Claim OwnershipVertafore Insurance Podcast
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The Vertafore Insurance Podcast will bring on the insurance industry’s biggest influencers to talk about what is trending in insurance, best practices, and more!
264 Episodes
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In today's insurance landscape, communication is critical to agency growth and client retention. Sean Darwish, CEO of Inteveo and creator of EcoLink, joins us to unpack how deeply integrated communication transforms agency operations from disjointed chaos to scalable, client-centric performance. In this episode, we dive into how EcoLink brings voice, text, AI, and AMS data together to power modern insurance communication.
Listen to this episode and you will hear:
Why fragmented workflows cost agencies time, clients, and revenue.
How AI-powered call routing boosts response time and compliance.
Real-world agency impact: 30% of business lost during communication downtime.
Why EcoLink is more than just a plugin it's purpose-built for insurance.
How integrated communication elevates the entire policy lifecycle experience.
Get your pen and paper ready; you'll want to take notes on this one.
In an industry constantly pushing for smarter workflows and scalable platforms, the conversation around core management systems like Sagitta is more relevant than ever. Joining us on this episode is Kate O’Toole, Vice President at Starkweather & Shepley, alongside Bruce Westman, Senior Director of Product Management for Sagitta at Vertafore. We explore operational efficiency, tech adoption, and the power of Sagitta’s user community. They share insights on driving change, building collaboration, and leading with a problem-solving mindset.
There is so much to unpack, in this episode including:
Bruce’s Family Feud throwback and agency nostalgia.
Starting with the problem before choosing tech solutions.
The strength of the Sagitta user community.
How working groups shape meaningful innovation.
Importance of having the right people in place for change.
AgencyOne’s UI and single sign-on advantages.
Get ready to laugh, learn and long for more, this one gives all the feels. Thank you for listening.
Automation isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s a business accelerator, and no one knows that better than Mariah Gates, Founder & CEO of Accelerated Automation. What began as a side hustle has grown into a full-scale operation that’s helped hundreds of agencies streamline operations, unlock their tech stack, and simplify complex sales cycles. Mariah breaks down the real-world challenges agencies face with automation, and how even the smallest agencies can create enterprise-level efficiency with the right strategy and systems.
In this episode, you will hear Mariah talk about how to:
Maximize your existing tech stack.
Automate follow-up instead of chasing more leads.
Build complex backend systems but keep the user experience simple.
Utilize your data better for cross-sell and retention.
Adopt AI intentionally and scale with purpose.
If you are looking to level up your automation game, this episode is for you!
Modernizing insurance isn’t about disruption for disruption’s sake; it’s about identifying deep-rooted problems and creating connected solutions that serve the entire insurance value chain. In this episode, Robin Livesay, Head of Product Strategy at ePayPolicy, joins us to talk about transforming legacy workflows, aligning product ecosystems, and using real customer data to drive innovation. Her outside-in perspective is helping redefine how agencies, MGAs, and carriers manage payments and data.
Listen to this podcast, and hear us talk about:
• Solving real problems, not chasing flashy technology,
• Integrating products to create exponential user value.
• Using customer data to shape product and experience design.
• Connecting payment, policy, and commission data.
• Workflow flexibility that is essential for modern agencies.
This podcast is one you don't want to miss.
In a world where agents juggle leads but lack follow-through strategy, Todd Wurth, District Manager at Farmers Insurance, shares how he’s built a scalable, high-conversion process using AgencyZoom. From LA’s metro grind to Wyoming’s one-agent towns, Todd unpacks how consistent marketing, deep community engagement, and automated follow-up drive real growth—no matter the zip code.
Turned “low” close rate into repeatable, high-conversion follow-up strategy
Built 27+ automated pipelines tailored to product and prospect type
Combines email, text, and mail for multi-channel lead nurturing
Triggers life insurance campaigns using birthday data
Tracks ROI by campaign, activity, and individual producer performance
Getting a quote shouldn’t feel like a marathon, and yet for many independent agents, that’s exactly what it is. In this episode, we sat down with Gordon Kendall , VP of Product at Vertafore, who brings nearly 20 years of carrier experience and a serious passion for agency workflow. From rating commercial auto from the ground up to building products like PL Rating & Commercial Submissions. Gordon breaks down how quoting became the real moment of truth, and why time, not money, is the new metric of agency success.
When you listen to this episode you will hear how:
Quoting sets the tone, before claims ever come into play.
PL Rating and Commercial Submissions simplify the quoting journey.
Bind bridges the data gap between agents and carriers.
Fewer clicks means much healthier margins for agencies.
Carriers must meet agents where quoting actually happens.
You looking for your moment of truth? You could find it in this episode.
