Andy NearyI help insurance professionals turn brand awareness into business growth.

Name recognition may open the door, but it doesn’t mean you’re going to win the business.

13 Aug 2026 · 1 min

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1:03

Andy Neary tells how a Georgia agency hired two famous ex-quarterbacks to land a client. The prospect gave them balloons and a luncheon, but wouldn't discuss insurance because he already had a broker. Name recognition opens doors, but it doesn't close deals.

Chapters

We've done some work with an agency over in Georgia who has 2 very well-known former Georgia quarterbacks working for them now. And the sales growth, chief growth officer was telling me he went on a meeting with one of them and they arrive at this business. This proves the point that your past can open doors, but it doesn't mean you're gonna win business. Right. They walk into the business and no lie, the entrance into the building has red and black balloons, Georgia Bulldog balloons. They come in and literally the business has set up like a luncheon to meet this guy, 'cause they're all diehard Georgia fans. Wow. So, they're like, okay, weird, but whatever. I think he probably signed some autographs. And then, I'm not kidding, the chief sales officer looks to the CEO and they said, hey, should we go in your office and talk insurance? And the guy's like, oh, I'm good. I got a broker. I'm not interested. And so, it was literally like the name got him in the door. They had no interest in actually doing insurance with him. The point being, just because you're a recognized name in your market doesn't mean you're gonna win the business either. It may open the door, but it doesn't mean you're gonna win the business.