Where do I even start when it comes to AI in my agency?

In this weeks episode the Mayor talks with Dave Rose, an agency operator at Bolt and former Liberty Mutual and Travelers leader, about what independent agents can learn from captive carriers, how connected distribution works, and how agencies can start using AI without overhauling everything. Dave brings a practical, operator’s perspective from both the agency side and the tech side, with a focus on real-world implementation rather than hype.In this episode, they cover the process discipline of captive agencies, the power of referrals and centers of influence in the independent channel, and why AI adoption is more about solving specific pain points than chasing tools. They also preview Dave’s ITC session on building an AI-first agency plan in 30, 60, and 90 days. Timestamps00:00 — Intro, sponsors, and welcome to Dave Rose 08:24 — What Bolt does as a connected distribution platform 10:25 — What Dave learned moving from captive to independent 12:40 — Why independent agency success depends on knowledge, not just choice 15:03 — Centers of influence and building referral pipelines 17:05 — Why branding and marketing matter in the independent channel 19:19 — Why Dave wanted to be both an agency operator and technology builder 20:16 — How Bolt tests technology from the agency side first 23:04 — Why AI vendors all sound similar and what actually matters 24:57 — Advice for technology vendors: think through the agency lens 27:00 — The difference between insurance-first technology and tech-first insurance 28:17 — ITC and the growing role of agents at the conference 29:36 — A real example of an agency owner unsure where to begin with AI 31:18 — Why the industry is still early in its AI journey 34:13 — Three AI myths Dave wants to challenge 36:02 — Why AI should support, not replace, relationship-driven work 38:36 — Dave’s ITC session: practical next steps for agencies 41:26 — Agent Day at ITC and the value-first approach 42:23 — Session title: The AI First Agency: Your 30-, 60-, and 90-Day Plan in 15 Minutes 46:03 — The origins of Bolt and its connected distribution mission 47:28 — How Bolt connects lead generation, quoting, binding, and servicing 49:31 — Who should talk to Bolt and who benefits most 51:29 — How to reach Dave and Bolt 52:40 — Why ITC is worth attending for independent agents 54:58 — Why ITC works because of its concentration of knowledge and conversation Sponsors: Canopy Connect 1fort VivaIf you have not registered for ITC Vegas. Go check it out and use discount code : 1AGSPKSNB for $200 off