The insurance industry is evolving at lightning speed, and keeping up with new ideas, tech innovations, and leadership insights can feel like a full-time job. That’s why we hit pause this week to bring you something special, a remix episode highlighting the best of Season 4 (so far). From high-impact insights to unexpected laughs, this recap is packed with our favorite moments, standout quotes, and other gems you won’t want to miss.
In this episode you will hear:
Insights into agency management, customer experience and more.
Real talk on the hard market and how our guests are surviving.
Incredible soundbites from some of this season's guests thus far.
A montage of both deeply inspiring moments as well as the comical ones too.
Whether you are a first-time listener or a return VIP, this is our gift to you! Thank you for listening!
Even after two seasons, this conversation with Drew Kinney still stands out as a must-listen. Drew, Co-Owner of Kinney Insurance Agency, delivers an authentic, agency-first breakdown of building a tech stack that works. Whether you're revamping your operations or just getting started with automation, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world advice that hasn’t aged a day.
Key takeaways from the episode:
The dynamics of working with family in an agency setting.
The “why” and the "How" behind their AgencyZoom configuration.
Practical advice on process optimization using the right tech tools.
What’s working in their workflows and what could be improved.
Aligning marketing, business intelligence, and internal operations for scalable growth.
If you're serious about building a modern, efficient, and scalable agency, this one belongs on your playlist (again).
We're re-releasing this insightful episode with Troy Korsgaden, a recognized expert in the insurance industry, in case you missed it. Troy, a published author, speaker, consultant, and founder of Korsgaden International, shares his wisdom on navigating the current insurance market and its evolving future. In this episode, he dives deep into the powerful role of technology in driving efficiency and enhancing client service, while stressing the importance of a proactive, intentional approach.
This episode is caulked with so much value including :
Key strategies for success in a transitional insurance market.
How technology enables, not replaces, client relationships.
The value of being proactive in client management.
Aligning agency goals with efficiency and client focus.
Overlooked growth opportunities for carriers and agencies.
Whether you're tuning in for the first time or the second or third, this episode is packed with timeless insights that will help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving insurance landscape.
Data intake remains one of the biggest friction points for insurance agencies trying to scale their operations and deliver stellar client experiences. In this episode, we sit down with Nick Berry, Demand Generation Leader at Canopy Connect, to dive into how long-term success comes from thinking beyond the quote, and meeting prospects where they are. Nick shares how agencies are using technology to turn clunky intake processes into profit centers.
Check out this episode and you will learn that:
Only 7% of your market is ready to buy now, build for those who aren’t.
Rapport starts with building relationships, not asking for VIN numbers.
Coverage-based segmentation turns data into high conversion rates.
Follow-up wins. Consistent and automated communication is key.
Get your pen and paper ready; you'll want to take notes on this one.
The future of Insurtech isn’t just about adding features; it’s about delivering an experience that makes agents faster, smarter, and more efficient. This week, we sat down in-studio with Kelly Byrom, VP of Platform and Experience Design at Vertafore, to talk about the long game of building AgencyOne and what it takes to design smarter, faster, and more human-centered insurance software. Kelly shared what it means to centralize workflows, connect products, and build a user experience (UX) that solves problems instead of just looking good.
Tune in to hear more about how:
User feedback shaped global navigation across AgencyOne.
Design is about problem solving, not just aesthetics.
Iterative updates deliver consistency and efficiency for users.
Smart UX changes save agencies minutes per task.
AgencyOne connects our products for faster, smarter workflows across roles.
Get your pen and paper ready; you'll want to take notes on this one.
Agencies struggle with slow, manual payment processes that delay cash flow and limit growth. When speed and efficiency in insurance payments can make or break an agency’s growth, ePayPolicy stands out by solving for both, fast. On this episode, I sat down with Zac Franz, Strategic Partnerships Manager at ePayPolicy, to talk about how they’re streamlining the entire cash flow, improving receivables, and helping agencies write more business, faster.
When you download this one, you will hear more about how:
Automation reduces errors and frees up staff for high-value client work.
ePay's integration reduces payment workflows by up to 20 minutes.
Agencies scale faster with streamlined receivables and automation.
To standardize payments during mergers and acquisitions.
Ciick subscribe for more incredible content for the remainder of this season.
How do you build real growth? According to Rob Bowen, The answer is, by narrowing your focus, leveraging tech, and making the most of in-person networking. Rob is a powerhouse in the real estate investment space and a firm believer in the value of niche expertise and technology-driven efficiency. In this episode, we unpacked everything from the risks of liability and tenant legislation to why your CRM might be your most important tech investment right now.
Download this episode today and hear these takeaways and more:
Niche markets offer deep growth opportunities.
Liability insurance is the most overlooked risks for property owners
Robotic processing & automation are essential to scale in this market
Clean, accurate data and a strong CRM are the backbone of the modern agency
Agencies that can’t adapt in these market conditions will fall behind. Have your pen and paper ready, Rob puts on a clinic with this episode. Thank you for listening.
The insurance industry is moving fast, and tech is no longer optional it’s the edge. At Accelerate 2025, Vertafore unveiled a bold vision to power a more connected, intelligent, and efficient insurance ecosystem. In this episode, Vertafore CEO, Amy Zupon and James Thom, CPO at Vertafore, step on the main stage at Accelerate to break down how Vertafore is delivering innovation that matters. From platform unification to AI that works behind the scenes, and how agencies, MGAs, and carriers can win today—and tomorrow.
Download this episode and you will hear these key take ways.
AgencyOne is live with dashboards, faster search, and navigation.
Project Impact saves up to 45 minutes per day per service rep.
Surefyre powers MGAs; 90% faster quotes, 44% growth in a year.
AgencyZoom is now powering agencies across all sizes.
AI drives results, automates tasks, boosts service, and reimagines insurance workflows.
At Vertafore, partnership is more than just another buzzword, it’s how we build. In this Fireside Chat, we sat down with customers, Shyla Lankford (Lipscomb Insurance) and Jordan Beck (Dimond Bros. Insurance) to unpack how their teams worked directly with Gordon Kendall at Vertafore to shape and improve products, PL rating and Commercial Submissions.
Download and listen to this Fireside Chat and hear all about:
How Shyla’s feedback helped streamline quoting across 47 states
How Jordan’s team cut quote time by 80% through workflow redesign
Why direct agent-carrier collaboration is critical in today’s market
How Vertafore turns agent feedback into live product updates
Get comfortable and cozy, in this fireside chat, we are taking you behind the scenes, to see how this partnership came to life.
Insurance agencies face the challenge of scaling client communications while staying personal. Matthew Smith discusses how Vertafore's partnership with ClientCircle changed the game for agency communications. Matt shares how agencies use both tools to automate outreach and improve retention.
Download this one and you'll hear these key takeaways:
Instant AMS360 integration for onboarding and renewals.
Automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
Analytics track campaign opens, clicks, and retention.
Omnichannel outreach: emails, texts, handwritten cards.
Open APIs enable tailored agency communication solutions.
Get your pen and paper ready; you'll want to take notes on this one.
Building real connection between tech providers and users is key to driving innovation in insurance. On this episode, I sat down with Jon Gorman, Executive Director at NetVU, and Rick Warter, Chief Customer Officer at Vertafore, to talk about how collaboration, education, and community power the future of the Vertafore ecosystem.
When you download this episode you will hear:
-NetVU connects Vertafore users for advocacy, education, and innovation.
-Accelerate delivers hands-on demos, community, and real collaboration.
-Product workgroups align agency leaders directly with Vertafore product teams.
-First-time attendees get mentors, tailored schedules, and early access.
-Customer success drives every initiative across NetVU and Vertafore.
Thank you for joining us again on another great episode and hit that subscribe button.
Surefyre
Ever wonder how MGAs are writing billions in premiums and reshaping the insurance game? The world of MGAs is transforming at lightning speed, and it’s not slowing down. With the rise of delegated underwriting authority enterprises (DUAEs), and premium volume soaring past $100 billion, the MGA market is no longer a niche, it’s a powerhouse. In this episode of the Vertafore Insurance Podcast, I’m joined by Dawn Walker, Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at AM Best, to unpack the state of the MGA ecosystem.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
Why carriers are leaning into MGAs for diversification—and how they’re assessing risk.
The five key factors AM Best evaluates in DUAEs and why they matter.
How the MGA model is becoming a preferred growth strategy over starting new business lines.
What’s next for underwriting in emerging sectors like cyber and AI.
Why underwriters are leaving traditional carriers for MGAs—and what that says about the future of talent in insurance.
The insurance industry is navigating challenges around agent-carrier connectivity and streamlining processes to meet evolving expectations. That’s why we sat down with Chris Gilespie, Director of Carrier marketing at Vertafore, to discuss practical insights from their recent Agent Experience Report and how carriers can better support agents.
Join us and hear Chris Gilespie bring us so much value around:
-Insights from Vertafore’s Agent Experience Report, from 1,300 agents
-The balance of training new underwriters while maintaining fast responses.
-The need for agents to utilize carrier tools for better collaboration.
-How tools like Surefyre and MGA Systems enhance speed and engagement.
-Carriers must automate tasks to maintain strong personal connections with agents.
Tune in to gain actionable insights and strategies to improve your agency’s carrier partnerships!
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