Elias was hesitant. He’d spent money on "leads" before—spreadsheets of people who had moved house three years ago or, worse, people who were already deceased. But Miller pointed him toward a new vendor that promised real-time, intent-based data: people who had just signed their closing papers and were actively searching for a way to ensure their families wouldn't lose the house if the unthinkable happened.

"Mortgage protection leads," Miller replied. "Fresh ones. Not the recycled lists everyone and their brother has called. You need to that are exclusive to you."

His mentor, a retired shark named Miller, sat across from him, nursing a cold coffee.