#158

Описание: 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