In Episode 166 of the Scratch Agency Podcast, Stephen Turnbull and Shawn Fitzgerald sit down with Michael Ley, Director of Networks at HawkSoft, to tackle a topic every agency owner needs to hear: your tech stack.

From shiny-object syndrome and AI overload to duplicate subscriptions, underused software, and disconnected systems, Michael shares a practical framework for auditing your agency’s technology before adding another monthly expense.

The conversation dives into how agencies can identify wasted spending, uncover overlooked features in existing platforms, improve integrations, and create more efficient workflows without constantly chasing new software.

Whether you're a brand-new scratch agent or running a mature agency with multiple team members, this episode will help you simplify your operations, reduce tech bloat, and focus on tools that actually move the needle.

🔍 If you've ever wondered whether you're paying for software you don't need, missing features in tools you already own, or creating unnecessary complexity in your agency—this episode is for you.

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Meet Michael Ley

01:55 – Michael’s Journey from Agency Owner to HawkSoft

05:10 – The Biggest Tech Mistake Agencies Make

07:15 – Building a Tech Inventory & Cost Audit

10:05 – Finding Duplicate Software & Hidden Costs

13:00 – Integrations: Why They Matter More Than New Tools

15:35 – CRM vs AMS: Where Should Your Team Live?

19:45 – Agency Tech Gaps & Underutilized Features

22:30 – AI in Insurance Agencies: Real-World Applications

28:15 – Why Education & Vendor Training Matter

31:00 – “You Can’t Scale Chaos” – Audit Before You Build

33:45 – Practical Advice for Scratch Agents

36:10 – Upcoming Events & Community Updates

💼 Sponsored by HawkSoft

A family-owned agency management system built to serve independent agencies with flexibility, transparency, and human-centered support.

🌐 Learn More:

https://www.hawksoft.com

🔗 Links & Resources:

📍 Scratch Agency NYC Meetup

July 31, 2026 | New York City

https://scratchagencynyc.com

📘 Join the Scratch Agency Podcast Community (Facebook Group)

📸 Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thescratchagencypodcast

🎧 Listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7hutxCZ5NUPqF5hRdC79Hl

🌐 Visit Our Website:

https://scratchagencypodcast.com

In this episode, Michael emphasizes a powerful lesson: most agencies don't have a technology problem—they have a visibility problem. Before buying another software subscription, take inventory of what you're already paying for, understand the features you already own, and make sure your systems are working together before adding more complexity.