Most agencies don’t slow down because they’re failing, they slow down because of hidden drag.

In this episode, Brent Kelly breaks down what’s really dragging your agency down, even if you’re growing, profitable, and doing “all the right things.” The reality? Growth often hides inefficiencies instead of fixing them.

Using a powerful “parachute” analogy, Brent uncovers the invisible friction that limits your agency’s performance, profitability, and freedom—and why adding more people isn’t the solution most leaders think it is.

You’ll discover:

• Why growth can mask deeper operational issues
• The biggest sources of drag inside successful agencies
• How client mix misalignment impacts your time, energy, and profitability
• Why producers and service teams get stuck in inefficient patterns
• The critical difference between getting bigger and getting better
• Key metrics like revenue per employee and spread per employee, and what they reveal

If your agency feels busy, stretched, or stuck despite strong results, this episode will challenge your thinking and help you identify where you’re losing momentum.

Because the breakthrough isn’t about working harder or hiring more people, it’s about removing the drag that’s holding you back.

👉 Ready for a clearer, more optimized path forward?

Or visit sitkins.com/bookacall to start a conversation.

What does it really take to become a high-performing agency leader?

In this episode, Brent Kelly sits down with Chris Paradiso to explore the habits, mindset, and leadership principles that drive long-term success. From the power of relationships and accountability to the role of discipline and grit, Chris shares what separates average performance from elite execution.

Chris also discusses how AI is changing the game - not by replacing people, but by helping teams communicate better, work smarter, and deliver more value to clients.

This is a conversation about leadership first, insurance second.

If you’re committed to becoming a better leader and building a stronger agency, this episode is a must-listen.

Reach out to Chris Paradiso on LinkedIn or X.

Books Referenced in this episode:

• Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban
• Living Your Best Year Ever
• Choose Your Enemies Wisely

If you're ready to take your agency to the next level, start by taking our Agency Performance Diagnostic. It will give you immediate clarity on your biggest opportunities for growth and improvement.

Why do producers fail?

Most agency leaders assume the answer is lack of discipline, motivation, or talent. But after working with thousands of producers across hundreds of agencies, Brent Kelly has found a different truth:

Most producers don’t fail because of talent. They fail because the system around them makes success difficult.

In this episode of the Agent Leader Podcast, Brent breaks down the leadership and organizational issues that quietly sabotage producer performance.

You’ll discover the five environment factors that determine whether producers succeed or struggle.

If you want producers who grow faster, stay focused, and produce at a higher level, the solution isn’t simply better people. It’s a better environment.

This episode will challenge agency leaders to stop asking:

“Why aren’t my producers producing?”

And start asking the better leadership question:

“Have we created the environment where producers can succeed?”

If you're ready to get your agency and producers to their Best Version Possible, visit www.sitkins.com/bookacall