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Speakers

BennickHeadshot.png Greg Bennick

Greg Bennick knows about focus. Though reading about his life, you wouldn’t know that. He has been a thought provoker, public presenter, comedic juggler and punk rock vocalist (yes, you read that correctly), a TEDx speaker, a humanitarian and philanthropist, and an influencer devoted to transforming the world by inspiring personal and social change. Greg thinks about why we do what we do. He shares how to move into a better future when we build a better now. His interactive keynote offers creative solutions for world changers, and he has fun while doing it. Greg shares new angles on team building, managing conflict, leadership and effective communication. He examines how our self-doubt, fear of failure, and our approach to challenges either enhances or inhibits us. Based in Seattle, he’s flown everywhere from Syracuse to Singapore to share his unique brand of engaging ideas and potent spoken word. 

 AndersonHeadshot.jpgBrandi Anderson, CIC, CPIA, EIS

Brandi Anderson started her insurance career with a direct writer before transferring over to the independent agency system. She worked as an account manager in both personal and commercial lines, as well as a vice president of a mid-sized agency. Currently, Brandi is the business development director for Nationwide Insurance for the states of Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri. She has received numerous awards, including the 2017 Sales Manager of the Year for Nationwide. Brandi has taught various commercial and personal education courses over the last 20 years. She has given multiple errors & omissions presentations, acted as an expert witness in several court cases and written ethics programs. Brandi earned her CIC designation in 2000. She also holds the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) and Excellence In Service (EIS) designations. She is a certified insurance instructor and teaches CIC, CPIA and other courses across the country. 


download.pngSam Bennett, CIC, AFIS, CPRM, CRIS, CPIA
Sam Bennett is an active retail producer, presenter and shareholder in Harrison Agency, Inc. of Columbia, Missouri. He began his insurance career in 1987 and has been an independent insurance agent from the beginning. He has worked with individuals, families and small businesses his entire career. In this capacity, he has worked in the personal lines, commercial lines, agribusiness and life and health marketplaces. As a result of working with many types of clients, many carriers and many coverage needs, Sam has grown to understand and appreciate the important ways an insurance professional must work with markets and clients in today's insurance world. Sam obtained his CIC designation in 1996. He has taught coursework for the National Alliance in their CISR program since 2000, has presented in their CIC program since 2004, and in 2009 became a National Faculty Member of the Society of CIC. In 2021 he obtained his Certified Personal Risk Manager (CPRM) designation and is a presenter in that program as well. Sam is also a presenter in IRMI's Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) program. Sam has been called upon to offer insurance education in conferences and symposiums across the country over the past 20 years and has provided services to several law firms in the capacity of expert consultant.


Mike McBride.jpg 
Big “I” Chairman W. Michael McBride, JD 

W. Michael “Mike" McBride, JD, is CEO of Mason-McBride Inc. and Mason McBride Capital Advisors LLC in Troy, Michigan. McBride was installed as Big “I" chairman in September 2023. With over 35 years of experience in insurance and financial services, McBride is the former Michigan director on the national association board. He formerly served as chair of the Trusted Choice® Board of Directors, for which he is now the Executive Committee liaison. He has also been a member of the Technical Affairs Committee. He was elected to the Big “I" Executive Committee in 2017. McBride is an expert witness consultant for insurance litigation and is a member of the Michigan Bar Association. He is also active in his community, including serving on the Ferris State University Insurance Program Advisory Board and as ethics committee chair of the Orchard Lake Country Club. He has also served on the Detroit Regional Chamber PAC Committee and the Detroit Athletic Club. McBride holds a Bachelor of Science degree in insurance management from Ferris State University, a doctorate in jurisprudence from the University of Detroit Law School in Detroit, Michigan, and has also completed an executive development program at the Wharton School of Business. He resides in Royal Oak, Michigan, with his wife Katie.


Craig 2 (1).jpgCraig Niess, MBA, CVA

Craig Niess is the director of business planning and valuation at IA Valuations. Craig joined IA Valuations in 2017 and has performed more than 300 valuations in his career. With more than a decade of financial and operational consulting experience with independent agents and brokers, he has spent most of his career specializing in valuations and perpetuation planning. Craig holds a BA in economics and an MBA in finance. He has also earned the prestigious Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designation, solidifying his expertise in this field. 

Jodie 2 (1).jpgJodie Shaw, CLCS, CPIA, TRA

Jodie Shaw is the director of business development for IA Valuations. She joined the staff in October of 2014 and has worked within the insurance industry for over 17 years as an underwriter, agent, and now works as a trusted advisor for agents and helps provide them with agency valuations. Jodie has worked with over 200 valuation clients, providing white glove service and guidance as they secure their financial future. She does this by assisting them through the process of determining their agencies’ fair market value in order to make informed business decisions.