Is Self-Insuring the Future for Business Owners?

Is Self-Insuring the Future for Business Owners?

Author: Heath Shearon December 11, 2025 Duration: 44:33


In this episode of Insurance Town, host Heath Shearon welcomes Van Carlson to discuss the evolution of risk management and the importance of self-insuring for businesses. They explore the 831B tax code, its history, and its application in modern business risk management. Van shares insights from his career in the insurance industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in self-insuring and the role of traditional insurance. The conversation also touches on the impact of economic downturns and the need for innovative risk management solutions.

Takeaways

  • Van Carlson emphasizes the importance of self-insuring for businesses.
  • The 831B tax code offers a way to manage business risks effectively.
  • Traditional insurance may not cover all business risks.
  • Economic downturns highlight the need for innovative risk management.
  • Van Carlson shares his journey in the insurance industry.
  • Self-insuring can provide financial stability for businesses.
  • The conversation explores the history and application of the 831B tax code.
  • Van Carlson discusses the challenges of transitioning from traditional insurance.
  • Heath Shearon highlights the role of education in risk management.
  • The episode provides insights into modern business risk management strategies.

Sound bites

  • "Self-insuring is the future of business risk management."
  • "The 831B tax code is a game changer."
  • "Traditional insurance doesn't cover all risks."
  • "Economic downturns demand innovative solutions."
  • "Education is key in managing business risks."
  • "Self-insuring provides financial stability."
  • "The 831B code offers unique advantages."
  • "Transitioning from traditional insurance is challenging."
  • "Risk management requires continuous learning."
  • "Modern businesses need modern risk solutions."

Chapters

  • 00:00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship
  • 00:00:00 Van Carlson's Background
  • 00:00:00 The 831B Tax Code Explained
  • 00:00:00 Challenges in Traditional Insurance
  • 00:00:01 Innovative Risk Management Solutions
  • 00:00:01 The Future of Business Risk Management

Sponsors:

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
MAV


Heath Shearon has spent years navigating every corner of the insurance industry, and in Insurance Town, he acts as your guide through its often complex landscape. Think of each episode as a casual, informative conversation held on the front porch of a town built entirely on insurance knowledge. Heath, who jokingly refers to himself as the Mayor, doesn’t just lecture; he brings in the many friends and colleagues he’s met over his career for genuine discussions that break down real-world scenarios. You’ll hear practical advice, behind-the-scenes insights, and straightforward explanations designed for both industry newcomers and seasoned professionals. This isn't about dry theory-it's about the tangible how-to and the why behind common business and personal coverage questions. The tone is welcoming and grounded in experience, set to a bluesy soundtrack courtesy of Daddy Long Legs. Tune into this podcast for a unique blend of business education and relatable storytelling that makes the intricacies of insurance feel approachable and even engaging.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Insurance Town
Podcast Episodes
Conferences & Networking Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:51
In this special solo episode, the Mayor of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon, goes solo to share some valuable insights on how to make the most out of conference season! Heath dives into his personal tips and strategies for…
From all about Chicken Wings to All About Insurance... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:14
In this weeks episode of Insurance Town, Mayor Heath Shearon sits down with Nick Vitali, the mastermind behind All About Insurance, which has grown to 10 locations across North Carolina. Nick shares his story, starting w…
Its not just a numbers game anymore! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:03
In this episode, The mayor has the opportunity to sit down and talk to Scott Angell, of LEO. These two have a great conversation about sales, the sales processes, the process of buying leads, and how not just to purchase…
Build your Sales Systems and grow your Sales Teams! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:28
In today’s episode Mayor got to sit down with Ana Gonzalez Gibbs, of Anabots. This is such a fun episode!! She has an obsession for learning has taken me her on so many interesting journeys. Starting with architecture fo…
The Smart Choice in Commercial Insurance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:39
This is the Smart Choice episode, I love these episodes, I love working with them much. I can't wait for you guys to hear this one ! We get into some good conversations, where we pull back the curtain and talk about the…