Agency Ascend
Agency Ascend is a podcast for insurance agents and agency owners who are looking for resources to scale their business. The show is hosted by CEO, Chris Sterlacci, and other staff members of CAA to bring you tools and guidance on how they help Agency Owners turn their business into a major asset.
Agency Ascend
The Hidden Cost of Staying Captive
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The captive agency model has helped many agents enter the insurance industry, build discipline, and learn how to sell. But in 2026, the model is facing new pressure.
In this episode of Agency Ascend, Chad Brumit, Chris Sterlacci, and Jessica McBurney break down the biggest issues impacting captive agents right now, including reduced commission structures, moving compensation targets, rising business expenses, staffing requirements, and limited control over how the agency operates.
The team also explores when the captive model still makes sense, especially for agents who are new to insurance, and when it may become too restrictive for business-minded owners who want more control, stronger resale value, commercial opportunities, and long-term independence.
If you’re a captive agent wondering what comes next, this episode is for you.
Movie Quotes from the Team:
Chris "May the Force be with you"
Chad "the very things that hold you down- are going to lift you up"
Jessica "I don't want to be the product of my environment, I want my environment to be a product of me"
About the Show
Agency Ascend is a podcast for insurance agents and agency owners who are looking for resources to scale their business. The show is hosted by Managing Partner, Chris Sterlacci, and other staff members of CAA to bring you tools and guidance on how they help Agency owners turn their business into a major asset.
CoVerica Agency Alliance is a strategic master agency of SIAA, the fastest growing agency partnership in the country. Our “integrator” model combines the best aspects of each partnership model — clusters, aggregators, franchises — to create a one-of-a-kind partnership that enhances distribution and drives organic growth. As a top insurance agency strategic partner in Texas, we offer solutions to greatly strengthen your agency’s position in the market.
New episodes drop triweekly on Wednesdays. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at podcast@coverica.com. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.
Visit us at www.covericaaa.com