In this episode of Risk Raiders, Jeff and Brent sit down with communication strategist and educator Melissa Hancock to unpack the risk hiding inside every conversation we have—at work, in our careers, and at home with the people we love.

Melissa has spent more than two decades proving that connection, communication, and emotion aren’t “soft skills.” They’re the actual business. She believes the most important business we run isn’t on a spreadsheet; it’s the influence we create in every room and every relationship we walk into.

Together, we explore how the way you talk can quietly increase risk in your business, career, and family—and how better communication can reduce that risk and create real upside.

In this episode:

00:00 – Intro: A different kind of risk for Risk Raiders
02:10 – Jeff’s confession: Great on stage, awkward in small rooms
05:20 – Melissa’s core belief: Communication is the business
09:45 – The risk in treating communication as a “soft skill”
13:30 – Emotion as a leadership tool: too little vs. too much
18:05 – From hurt to harmony: Melissa’s crisis and humor framework
22:40 – When humor helps in crisis… and when it blows up
27:15 – Social media’s impact on how we talk and listen
31:30 – AI, polished messages, and losing your real voice
36:00 – Communication at home: spouses, kids, and career spillover
41:20 – “Influence audits”: where your words create risk or relief
45:10 – Final takeaways: small steps to lower communication risk

If you’ve ever felt the fallout from a conversation gone sideways—or you’re strong in the boardroom but struggle in everyday interactions—this episode will help you see why there’s risk in every conversation, and how to manage it better in business, your career, and your family life.

Melissa Hancock- communication strategist, educator, and business experience leader. Sharing insights into human connection, communication, and emotion aligning to the belief that they aren't soft skills. They're the hard infrastructure of leadership, trust, and lasting impact. Melissa weaves a philosophy into her teaching and her work, reminding every audience that the magic communication can create shows up when we believe in our heart and talk with our voice!

www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hancock-ma

Hashtags:

#RiskRaiders #CommunicationRisk #BusinessCommunication
#TheRiskInEveryConversation #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence
#CrisisCommunication #AIandCommunication #SocialMediaSkills

⚠️ Disclaimer:
Risk Raiders is an independent podcast and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Texas Tech University. All products, services, brands, or businesses mentioned on the show are for entertainment and conversational purposes only. A mention does not imply endorsement, recommendation, or sponsorship — by us of them, or by them of us. Paid sponsorships and partnerships will always be clearly disclosed. Finally, nothing on this show should be considered insurance, legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult a licensed professional for guidance on your specific situation.

© 2026 Risk Raiders LLC. You’re welcome to share this episode by linking to or embedding the original video. Downloading, re‑uploading, or editing this content without written permission is prohibited.

When a hailstorm smokes your roof and your wallet, what do you actually do?

In this Risk Raiders episode, Jeff and Brent sit down with Lubbock roofer and entrepreneur Kris Kincaid (Kincaid Roofing, Fund My Deductible) to break down hailstorms, high deductibles, ACV vs RCV, and how to avoid committing insurance fraud just trying to save a buck. Kris shares how he went from washing cars in the 806 to chasing storms in Omaha, sleeping on a blow‑up mattress, and eventually building a 20‑year local roofing company in West Texas. They dig into why conservative growth beats “one big storm year,” how to choose the right contractor after a loss, and why some customers can completely drain your bandwidth if you let them.

They also unpack today’s reality for property owners: percentage deductibles, roof schedules, “roof performance” policies that feel like RCV wrapped in ACV, and what that means when your roof actually gets hit. Kris explains how Fund My Deductible became a nationwide tool that helps homeowners and property owners legally fund deductibles and upgrades—without fake invoices or deductible‑eating games.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet roofer‑entrepreneur Kris Kincaid and Risk Raiders intro
01:53 – How a Lubbock hailstorm and Omaha trip pulled Kris into roofing at 19
06:36 – Big 2005 Lubbock storm, 125 roofs, and launching his own company
16:23 – After the storm: homeowners, adjusters, and why “three bids and the lowest” can burn you
19:01 – Percentage deductibles 101 and how roof coverage has quietly shifted
25:43 – Birth of Fund My Deductible and funding big deductibles legally

