Franziska Zepf: Building a Leading Insurance Brokerage from Anywhere in the World
What if you could build a thriving insurance brokerage not from a traditional office, but from a beach in Costa Rica or a café in Portugal? For Franziska Zepf, this isn't a hypothetical dream—it's her reality. As Germany's leading insurance broker for startups and young entrepreneurs, Franziska has redefined what success looks like in the insurance industry by embracing a digital-first, location-independent business model. In this episode of the Königsmacherin Podcast, she shares her remarkable journey from a secure corporate career to founding her company abroad and pioneering the use of Instagram as a serious client acquisition channel, earning her the prestigious #OMGVAward along the way.
From Corporate Ladder to Costa Rica: An Unconventional Start
Franziska's story begins with what many would consider the perfect insurance career path. By age 19, she held a leadership position at a bank, managed employees decades her senior, and had a clear trajectory toward corporate success. Yet, she felt unfulfilled. In her early twenties, she made the bold decision to leave that security behind, moving to Costa Rica to learn Spanish and fundamentally rethink her career.
There, she asked herself two pivotal questions that would shape her future:
- What kind of work would make me genuinely happy?
- How can I build a business that allows me to work from anywhere?
With answers in hand, she founded her insurance brokerage in 2014—directly from Costa Rica. While Germany wasn't (and still isn't) fully digital for business formation, requiring paper-based powers of attorney, Franziska designed her company from the ground up to be as digital and flexible as possible. This forward-thinking approach laid the foundation for her current success.
The Digital-First Brokerage: Strategies for a New Generation of Clients
Franziska intentionally carved out a niche serving startups and young entrepreneurs—clients who value digital convenience and modern communication as much as expert advice. Her strategies include:
- Hybrid Work Model: She has proven that high-quality insurance advice doesn't require a fixed office. Whether based in her Bavarian home of Peiting or living temporarily in Portugal, her business operates seamlessly.
- Pioneering Social Media Use: Long before many in insurance saw its potential, Franziska recognized Instagram as a viable channel for professional client communication and branding. Her innovative approach won her the 2019 OMGV Award in the "New Paths. New Media." category.
- Targeted Marketing: She shares exactly how she identifies and reaches her ideal client demographic, moving beyond traditional insurance marketing.
She also openly discusses the challenges of this model, such as dealing with online negativity and the practical hurdles of working remotely—like having her iPhone stolen upon arrival in Portugal, which created significant operational headaches.
Broader Industry Insights: Women in Insurance and Essential Reading
The conversation extends beyond business strategy. Franziska offers her perspective on why so few women are visible in leadership roles within the insurance sector and what needs to change to create a more inclusive industry.
As an avid reader, she also provides three essential book recommendations for young entrepreneurs and founders, explaining why these texts are crucial for anyone building a business.
Listen to the Full Königsmacherin Podcast Episode
To hear Franziska's full story—including her tips for remote work, her approach to handling online criticism, and the secret behind her favorite frequently used word—listen to the complete episode below.
Win a Limited Edition Königsmacher Mug!
Don't forget! In every episode of the Königsmacher Podcast, you can win one of the limited edition golden Königsmacher mugs. To enter this episode's contest, answer this question: What word does Franziska actually use very often? Submit your correct answer in the comments under the podcast posting on our social media channels. Entrants must have a visible connection to the insurance industry in their profile. The contest runs until the next episode is published. For full details, check the official posts.
Franziska Zepf's journey is a powerful case study for any insurance professional or entrepreneur looking to build a modern, flexible, and client-centric business. Her success demonstrates that with the right strategy, you can provide exceptional business insurance advice and risk management solutions from anywhere in the world.