Episode notes
In Episode 20 of From The Darkhorse's Mouth, titled "Darkhorse Stories," Dan and Carly Garzella are joined by James Clarkson, owner of Four Peaks Insurance.
James reflects on how he got his start in insurance, the training and stability the captive model provided, and the limitations that eventually became harder to ignore. From restricted carrier access and limited client flexibility to questions around ownership and long-term growth, he shares what ultimately pushed him to consider a different path.
He also opens up about the uncertainty that came with making the leap, including concerns around income, technology, marketing, compliance, and starting over. James explains which fears proved less significant than expected, which challenges were more difficult, and how his perspective on success changed along the way.
The conversation also covers how James discovered Darkhorse and how its community, technology, carrier access, operations, marketing, and coaching have supported Four Peaks Insurance. It’s a candid conversation about independence, ownership, and what it means to bet on yourself while still having the right support behind you.
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