Tag: Technology
Unstoppable Ascent: Rod Mims on Athene’s Rise to the Top (Ep. 92)

Unstoppable Ascent: Rod Mims on Athene’s Rise to the Top (Ep. 92)

By |

From launching a retail annuity business to becoming the leading annuity distributor, Athene’s journey is a masterclass in growth and adaptability.

This week, Jeremy Houser sits down with Rod Mims, EVP and Head of Retail at Athene USA, to explore the strategies and pivotal decisions that fueled their rapid ascent.

This episode pulls back the curtain on technology breakthroughs, the power of people and culture, and the “silver tsunami” driving unprecedented annuity demand. They also dive into what it truly takes to sustain growth while delivering meaningful value to clients and partners.

Rod discusses:

  • The founding story of Athene’s retail business and lessons from scaling up from $10 billion to $36 billion in annual premium
  • The role of technology, especially moving from paper applications to 90% electronic processing and piloting paperless carrier-to-carrier transfers
  • The importance of building strong strategic partnerships and maintaining operational efficiency to support exponential growth
  • The impact of demographic shifts, interest rates, and volatility on the future of the fixed index annuity industry
  • How Athene fosters a high-retention, engaged culture through communication, leadership training, and employee feedback
  • And more!

Connect With Rod Mims

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Rod Mims serves as the Executive Vice President and Head of Retail Sales at Athene USA. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing Athene’s retail annuity business and driving continued growth through the development of strong partnerships.

Mr. Mims joined Athene in 2011 and served as Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager until he assumed his current role, bringing extensive institutional experience and strategic initiative to continue the successful execution of the organization’s growth plans.

Prior to joining Athene, he was the National Sales Manager for Genworth Financial, with responsibility spanning its bank, wirehouse, and independent broker-dealer channels.

Mr. Mims received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, accompanied by a degree in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. He graduated from the GE Management Development Institute- Crotonville and completed Executive Education from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

About Athene:

Athene is a leading retirement services company that specializes in helping its customers retire with confidence and is a solutions provider to institutions. As a company, Athene is driven to do more and is never satisfied with the status quo. Athene strives to create innovative financial solutions and has a strong team to serve our policyholders and our communities.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Building Momentum Through Systems, Training, and Delegation (Ep. 90)

Building Momentum Through Systems, Training, and Delegation (Ep. 90)

By |

Growth is possible, even in a slower market, when advisors focus on what matters most.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser checks in with listeners on personal and professional wins while sharing how his team continues to outperform the broader industry. He breaks down the tools, training, and strategies that have helped advisors thrive in 2025 and beyond, even as the market cools.

Jeremy discusses:

  • How his team achieved 15% growth year-over-year despite the fixed indexed annuity market declining 5% in Q1
  • The critical role of advisor trainings, masterminds, and personal development resources like book lists and mindset work
  • Leveraging technology and AI tools for efficient marketing, faster client communication, and content creation, including replacing costly agencies
  • The value of delegation in building strong advisor teams, including examples of growing from solo shops to teams of 19+
  • How consistency in content, authenticity, and strategic use of social media drive trust, visibility, and client engagement
  • And more!

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Innovative Growth Opportunities For Advisors Right Now (Ep. 62)

Innovative Growth Opportunities For Advisors Right Now (Ep. 62)

By |

In an era where technology is dominating new markets every day, one might think that Financial Advisors are next on the chopping block.

However, Jeremy Houser’s experience tells a different story. 

Jump into new growth areas for the financial advising community amidst current economic uncertainties. Explore how inflation, the Federal Reserve’s moves, and economic growth concerns influence investors and advisors. Jeremy shares insights on sticking to proven plans and processes for 2024 while offering advice on how to reach younger generations that will be accumulating a great deal of wealth over the next 20 years. Walk away with actionable advice on thriving in today’s economic environment, the groundbreaking impact of the Advisor Mentorship Program, and innovative approaches to client attraction and retention.

Jeremy discusses: 

  • The performance of the Advisor Mentorship Program in the first quarter of 2024 compared to first quarter of 2023
  • The systems, processes and tools that have helped these advisors see hockey stick growth 
  • Utilizing technology and social media marketing to attract younger generations and grow your advisory business 
  • The current state of the housing market
  • Implementing data-driven strategies for crafting effective marketing strategies
  • And more

 

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE
Systems Work People Fail 2.0: Next Steps To Scale Your Business (Ep. 42)

Systems Work People Fail 2.0: Next Steps To Scale Your Business (Ep. 42)

By |

As the world has shifted dramatically over the past two years, with virtual appointments becoming the norm, it is essential to stay updated and equipped with the right tools to establish trust and credibility with your clients.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser unpacks the details of the Systems Work People Fail 2.0 Webinar. Listen in as Jeremy details what are some of the resources advisors are using to achieve success in the fixed index annuities arena while differentiating themselves within their industry.

