I just completed a two month comprehensive “Technology Review and Recommendations” for Assurex partner Haylor, Fryer and Coon (HF&C) in western New York.  The leadership team of this 200+ employee agency was looking to gain independent insight into its current technology and position itself for the next three to five years going forward. The Review covered: Infrastructure, Transactional Systems, Customer Facing Systems, Strategic Planning, Staffing, Cost Analysis, Peer Review and a Road Map for future implementation.  The project culminated in a 65+ page report and presentation to the HF&C Board of Directors. My recommendations covered areas including: Network Stabilization, Unified Communications, Mobile Device Management, Management Systems and Licensing, Content Management, Cloud Technologies, Messaging Platforms and more.

Cyndy Smith, CIO of HF&C said “I have gotten very positive feedback from other Exec Leadership Team members on your report!”

Perhaps your agency could benefit from a similar review in 2015?  My goal is to position technology to support the business and communicate complex IT concepts to agency leadership who may be struggling to make strategic technology decisions. Let me help your agency position itself for the years to come.

I just returned from two days of product planning with Vertafore in Bothell.  After some discussion of what to call me, we’ve settled on “Executive in Residence, Strategic Innovation.”

I’m pleased to announce the formation of a new “anchor” relationship with Vertafore whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with for many years as a client, informal advisor and, most recently, as a member of the Board of Directors for NetVU – Vertafore’s Users Group.  The arrangement was announced this week by Euan Menzes – Chairman and CEO of Vertafore.  To quote one section of the announcement:

“Several weeks ago, I heard that Tim was “retiring” from Conner Strong but planned to so some consulting work in and around the industry. I am delighted to let you know that Tim’s anchor client will be Vertafore. Tim will be working directly with me and other members of the leadership team, on three broad areas. First, to bring a clear and candid customer perspective on strategic issues we are grappling with as a group. Second, to help accelerate our planning for “game changing” innovation. And third, to strengthen critical client (and prospect) relationships.” – Euan Menzes, Chairman & CEO

“I’m thrilled to be working with this industry leading insurance technology provider.  In this new role I look forward to interfacing with many of my old insurance agency contacts to find ways to extend Vertafore’s current technologies and look to the development of new solutions and services that Vertafore can bring to the market.” – Tim Casey, Consultant.