Pinnacle Awards 2024: A Bright Future for the Insurance Industry
At Applied Net 2024, a landmark gathering for the insurance community, Applied Systems honored standout partners with its highest recognition: the Pinnacle Awards. The awards spotlight the people and teams using Applied technology to move the industry forward—and to make everyday work inside agencies and brokerages run smarter.
Recognizing Excellence in Innovation
The Pinnacle Awards represent Applied Systems’ top honor for partners. More than a trophy, they acknowledge companies that put modern tools to work, pair them with strong execution, and set the pace for what’s next in insurance. Winners don’t just adopt technology; they put it to use in ways that simplify operations, deepen client service, and lift results.
A Showcase of Award Winners
Five organizations earned the 2024 Pinnacle Award: Acrisure, Cincinnati Insurance, Emery & Webb Insurance, Groupe Lepelco, and Premier Group Insurance. Each stood out for innovative product deployment, collaborative partnership, and measurable impact on business outcomes—proof that thoughtful technology and steady leadership can change how agencies and carriers operate day to day.
Acrisure: Leading the Charge in Fintech Solutions
Acrisure continues to distinguish itself as a global fintech leader reshaping both personal and commercial insurance. From modest origins to nearly 5 billion in revenue growth, the company connects clients and partner businesses with tailored insurance and cybersecurity services. Their work with Applied Systems—most notably adopting the Applied Epic modern browser platform—underscores a commitment to streamlined processes, faster execution, and a consistent experience across teams.
By leaning into practical, scalable tools, Acrisure shows how fintech and insurance can reinforce each other: better data in, better service out, and less friction in between.
Cincinnati Insurance: Driving Modernization
Founded in 1950, Cincinnati Insurance remains devoted to delivering property and casualty coverage through independent agencies—now with a modern backbone. Through the broad connectivity capabilities of Ivans, they’ve sharpened operational efficiency and improved speed to insight for policyholders. That connectivity gives agencies the information they need in real time and strengthens the day-to-day experience for the people who rely on it.
The result is simple: clearer communication, fewer manual handoffs, and a smoother path from quote to service.
Emery & Webb Insurance: A Legacy of Excellence
With more than 135 years behind it and a fifth generation at the helm, Emery & Webb Insurance pairs tradition with smart modernization. The team uses Tarmika™ to quote commercial lines and invests in Applied Solutions to manage the Benefits lifecycle, improving consistency for staff and clients alike. These choices help the agency reduce repetitive work, speed up responses, and deliver a user experience that feels current without losing the human touch.
It’s a steady arc: adopt tools that matter, use them fully, and let the results compound.
Groupe Lepelco: Innovating Across Borders
Based in Quebec, Groupe Lepelco has advanced as a brokerage by using technology with intention. Their deep use of Applied Epic to enhance commercial lines transactions points to a more integrated, end-to-end way of working. Beyond their own operations, they contribute to user groups and committees, sharing practical insights that help shape how peers approach similar challenges.
Their example is clear: build stronger processes, then help others do the same.
Premier Group Insurance: The Future of Recruitment and Training
Premier Group Insurance is rethinking how agencies recruit, train, and grow. Powered by the EZLynx platform, they run programs that help agents make the most of the tools at their fingertips. By refining how technology is used in the field and providing feedback that informs product development, they’re improving daily operations and, just as importantly, building skills that last.
In practice, that means agents get up to speed faster and serve clients more confidently.
The Visionary Leadership of Applied Systems
Guided by CEO Taylor Rhodes, Applied Systems continues to push the industry toward a connected, digital future. The focus on digital agencies and seamless connectivity isn’t abstract—it creates room for innovation, growth, and better client outcomes across the ecosystem.
The Role of Technology in Modern Insurance
As digital capabilities evolve, agencies are doing more than keeping up—they’re gaining ground. Data, connectivity, and integrated services turn complex processes into straightforward workflows, strengthening relationships with clients and partners. The throughline is consistent: when technology reduces friction, people have more time to advise, respond, and build trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Pinnacle Awards?
The Pinnacle Awards are Applied Systems’ top honor, celebrating partners that use Applied technology in innovative, high-impact ways. They’re presented at Applied Net 2024 to recognize work that improves operations and client service across the insurance value chain.
Who were the 2024 Pinnacle Award winners?
The 2024 honorees are Acrisure, Cincinnati Insurance, Emery & Webb Insurance, Groupe Lepelco, and Premier Group Insurance. Each organization demonstrated innovation, strong partnerships, and clear business results.
What sets Acrisure apart in fintech and insurance?
Acrisure has grown to nearly 5 billion in revenue growth by pairing tailored insurance and cybersecurity services with a fintech mindset. Their adoption of the Applied Epic modern browser platform reflects a focus on efficiency and a consistent user experience.
How is Cincinnati Insurance improving the agency experience?
Cincinnati Insurance leverages Ivans connectivity to streamline operations and deliver real-time insights to agencies and policyholders, improving speed, accuracy, and day-to-day service.
What technology moves has Emery & Webb Insurance made?
Emery & Webb uses Tarmika™ for commercial lines quoting and Applied products to manage the Benefits lifecycle. These tools help the agency reduce manual work, standardize processes, and enhance the customer experience.