Jeremy discusses:

  • The significance of the recent Systems Work People Fail 2.0 Webinar and its relevance in today’s rapidly evolving market for the independent financial professional
  • Ways consumer behavior has changed
  • Processes and tools required to separate yourself from the competition and establish yourself as an authority within your industry 
  • The role of technology and the value of having a robust digital presence to build trust and reach a broader audience
  • The value of having strong mentorship and messaging as an advisor  
  • And more!

Resources: 

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE
Athene’s Strategy for Innovation and Customer Satisfaction with Mitch Anderson, CLU®, RICP®, CSSCS® (Ep. 40)

Athene’s Strategy for Innovation and Customer Satisfaction with Mitch Anderson, CLU®, RICP®, CSSCS® (Ep. 40)

By |

We all know that the insurance industry is facing challenges in the current market environment, but what are the solutions, and what does the future look like?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Mitch Anderson, the VP/ Senior Relationship Manager at Athene USA. Mitch talks about Athene’s growth within the annuities space and their portfolio of volatility-controlled indexes. Additionally, Mitch shares the firm’s mission to continue providing innovative product solutions to their clients.

Mitch discusses: 

  • What you should know about Athene’s partnership with InsurMark
  • The awards that Athene won in 2022
  • The importance of volatility control indices and ways the firm selects their index partners
  • Some of the challenges Athene faced in scaling up their business and how they overcame them
  • Athene’s Roth conversion program
  • The value of educating clients on the differences between banks and insurance companies
  • What the future holds for the company
  • The importance of fixed index annuities in volatile markets and the benefits they offer for clients in drawdown situations
  • And more!

Connect with Mitch Anderson:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Mitch Anderson is a VP/Senior Relationship Manager for Athene USA and works with a number of our Key Distribution Partners.  Besides managing NMO relationships, Mitch frequently speaks at training events and helps educate advisors on the benefits of Fixed Indexed Annuities.  

For over 30 years, Mitch has worked in the insurance and financial services industry in a number of different roles, from wholesaling to sales management.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE
The Power of Forecasting & How To Stand Out (Ep. 38)

The Power of Forecasting & How To Stand Out (Ep. 38)

By |

The first quarter of 2023 has brought nothing but success to Jeremy Houser and his team at InsurMark.

But it doesn’t stop there.

From human connections to financial technology, marketing, and coaching, in this episode, Jeremy reviews the first quarter of 2023 while giving an overview of what’s to come for the short and long term for the team at InsurMark and their advisors.

Jeremy discusses: 

  • The concept of ‘lost decade’ and the importance of protecting investment returns during challenging times
  • Ways advisors (like you!) can stay on top of technology while managing information overload and delegating tasks effectively 
  • InsurMark’s approach to helping you forecast investment opportunities
  • The importance of building long-lasting and resourceful relationships with your clients
  • What you should know about being ‘coachable’ and the ways coaches, mentors, and like-minded individuals can help you leverage time and technology 
  • The multi-generational wealth transfer that will occur in the next 20 years and the potential opportunities it carries for advisors 
  • And more!

Resources: 

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE
A Fiduciary-Based Approach To Your Client’s Wealth Planning Needs with Terry Wheeler (Ep. 36)

A Fiduciary-Based Approach To Your Client’s Wealth Planning Needs with Terry Wheeler (Ep. 36)

By |

In an industry as saturated as the financial one, it is easy to be another sheep in the pack and blend in based on similar services and marketing strategies. 

Thankfully, at InsurMark, the team works with a number of different individuals whose firms are not your typical cookie-cutter business but have unique tools and resources. 

In this episode, Jeremy Houser is joined by Terry Wheeler from WE Alliance Wealth Advisors, Inc. Terry reveals what separates him and his practice from his industry competitors when it comes to wealth planning, including his more traditional approach to client and advisor-facing operations. 

Terry discusses: 

  • His experience at InsurMark’s Founder’s Club and key takeaways from similar advisors
  • Ways his firm approaches technological advancements and marketing solutions 
  • The value of  face-to-face meetings and in-person interactions with clients 
  • Some saving strategies his company focuses on
  • Ways his firm works on identifying the right product for advisors and their clients
  • And more!

Connect with Terry Wheeler:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Terry Wheeler is the founder, managing member, and lead portfolio strategist of WE Alliance Institutional, LLC and WE Alliance Wealth Advisors, Inc. He is an accomplished Portfolio and Wealth Strategist Planner; a Wealth, Estate, and Tax Planning Attorney; a frequent lecturer, and formerly an adjunct tax professor at U.C. Davis. 

Terry began his career in the banking and lending industries, but in 1991 he transitioned his focus to the investment world, beginning with Dean Witter Reynolds. His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Planning from San Diego State University and a Juris Doctor Degree in Law from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. He is also a post-doctorate graduate through the Master’s program of the Esperti Peterson institute and a participant in MIT’s blockchain and cryptocurrency course offerings.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE
The Art of Efficiency with Chad Burns (Ep. 32)

The Art of Efficiency with Chad Burns (Ep. 32)

By |

2023 is the year of speed and efficiency. 

In this episode, Jeremy Houser is joined by Chad Burns, the chief distribution officer at Aspida. Chad unveils everything you need to know about him and Aspida.  He also sheds light on what Aspida does for advisors and their approach to helping you help your clients with all things annuities and retirement planning options from a technology-efficient standpoint.

Chad discusses: 

  • What makes Aspida different from other Insurance Carriers
  • Some company values that have allowed Aspida to succeed
  • How Aspida’s tech separates them from the competition
  • Some key business practices that he’s taking into the new year
  • The firm’s approach to defining the ideal advisors they want to work with 
  • And more!

Connect with Chad Burns:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Aspida’s annuity business is led by Chad Burns, the Chief Distribution Officer. Chad joined Aspida from Transamerica, where he served as Regional Vice President overseeing annuity sales and corporate retirement sales in NC. Chad has also held roles at Prudential Financial, Axa Distributors, and PLANCO (The Hartford). Chad holds a B.A. in Business Management from North Carolina State University.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE
Tips & Processes to Manage Your Practice In This Virtual Environment with Al Caicedo (Ep. 22)

Tips & Processes to Manage Your Practice In This Virtual Environment with Al Caicedo (Ep. 22)

By |

In the last couple of years, there has been a shift in businesses, creating an abundance of advisors working virtually. 

But it is not as easy as it may seem. To successfully manage a virtual business, you must stand out from the crowd.

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Al Caicedo, president, and owner of CKS Summit Group. Al shares different strategies advisors can incorporate when switching to an online platform and the personalization they need to create a loyal customer base. 

Al discusses: 

  • The importance of incorporating webinars and video messaging within your practice 
  • The truth about trust, ego, and commitment when it comes to building and maintaining a business in this virtual environment 
  • How to keep your clients informed without throwing them an abundance of oversaturated information
  • Ways to personalize your relationship with your clients 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Al Caicedo:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Al Caicedo is the president and owner of CKS Summit Group. Al’s focus is to help his clients enjoy their lifestyle beyond the workplace and into their retirement years. He educates and enables them to come to understand for themselves the financial path they should follow. He has spent twenty years helping clients protect and preserve their assets. His safe money strategies helped clients save millions of dollars during the latest market collapse.



Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

FEATURE
A Mid-Year Review: Here’s How Advisors Can Continue Growing (Ep. 21)

A Mid-Year Review: Here’s How Advisors Can Continue Growing (Ep. 21)

By |

While gaining outreach in such a saturated market can be extremely challenging, this year has been very prosperous for advisors.  

This week, Jeremy Houser details ways to continue that growth for the remainder of this year and the years to come. 

Jeremy highlights the role of innovation, creativity, and even time off when it comes to business growth and the ever-changing and uncertain marketplace. Through the use of technology, Jeremy outlines ways you can keep your clients up to date on market trends while allowing your business to elevate its marketing efforts.

Jeremy discusses: 

  • The importance of vacation time and the value of setting realistic expectations with clients 
  • Reasons advisors shouldn’t be afraid of changes and challenges 
  • Important marketing tidbits for advisors 
  • Balancing remote work to keep up with clients 
  • And more!

Resources:

Book Time with Jeremy Houser: 

Connect with Jeremy Houser:


Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Archives

Categories