The Accel Advantage: Insurance and Financial Services

ARC or PLC? It's a decision farmers need to be thinkingabout as they look ahead to the 2026 and 2027 crop years. In this special ag episode, Brett Walker and Andrew Steiertbreak down the differences between ARC County, ARC Individual and PLC, including how each program works, where each option may make the most sense, and what current market conditions could mean for your decision.They also discuss county yields, price expectations, multi-year elections versus annual decisions, and important deadlines farmers need to keep on their radar.Every operation is different, and the right choice depends on your individual circumstances. If you have questions or want help walking through your options, our Ag team is here to help.Have questions? Reach out to The Accel Group Ag team. Check us out at acceladvantage.com Chapters00:00 – Why ARC and PLC Decisions Matter00:32 – ARC County: How It Works01:12 – When to Consider ARC Individual02:02 – Understanding ARC Individual's Farm Number Requirements02:47 – PLC: Price-Based Coverage Explained03:30 – How Market Conditions Could Impact Your Decision04:41 – Multi-Year Elections vs. Annual Decisions05:38 – Important ARC & PLC Enrollment Deadlines06:00 – Where to Find More Information06:35 – Why ARC County May Be a Good Fit for Many Iowa Farmers Primary keywords:• ARC vs PLC• ARC and PLC programs• ARC County• ARC Individual• Price Loss Coverage (PLC)• Agriculture risk management• Farm program decisions• 2026 crop year• 2027 crop yearSecondary keywords:• USDA farm programs• Farm safety net programs• Crop year planning• County yield• Marketing year average price• Farm revenue protection• Iowa farmers• Agricultural risk management• Farm program enrollment deadlines• ARC PLC election

Marketing is changing fast, and what worked a few years ago might not be what gets your business noticed in 2027.In this episode of Off Script, The Accel Group's marketing team steps out from behind the scenes to talk about what's changing in the world of marketing and what businesses should be paying attention to now.From the shift beyond traditional SEO to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), AI-powered search and changing customer behavior, we discuss how people are finding and choosing businesses differently. We also explore why email marketing is getting simpler, why original content and brand personality matter more than ever, and how businesses can rethink their marketing strategies and budgets heading into 2027.Whether you have a full marketing department or you're handling it all yourself, you'll walk away with practical ideas to make your marketing more effective, relevant and human.In this episode, we cover:• SEO vs. AEO and how to show up in AI search results• How AI is changing the customer journey• Why email marketing strategies and metrics are evolving• The return of simpler, more effective email content• Why original content and brand authenticity matter• Marketing budget considerations for 2027• Practical ways to create consistent, engaging content without burning outMarketing doesn't have to be complicated. But it does need to keep up with your audience.marketing trends 2027, marketing strategy, digital marketing, marketing tips for businesses, answer engine optimization, AEO, SEO, AI search, AI marketing, ChatGPT search, marketing in the age of AI, customer journey, customer behavior, email marketing strategyChapters00:00 – Welcome to Off Script00:27 – Marketing Trends Businesses Should Watch in 202701:11 – SEO vs. AEO: Getting Found in AI Search02:48 – How AI Search Is Influencing Buying Decisions03:26 – The Changing Customer Journey04:12 – The Future of Email Marketing and Open Rates05:10 – Why Boring Emails Are Back06:00 – Balancing AI, Creativity and Original Content07:25 – Why Human Connection and Brand Voice Matter07:48 – Would Customers Recognize Your Brand Without Your Logo?08:07 – Rethinking Your Marketing Budget for 202708:54 – Creating Content Without Reinventing the Wheel09:45 – Why Your Social Media Shouldn't Always Be Promotional10:13 – Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

