Press Play Ventures

I’m passionate about supporting people who feel underestimated—whether by others or themselves—to flip the script and step into their greatest strengths. Whether you’re an individual battling self-doubt, a leader striving to inspire your team, or an entrepreneur navigating growth, I’m here to guide you with tools that create real, lasting change.

My journey from overcoming personal obstacles to building successful businesses allows me to connect authentically with my clients. I understand what it’s like to feel stuck, underestimated, or unsure of your next move—and I know how to guide you through it. With a mix of practical strategies, NLP techniques, and a commitment to fostering authenticity, I empower people to take bold action and embrace their full potential.

If you’re ready to rewrite your story, I’m here to help you press play on your transformation.

Founder

Allegro Insurance Group

Agency Principal

BizFit Meal Solutions

Tucson’s #1 meal prep company for business professionals, athletes, and more!

Co-Founder

Openly

I help agents be more competitive-- through Openly's product, but also lead gen strategies, recruiting, renewal processes, social media marketing, team building, and KPI tracking.

Openly: Insurtech start-up providing premium homeowners insurance to mid to high-end consumers using modern technology and pricing.

Sr. Agency Success Manager

Drove regional territory growth and agency appointments for innovative InsureTech firm.

Business Development Manager

Stratton Everything Insurance

🥇2020/2021 Arizona Daily Star Readers Choice Winner - "Best Insurance Agency”
A multi-award winning agency with a lively culture and exceptional customer service. 
Recruited, coached, and managed a team of 11 cross-functional sales and support staff
Cultivated highly profitable strategic partnerships with regional real estate and mortgage companies
Won "Tucson’s Favorite Insurance Agency" honors in 2020/2021 and the Pekin Life Silver Key Award (2020)

Agency Principal / Founder / Partner

Farm Bureau Financial Services

Assistant Agency Manager

American Family Insurance

🥇 2015 Arizona Daily Star Reader's Choice "Favorite Insurance Agent"

🥇 2016 "Tucson's Favorite Insurance Agent" by the Arizona Daily Star, Reader's Choice Award.

7x District Agent of the Month
2x All American
Life Honors
"Delivering promises, not just policies."

Owner/Agent of Kimiko Donahue Agency

State Farm

- Property and Casualty Specialist for high producing State Farm agents
- Managed a small team of telemarketers
- Developed new leads through networking
- Marketed to existing book of business
- Full time while pursuing 4 year degree at NAU
- Admin, late pays, account changes
- Solicited State Farm Bank auto loans, checking accounts and certificates of deposits
- Top Sales month: 76 applications

Property and Casualty Insurance Producer

Innovative, high-energy leader with 16+ years of award-winning sales, marketing, and business-building success within competitive market ecosystems. Recognized consistently throughout career for exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, as well as the ability to develop outside-the-box marketing ideas and disruptive marketplace solutions. Equally adept in direct sales roles, as well as assignments involving the recruitment, development, and leadership of high-performance teams. Additional creative problem-solving skills and resiliency gained as an entrepreneur, musician, and former competitive athlete.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

🔹 Insurance professional since 2009

🥇2020/2021 Arizona Daily Star Readers Choice Winner - "Best Insurance Agency” 

🥇 2015/2016 Tucson’s favorite insurance agent Arizona Daily Star Reader Choice Awards
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

My life motto: #kindnessisfree

Kimiko Donahue, CIC ▶️

Ironpeak

Regional Director

Regional Manager

CSE Insurance Group

• Led senior level projects in distribution and marketing at CSE Insurance Group, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative strategies for premium upsell and online jobs budget recommendation.
• Achieved significant revenue increase and cost savings through the implementation of new neural network models.
• Worked under Level 5 leaders, Randall Farless and Christopher Lovest, to drive successful outcomes in Walnut Creek, California.

Senior Manager, Distribution and Marketing

Stillwater Insurance Group

• Collaborated with home office executive team to develop southern California growth strategy, leading to a 67% increase in Policies in Force.
• Recruited, trained, managed, and energized southern California agency distribution channel.
• Led the enterprise to first place in countrywide private passenger automobile new business sales.

Regional Sales Manager

Best Buy Auto & Home Insurance Agency, Inc.

• Led the growth strategy to increase direct written premium from $9mn to $20mn by 2020, surpassing targets with nearly $15mn achieved.
• Established wealth management and commercial trucking departments, expanding the enterprise portfolio with Mercury, Travelers, and Progressive Signature.
• Transformed Best Buy Insurance to a boutique, multi-agent firm with seven locations.

President

Kemper

• Developed the Sales Training Program for Kemper's direct-to-consumer channel.
• Managed top-line growth, distribution, and community events for the company.
• Implemented strategies to drive revenue growth and enhance customer engagement.

• Managed personal lines enterprise distribution and agency roles in Colorado, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
• Developed strategic partnerships to drive sales growth and enhance customer relationships.
• Implemented innovative sales strategies resulting in a significant increase in revenue.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize operational efficiency and drive business success.

