PUBLISHER ’ S NOTE
TECHNOLOGY AND YOUR AGENCY written by Dave Hulcher
Coverage accessibility , increased workload , narrowing profit margins , and talent development are the leading challenges facing members today . Agency workload has increased with more customer requests for options , expanded activity around underwriting processes , and growing time invested in explaining market conditions . Technology may play a role in alleviating some of these challenges .
This edition of the magazine dives into the subject of technology solutions . Topics include evaluating your technology needs , involving employees in the process , maximizing the potential of your AMS , and practical uses for AI .
The technology solutions available to agencies have come a long way over the past ten years . It feels like they have shifted from focusing more on the “ customer experience ” to implementing operational efficiencies for agency processes . It ’ s exciting to see the potential to streamline workflows and allow agencies to focus more time sharing their expertise and building better relationships with customers .
KAIA is committed to helping our members identify ways to better run their agencies . Implementing technology can be complex , but we ask that you remain curious and open to how it can aid in solving challenges and help the agency thrive well into the future . Reach out to a member of the KAIA staff if you are interested discussing some of the resources that may help your agency on your technology journey .
Stay humble , kind , and thankful ,
KIA & B
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024 • VOLUME 29 No . 5
OFFICERS OF KAIA President : Kevin O ’ Brien | kevin . obrien @ reillyinsurance . com President-Elect : Bryan Schmitz | bryanschmitz @ sbsins . com VP / Treasurer : David Vogel | dvogel @ provalueins . com Secretary / Assistant Treasurer : Brock Elliott | Brock @ elliottinsurancegroup . com National Director : Jo Erin Stuteville | JoErin @ elliottinsurancegroup . com Immediate Past President : Lucas Raleigh | lucas @ releighinsurance . biz
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Zone I Director : Shelby Doty | dotysh @ insurance-planning . com Zone II Director : Bryce Hundley | bryce @ hundleyinsurance . com Director-at-Large : Russell Winn | russell @ winninsurance . com Director-at-Large : Scott Strickland | scotts @ cacu . com Director-at-Large : Cristi Werth | cwerth @ ruraltel . net Director-at-Large Christine Teagarden | christine @ trulyins . com Young Agents Chair : Bryce Burdiek | BryceBurdiek @ sbsins . com
KAIA STAFF & CONSULTANTS Chief Executive Officer : Dave Hulcher COO / General Counsel : Beth Smoller Vice President of Finance : Shannon Bower E & O Program Administrator : Barb Wise AVP of Prof . Dev . & Marketing : Karlyn Judd Director of Marketing : Valerie Gardner Director of Business Development : Patrick McCoy Membership Engagement Specialist : Ruth Wright Office Coordinator : Barb Cobuluis Acct . Managers : Valerie Dunnam & Carolyn Rouse KAIA Lobbyist : Dan Murray
2 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER