CRANKWHEEL

Speed-to-Trust: The New Metric for Brokers in 2026

By Jói Sigurdsson, CEO of CrankWheel

Trust, not product, is what wins and keeps clients. For years, brokers have focused on “speed-to-lead,” the race to be the first to respond to an inquiry. As we move into 2026, a fast response is no longer enough. The new benchmark is speed-to-trust: how quickly a prospect feels clarity, confidence, and a real connection with their broker.

COVERED CALIFORNIA SMALL BUSINESS

CCSB Steps Up Small Group Solutions for California Brokers

CalBroker in conversation with Adam Unger

Adam Unger brings a strong blend of frontline sales experience, product strategy and broker engagement to his role as deputy director of Covered California for Small Business. This article focuses on CCSB’s positioning in the small group market, its roadmap, and the opportunities CCSB creates for California brokers. The discussion highlights product design, underwriting flexibility, tax credits, technology, GA partnerships and broker support as key pillars of the CCSB strategy.

Experience the Full Interview

PINNACLE TPA

The Pinnacle Advantage in a Volatile Sales Market

By CalBroker in conversation with Kyle Gerdts

With a background in HR, national TPAs, and leadership roles managing rapid growth in self-funded plans across the western region, Kyle Gerdts shares his pathway to vice president of Sales and Account Management at Pinnacle Claims Management Inc. He combines a deep operational understanding of claims, member engagement, and cost containment with a strong broker-centric focus that emphasizes service, transparency, and long-term partnerships.

Experience the Full Interview

PREMIER HCM

Experience the Full Interviews!

The Group Brokers Payroll Protection Plan

CalBroker in conversation Steve Evans, Michele Holmes and Geoff Abbott

This interview with California Broker Magazine highlights how Premier HCM’s leaders approach broker relationships, client fit, California-focused HR compliance and risk management, and the growing convergence of payroll, HR and benefits.

Experience the Full Interview with Steve Evans

Experience the Full Interview with Michele Holmes

Experience the Full Interview with Geoff Abbott

COMMISSION PLANNING

Supercharging Broker Retirement with Smart Planning

California Broker in conversation Daniel Wexler and Anthony Di Bernardo

Planning beyond the next renewal cycle is becoming mission critical for California brokers who are thinking about succession, tax exposure, and whether their money will really last through retirement. In a recent recording, estate and business succession attorney Daniel J. “Danny” Wexler and tax mitigation specialist Anthony Di Bernardo sat down with California Broker CEO Phil Calhoun to talk about how to turn volatile commission streams into coordinated, tax-efficient retirement income and legacy plans.