The best tech makes great service feel effortless.

The best tech makes great service feel effortless.

Author: Heath Shearon October 10, 2024 Duration: 52:09

In this weeks episode of Insurance Town, The Mayor welcomes good buddy Patrick McBride to the show. Patrick, a seasoned insurance professional, shares his journey, experiences, and insights on the industry's evolving landscape.

Key Highlights:

  • The Last Few Years in the Industry: Patrick reflects on how the last couple of years have been "wicked" due to the rapid changes in technology and the industry's shift towards innovation. He provides perspective on how to stay ahead amidst these changes.
  • Staying Connected in a Changing World: The conversation shifts to the importance of maintaining relationships in the insurance world, especially in a post-pandemic landscape. Patrick talks about his strategies for staying connected with colleagues and clients while continuing to adapt to the evolving industry.

Customer Service and Technology: The conversation digs deep into how the evolution of technology has transformed customer service in the insurance world. Patrick emphasizes the need for agencies to use tech to enhance the client experience—whether it's through automation or more personalized service. They discuss tools like AI chatbots, data analytics, and client portals, which not only make processes faster but allow for a more tailored approach. As Patrick points out: "The best tech makes great service feel effortless."Patrick shares a few stories where tech simplified otherwise complex processes for clients, noting how a quick turnaround and personalized communication helped retain customers. The duo also touches on the challenge of finding a balance between automation and the human touch. "At the end of the day," says Patrick, "clients still want to know there’s a real person behind the scenes who cares about them."

  • Rapid Fire Questions Segment: In a fun and fast-paced part of the episode, Heath puts Patrick in the hot seat with rapid-fire questions. Get ready for some hilarious and insightful moments as Patrick reveals:
    • Favorite tech tool for improving customer service.
    • Worst business advice he ever received.
    • Favorite networking event (besides Indy Tech, of course!).
    • Go-to grilling recipe—yes, there’s a little cooking talk!
    • And much more!
  • Customer Service Tech Takeaways for Insurance Pros:
    • Speed & Efficiency with Tech: Use technology to streamline repetitive tasks like policy changes, claims processing, and FAQs to free up more time for personalized client interactions.
    • Human Touch: While automation is a game-changer, it’s crucial to maintain a human connection for the moments that matter. Clients value tech for convenience but trust is built through real relationships.
    • Data-Driven Personalization: Tools that provide data insights can help agents understand client preferences and needs, making their outreach and service more meaningful.
  • Don’t Miss:
    • Laugh-out-loud moments from the rapid-fire segment.
    • Patrick’s take on the biggest customer service pitfalls and how to avoid them in today’s tech-driven world.

Takeaways for Insurance Professionals:

  • Importance of attending industry events like Indy Tech to network and stay updated on new trends.
  • How to stay agile and adaptive to change in a "wicked" industry.
  • Strategies for staying connected with your professional network, even when you can't always meet in person.

Don't Miss:

  • Hilarious stories from the Indy Tech event that will keep you laughing.
  • Patrick’s take on how insurance professionals can thrive in today's rapidly evolving environment.

Subscribe & Review:
Don’t forget to subscribe to Insurance Town on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others find the show


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
Are you attached or detached from the outcome? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:39
Join the Mayor of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon, as he sits down with Jacob Bolton to dive deep into his fascinating journey from aspiring professional athlete to a prominent figure in the insure-tech world. Jacob shares…
This guy says he got lucky when became a Millionaire!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:12
In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, Mayor Heath Shearon sits down with Mike Mathweg, and they discuss how he "lucked" into becoming a Multi-millionaire through hard work and mergers and acquisitions. Whether y…
Is the technology in your agency, helping you close more deals. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:28
In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, Mayor Heath Shearon sits down with the dynamic Keith Harrison to talk about fun in the workplace, the importance of passion, and the journey that led Keith to where he is to…
How Can Indie Agencies Leverage Tech and E&S Markets to Stand Out? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:20
In this Episode the Mayor sits down with his buddy Bobby Touran, of Rainbow, the MGA built for Restaurants. The conversation covers Baabak Touran’s background, and how the 2008 financial crisis led him and his friends to…
Are you burnt out? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:52
In this solo episode, the Mayor of Insurance Town tackles a challenge we can all relate to—burnout. As the end of the year approaches, workloads ramp up, and burnout can feel like it’s right around the corner. This episo…
A blueprint for agencies looking to grow...in this way... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:59
On todays episode the mayor interviews good friend Eric Stien, who just finished writing his first book he says, this is a Blueprint for agencies looking to grow their agencies. He gives a lot of practical advice through…
PIA of Texas- Hard Market Discusion ( LIVE) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:39
This is a LIVE episode from the PIA of Texas Conference in San Marcos Texas ! We are discussing Hard Market with Carrie Cheeks of JenCap, Debbie Dziga of Dziga Insurance, and Michael Ley of Hawksoft WARNING : THE AUDIO I…
Unlocking Agency Potential: Tech, Growth, and Relationship Strategies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:32
In this episode of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon sits down with a dynamic guest who is transforming how agencies operate. The conversation centers around leveraging technology to streamline agency operations and drive gr…
He purchased 3 agencies in one day? What? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:09
In this weeks episide the Mayor, Heath Shearon got a chance to catch up with his good friend Holden Smith on the show. Its been 4 years since he last appeared on the show and lots have changed since then, He's grown in s…