Connect with Kris / Fund My Deductible

Fund My Deductible: https://fundmydeductible.com/
FMD – homeowners video: https://youtu.be/2X2E4kY1OIU?si=8M1nVDHVH-m-DFY3
FMD – contractors video: https://youtu.be/qab1NzXcmYE?si=8nmptyn9f289ZZ8l
FMD inquiries (Laura Lee): lauralee@fundmydeductible.com

Kincaid Roofing: https://kincaidroofing.com/
Email: contact@kincaidroofing.com

The Falls Lubbock: https://thefallslubbock.com/

⚠️ Disclaimer:
Risk Raiders is an independent podcast and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Texas Tech University. All products, services, brands, or businesses mentioned on the show are for entertainment and conversational purposes only. A mention does not imply endorsement, recommendation, or sponsorship — by us of them, or by them of us. Paid sponsorships and partnerships will always be clearly disclosed. Finally, nothing on this show should be considered insurance, legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult a licensed professional for guidance on your specific situation.

© 2026 Risk Raiders LLC. You’re welcome to share this episode by linking to or embedding the original video. Downloading, re‑uploading, or editing this content without written permission is prohibited

The conversation delves into the significance of agency affiliation and the impact it has on buyer's concerns, expertise, trust, and access to solutions. The discussion emphasizes the value of being part of a reputable group and the benefits it offers to consumers.

Takeaways

• Agency affiliation impacts buyer trust and access to solutions.
• Reputable group affiliation provides consumers with quality, backing, and resources.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Importance of Agency Affiliation

The conversation delves into the complexities of umbrella policy coverage, highlighting the gaps and limitations in personal lines. It emphasizes the importance of consulting agents and understanding coverage laws across different states.

Takeaways

• Umbrella policies may have limitations on excess coverage
• Consulting agents is crucial for understanding coverage gaps and limitations

Chapters

• 00:00 Umbrella Policy Coverage

The conversation covers various aspects of travel risks and safety, including phone and data security, Wi-Fi and network security, roaming and international travel, hotel safety and security, social media and privacy, technology and safety awareness, and travel accident insurance and coverage. The conversation covers a range of travel-related topics, including liability coverage, travel insurance, safety precautions, luggage tracking, spring break travel tips, college basketball excitement, and closing remarks. The hosts provide valuable insights and reminders for safe and enjoyable travel experiences, emphasizing the importance of preparation and safety measures.

Takeaways

• Phone and data security are crucial during travel.
• Awareness of hotel safety and security measures is essential for a safe trip. Check liability coverage for worldwide coverage
• Consider foreign legal liability when traveling
• Consider medical evacuation, especially for older travelers
• Use AirTag and location sharing for safety
• Take safety precautions when traveling
• Use AirTag for luggage tracking
• Take personal safety precautions when traveling
• Share location with travel group
• Travel in groups of three or more
• Be mindful of alcohol intake while traveling
• Excitement for college basketball season
• Reflections on travel experiences
• Use Uber and Lyft for safe travel
• Subscribe, like, and share Risk Raiders content
• Wishing viewers a great weekend
• End of the conversation

Chapters

• 00:00 Travel Accident Insurance and Coverage
• 25:51 Luggage and Personal Safety
• 31:38 College Basketball and Travel Conclusion

The conversation delves into the culture, selectivity, and exclusivity of CAA, highlighting the value of membership and the reality check experienced by new members.

Takeaways

• Culture and selectivity define CAA membership
• Exclusive experience sets CAA apart

Chapters

• 00:00 The Culture of CAA

The conversation covers the importance of understanding different types of auto insurance coverage and the significance of assessing coverage limits for protection. It emphasizes the need to consider family needs and recommends policy limits based on individual circumstances.

Takeaways

• Understanding the purpose of different auto insurance coverages
• Assessing coverage limits based on family needs and individual circumstances

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage

The conversation covers the unique benefits of the CAA network, the challenges of building relationships, and the focus on independent agencies. It also highlights the difficulty of getting people to attend CAA meetings.

Takeaways

• CAA network offers exceptional benefits
• Building relationships is a key focus for CAA
• Independent agencies are the primary focus of CAA

Chapters

• 00:00 The Unique Benefits of CAA Network