As a business owner, protecting your business is only part of the picture. Are your home, auto and personal assets adequately protected, too?In this episode of the Accel Advantage, host Corey Rekers sits down Private Client Consultants Tyler Starbeck and Luke Carroll to discuss what business owners should know about their personal insurance coverage.With the insurance market beginning to shift after several years of rising premiums, now may be a good time to review your policies. The conversation covers personal umbrella insurance, homeowners and auto coverage, deductibles, water backup, service line protection and other coverage gaps that can catch people off guard.They also explain why the lowest premium isn't always thebest option, what to consider when shopping for coverage, and how The Accel Group's new personal partnership program will provide clients with more personalized, ongoing policy reviews. Whether you're a business owner, have significant personal assets, or simply want to make sure your coverage keeps up with your life, this episode offers practical insights to help you make more informed insurance decisions. In this episode, we cover:- Why business owners should consider personal umbrella insurance- What changing homeowners insurance rates mean for policy holders- Coverage gaps involving water backup, valuables and service lines- What to review when comparing home and auto insurance- Why the cheapest policy may not offer the best protection- How ongoing, personalized insurance reviews can help Listen in for practical advice on protecting what matters most, at home and beyond.Keywordspersonal insurance, business owner insurance, homeowners insurance, auto insurance, personal umbrella insurance, umbrella liability coverage, insurance coverage gaps, homeowners insurance rates, insurance deductibles, water backup coverage, service line coverage, valuables insurance, insurance policy review, insurance market trends, asset protection, risk management, personal risk management, The Accel Group, Accel Advantage podcast, Tyler Starbeck, Luke Carroll, Corey Reekers Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Personal Insurance for Business Owners00:26 – Meet Tyler Starbeck and Luke Carroll02:50 – Why Business Owners Should Consider Umbrella Insurance04:14 – Homeowners Insurance: Rates and Market Changes05:43 – What to Look for Beyond the Premium06:30 – Water Backup Coverage and Protecting Your Home07:32 – Jewelry, Valuables and Service Line Coverage08:41 – Auto Insurance and Liability Limits09:46 – When to Review or Reshop Your Policies10:33 – Why the Cheapest Insurance Isn't Always Best11:27 – What Does a Personal Umbrella Policy Cost?12:00 – Introducing The Accel Group's Personal Partnership Program12:46 – What to Expect From Personalized Policy Reviews13:05 – Final Thoughts

Where should you eat, golf, and spend your weekends in West Des Moines and Iowa City? Tyler and Luke are going Off Script to share some of their favorite local spots, weekend activities, and travel destinations.From favorite national parks like Yosemite and Denali to Friday night dinner spots like The Tavern, Pancheros, and Simon's, the conversation covers a little bit of everything. They also talk golf, Iowa football, the Iowa City bar scene, and a few places worth adding to your list.Whether you're looking for your next dinner spot or just want to get to know the people behind The Accel Advantage, this episode is all about the favorites, recommendations, and random conversations that happen when we go Off Script.🎧 Tune in for more Off Script episodes from The Accel Advantage!Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Off Script00:08 – Favorite National Parks: Yosemite vs. Denali00:50 – Upcoming Trips: The Presidents Cup & San Jose Sharks01:40 – Where to Eat in West Des Moines02:08 – Pancheros, The Tavern & Iowa City's Best Fried Chicken Sandwich02:27 – A West Des Moines Favorite: Simon's03:07 – Favorite Weekend Activities in Des Moines03:29 – Weekends in Iowa City: Golf, Bowling & Hawkeye Football04:05 – That's a Wrap on Off ScriptThe Accel Advantage, The Accel Group, Off Script podcast, West Des Moines restaurants, best restaurants in West Des Moines, where to eat in West Des Moines, Iowa City restaurants, best places to eat in Iowa City, things to do in West Des Moines, things to do in Iowa City, Iowa weekend activities, Iowa golf courses, Iowa City nightlife, Simon's Restaurant Des Moines, The Tavern Valley Junction, Pancheros Jordan Creek, Mickey's Iowa City, Iowa Hawkeyes football, favorite national parks, Yosemite National Park, Denali National Park, Presidents Cup golf, San Jose Sharks

