Agency Nation Meets: Colby Tunick

• October 1, 2025

By Agency Nation

Get to know the individuals that ignite the insurance industry as they answer our icebreaker questions. 

Colby Tunick is the founder and CEO of ReFocus, which is building the driverless car of insurance servicing. By using artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate human decision‑making, ReFocus enables insurance professionals to quote faster, retain more clients and unlock access to carrier products to round out accounts better. 

He previously worked at the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), where he led change management initiatives in the Project Management Office. Before insurance, he worked in defense consulting and the space sector. Colby lives in San Diego and enjoys running, mountain biking and reading with his family. 

Colby, where would you go during a zombie apocalypse? 

An oil rig. Free fish and unlimited power. Plus, zombies cannot swim, I think? I haven’t been able to meet one yet to ask it. 

The “Can Zombies Swim Debate” rages on. Can you tell us a joke? 

*Opens book of dad jokes* What did the fish say when it ran into a wall? Dam. 

That has to be up there among the daddest of dad jokes. What drink do you usually order at a bar? 

A rye old fashioned. Or a piña colada. Sometimes you need to be fruity. 

I couldn’t agree more. How do you stay fit and healthy? 

Long‑distance trail running keeps me sane. 

What film have you watched the most times and will probably keep watching over and over again? 

“The Empire Strikes Back.” Out of the original trilogy, it’s the best. 

What is the most embarrassing moment of your life? 

Riding my mountain bike, I face‑planted after a bad jump. I thought the 15 people staring were looking at me. Turns out they were staring at the rattlesnake I slid within two feet of. 

Speaking of animals, do you have any pets? 

Have you ever seen a chihuahua‑pitbull mix? Well Charles would love to meet you. We also have two cats, Harriet and Wanda. 

If you could live in any historical period, which one would you choose? 

Right now. People didn’t regularly shower until the 20th century. And people think the coworker who reheats fish in the office makes a bad smell. 

If you had to do karaoke, what song would you sing? 

“Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flats. I am known to be caught singing (poorly) while gardening. 

Who has had the biggest influence on your professional career? 

I have had so much support from so many incredible professionals. I give a lot of credit to the folks on the ReFocus advisory board who have helped shape me into an executive. These folks have held vice president and C‑suite positions and know their way around a boardroom. 

What goals are you currently working toward outside of work? 

I have started writing a fiction book. I am also 3D printing a remote control submarine so I can wreak havoc on the sailboats at the local pond. Torpedoes away! 

What is something you’re looking forward to? 

I’m going on my honeymoon to Peru at the end of 2025! 

Congratulations and enjoy! 

This is a monthly column for Independent Agent magazine and iamagazine.com. To be featured, email hello@agencynation.com.