Agency Sales Manager

Progressive Insurance

Territory Sales Manager

CNA Surety

• Collaborated with Lufkin, Texas city council to enact a new License & Permit bond requirement for artisan contractors.
• Recognized as a 3x Winner (Marketing Representative of the Month) for outstanding performance.
• Developed strong government affairs skills while working at CNA Surety.

Marketing Representative

Our team at Ironpeak tackles the complexity of insurance markets, leveraging my law background and expertise in relationship building. With a JD focused on American Law from Purdue Global and a BS in Organizational Management from Bushnell University, we navigate the nuances of insurance law and drive business leadership.

As Regional Director, I catalyze negotiations and counsel our network to boost their autonomy and market presence. Our collaborative efforts have fostered significant premium growth and reinforced our dedication to enhancing agency value and collective triumphs.

Shural Knippers, J.D.

Looking for my ball, I found the fabulous folks at Crest Insurance Group! #boostwithgene #golf #merryholidays

Gene Knippers, JD

Helping Insurance Agencies Scale Smarter. Creating win-win-win alliances. Boost Revenue 🚀 Maximize Profits 📈 Schedule a consultation today and start your growth journey 📅 Follow me for insights and industry updates 👉

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Ever wonder why some agencies always get the call back from top carriers, while others are left waiting?

It’s not luck.

It’s not just about premium volume, either.

It comes down to this:
→ Are you truly a partner, or just a participant?

In nearly 30 years in the insurance world, I’ve seen the difference up close.

Partnership isn’t what you put on a slide deck.

It’s what you do every single day.

Being the best agency partner to your carriers isn’t complicated.

But it does require a shift in mindset.

Here’s what most agencies get wrong:
They treat carriers like vending machines.

→ Insert policy, expect payout.
They only call when there’s a problem.

→ No one loves that friend, not even in business.
They forget that every carrier has their own goals.

→ Underwriting appetite, growth targets, risk profile—do you know yours?

Want to stand out from the crowd?

Here’s what the best agency partners do differently:
Communicate early. Communicate often.

↳ Don’t wait for the renewal crunch. Share market intel. Ask questions. Give feedback.
Be transparent about challenges.

↳ If you see a trend—good or bad—flag it. Carriers love agencies who bring solutions, not just complaints.
Celebrate wins together.

↳ Closed a tough risk? Landed a great new client? Loop in your carrier rep. Success is contagious.
Invest in learning their products.

↳ Don’t just skim the highlights. Dig deep. Know what makes their offering unique. You’ll sell better, and they’ll notice.
Stand up for your clients, but respect the process.

↳ Advocacy is key. But so is understanding why guidelines exist. Push when it matters, but collaborate when you can.

I’ve seen agencies triple their bonus and contingency revenue just by acting like a true partner.

It’s not magic.

It’s consistency.

Carriers notice who brings them the right risks, who takes compliance seriously, who’s proactive with renewals, and who builds trust.

They reward those partners with better programs, faster underwriting, and—yes—even more flexibility when it counts.

But here's the kicker:

Most agencies will never do this.

Because it’s easier to blame the market, the carrier, or the economy than to look in the mirror and ask, “Are we really a partner?”

If you want to be the agency that carriers brag about at conferences, start with these habits.

You’ll see the difference in your book, your relationships, and your bottom line.

So, are you the partner you wish you had?

Share the habits you think make the BEST agency partner—let’s trade notes.

As we wrap up the holiday party season, I’m grateful to all of you for your friendship, partnership, and the opportunity to make life fun (and watching my corny little videos)! And don’t forget to #boostwithgene

Gene Knippers, J.D.

li_at

JSESSIONID

The Big I Amigos having fun at the East Valley Big I Holiday luncheon. A big shout out to our sponsors Diamondback Disaster Services and Insurors Network. 
#iiabaz

insurancebusinessmag.com

Baldwin, CAC to combine in transformational $1-billion deal

This is what University of Arizona did to my poor Arizona State University Sun Devils in the day after Thanksgiving Territorial Cup. 😢

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of AZ

View company: Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of AZ

This is what you missed! The pinata taking a beating at the Greater Phoenix Big I Holiday Luncheon.
#iiabaz

If you think retention is just about bumping salaries, you're missing the real reason people leave.

You can throw money at the problem all day long.
It won't fix the dread people feel dragging themselves into another Monday.
It won't ease the tension in a meeting where everyone's waiting for someone else to speak up.
It definitely won't make someone feel seen if their work goes unnoticed.

A raise is a sugar rush.
Culture is the air you breathe.

The best people don't stick around for perks and bonuses.
They stay where they're trusted, challenged, and respected.
They stay where growth isn't a buzzword, it's the baseline.
They stay where team wins matter more than political moves.

Money gets attention.
Environment keeps it.

If you want real loyalty, stop thinking in percentages and start thinking in priorities.

Talent picks culture. Every time. #BoostWithGene

During this Thanksgiving season and every day, we are grateful for our Member Agencies, carrier partners, and home office and field teams. We wish you all a wonderful holiday.  

