Leadership Council

The Christensen Group Leadership Council is a group of business unit leaders focused on CG’s long-term business strategy. The 2025 Vision Plan is our written long-term strategy, and includes yearly initiatives by department. Review it here.
We meet monthly to discuss critical issues and collaborate on topics meant to propel profitable growth, value innovation, share cross-company best practices and honor our commitment to the 4Cs (Carrier, Client, Coworkers, Community).

COmpany Leadership
Bruce Christensen
Bruce Christensen
Eden Prairie
Ross Dahlof
Ross Dahlof
Eden Prairie
Sam Olinger
Sam Olinger
Eden Prairie
Jake Olinger
Jake Olinger
Monticello
Rick Redding
Rick Redding
Eden Prairie
Bob Schmitz
Bob Schmitz
Eden Prairie
Tyler Simmons
Tyler Simmons
Eden Prairie
Announcements

Leadership Council -Nov 22, 24

November 22, 2024

EPIC SYSTEM

The EPIC conversion remains our top priority for the entire organization. As outlined in our 2024 goals, we’ve committed to exploring a single system to improve decision-making through better data and streamline processes for future business operations. In November, we reviewed the progress of the conversion and discussed how to effectively communicate updates to the team, as well as how to support them in the months ahead.

We also explored leadership metrics to incorporate into EPIC dashboards, such as measuring sales velocity using EPIC data analytics. This idea was inspired by the Data presentation at the Assurex Global Leadership Conference (more on that below).

Spotlight on a 10-Year Vision:

  • Go/No Go decision for a single system. If "Go," select and begin implementation.
  • Clean up our data and establish consistent processes and protocols.

ASSUREX UPDATE

Tyler Simmons shared an update from the Assurex Global Leadership Conference he attended in October. During the conference, Tyler connected with leaders across the globe and deepened our relationship with Troy Johnson, a multinational leader at Assurex Global.

The conference highlighted the growing importance of segmentation and specialization as agencies scale. Key insights were also shared during the November Sales Meeting to further educate our sales team on the resources available through our Assurex Global partnership.

Spotlight on a 2024 Initiative within the Products & Service Category:

  • Engage and leverage benchmarking groups.
  • Attend segment/department conferences to foster learning and strengthen relationships with thought leaders in the insurance agency space.
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Leadership Council - Oct 10, 24

October 11, 2024

In lieu of an Leadership October Update, we hosted the Fall Business Meeting on October 10.

For those who missed it, you can find the presentation here: 2024 Fall Business Meeting.pdf or watch the recording here: Fall Business Meeting-20241010_092746-Meeting Recording.mp4

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September Leadership Update

September 19, 2024

GROWTH We continued our discussion about growth at Christensen Group. What things are working well as we grow and what things should we build better processes around to support our growth. While we don’t have any immediate decisions from this conversation, we landed on some questions that need more research.  We have built strong partnerships with Assurex Global companies and will use that network to continue to understand how other agencies support new and growing markets.

*Spotlight on a 10 Year Vision_: Adaptive Org Structure to Support Growth & Efficient Branch Operations _

FALL BUSINESS MEETING As a team, we determined key messages for our upcoming Fall Business Meeting on October 10. If you don’t have an invite, please ask Laura Wilde to forward it to you. We’re excited to share updates on CG’s Performance, progress towards the 10 year vision and 2024 initiatives, EPIC project updates and kickoff the 2024 Annual Review process. 

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August Leadership Update

August 16, 2024

GROWTH We had an open discussion about growth at Christensen Group. What things are working well as we grow and what things should we build better processes around to support our growth. While we don’t have any immediate decisions from this conversation, we decided to bring the topic back to our September meeting. We’ll revisit again with more framework around sales, new markets, carrier relationships and employee onboarding.

*Spotlight on a 10 Year Vision_: Adaptive Org Structure to Support Growth & Efficient Branch Operations _

THE LAB UPDATE Each department leadership team will meet with The Lab to discuss findings on our Phase 1 work with the lab. This includes reviewing process maps and understanding where there is room for process improvements. Our goal is to understand what’s possible through both EPIC workflows and future automations. If we decide to explore an automated workflow, we’d likely pause on doing this work until after EPIC go-live. This is intentional to ensure we don’t add too much work and extra meetings during an already busy renewal season and EPIC project timeline.

*Spotlight on a 2024 Initiative within Operations category: Clean up our data and create consistent process and protocol.

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June & July Leadership Update

July 19, 2024

ASSUREX UPDATE Ashley Kellerman, Kyle Simmons and Sam Olinger provided an update from the Assurex Operations conference they attended in June. Through the conference, they were able to learn about security practices, find other agencies to learn from in our EPIC transition and explore cultural and developmental tools used at other agencies. Sam Olinger presented on career pathing and development at Christensen Group. Sam recently shared the presentation with all the leaders at CG and you can expect an update from your manager on development opportunities in your area. *Spotlight on a 2024 Initiative within Products & Service category: _Assurex: Engage and utilize benchmarking groups, attend segment/department conferences to learn and build relationships with insurance agency thought leaders. _

ARDELLE UPDATE We discussed our nominees at the June Leadership meeting. We were thrilled with the amount of meaningful submissions and it was a difficult decision to make for the Leadership team. We can’t wait to celebrate all the nominees on the July 25 State of CG meeting. We will announce the winners during the meeting!   *Spotlight on a 2024 Initiative within People & Culture category: Launch a Service Recognition Incentive (to align with Sales Growth/Recognition incentives).

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May Leadership Update

May 21, 2024

ASSUREX UPDATE Lynn Pettis and Tony Larson provided an update from the Assurex Private Client conference they attended in April. Through the conference, they were able to find a partner agency to assist with Florida placements, and resources available for difficult markets in California and Colorado.

Lynn & Tony will be sharing more specific and relevant information to the Personal Lines department.

This conference checked off two 2024 Initiatives! *Spotlight on a 2024 Initiative within Market & Customers category: Find new markets in hard-to-place locations (FL, CA, CO, WY, TX). *Spotlight on a 2024 Initiative within Products & Service category: _Assurex: Engage and utilize benchmarking groups, attend segment/department conferences to learn and build relationships with insurance agency thought leaders. _

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