Adjuster Talk

My guest today is Bill Auten from Ontario Insurance Company. He brings to the table 20 years of experience as an adjuster, which makes him interesting. He shares with me how he worked as a carpenter to a sales rep to a VP of Claims. 

Bill, who once loved building things, reveals to me what his life was like on his side of the fence in the adjusting world.  He talks about how being a sales rep helped him deal with people, what a claims adjuster is, and provides us with some tips on how someone could become a staff adjuster. 

“You have to deal with people. Those are people skills that you get to learn and it takes some time to do that.  There’s no school for that. You just got to go out and do it.” – Bill Auten

In this Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• His transition from being a carpenter to an adjuster
• What he encounters in his work as a claims adjuster
• Why the transition from being an independent adjuster to working as a staff adjuster from home
• What is AIC and why is it necessary for adjusters
• What are the qualifications of a new adjuster
• The one thing that he doesn’t want to deal with in claims
• What he looks for in the report of the new adjuster if he/she were to be taken in

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors 

Advanced Claims Technologies provides accurate sketches quickly and at the most affordable prices in the industry. We make importing sketches into Exactimate quick and easy by providing files in .esx as an added benefit to our ACT members. Let us help you close more claims by registering for your ACT account today! Call 844-4SKETCH (475-3824) or email [email protected] to start today! 

Connect. Share. Inspire.          

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.           

If you’re interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at [email protected] or Mindy at [email protected] with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show

Matt Fabish, the Operations Manager of ServPro of Duncanville in Dallas, Texas, joins me on the show again this week to share his insight on growing a mitigation company, instilling good team culture and dynamics, and managing business resources during the off-season.

He shares how his company tackles the big jobs during the busy storm seasons, what he does to ensure his crewmen are properly cared for during the off-season months, and how he uses the slower months as a way to train new team members and crew chiefs.

“They always say you’ve gotta dress for the job you want, not dress for the job that you have. I think that applies to investing in your business, too.” – Matt Fabish

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• Managing resources and staffing needs
• Understanding and being mindful of your teams’ culture and dynamics
• The average pay of a good crew chief
• Equipment and storage space needed for a 30+ year old mitigation company
• The importance of investing in your business
• Matt’s worst experience as a mitigation expert

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors 

Advanced Claims Technologies provides accurate sketches quickly and at the most affordable prices in the industry. We make importing sketches into Exactimate quick and easy by providing files in .esx as an added benefit to our ACT members. Let us help you close more claims by registering for your ACT account today! Call 844-4SKETCH (475-3824) or email [email protected] to start today! 

Connect. Share. Inspire.          

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.           

If  you’re  interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at  [email protected]  or Mindy at  [email protected]  with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show

There are many ways to make a great living from disaster claims. My guest today is Matt Fabish, Operations Manager at SERVPRO of Duncanville in Dallas, Texas. I asked Matt to join me on the show to share one of the many ways that you can make a good life for yourself and your family within the claims and adjusting industry.

Matt shares how his franchise company got started, how the company leaders set up and structure their franchise, and why a positive customer experience is a fundamental piece to the company’s core beliefs and operation. He also explains the type of equipment that you will need if you decide to start a mitigation claims company.

“You really have to be pretty involved on the daily operations. Check the quality of your product and the efficiency and quality of your people.” – Matt Fabish

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• What sets his franchise apart from other SERVPRO franchises
• Guidelines for mitigating situations
• Keeping accurate documents and reports
• Maintaining transparency with customers
• Building and cultivating good business relationships and representing clients well
• Equipment needed to start a SERVPRO franchise or mitigation claims company
• Renting equipment vs buying it

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Advanced Claims Technologies provides accurate sketches quickly and at the most affordable prices in the industry. We make importing sketches into Exactimate quick and easy by providing files in .esx as an added benefit to our ACT members. Let us help you close more claims by registering for your ACT account today! Call 844-4SKETCH (475-3824) or email [email protected] to start today!

Connect. Share. Inspire.         

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.          

If you’re interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at [email protected] or Mindy at [email protected] with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today! 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show

AT032 Managed Repair Programs with Dan Lewis

Dan Lewis is a Technical Claims Manager at Nationwide Insurance with over 28 years of experience in the insurance industry. His career initially began as an independent insurance adjuster after graduating from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies with an emphasis on business. At Nationwide, he is closely involved with the company’s Property Repair Network where he oversees the hiring, firing, and quality control aspects of working with general contractors across four states.

On today’s episode, Dan shares how his impressive career began and how managed repair programs work. He explains the overhead and loss considerations regarding homeowner complexity situations and the impact that technology has had on the insurance industry while working with customers. He also explains how customers respond to managed repair programs, their preferences, and why more insurance companies should eventually consider implementing a managed repair program model.

