McClone Insurance named 2026 Applied Pinnacle Award winner

November 2, 2026

MENASHA – McClone Insurance was recently announced as a 2026 Pinnacle Award winner by Applied Systems, the largest provider of insurance technology in the industry. 

Applied’s highest customer honor recognizes organizations that are helping shape how technology is used to improve the way insurance agencies operate, serve clients, and support their teams.

For McClone, President/CEO Dustin McClone said the recognition reflects a broader commitment to staying at the forefront of an industry that continues to evolve, while using technology in ways that make a meaningful difference for the people the agency serves.

“A lot of what got us here is cultural,” Dustin said. “We’re willing to challenge how we’ve always done things and put in the work to make them better. Staying close to where the industry is going gives our team better tools, creates more capacity to focus on our clients, and helps us continue raising the bar on the experience we deliver. I’m incredibly proud of our team and the work that got us here.”

McClone transitioned to Applied in 2019.

Since then, Vice President of Client Experience Sarah Klapperich said team members across the organization have participated in pilots, tested new capabilities, and provided feedback that has helped influence how Applied’s technology evolves.

Klapperich said this strategy has given McClone early visibility into emerging tools and a voice in how they are developed, while helping the agency identify where technology can remove friction and improve the client and employee experience.

“We’ve never wanted to be first just to be first, and we’ve never wanted to be last; we want to do it the right way,” she said. “What’s exciting about our relationship with Applied is we’ve had opportunities to help shape what comes next.”