Workers’ compensation can be one of those areas of running a business that only gets attention when something goes wrong. But having the right processes in place before an injury happens can make a big difference.In this episode of the Accel Advantage podcast, Corey Rekers sits down with Ashley Buck, Accel’s Director of Claims and Risk Management, to break down what business owners should know about managing workers’ compensation claims. They discuss how to prepare employees for workplace injuries, when to use urgent care vs. the emergency room, the difference between medical-only and indemnity claims, and why having a return-to-work or light-duty program can benefit both employers and employees. Corey and Ashley also talk about experience modification factors, why open claims and reserves matter, how workers’ compensation claims can affect contractors working with larger GCs, when employers need to involve OSHA, and how resources like nurse triage can help simplify the claims process.Whether you’re a business owner, HR leader, manager or simply responsible for workplace safety, this episode offers practical reminders for managing workers’ compensation more effectively.In this episode:• Preparing employees for workplace injuries• Medical-only vs. indemnity workers’ compensation claims• Return-to-work and light-duty programs• Experience modification factors and open claims• Managing reserves and closing claims• Workers’ compensation and contractor requirements• OSHA reporting requirements• Nurse triage and carrier resources• Building a stronger relationship with your insurance carrierLearn more about The Accel Group at acceladvantage.com.Subscribe to the Accel Advantage podcast for more conversations about the decisions business owners face every day around risk, money and growth.Chapters00:00 Intro: Workers’ Compensation for Business Owners00:43 Ashley Buck’s Career in Claims01:52 Preparing Employees for Workplace Injuries03:10 When to Use Urgent Care vs. the ER04:21 Medical-Only vs. Indemnity Claims05:52 Building a Return-to-Work Program06:49 How Return-to-Work Can Help Employers07:58 Experience Mods, Reserves & Open Claims09:17 Workers’ Compensation & Contractor Requirements10:17 When Employers Need to Report to OSHA11:58 Building a Strong Relationship With Your Carrier12:59 How Nurse Triage Can Simplify Claims13:22 Final Takeawaysworkers compensation, workers compensation insurance, workers comp, workers comp claims, workers compensation claims, workers comp for business owners, workers compensation Iowa, workplace injury, workers comp insurance, claims management, risk management, return to work program, light duty work, experience modification, experience mod, OSHA, OSHA reporting, workplace safety, business insurance, insurance for business owners, workers comp for contractors, nurse triage, employee safety, Accel Group, Accel AdvantagePodcast

What happened to being bored?In this Off Script minisode, Tyler McAndrew, Director of Business Systems and Technology and Mitch Graybill, Director of Property and Casualty Operations, take a trip down memory lane and talk about the things kids today might never experience.Technology has made life easier in a lot of ways, but has it also taken away some of the freedom, disappointment, and random adventures that came with growing up in the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s?No insurance talk. No big business lesson. Just two Accel teammates shooting the breeze about growing up, raising kids, and the things they kind of miss.Welcome to Off Script! Where our team gets to step away from the day job and just be themselves.Keywordswhat happened to being bored, childhood nostalgia, growing up in the 80s, growing up in the 90s, growing up in the early 2000s, 80s kids, 90s kids, early 2000s nostalgia, technology and childhood, kids today, insurance bros, parenting, raising kids, parenting in the digital age, childhood memories, growing up without technology, life before smartphones, life before social media, Blockbuster, VHS, riding bikes as a kid, summer as a kid, small town Iowa, childhood freedom, nostalgia podcast, funny podcast, workplace podcast, employee stories, company culture, Accel Group, The Accel Group, Off Script podcast, Accel Advantage podcast, insurance professionals, humanizing insurance, behind the scenes, employee culture, boredom, screen time, kids and technology, childhood then vs now, parenting today, digital childhood, 80s vs 90s childhood00:00 – Welcome to Off Script00:27 – What Will Our Kids Miss About Growing Up in the ’80s & ’90s?01:05 – When You Couldn’t Just Google Everything01:50 – Dating Before Texting02:25 – Picking a Movie by the VHS Cover03:05 – The Freedom of Growing Up Without a Cell Phone04:05 – Calling Your Parents at Work04:50 – Pay Phones, Collect Calls & Long Distance05:35 – Kids Today Don’t Know How to Use the Phone06:20 – Back to Work

