About this episode
In this episode of Referrals Done Right, host Scott Grates sits down with powerhouse agency owner Ashley Himes to discuss what it takes to build a thriving business, an unstoppable team, and a referral-based growth engine. Ashley shares her incredible journey—from despising the insurance industry to becoming a leader in it—along with the game-changing strategies that have propelled her agency to the top.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Climber vs. Camper Mentality: Why Ashley only hires people who want more out of life and how that mindset fuels a winning culture.The Secret to Recruiting Top Talent: How she attracts high-performing employees by aligning compensation with their personal dreams and goals.Mastering Community-Based Marketing: The innovative ways Ashley’s agency builds brand loyalty, generates organic referrals, and makes the phone ring without buying leads.The Power of Giving Back: How her agency’s 12 Months of Giving initiative not only impacts the community but also fuels exponential business growth.Breaking Down Big Goals into Daily Actions: The exact system Ashley uses to track numbers, improve close rates, and scale her agency’s success.This episode is a masterclass in leadership, culture, and client-focused growth. If you want to learn how to build a business that runs on referrals—and a team that’s as motivated as you are—this is a must-listen! ?---Episode Markers:(0:00) - Scott's Intro(0:40) - Show Start(1:25) - Ashley's Unexpected Path to Insurance(5:10) - The Power of Personal Experience in Sales(8:05) - It Starts with You Mindset(11:00) - Shift to 4 Day Work Week(15:15) - Leadership Through Mindset & Wellness(16:30) - Wellness Wednesdays & Point Systems(19:30) - Retaining Employees(22:30) - Addition by Subtraction(23:15) - Climber's Mentality(27:00) - Starts with Recruiting Process(30:15) - Goals & Accountability(33:50) - Ashley's Referral Strategy(34:30) - 12 Months of Giving(37:15) - Top of Mind Awareness(39:20) - Google Reviews(41:30) - One Last Takeaway & Chunking Goals Down(46:00) - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Ashley---Scott Grates' Links:Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.comReferrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.comScott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.comLove Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgratesAshley's Links:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyHi
