Seth Cottle of Alchemy Health Plans explains how he grew from an individual agent into an agency owner and helps new producers get started. The discussion emphasizes hands-on training, momentum, and diversifying beyond Medicare Advantage. Dan, Mike, and Seth explore weaving ACA, dental, hospital indemnity, and other ancillary coverage into client conversations and building more resilient income streams.

In this episode

  • New agent development
  • Agency entrepreneurship
  • Product diversification
  • Ancillary coverage
  • Hands-on training

Show notes

In Episode 126 of the Agent Boost Podcast, Mike sits down with his best friend and fellow agency owner Seth Cottle, founder of Alchemy Health Plans, for a candid conversation about what it actually takes to build a thriving insurance agency in one of the most challenging markets the industry has ever seen.

Seth spent years working at Comcast while quietly building his book of business on nights and weekends before going all in on insurance. He shares exactly how he made that transition, why it worked when it doesn't work for most agents, and how that same work ethic became the foundation for everything he teaches his agents at Alchemy today.

This episode goes deep on the concept of the diverse, dynamic agent, why you can no longer survive as a Medicare-only or ACA-only agent, how to properly layer products without overwhelming your team, and why the agencies that built their entire book around one product line are the ones getting wiped out right now. Seth and Mike also break down income-producing activities, the real reason agents lose momentum and leave the industry, and what a new agent's first 90 days should actually look like.

If you're a new agent trying to shortcut your path to success, a seasoned broker looking to diversify, or an agency owner trying to build something that lasts this episode is essential listening.

Chapters

  • 0:00 Welcome & Introducing Seth Cottle of Alchemy Health Plans
  • 1:06 How Mike & Seth Met & Seth's Path from Comcast to Agency Owner
  • 6:11 Building on the Side First - The Right Way to Make the Jump
  • 10:03 Income-Producing Activities - What Actually Moves the Needle
  • 12:39 The Hoodie Agent - How One Part-Timer Outsold Everyone
  • 15:44 You Can't Be a One-Trick Pony - Diversification Is Survival
  • 20:02 How Seth Layers Products & Trains Agents from Day One
  • 27:48 Agency Value & Why Diversification Determines What You're Worth
  • 33:55 Medicare Advantage Benefits Are Drying Up - The Ancillary Opportunity Is Now
  • 35:08 Seth's Advice for New Agents - Burn the Boats & Go All In