GLAD 2025-Agenda and Presenters

Bryant Caudill

Bryant Caudill joined SMART Services in 2000 as a beginner IT Technician and has worked his way up to VP of Operations, running the company on a day-to-day basis. Bryant also became a partner at Smart I.T. Services in 2018.

With almost 30 years of technology experience, Bryant holds numerous technology related certifications, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+; Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP); and Cisco Meraki Network Administrator (CMNA), as well as over 10 others.

Bryant’s responsibilities and area of expertise range from R&D for a wide range of technology areas such as cloud computing and AI, designing solutions for and managing IT projects, mentoring and training local college students in IT as well as training and speaking on a wide range of technical topics.

Some of Bryant’s speaking credentials include having multiple CE accredited courses in Cybersecurity and having presented at over 30 local and statewide conferences for various industry groups and associations.

Outside of work Bryant enjoys spending time with his wife and middle school aged son. Being a soccer dad with a local club keeps evenings and weekends busy, so remaining free time is spent watching movies, doing puzzles and playing games with the family, and yes doing lots of techie things.

Bryant Caudill is available for speaking engagements and consulting, offering his expertise on technology solutions, automation, and countless other IT related topics. For more information, please contact him at (888) 843-6385 x311 or Bryant.Caudill@SMARTservices.co

Don Shampine

Don Shampine, CIC, CRM, is the founder and CEO of Michigan Insurance Group, leading a West Michigan independent agency. A frequent industry speaker and risk management consultant, he focuses on practical coverage strategies and client education

Dan Conner

Daniel Conner, CAWC, is the second-generation owner of Conner Insurance Group, where he has spent the past 14 years helping clients navigate risk with a personal, hands-on approach. Under his leadership, the agency earned back-to-back Keystone Agency of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024. He currently serves on the Big I PAC Committee and the Keystone Agency Council, and previously contributed to the Big I Young Agents Committee. At this conference, he’ll share his perspective on leveraging AI and automation while cutting through the noise of emerging tech.  

Omega Computer Services

Omega Computer Services, one of Big I Michigan's Diamond partners, is a managed IT solutions company for independent agencies—hardware, software, and support to help operations run smoothly. Founded in 1994, now a leading managed IT provider in Michigan.

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Ron Harris

Ron Harris brings over two decades of professional IT expertise to his role as Vice President and Co-Owner of Omega Computer Services. His journey in technology began at a local insurance brokerage firm, where he worked as a help desk technician—and where he first met Bill Wisser, Omega’s President and founder. The professional connection would eventually lead to a lasting partnership.

Before joining Omega, Ron served as IT Director for a local insurance agency, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges small and mid-sized agencies face when managing technology. Sixteen years ago, he partnered with Bill Wisser to help shift Omega’s focus from custom programming to full-scale Managed IT Services.

Ron is passionate about helping growing businesses stay secure, productive, and competitive without the overhead of a full-time IT department. Under his leadership, Omega has become one of Michigan’s largest MSPs and a trusted IT partner for organizations statewide.

Outside of work, Ron is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. When he finds time for himself, he loves hitting the open road on his motorcycle. He’s traveled everything from the rugged terrain of Alaska to the vast stretches of desert, all from the seat of his bike.

Conference Location: Weber Hotel, Ann Arbor

Daniel Metcalf

Known for his high-energy, no-nonsense style, Daniel makes complex topics like cybersecurity and AI simple, practical, and even fun. When he’s not helping businesses outsmart cybercriminals or automate with AI, you can probably find him on the curling rink.

Casey Nelson

Joe Sommerdyke, CIC

Joe Sommerdyke brings over a decade of experience in the independent agency channel in various sales, operations and leadership roles. As President of MAIA Insurance Services – a leading provider of agency E&O insurance and risk management services - Joe’s passion is empowering independent agencies with smarter, more efficient tools for growth while minimizing the agency’s E&O exposure.

Jerry Fetty, AIT, CDIA+, A+, Network+, I-Net+, MCP, CCNA

Jerry Fetty founded SMART Services in 1991, an Information Technology service company that helps independent insurance agencies boost productivity and profitability through advanced technology. He is also the creator of myAgencyCloud, a system that simplifies and streamlines technology operations for agencies.

With over 30 years of networking technology experience, Jerry holds numerous technology related certifications, and is a practicing expert in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and Pinnacle System, having used these frameworks to enhance the operations and team alignment in his own businesses for decades. Beyond his own companies, Jerry serves as a facilitator and consulting for other businesses in the technology and insurance sectors.

SMART I.T. Services

Smart IT Services, one of Big I MIchigan's Super Platinum partners, helps independent agencies grow by solving IT issues so they can operate more profitably and successfully. With decades of experience, we deliver proven best practices tailored to your agency’s needs—no gimmicks, just results.

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