Power Producers Podcast
Power Producers Podcast

How Smart Agencies are Using AI, Automation and Workflow Design with Joe Ems

25 February 2026 52:55 David Carothers

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About this episode

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers welcomed Joe from Sembley to discuss a range of topics impacting agencies, from personal lines to AI-powered tools. David shared insights on the challenges of building a personal lines division from scratch, how tech investments have streamlined workflows, and the importance of agency owners evaluating their tech stack to maximize efficiency. They dove into the power of custom intake forms, e-signatures, and integrations with systems like Hawksoft. The conversation also emphasized the shift towards automation to save time and resources in an industry that’s increasingly tech-driven.

Key points:

Personal Lines Challenges and Tech Adaptation

David discussed how launching personal lines at Florida Risk has been a learning experience, especially in integrating new technology and adapting workflows. The move forced a deeper look into their tech stack and how it could support scalability and efficiency.

Building Custom Intake Forms for Streamlined Workflows

Joe explained how custom intake forms in Sembley can simplify data gathering, especially with conditional logic, and how it saves agents time by pre-populating accord forms, sub-apps, and client profiles.

Tech-Driven Time Savings and Reducing Manual Work

David emphasized that many agencies waste time on repetitive tasks like data entry and supplementals. He highlighted how tech can free up agents’ time to focus on high-value work, including meaningful client interactions and prospecting.

The Hawksoft Integration and Two-Way Data Flow

Joe shared how Sembley now integrates with Hawksoft, allowing agents to push data directly into their system, significantly cutting down on manual entry and improving data accuracy.

The Importance of Making Strategic Tech Investments

David encouraged agency owners to evaluate their tech stacks with an “abundance mindset” to avoid being left behind. He stressed that technology is an investment in saving time, increasing accuracy, and building stronger client relationships.

The Growing Role of AI and Automation in the Industry

Joe and David discussed how AI and automation tools are revolutionizing the insurance industry, from data gathering to policy renewal, and how adopting these technologies can be a game-changer for agencies looking to stay competitive.

Connect with:

  • David Carothers LinkedIn
  • Joe Ems LinkedIn
  • Kyle Houck LinkedIn

Visit Websites:

  • Power Producer Base Camp
  • Sembley
  • Killing Commercial
  • Crushing Content
  • Power Producers Podcast
  • Policytee
  • The Dirty 130
  • The Extra 2 Minutes

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