“Technology is driving much higher expectations with the customer. We have to get on board with that.” - Dan Lewis

In This Episode of Adjuster Talks:

• His role while working with vendors, adjusters, and sub-contractors.
• Working with managed repair programs.
• Overhead and loss considerations regarding homeowner complexity situations.
• The importance of being consistent with sympathy.
• The direction the insurance industry is headed.
• The impact that technology has had on the customer service aspect of the insurance industry.
• How staff adjusters work with the company.
• Customer preferences and experience while using a managed repair program.
• Why contractors should allow insurance companies to be involved in the supply pricing models.
• Why more insurance companies should adapt to a managed repair program model.

Connect. Share. Inspire.

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at [email protected] or Mindy at [email protected] with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show

AT030 Insurance Adjusting Learning Curve in Hurricane Harvey with Westin Vance

Westin Vance is a 27-year-old insurance adjuster who initially aspired to work in the legal field. He graduated from college and was working in a law firm as he prepared to enter law school before realizing that working in the law industry wasn’t what he truly wanted for his life. While following his passion for teaching Jiu-Jitsu and running his training practice, he decided to take the leap into the insurance adjusting industry. He obtained his adjuster’s license shortly before the destruction that followed in Hurricane Harvey’s wake.

On today’s episode, Westin shares his journey from law school and Jiu-Jitsu business owner to the adjusting industry and the challenges he has faced while being a new adjuster in the field during one of the most destructive hurricane seasons for North America. He explains how the discipline he developed while practicing and instructing others in Jiu-Jitsu has helped him throughout his career as an insurance adjuster. He also shares some of the mistakes he has made throughout his journey and the lessons he has learned from these mistakes as well as strategies to save time and close more claims without sacrificing your health or wellbeing.

“The only thing that works is a clear-cut system.” - Westin Vance

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• The importance of being disciplined as an insurance adjusterr
• Various challenges regarding roof claims
• The equipment he used after Harvey
• Struggles finding lodging after the hurricane
• The importance of focusing on your health, eating healthy, and exercising while in the field.
• The benefits of outsourcing roof measuring tasks
• The benefits of riding along with experienced adjusters
• The importance of setting boundaries and priorities
• Mistakes made and lessons learned
• His first insurance claim experience
• Initial investments and expenses associated with his first few claims.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ridge Top Aerial Technologies
• EagleView

Connect. Share. Inspire.

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at [email protected] or Mindy at [email protected] with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today! 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show

On today’s episode of Adjuster Talk, I’m chatting with two guys who are considering becoming property insurance adjusters. James and Matt work together at a building company; both have a goal to become a property insurance adjuster. They join me on the show to ask some common and in-depth questions about how to get started in the adjusting industry.

In this interview, we discuss how to transition from your full-time job into an independent insurance adjusting career, some of the risks involved in making the transition, and common fears and obstacles you may experience and overcome. We also discuss the financial and personal pro’s and con’s you may want to consider before leaving your job as well as how to market your services once you launch your new career.

“Claims managers are always going to be your best ally.” – Jason Heenan

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• What to consider before jumping into the adjusting world
• Deciding whether to work nationwide, statewide, or stay local
• Making the first 8 hours of your working day your most productive
• How to network to get on adjuster rosters

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Pilot
• Wardlaw
• Worley
• NCA
• Adjuster Central on Facebook

Connect. Share. Inspire.    

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.     

If you’re interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at [email protected] or Mindy at [email protected] with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show

Quitting your job to follow a new career path can be as scary as it is rewarding. If you’re thinking about leaving your day job to become an independent property adjuster, there are a few basic, transitional steps you should be aware of – before you submit your resignation.

On today’s episode of Adjuster Talk, I’m sharing my story of how I got started in the industry and laying out the steps that you should take to make transitioning from a full-time job to a full-time independent property adjuster smooth and seamless.

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• How to mitigate the risk of scoping the wrong house
• Why you should take interior and exterior photos of the homes you are scoping
• How to use Xactimate efficiently and effectively
• Fee schedules and day rates
• When to consider quitting your full-time job to become a full-time property insurance adjuster

Transitional Steps to Becoming a Property Adjuster:

1. Get your license
2. Learn how to run estimating software
3. Ask to ride along with another field adjuster
4. Network

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Xactimate

Request Your FREE Adjuster’s License Study Guide!

Are you studying for your property insurance adjuster’s license? Do you want a compact, easy-to-follow guide to help you understand all you need to know about what it takes to pass the test? Get your free Adjuster’s License Study Guide!

