Vertafore Insurance Podcast

Leveraging AI at Vertafore: The strategy behind the buzz. Episode 440

Vertafore has been shaping the future of insurance AI for years. In this episode, we crack open the story behind the strategy. From early machine-learning models in 2017 to today’s trusted, human-guided AI, we trace the journey that turned automation into intelligence and set the stage for what comes next. You’ll hear how Vertafore is rethinking workflows, elevating industry expertise, and transforming data-heavy tasks into opportunities for speed, clarity, and smarter decision-making. Here’s a glimpse of what we dig into:

• The origins of Vertafore’s AI foundation and why it matters now
• How responsible, human-in-the-loop AI is reshaping everyday insurance work
• Where agencies can unlock efficiency and insight without losing the human touch
• A forward look at how AI is influencing Vertafore’s future content, products, and customer experience

Is Amazon redefining Insurance for the gig economy? Episode 439

Last-mile delivery is more than logistics; it’s a global insurance challenge, especially as Amazon scales coverage for delivery drivers worldwide. Recorded live at ITC Vegas, Sheetal Dhanuka, Product Manager at Amazon, shared how embedded insurance, regulatory complexity, and Amazon’s culture of customer obsession and innovation are reshaping last-mile delivery coverage.

In this episode, you will hear more about how:

• Amazon insures last-mile drivers across its global delivery operations.
• Focused driver compliance ensures accurate, ongoing coverage.
• Cloud migration presents real data security and privacy hurdles.
• AI drives smarter risk insights and insurance optimization.

 

Are you using tech that works for your agency? Episode 438

InsurTech innovation is moving fast, and independent agents need partners who keep pace. In this episode, Doug Mohr, Vice President of Industry Relations and Partnerships at Vertafore, joins us to talk about the Orange Partner Program, what makes a tech solution agency-ready, and how AI is becoming a non-negotiable in the modern insurance tech stack.

Here are some highlights of this episode:

• Doug finds tech built to solve real agency needs.
• Industry-built tech has stronger adoption and staying power.
• Best practice recognition starts with smart tech adoption.
• AI delivers value in billing, service calls, and policy comparison workflow.

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Improve your claims process today. Ep 437

The claims process can be overwhelming, with so many moving parts, adjusters, contractors, carriers, and so many moving parts. Thats why we invited Ben Morrow of Claims Setter, to come in and talk with us, to provide clarity, and help us understand how we can make that process calmer and more seamless. Whether it's day one or week 3 of a stalled repair, Claim Setter steps in with solutions to help take care of your policy holder 

Listen to this episode today for these takeaways:
Claims happen every 17 years, clients need trusted guidance.
70% of situations are resolved without a formal claim.
Agents offer real value beyond the quote.
AMS360 integration via Vertafore Client Communications.
Thank you for joining us for this episode.

What is your data really doing? Episode 436

Insurance agencies have more data than ever, but unlocking its full potential is the real opportunity. August Butterbrodt, VP of Product at Vertafore, joins us to help our listeners turn that data into powerful, actionable insight. 

In this episode, we talk about:

• Turning raw data into real-time, actionable insights. 
• Using Generative AI to eliminate manual entry and streamline workflows.
• Connecting systems for a 360° client view in AgencyOne.
• Helping smaller agencies compete with data-driven decisions.

Be sure to tune in and hit that subscribe button!

The agent for the future is now. Episode 435

Innovation is reshaping the independent agency model. Dale Steinke, Director of Agent for the Future at Liberty Mutual/Safeco, discusses AI, customer expectations, and the mindset agencies need to thrive. From Seattle’s innovation-driven energy to agency workflows and post-pandemic pivots, Dale shares where we're headed and how to get there faster.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Amazon sets client expectations, your agency must deliver on.

• AI's already here, you just need to learn it, use it & manage it.

• Build an AI usage policy before it’s too late.

• Adaptability isn’t optional; it’s your competitive advantage.

• Agents must meet clients where they are, not the other way around.

 

Thanks for watching or listening to today's fast-paced episode. Please subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

The golden rule for agency growth Episode 434

In this episode Jody Entrekin, Founder of Entrekin Insurance, unpacks his golden rule of agency growth. From building a tech-powered agency in small-town Mississippi, to changing how clients experience insurance, Jody covers it all in this episode. 

Tune in to hear:

• Why the right tech stack is critical to scaling a modern agency.
• The power of educating clients and walking away if values don’t align.
• How Jody stays hands-on, to deliver unmatched service to his clients.
• Why tech supports the agency, but relationships still drive the business.

Get your pen and paper ready; you'll want to take notes on this one.

Is your communication strategy costing you? Episode 433

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.

What's the secret sauce of Sagitta? Episode 432

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.

Turning tech confusion into agency growth. Episode 431

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!