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Power Producers PodcastRefining and redefining the sales gam Author: David Carothers
We are refining and redefining the sales game. A place where sales professionals can come to learn from other sales professionals and thought leaders who have mastered their craft. Real sales professionals. Real stories. Real results. Are you ready to feel the power? Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Becoming the Protege with Aaron Puchbauer
Friday, 26 December, 2025
In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers sits down with Aaron Puchbauer, a contestant on Season 3 of The Protégé. Aaron’s journey to insurance is unique—he spent 15 years as a healthcare executive before a corporate restructuring led him to pivot into the world of risk management. They discuss how Aaron’s background as a C-Suite buyer gives him a unique advantage in selling to decision-makers, why he sends meeting agendas in advance, and how he utilizes AI to prep for appointments. If you are a new producer looking to differentiate yourself, or a veteran looking to refine your process, Aaron’s "buyer-first" perspective is invaluable. Key Highlights: From Healthcare Executive to Insurance Producer Aaron Puchbauer shares his transition from a 15-year career in hospital administration to becoming an independent insurance agent. He explains how the desire to control his own destiny and provide stability for his family (specifically his son with autism) drove him to an industry where effort equals equity. The Buyer’s Perspective: Winning the Meeting Having spent years on the other side of the table fielding pitches from vendors, Aaron knows exactly what decision-makers hate—and what they respect. He details his strategy of sending a proposed agenda well in advance of the meeting, asking the prospect to strike or add items. This simple step establishes respect for the prospect's time and differentiates him from the "show up and throw up" competition. Boots on the Ground: Physical Risk Assessment Aaron and David discuss the necessity of "walking the walk" during a prospect visit. Aaron shares a recent experience inspecting a restaurant where he checked everything from the walk-in coolers to the Ansel system (fire suppression). By physically inspecting the risk, he identified misclassifications and coverage gaps that the incumbent agent missed entirely. Leveraging AI for Sales Preparation Aaron reveals how he uses ChatGPT to prepare for sales calls. By prompting the AI to act as the business owner (e.g., a restaurant owner) and asking it to generate likely objections and questions, he walks into meetings prepared for the specific operational concerns of that industry. The Power of "Walking Away" David emphasizes a lesson that usually takes new producers years to learn: the ability to spot a "fool's errand." They discuss a specific case where a prospect’s data was so disjointed (impossible liquor sales vs. gross receipts) that it required a hard conversation about whether the account was even insurable, highlighting the importance of underwriting on the front end. Connect with: David Carothers LinkedIn Aaron Puchbauer LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Imming Insurance Agency Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes
