Katelynn Gardner, Founder of Diligence Agencies: Establishing a Scalable Organization Built on Discipline and Performance

Katelynn Gardner is the founder of Diligence Agencies, a rapidly growing organization in the independent insurance sector. Today, she leads a national network of more than 600 active agents and oversees in excess of $3 million in monthly paid commissions. Her leadership reflects a deliberate, systems-driven approach to growth, shaped by discipline, accountability, and operational consistency.

Gardner began her professional career in healthcare, working as an EMT and medical assistant after earning a business degree from California State University, Chico. Raised in a middle-class household by a single parent, her early career decisions were guided by stability and service rather than entrepreneurship. At the time, she had no direct exposure to business ownership or sales leadership, nor a network of industry mentors.

A career transition followed when Gardner entered the insurance industry without prior experience in sales or financial services. She approached the field with a methodical learning process, focusing on foundational skill development, daily execution, and measurable performance outcomes. Her initial results accelerated within the first year, positioning her as a top performer and laying the groundwork for a scalable leadership model.

Within nine months of entering the industry, Gardner began training and mentoring new agents. Her focus extended beyond production metrics to include operational discipline, consistency, and long-term retention. This approach became central to the structure of Diligence Agencies, which emphasizes repeatable systems and leadership development over short-term volume.

In fewer than five years, Gardner has built an organization that supports hundreds of agents across multiple markets. She attributes the company’s growth to consistency, clear expectations, and a strong emphasis on professional responsibility. Under her leadership, Diligence Agencies has maintained a culture centered on performance, transparency, and relationship-driven business practices.

Gardner currently operates the firm alongside her husband while balancing family responsibilities. She remains focused on scaling the organization sustainably, with a long-term objective of increasing monthly production from $3 million to $10 million. Her leadership philosophy prioritizes stability, trust, and operational excellence, reinforcing the company’s position within a competitive and evolving industry.

About Diligence Agencies

Diligence Agencies is an independent insurance organization founded by Katelynn Gardner and headquartered in Chico, California. The firm supports more than 500 active agents nationwide and generates over $3 million in monthly paid commissions. Diligence Agencies specializes in agent development, leadership training, and scalable sales operations, providing individuals with structured pathways to financial independence. Built on consistency, accountability, and performance-based growth, the organization continues to expand with a clear focus on sustainable leadership and long-term value creation.