Bringing Insurance to Life: A Conversation with Matt Layson of Calrose Insurance
Host Ray Huang sits down with Matt Layson, insurance advisor and operations manager at Calrose Insurance. Matt’s story is a little different than what you’d expect from a fourth-generation agent. He didn’t grow up dreaming about policies and premiums. In fact, he resisted it entirely.
But what makes this episode stand out isn’t just his career path. It’s how he’s using social media to educate customers, connect with prospects, and make insurance feel more human.
From “Bored to Tears” to Fourth-Generation Agent
Matt grew up around insurance talk, family dinners filled with it. And for a long time, he wanted nothing to do with it.
“It bored me to tears.”
Matt Layson, Insurance Advisor & Operations Manager, Calrose Insurance
Instead, he pursued music and audio engineering, a path that gave him more creative and technical skills than most people bring into an agency role. Later, those skills became a surprising advantage as he transitioned into insurance and started building a public presence.
The Skill That Changed Everything: Communication
A big theme in Matt’s story is learning how to communicate well—not just for social media, but for the job itself. He talks about watching his early videos and realizing how far he needed to go.
“That sucks. I need to be way better at this.”
Matt Layson, Insurance Advisor & Operations Manager, Calrose Insurance
But what’s interesting is why he wanted to improve. It wasn’t about being polished for the sake of looking good. It was about showing up better for customers.
“Is this how I’m talking to a prospect? Is this how I’m presenting what I do?”
Matt Layson, Insurance Advisor & Operations Manager, Calrose Insurance
That mindset, refining your message so people can actually understand what you’re offering, became the foundation of his content and his approach as an advisor.
The Social Media Pivot (Without the Fancy Setup)
Matt didn’t build his following with expensive gear or production-heavy content. In fact, his approach is the opposite: simple, consistent, and direct.
“I record in the app. I point it at my face most of the time. I don’t even have an external mic, and I hit post.”
Matt Layson, Insurance Advisor & Operations Manager, Calrose Insurance
He emphasizes that the key isn’t perfection. It’s showing up.
“I cannot let a whole week go by without me posting a video.”
Matt Layson, Insurance Advisor & Operations Manager, Calrose Insurance
That consistency helped him build momentum and credibility quickly, with consumers and fellow agents.
When the Internet Pushes Back (And Why He Doesn’t Care)
Putting yourself online comes with feedback, not all of it kind. Matt talks about learning how to handle critics, trolls, and people who just want to argue. But instead of shutting down, he leans into it.
“They’re still improving my engagement.”
Matt Layson, Insurance Advisor & Operations Manager, Calrose Insurance
Matt’s approach is practical: take what’s useful, ignore what isn’t, and keep posting. The upside—the people who do get value—is worth it.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
For anyone in insurance who feels hesitant to post videos, Matt is honest about what to expect.
“You’re gonna say something and people are gonna hate on you for it.”
Matt Layson, Insurance Advisor & Operations Manager, Calrose Insurance
He compares it to cold calling: the first few are uncomfortable, but it gets easier, and the only way to improve is to start.
“A lot of people are hesitant to do video because they realize they’re not good at it—and people don’t like doing things they’re not good at.”
Matt Layson, Insurance Advisor & Operations Manager, Calrose Insurance
His message is simple: keep it straightforward, focus on getting better, and don’t wait until it feels “perfect.”
Where to Find Matt
Matt stays active on TikTok and Instagram, where he continues breaking down insurance topics in a way that feels approachable and real. More than anything, his story shows what happens when someone brings creativity and authenticity into an industry that doesn’t always feel exciting. He’s not just building a personal brand. He’s changing the way people experience insurance.