Vertafore Insurance Podcast

Kelly Gonyo is a highly experienced and dedicated insurance professional with over two decades in the industry. As the founder and President of Blue Line Insurance Agency, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to client service. Her expertise spans various insurance roles, and she specializes in commercial insurance.  Kelly is deeply committed to community service, actively participating in local economic development and supporting small businesses. Her insights on building strong client relationships and advocating for independent agents are truly inspiring.

Listen in as Kelly talks to us about:

• Her philosophy on leadership, emphasizing the importance of caring for your team and fostering a positive work environment

You may want to bookmark this one. There is a lot of good advice in this episode.

Denis Mrkva has significantly contributed to the field of data and analytics at Keystone Agency Partners, where he serves as the Vice President of Data & Analytics. His work focuses on implementing data-driven strategies that enhance the operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities of insurance agents. In this week's episode, Denis dives into the significance of data-driven strategies and the crucial role analytics play at Keystone Agency Partners. We also discuss the integral part Vertafore plays in their process.

• The data-driven strategies used to boost operational efficiency and decision-making

You may want to bookmark this one, there is a lot of information in this episode.

Kelly Byrom and Daniella Ivey, are the leaders and the strategic mastermind behind this groundbreaking solution. We are calling AgencyOne. You heard about it a few weeks ago on the podcast. Today we will be having an in-depth discussion into the seamless interface, innovative look and feel, and enhanced customer experience that will set AgencyOne apart.  Kelly and Daniella share how they've done extensive research with their largest customers to create a solution that focusses on the idea of "one experience."  An all-in-one experience that clients are clamoring for. With high energy and the excitement, this episode captures the essence of what makes Agency One a game-changer in the industry.

Listen in as we :

Discover the strategies Agency One used to become a frontrunner in the industry

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your agency's performance. Tune in now and learn more about AgencyOne.

As Vertafore CEO, Amy Zupon, said, “Project Impact is about more than just technology; it’s about creating meaningful change. We are committed to supporting our customers, our employees, and our communities in every way we can. We're thrilled to announce our latest podcast episode featuring Vijay Muniswami, the visionary leader behind Vertafore's transformative Project Impact.”  Known for his innovative approach and deep industry insights, Vijay has been a driving force with in the Vertafore ecosystem and the insurance technology landscape for over a decade. His passion for leveraging technology to create meaningful change is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Vijay delves into how Project Impact is revolutionizing the insurance industry through technology, community engagement, and sustainability. Tune in to discover the incredible innovations and strategies driving this project forward!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What Project Impact is and how important it is to Vertafore's development of solutions

Vertafore is changing the game again, raising the bar for the user experience even higher with AgencyOne. This platform will transform the way insurance agencies operate by providing a comprehensive, all-in-one platform designed to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and elevate customer service. Whether you’re new to the world of insurance tech or looking to upgrade your current systems, this episode is packed with insights on how AgencyOne can be a game-changer for your agency.

AgencyONE was born out of the need for a more integrated and efficient agency management system. It’s the result of years of industry research and feedback from insurance professionals. The platform has evolved through collaboration with agencies of all sizes, ensuring it addresses real-world challenges and needs. Today we have Jace Hopper, VP of Product Management joining us alongside Kelsey Anderson Manager of Product Marketing to break it all down for us.

Listen in as Jace Hopper and Kelsey Anderson share:

What’s new with it and where we are today with AgencyOne

We discuss this and so much more, that we will be releasing a sequel coming out in the fall. 

Dawnyel Smink is a force to be reckoned with in the insurance industry. As the founder and CEO of Canyon Lands Insurance (CLI), she has revolutionized the way insurance services are delivered, fostering growth across multiple states and establishing CLI as a powerhouse in the field. Her entrepreneurial spirit and keen insight have not only propelled her company to new heights but also paved the way for women in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Dawnyel’s leadership extends beyond business acumen; she is a visionary who actively shapes industry practices, advocating for the empowerment and fair treatment of women. Her voice is a beacon of change, resonating through her participation in regional and national carrier councils.  Dawnyel Smink is not just a leader; she is an innovator, a philanthropist, and an inspiration to many.

Listen in as Dawnyel talks about:

Her journey as an entrepreneur in this industry, and how she came to where she is today

Jack Gibson is a distinguished leader in the insurance and risk management industry, renowned for his role as the President and CEO of the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI). With a career spanning over four decades at IRMI, Jack has been instrumental in steering the company’s strategic direction and expanding its educational resources. His expertise is also reflected in his authorship and editorial contributions to numerous industry publications. He was also instrumental in the partnership between IRMI and Reference Connect. 

We want to dive deeper into Jack’s work and the services offered by IRMI. 

Listen in as Jack talks about:

• His journey to IRMI and his prestigious career there as CEO.

This one you won't want to miss.

Christopher Frankland is an award-winning influencer in the InsurTech space, and the Global Head of Product & Innovation at Cover Desk. He has been serving in this role since April 2021. With a rich background in the InsurTech industry, Christopher has founded InsurTech360. His expertise extends to mentoring roles in various organizations, including Lloyd’s Lab, Hartford InsurTech Hub, gener8tor, and the Global Insurance Accelerator. Cover Desk, under his leadership, aims to lead global innovation efforts, including new product and service development, and identifying new market opportunities. This aligns with cultivating a culture of innovation across Cover Desk and the insurance industry.

Listen in as Christopher talks about:

His journey from across the pond to where he has become an award-winning influencer in our industry 

There is a lot to unpack in this episode.

Mikaela Dittbrenner, Vertafore's Agency Demand Generation Marketing Manager, brings a diverse background in lead generation, campaign marketing and conversion path optimization for both B2B and B2C programs.  Her relentless drive to boost demand generation and amplify brand visibility through strategic initiatives has propelled Vertafore's Agency Marketing presence to new heights within the industry.

Listen in as Mikaela talks about:

• Her Journey through her marketing career and how she landed at Vertafore

Navigating this hard market takes extreme intentionality. Prioritizing mental health and having a great culture in your organization are just as important as having a solid foundation of process and procedure in your agency. Both lead to finding success in these times and today we have 2 great guests to talk more about this. Scott Howell is more than an insurance agent; he’s an educator, a thought leader, and a trusted advisor. His dedication to the industry and his clients is unmatched, making him a true “insurance guy” in every sense of the word. Scott is owner of iprotect Insurance and financial services and the co-host of the Insurance Guys Podcast. The podcast has become a go-to resource for insurance agents seeking guidance on everything from sales and hiring to the day-to-day operations of running a successful agency. Kenneth Williamson is the Director of Operations at Portal Insurance. He is a breath of fresh air as a voice in our industry. He leads his team with compassion and intentionality. 

Listen in on this conversation as they talk about: