Business Refocused
Helps leaders navigate the numbers, people, and strategy behind sustainable growth. Hosted by Carey Wallace and Lindsay Sexton, the show dives into what really happens when a business is changing, whether it’s expanding, merging, transitioning ownership, or rethinking operations.
Each conversation offers practical insight on analyzing your business, making data-driven decisions, and building a company built to last.
Show previously named Insurance Refocused, but changed to Business Refocused in November 2025. Business owners of all industries face the same challenges as independent insurance agencies.
Business Refocused
#158 - Interest Rates and Agency M&A in 2026 w/ Scott Freiday & Keith Mangini
In this episode of Business Refocused, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Scott Freiday and Keith Mangini from InsurBanc for a timely, straight-talk conversation about interest rates, lending strategy, and what agency owners should actually be doing in 2026.
From rate expectations and market timing myths to acquisition readiness and creditworthiness, Scott and Keith break down how lenders really think about agency deals. They explain why waiting for the “perfect rate” can cost buyers real opportunities, how preparedness impacts both speed and pricing, and why clean financials often matter more than agents realize. The discussion also covers refinancing, structuring debt more efficiently, and why working with an industry-specific lender changes the entire experience.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why trying to time interest rate cuts can hurt acquisition and growth plans
- How short-term vs long-term rates actually impact agency loans
- What a realistic acquisition timeline looks like and how to shorten it
- How creditworthiness, financial reporting, and owner behavior affect loan terms
- Why waiting for lower rates can increase competition and valuations
- How refinancing and restructuring existing debt can free up cash flow
- Why industry lenders understand agency value differently than local banks
- What agency owners should prioritize now to be ready for opportunities in 2026
Sponsored by AgencyPoint
This episode is brought to you by AgencyPoint, your full-service partner for Accounting, Tax, Legal, and HR solutions built specifically for insurance agencies. AgencyPoint helps independent agencies streamline operations, stay compliant, and make confident financial decisions. Learn more at https://www.myagencypoint.com/partners/insurancerefocused
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Show previously named Insurance Refocused
