Chase Fiscus is the Founder and CEO of Fiscus Commercial Insurance Services (FCIS), which specializes in tailored risk management solutions for businesses. At just 19 years old, Chase started FCIS and has since grown the company to a team of 16 across two offices, earning industry recognition for his expertise and client-focused approach. FCIS has evolved into a specialized agency with a strong focus on commercial lines, especially workers’ compensation, which now makes up nearly half of its overall portfolio. In his role as CEO, Chase continues to lead the firm, helping clients navigate a volatile insurance market by uncovering savings across multiple lines of coverage.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [5:12] Chase Fiscus talks about mountain biking at 4 a.m. and functioning on little sleep
- [9:09] Chase’s early ambitions of racing dirt bikes and how that led him toward entrepreneurship
- [11:12] Starting FCIS at 19 with a personal loan from his grandparents
- [13:48] How Chase overcame age and inexperience and became an expert in commercial insurance coverage
- [18:54] What Chase learned from ignoring his gut instinct with a problematic client
- [24:24] Building a 16-person team across two offices and the importance of culture fit
- [29:47] FCIS’s strategy: caring for clients, spotting blind spots, and uncovering hidden risks
In this episode…
For many entrepreneurs, insurance feels like a confusing checkbox on the to-do list rather than a crucial part of protecting their business. Too often, owners discover too late that they’re underinsured, paying for the wrong coverage, or ignoring hidden risks that could cost them everything. As a business leader, how do you move beyond the bare minimum and create an insurance strategy that truly supports growth?
Chase Fiscus, an insurance expert who built his career from the ground up, starting when he was a teenager, shares how business owners can turn insurance into a proactive tool instead of a reactive expense. Chase emphasizes the importance of becoming an expert in your risk profile, seeking second opinions, and asking the right questions before signing on the dotted line. He also highlights the value of listening to your gut when choosing clients, hiring with culture in mind, and focusing on long-term relationships instead of quick wins. By approaching coverage with care and curiosity, entrepreneurs can uncover blind spots, build trust, and strengthen their operations.
In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Chase Fiscus, Founder and CEO of Fiscus Commercial Insurance Services (FCIS), about smarter risk management for entrepreneurs. Chase discusses how caring for clients uncovers blind spots, the lessons he learned from starting a business at 19, and why culture fit matters when building a team. He also uncovers strategies for client retention, navigating growing pains, and when to say no.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Rich Schuette on LinkedIn
- Avalan Wealth
- Chase Fiscus: LinkedIn | Email
- Fiscus Commercial Insurance Services (FCIS)
Quotable Moments:
- “I do have a lot of hobbies, and my hobbies probably lead to some strange habits.”
- “What you lack in experience, you need to make up for in knowledge.”
- “Know your worth and know when to say no.”
- “Our strategy is caring, and that sounds cliché, but that’s truly what you need.”
- “If you don’t care about your client, you’re going to miss it every single time.”
Action Steps:
- Get a second opinion on your insurance coverage: Just like with medical diagnoses, fresh eyes can reveal blind spots and gaps. This step ensures you’re not unknowingly exposed to risks that could devastate your business.
- Listen to your gut when choosing clients: Ignoring red flags can lead to costly disputes and wasted resources. Trusting intuition early saves time, stress, and potential legal headaches later.
- Hire for culture fit first, train for skills second: A cohesive team aligned in values is far more sustainable than one built only on résumés. This creates stronger retention, better collaboration, and less conflict.
- Become an expert in your own risk profile: Understanding the unique liabilities in your industry makes you a better partner to advisors. It empowers you to ask sharper questions and secure smarter coverage.
- Prioritize caring in client relationships: Approaching business with genuine concern builds trust and uncovers needs clients didn’t even know they had. That trust often translates into long-term loyalty and referrals.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is sponsored by Avalan, a wealth management firm dedicated to personalized financial, business, and investment planning.
We work with select high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and trusts, providing guidance tailored to their unique needs.
From supercar entrepreneurs to music industry entrepreneurs, our team employs proven investment strategies to help them preserve wealth, protect assets, and plan charitable giving.
With an unwavering focus on world-class service, our relationships are built to last generations, helping clients achieve lifelong goals through a thoughtful, consultative approach.
To learn how Avalan can empower you to reach your goals, visit https://www.avalanwealth.com/contact/.