Industry Leading Voices 

Having worked in claims, underwriting, finance and sales at four different insurance carriers, six cities, and five states, he has gained a broad understanding of the industry. Tony has been very involved in the industry's effort to recruit and retain Millennials and has become a well-known speaker, blogger, and best-selling author on the topic. He is also passionate about the insurtech sector and runs Profiles in Risk, the largest podcast in the insurtech space, and a YouTube channel dedicated to exploring insurtech organizations through unscripted interviews with members of their leadership team. On top of these endeavors, Tony is extremely active in the industry through associations such as the CPCU. Tony received both his bachelor's degree and MBA from Iowa State University.

Nick Lamparelli is a 20+ year veteran of the insurance wars. He has a unique vantage point on the insurance industry. From selling home & auto insurance, helping companies with commercial insurance, to being an underwriter with an excess & surplus lines wholesaler to catastrophe modeling Nick has wide experience in the industry. Over past 10 years, Nick has been focused on the insurance analytics of natural catastrophes and big data. Nick serves as our Chief Evangelist.

In 2012, as a founder and co-chair, Mitisek led the successful organization of the initial group of leaders that created Denver Startup Week, which was the first and largest event of its kind celebrating entrepreneurship in Denver. In 2019, the program attracted over 20,000+ attendees and was recognized as the largest “free” startup event in the United States.  Today, he still helps lead the organization and serves as a co-organizer.

In 2013, in search of a platform to connect entrepreneurs digitally in Colorado, Mitisek recruited and helped launch BuiltinColorado, now the largest hub for startups and technology Colorado with over 50K+ members.

In 2014, while at CTA, Mitisek was instrumental in forming, capitalizing and launching the Colorado Technology Foundation and the Startup Colorado Community Fund.  Together, they accounted for over $300K in community funding to support talent development, workforce, startups and innovation in Colorado.

In 2015, Mitisek was a founder and partner in leading the development of The Commons on Champa - a 20,000 sq. ft. haven and resource center for those “starting up” and building companies in Colorado.  Within one year, The Commons had served over 17,500 visitors and hosted over 200+ events to further innovation and entrepreneurship in Denver.

In 2016, along with Governor Hickenlooper and key leaders, Mitisek helped lead the development and launch of the National Cybersecurity Center – a statewide project and initiative – located in Colorado Springs.

In 2017, grew Project X-ITE @ DU to scale producing over 60+ events in the first year and created and launched the Colorado Universities Innovation Council.

In 2018 and 2019, created, grew and launched Highwing - a leading Colorado insuretech company.

In 2020, at the direction of Governor Polis and Brad Feld, Mitisek helped concept, create and Co-Found, Energize Colorado, to assist small businesses state-wide to be resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Energize Colorado is a leading statewide small business support organization.

When not starting up, Mitisek can also be found serving on boards as a Trustee of CiviCO, as a Trustee for the Mile High United Way, founder and Board Member of the Good Wood Club, and Board Director for the Colorado Technology Association, National Cyber Security Center and The Downtown Denver Partnership.

Will Alverson is a marketer & strategist focused on the InsurTech sector. He got his introduction to the world of commercial insurance as the Director of Marketing for Highwing, where he was one of the original team members working to build the future of digital insurance. More recently, Will joined Insurance Nerds as President of Careers, where he is working to create more accessible recruiting and career development solutions for the industry.

Will's areas of expertise are in insurtech marketing & growth strategy, digital transformations, and artificial intelligence. Will studied Marketing at the University of Denver and AI at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.