Email Chris at [email protected] to request yours today!

Connect. Share. Inspire.   

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.    

If you’re interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at [email protected] or Mindy at [email protected] with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show

AT027 Starting Your Adjusting Career During Hurricane Harvey

If you’ve been thinking about starting your career as an independent insurance adjuster - now is the time to get off the fence, start building your network, and learning what it takes to become successful. As Hurricane Harvey quickly approaches, more and more adjusting firms and insurance companies are scrambling to train new people and get them on the road ahead of the incoming storm.

On today’s episode, I’m sharing the steps you need to take to get off the fence and start your career as an independent insurance adjuster in preparation of Hurricane Harvey making landfall. I’ll explain the importance of updating your resume, the skills you need to highlight on your resume, and the various types of career paths you could follow in your adjusting career. I’ll also explain the importance of being prepared and thinking ahead regarding your career path.

“Now is the time, if you’re going to make the change, to do it.” - Jason Heenan

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• The importance of updating your resume.
• Skills to highlight.
• Building your network.
• Supportive roles and jobs within the adjusting industry.
• Entrepreneurial jobs within the adjusting industry.
• Questions to ask when starting out as an adjuster during Hurricane Harvey.
• What to expect during major saturation weather events.
• The importance of being prepared for the worst-case scenario when handling claims during the hurricane season.
• Getting emergency licenses.
• The importance of thinking ahead and planning for the future of your career.

Connect. Share. Inspire.

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at [email protected] or Mindy at [email protected] with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show

On this episode of Adjuster Talk, I’m joined – once again – by the independent adjuster and master of networking, Chris Cleveland. Today, we discuss the hard lessons we have learned throughout our careers as independent property insurance adjusters and the importance of building and maintaining your network to grow your business and increase your revenue.

Chris shares his insight and tips on how to maintain communication throughout a claim and why it’s so important. He also explains why it’s critical for new adjusters to conduct their own research instead of relying on groups and message boards online to ask basic questions as well as how to avoid burning out early in your career.

“One of the key traits of a good adjuster is research and figuring things out.” – Chris Cleveland

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• The average yearly income of the Top 20% of independent insurance adjusters working on daily claims from home
• Lessons learned the hard way
• How to avoid burn out
• The dangers of stacking claims
• Why the first ten days after an event are critical

Chris Cleveland’s Tips for New Property Insurance Adjusters:

• Never over promise then under deliver
• Maintain good communication skills
• Conduct your own research
• Network, network, network

Chris Cleveland’s Words of Wisdom:

Get out there. Be persistent. Make money. Pay attention to the weather. As soon as a storm hits, start being a squeaky wheel.

Connect with Chris Cleveland:

• Chris Cleveland on Facebook
• Adjuster Central on Facebook

Connect. Share. Inspire.  

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.   

If you’re interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at [email protected] or Mindy at [email protected] with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show

On this episode of Adjuster Talk, I’m joined – once again – by the independent adjuster and master of networking, Chris Cleveland. Today, we discuss the hard lessons we have learned throughout our careers as independent property insurance adjusters and the importance of building and maintaining your network to grow your business and increase your revenue.

Chris shares his insight and tips on how to maintain communication throughout a claim and why it’s so important. He also explains why it’s critical for new adjusters to conduct their own research instead of relying on groups and message boards online to ask basic questions as well as how to avoid burning out early in your career.

“One of the key traits of a good adjuster is research and figuring things out.” – Chris Cleveland

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• The average yearly income of the Top 20% of independent insurance adjusters working on daily claims from home
• Lessons learned the hard way
• How to avoid burn out
• The dangers of stacking claims
• Why the first ten days after an event are critical

Chris Cleveland’s Tips for New Property Insurance Adjusters:

• Never over promise then under deliver
• Maintain good communication skills
• Conduct your own research
• Network, network, network

Chris Cleveland’s Words of Wisdom:

Get out there. Be persistent. Make money. Pay attention to the weather. As soon as a storm hits, start being a squeaky wheel.

Connect with Chris Cleveland:

• Chris Cleveland on Facebook
• Adjuster Central on Facebook

Connect. Share. Inspire.  

Thanks for tuning in to the Adjuster Talk podcast with your host, Jason Heenan! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to subscribe to the show and leave an honest review. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.   

If you’re interested in working with us, please feel free to email Jason at [email protected] or Mindy at [email protected] with your resume to apply to be on our approved adjuster roster today!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Join the Royal Adjusting Services roster at RoyalAdjustingServices.com

Download the "Steps to Becoming an Adjuster Guide"

Free 7 Day Trial to the IA Path Adjuster Mentorship Community at AdjusterTalk.show