MRL #129- 6 Lessons From Starting Over 4 Years Ago

Four years ago, I walked away from a $1.2M book of business and started over from scratch.

At the time, part of me thought I was crazy. I had a young family, a comfortable income, and a brand name agency on my business card.

Why risk it?

But deep down, I couldn’t shake the question:

When I’m 80 years old, will I regret never knowing what could have been?

So, I made the leap.

Looking back now, I wouldn’t trade that decision for the world. But it wasn’t easy. There were lessons, suprises, and sleepless nights along the way.

Here are six things I’ve learned that might help you if you’re thinking about changing agencies, or even just questioning whether you’re in the right spot.

1. The Size and Brand of Your Agency Matter Less Than You Think

Big firms love to scare producers into believing that if you leave, you’ll never write big accounts again.

My experience? Totally untrue.

I joined a firm with zero presence in Texas. My underwriters were all based in Minnesota. And yet, I still wrote six-figure accounts and saved clients tens (and sometimes hundreds) of thousands.

What mattered wasn’t the logo on my shirt. It was me showing up, prospecting, and delivering.

2. Don’t Bank on Old Clients Coming Back

When I left, plenty of clients told me:

“If we could, we’d follow you.”

But 2 years after my non-compete was over, guess what?

Most didn’t come back.

And the ones that did only returned because their new agent dropped the ball.

Agencies are smart. They’ll move your best accounts with the most capable producers. If the service team stays strong, your old clients have no reason to leave. Even if they still like you.

If you’re counting on a windfall after your non-compete, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

3. Expect a Ramp-Up Period

Even with 7+ years of experience, my first year felt like learning insurance all over again.

New systems.

New workflows.

New people.

It all slows you down.

That’s why you need to hit the ground running with a prospecting list on day one. Don’t assume you have a few months to “settle in.”

Six months later, you’ll regret it.

4. A Smaller Agency Will Expose Your Weaknesses

At a big shop, you can rely on the machine.

You’ve got departments, experts, and endless resources.

At a smaller firm? You’re the machine.

For me, that meant learning coverage details I used to delegate. Reading policies more closely. Becoming a true advisor, not just a deal-getter.

It was humbling.

But it ultimately made me a better producer.

5. You’ll Doubt Yourself (and That’s Normal)

For me, the honeymoon phase wore off quickly.

By month two, I was experiencing some serious anxiety.

Did I make the right move?

Was I insane for leaving?

Those doubts don’t mean you made a bad choice. They just mean you’re human.

Push through the desert seasons.

Keep prospecting.

Momentum cures fear.

6. Make the Move for the Right Reasons

This last one is more of a suggestion.

If you’re switching agencies just for a few extra points of commission, don’t do it.

That motivation will fade.

The move has to be about more. Freedom. Equity. Ownership. Challenge. Growth.

Do it because you’re devoted to the game.

Not just chasing a few extra bucks on your paycheck.

Four Years In, I Have Zero Regrets

My family’s happier.

I’m sharper as a producer.

And I’ve proven to myself that starting over doesn’t mean going backwards.

So if you’re debating a change, my advice is simple:

Take the calls. Do your due diligence. And make the decision you’ll be proud of when you’re 80.

Because at the end of the day, the book of business you’re building isn’t just about revenue.

It’s about building a life you’re proud of.

And if you want a proven roadmap for how to actually build that book step by step, without wasting years figuring it out, check out our Producer Playbook.

It’s the exact system I used to start over and rebuild by 7-figure book in only 4 years.

👉 Grab the Producer Playbook here.

That’s it for this week.

See you next Monday.

Micah

P.S. Coming Soon: Producer Games

Producer Games is our new app for Producers that gamifies prospecting with a national leaderboard. Track your calls, emails, or drop-in numbers while seeing how you stack up against producers across the country. Competition, accountability, gamification all in one. Launching Nov 1.