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HarborIQ press, contributed pieces, and on-record commentary.
For editorial inquiries on independent-agency operations, AI in regulated SMB software, and insurtech category dynamics.
For press, interviews, and on-record commentary
Justin Mayer, Founder · Reply within one business day.
At a glance
- Founded
- 2026
- Headquarters
- Glen Ellyn, IL
- Founder
- Justin Mayer
- Funding
- Bootstrapped
- Customers
- Independent insurance agencies, 1–15 people
- Coverage
- Personal lines P&C; commercial
About HarborIQ
HarborIQ is an AI-native operating system that replaces the fragmented AMS, CRM, rater, and marketing stack independent insurance agencies have lived with for two decades. One client record. One pipeline. One renewals view. AI working in the background of every workflow.
The platform is built operator-first, with embedded research alongside working agencies and a flat pricing model that does not punish agencies for growing. HarborIQ is part of the WRKSTREAM portfolio.
About the founder
Justin Mayer, Founder
Justin Mayer is the founder of HarborIQ. He is a Fortune 100 product executive turned AI transformation operator. He currently leads AI implementation and operational transformation across a six-company portfolio at a Chicago family office, where he has driven $35M+ in value creation in seven months through AI infrastructure, automated workflows, and AI-powered process optimization. His prior AI SaaS company, Encube, was acquired by Hitchworks in 2021. At Life Fitness, a $1B Brunswick durable-goods firm, he managed a $420M global category P&L and is a named inventor on 9 patents.
Justin holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and an MBA from the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he was a Grainger Distinguished Graduate Fellow.
Available for commentary on
Justin is available for editorial commentary, interviews, and contributed pieces on the following topics:
- AI in regulated small-business software (architecture, adoption, governance)
- Independent-agency operations and modernization
- Operating-system vs. point-solution category design
- The economics of bootstrapped founders in capital-intensive verticals
- Carrier integration, IVANS modernization, and three-way reconciliation
- The coming compression of independent-agency software
On the record
The following statements are pre-approved for direct attribution and may be used verbatim by editors.
On AI in agency software
“AI bolted onto a 2008 AMS screen is a feature press release. AI-native is an architectural posture. Independent agencies are about to feel the difference between the two.”
On pricing models
“Per-seat pricing for agency software is structurally aligned against agency growth. Every new hire makes the bill heavier. The flat-tier alternative is not exotic, it is overdue.”
On market structure
“The independent-agency software market looks crowded today. By 2030 it will be concentrated into two or three operating systems. The compression is already underway.”
On category design
“The agency software stack of 2026 does not need a better AMS. It needs to stop being a stack.”
In the news
Recent coverage will appear here. To request an interview or submit a media inquiry, get in touch with Justin.
Founder commentary
Long-form pieces written by Justin Mayer. Trade-publication versions take canonical priority when they run.
May 2026
The Coming Compression of Independent-Agency Software
Four macro forces are collapsing a five-vendor stack into a two- or three-platform market by 2030. Most incumbents have already lost. Most operators do not yet know it.
Read →
May 2026
Sync Was Never the Answer
A note to agency CIOs on the coming architecture shift. Every overnight sync is interest payment on a decision made in 2008. The post-AI stack is single-model.
Read →
May 2026
The Most Underestimated Number in an Agency Software Decision Isn't the Price
Time-to-value belongs on the executive scoreboard. A five-line procurement framework for senior leaders evaluating any agency platform.
Read →
Media assets
Press-ready assets. Direct download, no form gate.
HarborIQ wordmark (primary, SVG)
Color, scalable
HarborIQ wordmark (black, SVG)
For light backgrounds
HarborIQ wordmark (white, SVG)
For dark backgrounds
Justin Mayer headshot (primary)
High resolution, JPG
Justin Mayer portrait (alternate)
High resolution, JPG
Product screenshot: Command Center
Desktop view, PNG
Product screenshot: Command Center (tablet)
Tablet view, PNG
Product screenshot: Carrier Directory
Multi-screen view, PNG
For press, interviews, and contributed pieces.
Email Justin directly. Mention the outlet in the subject line. Reply within one business day.
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