Blog + Magazine

Smart Choice North Carolina State Director Krista Gonzalez shares how relationships, mentorship, and a passion for helping independent agents have shaped her career and approach to leadership.

Should you start your insurance career as a captive agent? Learn how captive agents get paid, the pros and cons, and when to go independent.

Learn why most new insurance agents quit, what the ones who succeed do differently and a plan for your first 3 years.

Learn how commission splits, caps, and fees affect independent insurance agency earnings—and how to keep more of the commissions you earn.

Best practices for new insurance agents deciding their long-term career path, from captive vs. independent to ownership.

The annual list recognizes the leading B2B companies that have proven track records of supporting entrepreneurs and helping companies grow.

Discover how Smart Choice helped a new independent insurance agency overcome carrier access challenges, secure A-rated markets, and unlock growth opportunities.

Perpetuation support for passing your agency to family or selling it later, with deal options, timelines and steps.

Start an insurance agency from scratch or buy an existing book of business? Compare costs, timelines and risks.

Which agency networks give independent agents access to cyber insurance carriers and specialty markets? See how Smart Choice Express Markets helps.

Direct wholesaler relationships or a network for E&S access? See how each affects cost, control and book ownership.

Learn what it takes to be a successful insurance agent: core skills, daily habits, and the business moves that matter.