[Zach]

Well if that isn't the truest thing I've read all day, lol. Very well said, John! I've been saying since I entered the industry a couple years back that we need more professionalism, reputability, clear and concise standards, proper sales training, and (can I say it?) regulation.. I warmly accept much of the regulatory demands that will inevitably come knocking on our door and think it will help better create a distinction between the real shops and the basement brokers.

Size is one thing. Stability is quite another. Do right for your clients and they'll come back to you with a smile. You'll never have to worry about your base and can focus solely on client retention. If someone's game is "jack the rates up" / one-time transactional thinking, they've got quite a long way to go and some expectations that need to be more properly met.

Basement brokers? Or are you referring to, boiler room felons?