AI Reality Check: What Independent Agencies Must Do Now

Featuring Dale Steinke, Director at Agent for the Future Advisors, Liberty Mutual Insurance AI isn’t coming to independent agencies—it’s already inside them. In this fast, high-signal conversation, Michael Jans sits down with longtime industry friend Dale Steinke of Liberty to break down what agency owners are really feeling about AI today: the excitement, the confusion, the overwhelm, and the massive opportunity hiding in plain sight. Dale shares what he sees across hundreds of agencies: why most principals underestimate how much AI their teams are already using, the tools that are quietly reshaping daily operations, and how top agencies are using AI to eliminate drudge work, sharpen renewal reviews, supercharge staff, and build client experiences that simply weren’t possible a few years ago. You’ll also hear: Why there’s never been a better time to start—or scale—an independent agency How a 7-person agency is using two developers and AI tools to build a next-level customer experience Why leaders must adopt AI themselves and create a clear AI governance policy What agencies should do first to prepare for the next wave of change Insightful, practical, and direct—this 10-minute “vitamin shot” delivers exactly what independent agencies need to know now.