What does great employee benefits management actually look like and what should business leaders expect from their benefits team?In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, host Corey Rekers sits down with members of Accel’s Employee Benefits team, Jamie Harken, Spencer Blair, and Tori Douglas, to take a closer look at what happens behind the scenes to help employers and their employees navigate the complexities of benefits.From claims and prior authorizations to open enrollment, employee communication, compliance, and benefits administration, the team shares how proactive account management can make a meaningful difference in both the employer and employee experience.They also discuss one of the biggest mistakes employers can make: taking a “set it and forget it” approach to benefits. The conversation explores why ongoing communication, employee education, advocacy, and strategic support are just as important as the benefits themselves—and how the right resources and technology can help employers create a more efficient and effective benefits experience.Whether you're a business owner, HR leader, or someone responsible for managing employee benefits, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what great benefits management should look like and why having a true partner in your corner matters.Key takeaway: Great benefits management is about more than renewing a plan once a year. It's about being proactive, solving problems, supporting employees, and building a benefits strategy that works for both your people and your business.________________________________________Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview00:38 – Meet the Employee Benefits Team03:54 – What Makes Benefits Account Management Rewarding04:42 – What Great Benefits Management Actually Looks Like05:46 – The Employee Experience & Benefits Navigation06:27 – The “Set It and Forget It” Approach to Benefits07:04 – Why Proactive Benefits Management Matters08:24 – How Account Managers Support HR Teams09:15 – A Real-World Claims Success Story10:24 – HR Resources: Mineral11:24 – Simplifying Benefits Administration with Employee Navigator11:57 – Supporting Clients Beyond Implementation13:09 – Improving Employee Communication with TruHu15:22 – What Makes Every Client Experience Different16:38 – Transforming the Benefits Enrollment Experience17:39 – The Impact of Great Benefits Management18:01 – Closing Thoughts & Outro________________________________________Keywords:employee benefits, benefits management, employee benefits strategy, benefits administration, employee experience, HR strategy, benefits communication, employee engagement, benefits account management, benefits broker, employee advocacy, benefits enrollment, open enrollment, health insurance navigation, claims assistance, HR support, benefits technology, Employee Navigator, TruHu, Mineral HR, workplace benefits, employee retention, business strategy, benefits education, proactive benefits management, HR resources, employer benefits, employee communication, benefits strategy, business leadership

What do top employees really want in today’s workplace andwhy are so many leaders still getting it wrong?In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, host CoreyRekers sits down with Chief People Officer Tina Miller to unpack what’s changed in the talent landscape and what it means for business leaders in 2026. While compensation and flexibility still matter, they’re no longer enough to attractand retain top performers.Tina shares practical, real-world insights from over twodecades in HR, breaking down what employees actually value today from autonomy and clarity to leadership quality, growth opportunities, and a healthy work environment. They also explore where companies tend to miss the mark (hint:it’s not about perks) and how these missteps can quietly impact turnover, engagement, and long-term business performance.If you’re a business owner, leader, or hiring managerlooking to build a stronger, more engaged team, this episode offers simple, high-impact ways to better align with what talent expects now.Key takeaway: Top talent isn’t just choosing a job, they’rechoosing an experience. The question is: are you building one worth staying for?Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview00:32 – Meet Tina Miller: Background & HR Experience02:12 – The Gap Between What Leaders Think vs. What Talent Wants03:08 – What’s Changed in the Workforce (Awareness, Choice, Mindset)04:34 – The Post-COVID Shift in Work Expectations05:04 – Why Compensation Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore06:10 – What Talent Wants Beyond Pay: Flexibility & Autonomy07:11 – The Importance of Clear Expectations07:51 – Leadership’s Impact on Employee Experience08:20 – Growth, Development & Career Progression09:13 – The Role of Purpose at Work10:01 – Why a Healthy Work Environment Matters10:41 – Common Mistakes Leaders Make11:35 – Why Perks Don’t Fix Core Issues12:11 – Business Impact of Misalignment (Turnover, Burnout, Reputation)13:28 – Practical Ways to Better Align with Talent Expectations15:20 – One Key Takeaway for Leaders16:00 – Closing Thoughts & OutroKeywords:talent retention, human resources, HR, employee expectations 2026, hiring trends, HR strategy, leadership development, workplace culture, employee engagement, talent acquisition, flexible work, work-life balance, management training, employee experience, business growth, organizational culture, recruiting strategy, retention strategies, modern workforce, HR insights, leadership mistakes, workplace trends

