Скачать или смотреть From Struggling Startup to Multi-Location Agency: Keys to Achieving Success | EP 13

Starting an insurance agency during an economic downturn is one of the hardest ways to enter this industry—and it’s also where real operators are made.

"Start working where your feet are and work out, and it'll grow exponentially." -Johnny Ellis

In this episode, I sit down with Johnny Ellis to talk about what it takes to survive the early years, keep the doors open, and grow into a multi-location agency. We get honest about patience, near-misses, and the moments that make you question everything, along with what actually turns the corner. If you’re in the grind right now or thinking about scaling, this conversation speaks directly to where you are.

Building an Agency That Lasts

Real agency growth doesn’t come from quick wins—it comes from staying in the game long enough for momentum to compound. In this episode, the conversation centers on how steady leadership, integrity, and community connection turn early struggles into lasting success.

Perseverance creates leverage. Slow seasons, financial pressure, and self-doubt are part of the path, but staying consistent through them is what separates agencies that survive from agencies that scale.

Putting clients first builds reputation. Saying no to bad business, being honest when a competitor has a better option, and leading with integrity creates trust that turns into referrals and long-term loyalty.

Community drives real growth. Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, charities, and local involvement aren’t side activities—they’re powerful engines for visibility, relationships, and sustainable lead flow.

Smart expansion multiplies results. Strategic acquisitions, strong systems, and disciplined operations allow agencies to grow faster without sacrificing service or culture.

Growth Through Integrity, Community, and Smart Expansion

Building a sustainable agency takes more than good sales. Real decisions, setbacks, and breakthroughs shape a lasting agency. These points trace how persistence, relationships, and smart decisions shape long-term growth.

(00:08:15) Learning the Hard Way
(00:11:17) How Relationships Drive New Business
(00:17:49) Expanding Business Through Strategy
(00:29:11) Balancing Leadership and Satisfaction
(00:39:27) When Telling the Truth Wins the Client
(00:40:51) Upholding Integrity in Tough Choices
(00:43:49) Why Service Beats Sales Every Time

Turning Hard Years into Long-Term Growth

Your agency doesn’t have to start strong to become strong. Growth comes from patience, steady leadership, and consistently putting people before commissions. Community involvement, referrals, and honest service create momentum that no marketing budget can replace. Strategic acquisitions, the right systems, and thoughtful staffing decisions compound that growth when the timing is right. This episode lays out how to build something that lasts—even through downturns, disasters, and the hardest seasons of ownership.

Connect with Eddie Price and Jenesis Software:

LinkedIn:   / eddierprice  

The Perfect Insurance Agency Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Insura...

Agency Management Software: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/

Book Your Demo of Jenesis Software today: https://www.jenesissoftware.com/reque...

YouTube:    / @jenesissoftware  

Connect with Johnny Ellis & Ellis Agency Insurance:

Email: johnny@ellisagency.net

YouTube:    / @johnnyellis6226  

Website: https://ellisagency.net/