Are you a newly licensed insurance agent feeling overwhelmed by all the “opportunities” being pitched your way? You’re not alone. In today’s insurance landscape, everyone’s promising the world, and it’s hard to know who to trust.
David Price, founder of The Price Group (TPG), built a multi-million dollar career in insurance and is now helping agents navigate these decisions with clarity. In this blog, he shares the lessons he learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.
1. Mentorship Over Everything
The most critical factor when choosing an opportunity? Mentorship.
David compares this to getting the chance to work under Warren Buffett for free: it’s not about the money, it’s about the knowledge and proximity. A good mentor will save you years of trial and error.
Ask these questions:
- Who will actually be mentoring me?
- What is their track record—not just personally, but in helping others succeed?
- Will they answer the phone on weekends, evenings, when it really matters?
2. Know Your Goals: Top Producer or Business Builder?
Some people want to sell policies. Others want freedom: to build a business, have passive income, and maybe even sell it one day. Define your vision first—then align your opportunity to support that.
3. Independent vs. Captive: What It Really Means
Being “independent” is about control and ownership:
- Do you own your book of business?
- Can you leave and take your renewals?
- Are there restrictions on who you can work with?
Captive models can be good for people who want structure and simplicity, but they often come with long-term limitations. Always read the fine print.
4. Lead Programs Matter—A Lot
Without leads, you have no prospects. David emphasizes:
- The importance of a reliable lead system
- Transparency around lead cost, quality, and delivery
- Whether you’re financing, buying, or receiving “free” leads (which usually means lower comp)
“Free leads” aren’t really free—you’re likely giving up something on the backend (like commission or renewals).
5. Phone Sales vs. Field Sales
Selling over the phone offers freedom and scalability. David transitioned from field sales to telesales and never looked back. Choose a model that fits your lifestyle and make sure the opportunity is set up to support it.
6. Carrier Options and Competitiveness
David now partners with top A-rated carriers that offer competitive pricing and recognizable names—making it easier to close business. More carriers can lead to:
- Higher average premiums
- Better conversion rates
- More incentives and bonuses
You don’t need 200 carriers. You need the right 5-6 high-performing ones.
7. Ask the Right Questions
When evaluating a team or company, don’t just accept surface-level answers. Ask:
- How many successful agents have you helped?
- Do you have systems for recruiting, training, and building?
- Will I be able to grow into an agency owner, not just a top seller?
8. Red Flags to Avoid
- Mentors who still need to personally sell to survive
- Teams with no infrastructure for training or support
- Captive setups disguised as independent
- Empty promises without evidence of agent success
9. Plug Into the Right Community
David runs a free Facebook group, We Are Insurance Agents, that offers:
- Neutral training (no recruiting allowed)
- Daily support and Q&A
- A safe place for agents to grow and collaborate
Join at: weareinsuranceagents.com
Final Thoughts
The right opportunity isn’t about hype or flashy marketing. It’s about alignment: do they offer the mentorship, model, and tools that match your goals?
If you’re looking to grow in 2025, whether you’re brand new or experienced and stuck, David Price and The Price Group are building something different—a place where agents can truly thrive.
