--- title: 2026 Soft Market Survival Guide for MGAs | Industry Insights description: Get expert strategies and a 90-day execution plan to navigate the 2026 soft insurance market. Insights from MGA leaders and board advisors. image: https://contact.teamfocusins.com/hubfs/Cover%20(1).png --- [![Focus Horiz Color Reverse](https://contact.teamfocusins.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Focus%20Horiz%20Color%20Reverse.png?width=200&height=53&name=Focus%20Horiz%20Color%20Reverse.png "Focus Horiz Color Reverse")](https://contact.teamfocusins.com/?hsLang=en) 2026 Strategic Guide for MGA Leaders ![Cover](https://contact.teamfocusins.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cover.png?width=1545&height=1999&name=Cover.png "Cover") ## **Insights from Industry Leaders** This guide features exclusive perspectives from operators, investors, and board advisors who have navigated soft markets from every angle. ![Joe Zuk Seated Plaid](https://contact.teamfocusins.com/hubfs/Joe%20Zuk%20Seated%20Plaid.jpg) **Joe Zuk** **Operating Partner** Altamont Capital Partners   *"The soft market is a great filter. It strips away the noise and reveals the signal. It separates opportunistic paper-pushers from the true underwriting architects."* [Connect](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joezuk/) ![Julie 2025](https://contact.teamfocusins.com/hubfs/Julie%202025.jpg) **Julie Richt** **Founder & President** Lucid Insurance   *"Productivity is not profitability. In a soft market, when underwriters get overwhelmed, they tend to gravitate toward the lowest-hanging fruit just to feel  productive."* [Connect](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jricht13/) ![David Gritz LP-4](https://contact.teamfocusins.com/hubfs/David%20Gritz%20LP-4.png) **David Gritz** **Co-Founder** InsurTechNY & MGA Lab   *"If brokers don't trust you enough to place business when you're not the cheapest options, your brand and execution weren't strong to begin with."* [Connect](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgritz/) ![Dan Grayzel LP](https://contact.teamfocusins.com/hubfs/Dan%20Grayzel%20LP.png) **Dan Grayzel** **Co-Founder** Ascendex MGU   *"First and foremost, there should always be a high emphasis on retaining your core book while maintaining pricing and underwriting discipline."*   [Connect](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangrayzel/) ![Carol Williams LP](https://contact.teamfocusins.com/hubfs/Carol%20Williams%20LP.png) **Carol Williams** **President** Strategic Decision Solutions   *"MGA boards want to know whether management understands where potential obstacles are accumulating. Inconsistent underwriting execution creates blind spots."* [Connect](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-williams-erm/) ![Nick Lamparelli LP](https://contact.teamfocusins.com/hubfs/Nick%20Lamparelli%20LP.png) **Nick Lamparelli** **Managing Partner** Insurance Nerds   *"Market stability comes from trust, and trust comes from execution—especially at claims time. Over-communicate. Personalize. Help people sleep at night."* [Connect](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklamparelli/) ## **What's Inside** This 38-page guide provides a practical operating system built on insights from operators, investors, and board advisors who have navigated soft markets from every angle. - **5-Shift Operating Model** The operational framework used by resilient MGAs to protect margin through market cycles**.** - **90-Day Execution Plan** A structured approach to stop drift and restore control without disrupting your live book of business. - **Expert Advice** In-depth perspectives from 6 industry leaders on discipline, pricing, and distribution. # If your board said: ## **"Show us proof that underwriting discipline is structurally enforced."** ## **Could you answer with data?** Soft markets reward control. MGAs that invest in execution clarity exit the cycle with stronger books and deeper carrier trust. Meet with us to learn more about how we can help you develop operational resilience and maximize growth. © 2026 FOCUS. All rights reserved.