#89 - Proving Them Wrong: Heart & Hustle with Kari Hargrave

Kari Hargrave is the definition of grit, creativity, and community. From launching a scratch insurance agency in a town with no stoplights to bagging groceries for free just to meet people, Kari’s story is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and doing things differently. In this conversation, Scott and Kari unpack what it really takes to build a business, a brand, and a life you’re proud of—without losing your humanity along the way.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• Why being told “you’ll never make it” was the fuel Kari needed to prove them all wrong
• Creative, grassroots strategies Kari used to grow her agency from zero to one of the most respected in the country
• The marketing rituals and handwritten habits that still matter in a digital world
• Why she started a true crime podcast—and how it led to winning a Webby Award
• How she’s helping other agents win with her new venture, Ringleaders

This episode is full of laughs, lessons, and real talk from one of the most inspiring agents in the game. Don’t miss it!

---
Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Intro
(1:15) - Welcome + Kari’s Energy and Background
(2:15) - Starting an Agency from Scratch (Literally)
(10:30) - Early Hustle: Grocery Bagging and Grassroots Marketing
(12:30) - Serving the Hispanic Community and Building Loyalty
(16:00) - Marketing That Still Works: Handwritten Cards and Schools
(19:15) - Onboarding, Expectations, and Communication Preferences
(23:15) - Working with Younger Generations & Hiring for Hustle
(27:15) - Traits Kari Looks for in New Hires
(31:15) - Launching a True Crime Podcast and Winning a Webby
(35:15) - Starting Ringleaders: A Business Built to Solve a Real Problem
(39:15) - Female Leadership, Customer Experience, and Team Support
(41:15) - Rapid Fire Questions & Final Thoughts

---
Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

---
Kari Hargrave's Links:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/KariHargraveAgency
True Texas Crime Pod - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ct7Pu7GIgyWj3IF7y2b6L