#HappyThanksgiving #Thanksgiving #Thanksgiving2025 #Thankful #Grateful

Congratulations 🎉 to the University of Arizona football team for winning the 2025 Territorial Cup! They fought hard and earned the win. As a Arizona State University fan, I’m bearing down! #rivalryweek #asu #godevils #forkem

University of Arizona

Arizona State University

Boost your revenue, profits and agency value. #boostwithgene

Ever been at a networking event where the person you’re talking to keeps glancing over your shoulder, searching for someone they think is more important?

Same here. Joe Glover has been there too.

That’s why, in 2016, he started his own networking events for marketers, for what he calls “positively lovely people.” That’s how The Marketing Meetup began.

It’s for marketers who care more about the person in front of them than their job title.

Now, it’s grown into a community of more than 50,000 positively lovely people worldwide, with hundreds of events across the globe.

Joe brings a calm and inclusive energy. He leads with humility and gentleness, which is rare and refreshing in an industry that can often feel harsh and elitist.

On our conversation for The HoLT's Survival Guide for Small Businesses Podcast, we dive into his impressive journey as a people-loving introvert turned global business leader. Joe genuinely values the people around him and leads with kindness every step of the way.

He proves you don’t need to be ruthless to build global success. Lifting others up brings more than just financial rewards—it gives you a sense of purpose and peace that money can’t buy.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as Bronson and I did.

Watch here: https://lnkd.in/eMBwU7HW

Or find us on your favorite podcast platform.

Big thanks to our sponsors, Qdos, who provide award-winning, trusted business insurance for over 100,000 small business owners. They’re offering a generous 10% off all policies with code LEA10. Learn more and get a quote: https://lnkd.in/erFeBNxJ

#BoostWithGene

Open video: Creating a Culture Not Just a Community with Joe Glover on youtube.com

Creating a Culture Not Just a Community with Joe Glover

Ever wondered why some agencies seem to break through every ceiling while others spend years fighting for inches?

It’s not luck.

It’s who they choose to partner with.

Nearly 30 years in insurance has taught me something most folks don’t want to admit.

Trying to win alone is a losing game.

Here’s what I see every week:
→ Agency owners grinding out long hours
→ Agents frustrated by shrinking margins
→ Executives doing mental gymnastics to squeeze extra revenue from last year’s book

Sound familiar?

Now, imagine this instead:
→ Your agency consistently earning more profit
→ Your team celebrating new bonus checks
→ Your value jumping year after year

That’s not a fantasy.

↳ It’s what happens when agencies partner with Ironpeak.

Let’s get specific.

Here’s how agencies move from survival mode to growth mode with us:
We pool strength.
Instead of standing alone, you join a collective force.
That means better deals, bigger bonuses, and contingency revenue that actually feels rewarding.
We handle the tough talks.
Negotiating with carriers can feel like wrestling a bear in a phone booth.
Our team brings decades of experience (and a few battle scars) to the table.
So you get the best terms without breaking a sweat.
We drive membership growth.
Your revenue isn’t capped by your zip code or your current carrier lineup.
Our network opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
We boost agency value.
When you earn more, your agency’s worth more.
Simple math, but most people overlook it while chasing shortterm wins.
We keep it simple.
No nonsense, no endless paperwork, no empty promises.
Just results you can see on your bottom line.

Let’s be blunt—if you’re hoping the market will get easier or bonuses will magically appear, you’ll be waiting a long time.

The agencies thriving right now aren’t waiting.
They’re partnering up.

So, here’s my challenge for every insurance pro who’s tired of leaving money on the table:
Ask yourself—what’s holding you back from maximizing your agency’s potential?

If you’re ready to find out how Ironpeak can help you transform your revenue, profits, and agency value, let’s talk.

Drop a comment or tag someone who needs to hear this.

#BoostWithGene

#insurance #agencypartnership #brokerpartnership #commercialinsurance #highnetworthinsurance #boostwithgene

A great start to the morning! Thanks VOVOMEENA, LLC

VOVOMEENA, LLC

In a rapidly evolving insurance landscape, staying ahead of the curve is not just an option—it's a necessity. 🚀

Navigating the complexities of risk management and revenue optimization requires more than a set strategy. It demands innovation, adaptability, and a well-empowered team poised to tackle challenges head-on. As leaders in management consulting within the insurance sector, we know that true success comes from empowering teams to think creatively while strategically managing risks for optimized revenue streams.

How are you ensuring your team is empowered and prepared to thrive amidst industry changes? Let's discuss ways we can drive agency success together! Share your thoughts below. 👇 #InsuranceStrategies #RevenueOptimization #TeamEmpowerment #RiskManagement #BoostWithGene

instagram.com

Chad Scott on Instagram: "Wild how a thousand-dollar “luxury water” wasn’t about water at all it was about what the story made people feel. That’s the mistake most founders make. They focus on the thing instead of the context around the thing. The moment, the meaning, the identity their brand signals. Small brands don’t win by outspending. They win by out-storying. What’s one small brand you think

#insurance #agencypartnership #boostwithgene #jointhebougienetwork

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Kimiko Donahue, CIC ▶️

Shural Knippers, J.D.

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The Battle

Kimiko Donahue, CIC ▶️

Shural Knippers, J.D.

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Shural Knippers, J.D.'s LinkedIn Performance

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