At the Kitchen Table: Alan Slabaugh and Michael McCarron

In this episode of At the Kitchen Table, Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with Lakeside Insurance owner Michael McCarron and his colleague Alan Slabaugh to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, and the rapidly changing insurance industry. Michael shares his journey from insurance underwriter to agency owner, while Alan discusses his transition from the boating industry into commercial insurance and the importance of relationships, customer service, and surrounding yourself with excellent people. The conversation dives into rising insurance costs in Colorado, wildfire and hail risks, property insurability, the state’s FAIR Plan, and the role insurance plays in protecting homeowners, businesses, employees, and communities. They also discuss Michael’s involvement in insurance policy and legislation, the growing impact of private equity and industry consolidation on locally owned businesses, and why maintaining strong local ownership and community relationships matters in an evolving business landscape.