Total Quality Agency

Become Extraordinary ...

Big I Michigan’s Total Quality Agency (TQA) program was established in 1997 as a strategic initiative to enhance the value of its member agencies. Born out of the association's strong commitment to Best Practices, the TQA program was designed to equip agency owners with the tools and insights needed to elevate their operations and drive growth. Initially tailored for agency owners, the program has since expanded to include operations, sales management, accounting, and other key roles within agencies. One of the program's unique strengths is the camaraderie it fosters among agency owners, who share their experiences and strategies for tackling industry challenges. This peer-to-peer exchange is invaluable, as it brings together individuals with the authority and dedication to implement meaningful changes that increase agency value. To date, over 100 agencies have benefited from the TQA program, making it a cornerstone of Big I Michigan's efforts to support its members' success.

Under the guidance of national experts and agency owners, the TQA journey will provide you with the tools to take an unprecedented look at your agency and develop processes to take your agency to the next level. You'll work through building a business plan, defining your agency success, building your dream team, implementing agency best practices, marketing and sales, maximizing client success, working your new plan ... and more.

Register Today

Total Quality Agency 2024 starts in November

Company Assistance

Agents, check with your Auto-Owners and Frankenmuth Insurance marketing reps for information on 2024 TQA registration financial assistance.

Update Opportunities for TQA Graduates

Watch for details on upcoming update opportunities coming soon.

Current TQA Agencies

Click here to view a list of agencies currently holding the TQA designation.

Investment

First agency registrant: $3,500

Additional agency registrants (per person): $1,500

Out-of-state registrants: $5,000

Questions?

Check out our TQA Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact Kim Felice, Professional Development Director at (517) 327-8025, kfelice@michagent.org.

 

TQA 2024-25 Sessions

(Runs November 2024 - May 2025)

Starts November 5, 2024 

Session #1: So You Own An Independent Agency, Now What?

An introduction to Big I Michigan and the TQA program followed by building a business plan, and agency budgeting. 

Instructors: Jared Burkhart, CEO, Big I Michigan and Larry Michael, Emil Rummel Agency.

December 17, 2024

Session #2: What is my Bottom Line and How Do I Get There?

How to read PL reports and other financial metrics, as well as carrier reports and specifics to look for. Also, agency valuations and comparing your agency to best practices, plus reading and negotiating contracts.

Instructor: Mike Strakhov, Executive Director of Insurance Lending, Live Oak Bank

January 7, 2025

Session #3: Growing your All Star Team 

Managing your agency management system, as well as marketing and sales mastery of both commercial and personal lines.

Instructor: Steve Anderson, national expert on insurance technology, productivity and profitability.

March 4, 2025

Session #4: Putting the Bricks Together

Best Practices for independent agencies, establishing who's in charge at your office, setting up your office, and delegating 101. Also, HR dos and don'ts, managing staffing changes, attracting and retaining new staff, and more.

Instructors: Dave and Barbara Walker, Hartland Insurance Agency and Larry Michael, Emil Rummel Agency

April 1, 2025

Session #5: Tricky Accounts, Setting Your Clients Up For Success

The importance of selling accounts to underwriting as well as managing claims.

Instructor: Katherine Rolfe, Insurance Executivey, Keystone Insurers Group

May 6, 2025

Session #6: Execution - So You Have Completed TQA, Now What? 

Selling the new plan to your team and how to implement it.

Instructors: TBD, Marshberry





Accommodations

In accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we invite all registrants to advise us of any disability and any requests for accommodation to that disability. Please submit your request as far in advance as possible for the program you wish to attend. If you have any questions, call (800) 589-6501 or email to info@michagent.org

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel your registration, you will receive a 25% refund. No refunds will be given to those who attend part of a program, or who are no-shows. If you do not cancel and do not attend the program, you will be considered a no show and no money will be refunded, nor will your money be transferred to a different class.