In Episode 11 of From The Darkhorse’s Mouth, titled “Ask Me Anything,” Dan and Carly Garzella switch things up and answer a series of questions from the audience.

If you’re weighing the leap to independence, this special Q&A episode breaks down the real questions agents are asking—and the honest answers that matter most. The conversation starts with year-one realities: the toughest marketing challenges when opening an independent agency, what actually moved the needle, and the moment that flipped the switch from captive to independent.

We then dive into momentum building—what to do every week in the first 90 days to generate pipeline fast, avoid wheel-spinning, and turn activity into appointments and revenue. The discussion also unpacks renewals and splits at Darkhorse, how ownership works, and how compensation evolves as your book and responsibilities grow.

Finally, we tackle the strategic pitfalls and long view: the biggest mistake agents still make when going independent (and how to dodge it), plus a clear picture of what your business and life can look like five years from now if you execute with focus and consistency.

Whether you’re on the fence about breaking away or already building your shop, this episode offers a practical, unfiltered roadmap—what to expect, what to prioritize, and how to stack wins that compound over time.

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