With over 25 years in integrated marketing and StoryBrand certification, Julie Furst cares deeply about continuous learning across every aspect of life and people, and about supporting the businesses she truly believes in.
Last year, Scott Gray was honored with the Barney Burns award at the 2025 Big “I” Legislative Conference for his dedication, passion and leadership in government advocacy for the independent insurance agency system.
An agency has a book of medium and large-sized commercial accounts with stable cash flow. Currently, they work with two premium finance companies and are considering handling it inside the agency in a designated department with an accounting team. What are the pros and cons of an insurance agency setting up and running its own…
As organizations move beyond experimentation, AI is beginning to reshape the underlying workflows that power insurance operations. The shift is less about adding another tool to the stack and more about fundamentally rewiring how work gets done across the industry.
Summer Cole’s insurance career began in 2003 in the commercial department of a local independent insurance agency, where she quickly fell in love with the industry. Like many in agency roles, she wore multiple hats, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of agency operations.
Before Susan Erickson took the helm of her insurance agency, she was busy weathering the waves of the commercial fishing industry.
Jamie Behymer, director of diversity, inclusion and young agents at the Big “I,” leads initiatives that empower emerging leaders and help independent insurance agencies become more inclusive.
Roth, executive vice president at Ahart, Frinzi & Smith, started her career on Capitol Hill. Born and raised a Jersey girl, Roth graduated from George Mason University with a major in political science and international affairs.
“It’s all about embracing artificial intelligence (AI),” says young agent Audriana Misic. “Not to replace people but to make what we do more efficient and effective.”
“Spanish is my first language,” says young agent Deuel Romero. “I got into the industry when I saw a huge opportunity with the underserved demographic of the Hispanic business owner community.”
