Adjuster Talk

It’s no secret that when you pursue a career with enough dedication, you will be successful in it. This is the same with insurance adjusting. How you grow as an adjuster depends entirely on which type of adjusting you want to do: Public, Staff, and Independent adjusting.

Which type allows you to become successful in your preferred way?

Today, I discuss the three types of insurance adjusters, their similarities, and what distinguishes them from each other. I share examples of what each type of adjusters do on a day-to-day basis and the scope of the claims they work on. I explain each adjuster’s risk appetites and their work flexibility when it comes to leads and processing. I also share how I chose to become an independent adjuster.

“You don't have to be a part of a catastrophe in order to be a successful independent adjuster.”

This week on Adjuster Talk:

• Similarities and differences between public, staff, and independent adjusters.
• What public adjusters do and the claims they process.
• Why public adjusters are the most risk-tolerant of all types.
• Staff adjusters and why they're not as discussed as other types.
• The versatility of staff adjusters in the insurance adjusting industry.
• What independent adjusters do and what sets them apart from other types.
• The pros and cons of independent adjusting.

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, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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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

In any industry and profession, getting started and taking any opportunity that comes your way is critical to getting on the road to success. After some time - as your career flourishes - the opportunities you grab become more niche, more focused toward your long-term objectives. You’re still learning, you still want to become better, but at this stage of your career, you also have to determine when and how to say no. Saying no to opportunities may sound counterintuitive, but some are simply not worth the moral compromise.

Today, I discuss the importance of having honesty and integrity as an independent adjuster. I share stories of moments when I was tempted to choose profit over service and what I learned from them. I explain why you should never accept money from contractors and what could happen if you do. I also describe how you can differentiate a good opportunity from a bad one.

“Anytime you find yourself focused more on the money than on the service, you have lost sight of your objective.”

This week on Adjuster Talk:

• What you can expect as an independent adjuster.
• Recognizing opportunities that are consistent and inconsistent with your objectives.
• The temptations you will have to deal with as an adjuster.
• Why you should never accept money from a contractor.
• My experiences in being honest and moments where I said no.
• Knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a person and as an insurance adjuster.

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, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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

Kathy Schueler is an independent adjuster that has been part of the Royal Adjusting team since December 2018. In her first month, she only had one claim to work on. Today, she delivers over ten claims a week, and processing claims for Royal Adjusting isn’t even what makes up the majority of her day. Despite that, Kathy says she prioritizes claims for our team because we’re the only company that offers an incentive-based pay program for adjusters. Before joining Royal, Kathy worked as a Project Manager and Senior Estimator for Premier Restorations, a company that helps people repair homes damaged by natural disasters.

Kathy joins me today to share why she left a career in restorations for a career in insurance adjusting. She describes what it’s like to work with Royal Adjusting and how the incentive-based pay program helps her manager her work priorities. She explains how her claim tracking system works and her review of the RCS setup we use. She discusses the importance of documenting everything and making sure you track emails and calls carefully. Kathy also shares the tools she always brings with her when working on an insurance claim.

“The bonus incentive program helps me prioritize my claims pretty easily when I get back to the office.” - Kathy Schueler

This week on Adjuster Talk:

• What it's like to work with Royal Adjusting compared to other companies.
• What the incentive-based pay program is and how it helps Kathy prioritize claims.
• How Kathy became part of the adjusting industry and her prior career trajectory.
• Managing her work and how Kathy deals with the frustrations of the job.
• What Kathy does when the work becomes too overwhelming.
• Kathy’s claim tracking system and how it works.
• Kathy’s thoughts on the RCS and how it can be improved.
• The role of the claims manager in claims documentation.
• The tools Kathy always brings when she's working on claims.

Resources Mentioned:

• Geomni
• EagleView

Connect with Kathy Schueler:

• LinkedIn

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, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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

AT042 Property Appraising to Insurance Adjusting with Mark Koncz

Over the last 16 years, Mark Koncz has established himself as an expert in real estate appraisals throughout the Akron, Ohio region. He is the founder and owner of MJK Appraisals with an interest to transition into the insurance claim adjusting industry.

Mark joins me today to share his experience with working as a property appraiser and his desire to begin transitioning his company into the insurance adjusting industry. He shares what it was like to work his first claim during the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma, the challenges he faced, and how he overcame them. He also shares the similarities in workflow between property appraising and claim adjusting as well as the customer services skills you need to be successful in both fields.

“Between adjusting and appraisals, there’s a lot of crossover.” - Mark Koncz

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• Why he decided to transition from property appraiser to insurance adjuster.
• How he’s transitioning into the adjusting field.
• What it was like to work through the post-Hurricane Irma destruction.
• The challenges he faced while working through Irma and how he overcame them.
• How much he earned from closing 20 claims in 10 days during Hurricane Irma.
• Utilizing resources to maximize productivity and increase your knowledge.
• Strategies for building your network.
• Customer service skills you need for appraising properties.
• Similarities between property appraising and insurance adjusting.
• Average income for home appraisals per completed report.

Resources Mentioned:

• National Association of Catastrophe Adjusters (NACA) Conference

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

AT041 Pivoting from Painting Contractor to Insurance Adjuster with Jordan Cox

Jordan Cox is a 31-year-old former painting contractor who ran a successful painting company based in Greenwood, South Carolina for seven years. As he got older, he began to realize the hardship and stress that his career placed on his body and decided to pivot his career. He began working as an independent insurance adjuster shortly after Hurricane Irma devastated Florida in 2017.

Jordan joins me today to discuss what inspired him to pivot his career from being a successful painting company owner to becoming an independent insurance adjuster. He shares how he got started and how helping his father in the fix and flip real estate industry as a young boy helped him learn many of the skills he needed to become a successful insurance adjuster. He also shares what it was like to work his first claim, the importance of being able to make quick decisions, and the importance of being disciplined in managing your time and money.

“Making quick decisions is key to this business.” - Jordan Cox

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• How he got started as an insurance adjuster.
• His biggest challenges while just starting out.
• How millennials are helping to shape the industry and cultivate the adjusting environment.
• The importance of being confident in your decisions.
• His strategy for measuring and sketching roofs.
• What he’s most apprehensive about regarding being an adjuster.
• The importance of saving “emergency money” to help you through lean times.
• What is a 1099?
• How much income should you set aside for taxes?
• The importance of being disciplined with your bookkeeping, accounting, and paying taxes.
• How to get added to more rosters and get more claims as a new insurance adjuster.

Advice for New Insurance Adjusters:

• Participate in ride-along when you’re just starting out.
• Network with other adjusters.
• Plan ahead for your financial future, especially for the lean workload periods.
• Be disciplined in paying your taxes.

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

AT040 Insurance Adjusting with Compassion and Integrity with Emily Whisman

Emily Whisman is an insurance adjuster with FEMA’s Texas Rebuild Prep Program (Phase I). Through the program, she helps homeowners throughout the Houston, Texas region rebuild their lives following the devastation and destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.

Emily joins me today to share her experiences while working with FEMA’s Texas Rebuild Prep Program. She explains how the program works, how homeowners can qualify for the program and her role as an insurance adjuster and home inspector with the program. She also shares some of the challenges that many homeowners have faced since Hurricane Harvey, the perimeters she checks for during home inspections, and why she feels being compassionate and showing up with integrity when meeting Hurricane Harvey victims is critical to building rapport and trust with the homeowners.

“Develop a compassion to serve that is stronger than your compulsion to survive.” - Emily Whisman

In This Episode of Adjuster Talks:

• How FEMA’s Phase I Texas Rebuild Program works.
• Qualifications for homeowners to participate in the Texas Rebuild Program.
• Her role while working with the program.
• Why many homeowners are skeptical of insurance adjusters and contractors after Hurricane Harvey.
• How being a female insurance adjuster and home inspector can be beneficial in building trust with homeowners?
• How the Texas Rebuild Program is streamlining their processes to become more effective and productive.
• How FEMA inspectors work with contractors.
• How she prioritizes damage repairs based on the budget allowed for each home.
• Bridging the gap between FEMA inspectors and builders.
• Maintaining compassion, authenticity, and integrity.
• How her previous experience as a chiropractor and yoga instructor helps her in her role with FEMA’s Texas Rebuild Program.

