82.3%
Of small businesses (29.8 million) have no employees: most owners start solo.
Source: SBA Office of Advocacy FAQ 2026 (2022 data)All professions
Rookie Runway / Insurance Agents and Agency Owners
Build an agency, not just a book of policies.
A practical business runway for independent agents and new agency owners.
Founding waitlist open
49.2%
Of new employer establishments survive five years; 33.9% survive ten (1994 to 2022 averages).
Source: SBA Office of Advocacy FAQ 2026, from BLS Business Employment DynamicsFrom practitioner to owner
What licensing didn't teach you
- Building a renewal and follow-up rhythm
- Understanding commission timing and agency expenses
- Creating a clear prospect-to-client handoff
- Developing referral relationships without pressure
Your launch field guide
Your 30 / 60 / 90-day checklist
0 of 18 done0%
First 30 days: Lay the foundation
Quick runway check
Days 31 to 60: Build your rhythm
Days 61 to 90: Refine and repeat
New resource library
Resource library
A practical launch guide, four adaptable templates, a first-week calendar and the business words worth learning for insurance.
Launch guide
Your first 90 days, step by step.
4 templates
Inquiry, follow-up, intake and review requests.
First-week calendar
A working rhythm beyond client delivery.
12 business terms
Plain-English definitions for owner conversations.
Your C-suite in a box
COO / Operations
Map quoting, servicing and renewal handoffs.
CFO / Money
Forecast commissions, renewals and carrier payment timing.
CMO / Growth
Position your agency around a clear client segment.
CTO / Tools & tech
Use a CRM with renewal reminders and controlled access.
CHRO / People
Define service responsibilities before adding agency staff.
Tools you'll need
- Agency CRM
- Renewal calendar
- Bookkeeping
- Secure document workflow
- Business website
Choose tools that fit your workflows and professional requirements. These are categories, not vendor endorsements.
Your checklist is available now. We'll let you know when the full member app for your profession is ready.
Rookie Runway is general business education, not legal, tax, financial, medical or brokerage advice. Licensing and practice rules vary by state. Check with your board, broker or advisor.
Check state insurance department rules and carrier requirements.