Finding Your Upline: The Gold Coast Commercial Story

Four people walking in front of window

August 8,  2025
Published by: Christy Downs

Hey there, and welcome back to the Coffee with Closers blog!

This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the team from Gold Coast Commercial, an incredible agency that is not only excelling in the P&C space but has also experienced tremendous success by expanding into life insurance and annuities. While their story of cross-selling and specialization in the construction industry is inspiring, what really resonated with us—and what we think will resonate with many of you—is their story of finding the right partner.

Edgardo, Jonathan, and Carolina's journey is a powerful reminder that an IMO, FMO, or BGA should be more than just a place to get contracts. The Gold Coast team had worked with other partners in the past, but it wasn't until they connected with FFP Insurance Services that they truly felt the kind of support and guidance that has been instrumental to their growth.

So, what should you look for in a partner? The Gold Coast team highlighted a few key factors that made all the difference for them:

  • A Supportive Team: They describe the FFP Insurance Services team, and especially their back-end support, as a "guardian angel" that helps them with everything from administrative tasks to policy follow-ups. This frees them up to do what they do best: talk to customers and grow the business.
  • Accessible Coaches: The team praised Saul Bejarano for always being there to answer their questions, even when he's busy. This level of personalized coaching and guidance is invaluable, particularly when you're adding a new product line to your business.
  • The Right Tools and Resources: From training to a user-friendly website, having the necessary tools allows you to focus on the sale, not on navigating a complex system.
  • A True Partnership: The Gold Coast team doesn't feel like they're in it alone. They feel "protected" and "backed up" by FFP Insurance Services, which gives them the confidence to take on new challenges and expand their business.


Key takeaways from the episode include:

  • Cross-Selling Strategy: The team, including Edgardo Aila and Jonathan, uses the "FORWARD method" to cross-sell to their existing client base. They discuss their clients' families, occupations, recreation, and dreams to identify opportunities for offering life insurance and retirement solutions.
  • Value Proposition: The agency positions itself as a "one-stop shop" for business owners, providing a comprehensive packet of services including commercial insurance, tax strategies, and life insurance. They also help clients with employee retention by extending their services and expertise to their employees.
  • Networking and Follow-up: The team emphasizes the importance of building relationships with other professionals, such as lenders and real estate agents. Jonathan highlights the value of consistent follow-up, understanding that a client who isn't ready to buy today might be ready in a few months.
  • FFP Partnership: Gold Coast Commercial expresses strong gratitude for the support they receive from the FFP team, especially Saul Bejarano as their coach and Perla, who handles back-end support. They credit the team's prompt responses and guidance for their success, noting that this level of support was not available with previous uplines.
  • Future Plans: The agency plans to launch a call center to proactively review existing clients' policies and present new products. They are also working to develop their social media presence and create content based on customer feedback.

Carolina perfectly summed up the value of collaboration, stating, "I'd rather have 10% of the pie than try to eat the pie by myself and not have anybody to sit with." The team's collective trust in each other and their trust in their upline partner has created a powerful synergy that is driving exponential growth.

If you're an agent feeling like you're going it alone, take a page from the Gold Coast Commercial playbook. Look for a partner that offers more than just a contract. Look for a team that is dedicated to your success, provides you with the right tools, and gives you the support you need to truly thrive. After all, as Gold Coast proves, a strong team and a great coach can make all the difference.

 

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.