In this episode of The Accel Advantage podcast, host Corey Rekers is joined by Accel real estate insurance advisors Dustin Toner and Kate Rahfeldt to uncover the hidden risks many property owners and portfolio managers overlook. They break down why having multiple brokers can actually hurt your leverage, how your reputation in the insurance marketplace impacts your outcomes, and why insurance should be viewed as a strategic investment—not just a cost.The conversation dives into today’s evolving insurance landscape, rising deductibles, and how factors like construction materials, risk management practices, and alignment between stakeholders can significantly impact your program. Dustin and Kate also share real-world examples, including how poor coordination can lead to underinsured properties and missed opportunities in the market.If you manage or invest in real estate, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you better structure your insurance program, reduce risk, and position your portfolio for long-term success.Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun!The Accel Group:⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠TikTokYouTubeChapters00:00 Introduction to Dustin Toner and Kate Rahfeldt00:46 Backgrounds in Real Estate and Insurance03:57 The Biggest Mistake Portfolio Managers Make05:41 Why Multiple Brokers Can Hurt Your Leverage07:30 Real Example: When Too Many Brokers Go Wrong10:15 The “Jockey and Horse” Approach to Insurance11:21 How the Insurance Market Has Changed12:27 What Insurance Really Is (Reframing the Mindset)14:01 Taking a C-Suite Approach to Risk Management15:27 Customizing Insurance vs. Chasing the Lowest Bid17:07 Challenges Across Different Real Estate Asset Classes19:11 Case Study: Improving Risk Through Better Construction21:29 Understanding Loss Assessment Coverage23:13 Key Takeaways for Property Owners & ManagersKeywordsreal estate insurance, property portfolio risk, riskmanagement, insurance strategy, multifamily insurance, property management, insurance marketplace, underwriting, loss assessment coverage, real estate investing, insurance costs, deductible strategies, risk transfer, assetprotection, commercial real estate 

In this episode of the Accel Advantage Podcast, Corey Rekers sits down with financial advisor Scott Durscher to break down the essentials of estate and succession planning, especially for business owners and farm families.From real-life stories growing up in rural Iowa to practical strategies using wills and trusts, Scott explains how poor planning can lead to costly delays, family conflict, and even the loss of a business.You’ll learn: The difference between a will and a trust Why probate can be expensive and time-consumingHow revocable trusts help avoid court involvementWhat business owners need to know about continuity planningHow to prepare for incapacity, not just death If you own a business, a farm, or simply want to protect your legacy, this episode will help you understand why having a plan in place is critical and how to get started. #EstatePlanning #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessOwners #Trusts #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #FarmSuccession #SmallBusiness #LegacyPlanning Chapters00:00 Welcome to Accel Advantage00:30 Meet Scott Durscher02:15 Farm Roots & Real Estate Planning Stories04:30 Who Needs Estate & Succession Planning?05:45 Wills Explained: How They Work07:45 The Downsides of Probate08:45 Trusts 101: What Is a Revocable Trust?09:45 Key Benefits of Trusts (Privacy, Speed, Control)10:45 Business Continuity Planning Explained11:30 Avoiding Family Conflict in Succession12:20 Planning for Incapacity13:05 Why Most People Delay Estate Planning13:50 The Peace of Mind of Having a Plan14:30 Final Thoughts & How to Get StartedCheck out our website: ⁠⁠⁠acceladvantage.com⁠⁠⁠and accelwealthmanagement.comFollow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun!The Accel Group:⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠TikTokYoutubeAccel Wealth ManagementFacebookLinkedinInstagramYoutube Keywords: Estate & succession planning, Wills vs. trusts,  Probate, Revocable trusts, Business continuity planning, Family business transitions, Farm succession, Incapacity planning, Protecting legacy