The Scratch Agency Podcast

The Scratch Agency Mastermind Is Back | NYC 2026 Event Breakdown

13 min · 21 de abr de 2026
Portada del episodio The Scratch Agency Mastermind Is Back | NYC 2026 Event Breakdown

Descripción

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

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168 episodios

episode State Farm Insurance Compensation Cuts | The Bigger Industry Story artwork

State Farm Insurance Compensation Cuts | The Bigger Industry Story

In Episode 165 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald break down one of the biggest insurance industry stories of the year — the reported State Farm compensation changes and what they could mean for agents across the industry. Stephen and Shawn share their perspectives on the reported commission reductions, benefit changes, and the broader implications for captive agents navigating uncertainty. They discuss the reactions happening across Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and industry communities, while offering a grounded perspective for independent agency owners. The conversation explores why independent agents may be in a fundamentally different position, the importance of diversification, carrier relationships, profit sharing, commission structures, and how agency owners can focus on what they can control instead of getting caught up in fear and speculation. They also dive into AI, technology, industry disruption, and why preparing for the future is different than panicking about it. Most importantly, they discuss how agency owners can turn industry change into opportunity by staying focused on growth, strategy, and execution. 🔍 If you're wondering what the reported State Farm changes mean, how independent agencies should think about industry shifts, or how to position your agency for long-term success — this episode delivers practical perspective and actionable insight. 💼 Sponsored by HawkSoft https://www.hawksoft.com 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Breaking State Farm News 03:15 – Reported Commission & Benefit Changes Explained 07:45 – Why Captive and Independent Models Are Different 12:20 – Should Independent Agents Be Concerned? 17:10 – Carrier Diversification & Strategic Partnerships 22:35 – Profit Sharing, Commissions & Market Trends 27:40 – GEICO, Direct-to-Consumer & Industry Shifts 32:15 – AI, Technology & Preparing for the Future 38:20 – Opportunity vs. Fear During Industry Change 43:10 – What Agency Owners Can Actually Control 48:05 – The NYC Meetup Update & Community Announcements 51:20 – Final Thoughts 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: / thescratchagencypodcast 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ... 🌐 Visit Our Website: https://scratchagencypodcast.com 🎟️ Scratch Agency NYC Meetup: https://scratchagencynyc.com Thank you for tuning into The Scratch Agency Podcast. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more valuable insights. Own your future — we’ll see you next time!

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episode Double Down on What’s Working | Avoiding Entrepreneur Distraction Loops artwork

Double Down on What’s Working | Avoiding Entrepreneur Distraction Loops

In Episode 164 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald dive into one of the biggest hidden struggles agency owners face: constantly chasing the next thing instead of doubling down on what’s already working. From AI noise and niche FOMO to SOP rabbit holes, dashboards, and shiny-object syndrome, the guys share real stories from their mastermind group conversations and explain how easy it is for entrepreneurs to get distracted—even when their businesses are growing successfully. Stephen opens up about the realization that T5’s growth has consistently come through relationships and community, while Sean reflects on how simply tripling down on Meta ads and proven systems doubled his agency’s monthly revenue. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always require reinvention—sometimes it just requires focus. 🔍 If you’ve ever found yourself overcomplicating your business, constantly pivoting strategies, or getting distracted by what everyone else is doing online—this episode is for you. 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – Why Entrepreneurs Constantly Chase “The Next Thing” 04:10 – The Power of Mastermind Groups & Honest Feedback 06:45 – “Why Are You Changing Something That’s Working?” 09:05 – Sean’s Meta Ads Story & Doubling Revenue 11:40 – Niching Down vs. Doubling Down 14:20 – Time, Family & Seasons of Business 16:55 – Why Focus Beats Constant Reinvention 18:30 – Scratch Agency Community Facebook Group Update 20:00 – Scratch Agency NYC Meetup Details 22:10 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement 💼 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

28 de may de 202618 min
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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

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

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

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