PUBLISHER’ S NOTE
CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT written by Dave Hulcher
Anyone who knows me will tell you I’ m pretty competitive. I also believe strongly in the compounding effect of getting just 1 % better every day. This edition of the magazine features several articles that touch on both themes.
First, congratulations to the 11 KAIA members who were selected as 2025 Best Practice Agencies after submitting extensive financial and operational data. We spoke with some of these agencies to learn about their experience and key takeaways from the process. A common theme emerged: understanding how their agency stacked up against the best, differentiating themselves from others, and using the data to inform strategic initiatives and elevate performance. I encourage all members to review the Best Practices study – it’ s a great resource for defining success and measuring progress in your own agency.
I’ m also excited to share that the Agency Compensation 360 dashboard is now available to members who completed the survey. Thanks to your participation, Kansas achieved the highest percentage completion rate of any state! Speaking of competitive, Beth Smoller was determined to finish at the top – and she delivered. This is a fantastic start, and the data will only become more valuable as more agencies participate. If you haven’ t completed the survey, I’ d encourage you to do so.
Finally, one of the easiest ways to elevate your agency’ s game is by attending the upcoming Annual Convention and Trade Show( February 2 – 4). This year’ s theme,“ Charging Into the Future,” promises in-person education, motivational keynote speakers, and networking opportunities that will make you and your team at least 1 % better!
Stay humble, kind, and thankful,
KIA & B
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 • VOLUME 30 No. 6
OFFICERS OF KAIA President: Bryan Schmitz | bryanschmitz @ sbsins. com President-Elect: David Vogel | dvogel @ provalueins. com VP / Treasurer: Brock Elliott | brock @ elliottinsurancegroup. com Secretary / Assistant Treasurer: Bryce Hundley | bryce @ hundleyinsurance. com National Director: Jo Erin Stuteville | joerin @ elliottinsurancegroup. com Immediate Past President: Kevin O’ Brien | kevin. obrien @ reillyinsurance. com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director: Cristi Werth | cwerth @ ruraltel. net Zone II Director: Chris Bohrer | cbohrer @ wic. insurance Director-at-Large: Scott Strickland | scotts @ cacu. com Director-at-Large: Natalie Magill | natalie. magill @ imacorp. com Director-at-Large: Russell Winn | russell @ winninsurance. com Director-at-Large Christine Teagarden | christine @ trulyins. com Young Agents Chair: Haley Marsicek | haley @ cardinalinsuranceservices. com
KAIA STAFF & CONSULTANTS Chief Executive Officer: Dave Hulcher COO / General Counsel: Beth Smoller Vice President of Finance: Shannon Bower E & O Program Administrator: Barb Wise AVP of Prof. Dev. & Marketing: Karlyn Raleigh Director of Marketing: Valerie Gardner Director of Business Development: Patrick McCoy Membership Engagement Specialist: Ruth Wright Office Coordinator: Barb Cobuluis Acct. Managers: Valerie Dunnam & Carolyn Rouse KAIA Lobbyist: Dan Murray
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER