & Succession Planning? 05:45 Wills Explained: How They Work 07:45 The Downsides of Probate 08:45 Trusts 101: What Is a Revocable Trust? 09:45 Key Benefits of Trusts (Privacy, Speed, Control) 10:45 Business Continuity Planning Explained 11:30 Avoiding Family Conflict in Succession 12:20 Planning for Incapacity 13:05 Why Most People Delay Estate Planning 13:50 The Peace of Mind of Having a Plan 14:30 Final Thoughts & How to Get Started Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://acceladvantage.com/]and accelwealthmanagement.com [accelwealthmanagement.com] Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheAccelGroup%20] ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/theaccelgroup/%20] ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theaccelgroup/%20] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@the.accel.group] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@theaccelgroup] Accel Wealth Management Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/AccelWealthManagement] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/accel-wealth-management] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/accelwealthmanagement/] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@accelwealthmanagement]   Keywords: Estate & succession planning, Wills vs. trusts,  Probate, Revocable trusts, Business continuity planning, Family business transitions, Farm succession, Incapacity planning, Protecting legacy

2026 Business Trends: What Every Leader Needs to Know About Risk, AI, Growth & More

Welcome back to The Accel Advantage, powered by TheAccel Group and Accel Wealth Management. In this special one-year anniversary episode, host Corey Rekers is joined by Co-President Josh Budke and a panel of Accel leaders to break down the biggest trends shaping businesses in 2026. From cybersecurity and AI risks to shifting insurance markets, rising healthcare costs, and evolving retirement strategies, this episode delivers a comprehensive look at what business leaders need to know right now. The team also shares actionable insights on employee benefits, financial planning, and how organizations can stay resilient in an increasinglycomplex environment. Whether you're navigating insurance renewals, exploring AIin your operations, or planning for long-term financial success, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make smarter decisions for your business. Check out our websites: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠accelwealthmanagement.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media for more tips, insights, andupdates! Chapters 00:00 Celebrating One Year of The Accel Advantage 00:58 Navigating Business Risks in 2026 05:52 Understanding Insurance Market Rate Changes 12:05 Preparing for Insurance Renewals 12:50 The Impact of AI on Business 13:59 Emerging AI Risks & Security Concerns 15:01 Managing Business Risk with AI 18:40 Practical Uses of AI in Business 20:48 Trends in Personal Lines Insurance 22:03 Why Personal Insurance Costs Increased 23:34 Ways to Save on Home & Auto Insurance 25:55 Navigating Employee Benefits Challenges 26:10 Key Employee Benefit Trends for 2026 30:07 Funding Strategies for Employers 31:53 Understanding Employee Needs in Benefits 34:19 The Future of Workplace Benefits 36:03 Retirement Plan Trends & Innovations 44:10 Personal Investing & Financial Planning Trends 46:52 Market Outlook for 2026 47:52 What Investors Should Focus On 48:35 Advice for Young Investors 51:09 Key Takeaways & Business Strategy Insights 52:51 Outro Keywords business trends 2026, artificial intelligence, cybersecurityrisk, insurance market trends, commercial insurance, personal insurance,employee benefits, healthcare costs, self-funding, retirement planning,financial planning, investing strategies, wealth management, businessresilience, risk management, employee retention, workplace benefits, AI inbusiness, economic outlook, leadership strategy

Dealerships: Building Risk Strategy, Not Just Buying Insurance

In this episode, dealership insurance experts Ethan Thompson and Kaleb Admire share their insights on insuring car dealerships, risk management strategies, market trends, and innovative tools like parametric insurance to help dealers protect their assets and optimize their insurance programs. Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://acceladvantage.com/] Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheAccelGroup%20] ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/theaccelgroup/%20] ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theaccelgroup/%20] https://www.youtube.com/@theaccelgroup Chapters 00:00 – Introductions to Ethan and Kaleb 03:45 – Breaking the “Price-Only” Dealer Stereotype 04:44 – Insurance as Capital Protection (Not a Commodity) 10:20 – State of the Insurance Market (2026 Outlook) 13:01 – Property Trends & Weather Risk in the Midwest 15:13 – Rising Deductibles & Risk-Sharing Shift 20:26 – EV Charging Stations & Hidden Property Risks 21:56 – Parametric Insurance Explained 27:13 – Emerging Threat: Transport Fraud 34:27 – Umbrella Policies & Nuclear Verdict Risks 39:27 – Driver Controls & MVR Best Practices 42:22 – Final Advice for Dealership Owners Keywords: auto dealership insurance, risk management,market trends, parametric insurance, garage insurance, wind-hail deductibles, transport fraud, driver control, umbrella coverage, insurance strategies

Under the Hard Hat: Insurance for Contractors

In this episode of The Accel Advantage podcast, host Corey Rekers welcomes special guest John Tatum, VP – Construction Business Unit Lead from UFG Insurance, to discuss insurance insights for contractors. Corey and John are also joined by Accel business insurance advisors Chandler Lamm and Jonathan Patterson. They dive into a market update on the construction industry, key attributes of a strong construction company, the importance of choosing a specialist broker, and more. With real-life stories and scenarios, this episode is filled with great tips and knowledge from some of the best in the business! Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://acceladvantage.com/] Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun! The Accel Group: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TheAccelGroup%20] ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/theaccelgroup/%20] ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theaccelgroup/%20] Check out UFG’s website: ufginsurance.com [https://www.ufginsurance.com/] Chapters 00:00 Introductions toJohn, Chandler, and Jonathan 05:32 Market Update inthe Construction Industry 11:59 Attributes of aStrong Construction Company 12:51 Building aCulture of Safety 14:34 Stories for theInsurance Company 17:30 The Two Cs:Communication and Complacency 19:27 Choosing theRight Broker or Advisor 21:14 Story:Specialization Changing the Game 25:39 Key Takeaways forContractors Keywords: construction industry, risk management, insurance, market update, safety, underwriting, data centers, insurance for contractors, business insurance