Resources Mentioned:

• Texas Rebuild Project
• Lemoine Company, LLC

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 mindy@royaladjustingservices

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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

AT039 Women in the Independent Adjusting Industry with Crystal Dubois

Crystal Dubois previously worked in the aerospace field when an opportunity in adjusting popped up as soon as she lost her job. In a short time, Crystal was able to travel to Texas, train, and now does her inspections.

Crystal joins us today to share the sacrifices she makes as a mom and now as an adjuster to provide for her family. She explains how she balances work and learning the skills she needs to perform while making quality time to spend with her family. She also explains that being part of the Texas Rebuild Program has taught her valuable adjusting skills, which she’ll soon need for more contract jobs.

“Independent adjusting is changing the face of the industry with more women needed in the workforce.” Jason Heenan

In this Episode of Adjuster Talks:

• What are the essential skills a beginner adjuster needs to close a claim
• How opportunities in adjusting are popping up across Texas
• Learning organization strategies from a novice adjuster
• Why a career change is sometimes a good thing for your life

Resources:

• Texas Rebuild Program
• Adjusters Gone Wild Facebook
• Adjusterology
• Jeremy Rettig - Adjusting To 6 Figures Business

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

AT038 Checking Back In with Westin Vance Post Hurricane Harvey

Opportunities lie at any moment. It is especially crucial in the business of an independent adjuster. In November, I spoke with Westin Vance about his experiences with natural disasters. Today, I’m chatting with him about his moments after Hurricane Harvey. Westin enlightens us about his dedication to helping those affected by Harvey and how the Texas Rebuild Program and living a healthy lifestyle support his unexpected career opportunities.

Aside from being a health and exercise enthusiast, Westin shares his must-have hacks for staying active while working as an independent adjuster. Working with a team of coworkers, Westin explains the necessity of supporting each other, living well, and committing to offering reliable service to skeptical homeowners.

“When you’re an indispensable and reliable adjuster, you never know where your opportunity will be the next time.” - Westin Vance

In this episode of Adjuster Talks:

• Building relationships and connections to leverage your career path
• How to stay productive with overwhelming paperwork, calls, and clients
• Lifestyle hacks to keep you healthy and motivated
• Why FEMA sponsors the Texas Rebuild Program as a way to promote reconstruction after Harvey

Resources:

• Texas Rebuild Program
• Adjuster Central
• Texas Prep Program
• Royal Adjusting School Program - coming soon

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

AT055 - Becoming a Successful Claims Adjuster with 16-Year Adjusting Veteran Shemekia Bowens

Shemekia Bowens is a claims adjuster for AmTrust Financial Services, a financial services company that offers diverse underwriting portfolios to their clients. She has been a professional claims adjuster for over 16 years, has handled a wide variety of claims, and has helped thousands of clients. One of the most important lessons she’s learned in the industry is how you should never forget to be human and give clients a sense of compassion during the most horrible times of their lives.

Shemekia joins me today to share the wisdom she’s accumulated as a 16-year insurance adjusting veteran. She shares what made her decide to become a claims adjuster and what made her stay. She explains how you can tell the kind of client you have during the initial call and what you should do to be prepared when meeting them. She also provides tips for those who want to succeed in this type of career.

“Don't be afraid to try and do something different to achieve your goals.” - Shemekia Bowens

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• Shemekia's experience in insurance adjusting claims and what she specializes in.
• Why she chose to build a career in being a staff adjuster.
• The techniques she implores when dealing with rude or grumpy clients.
• Some of the claims she's handled in her 16 years in the industry.
• How adjusting affected the way she raised her child.
• The next step in her career and how she plans on pursuing it.
• How she teaches people about the value of wealth management.

Connect with Shemekia Bowens:

• AmTrust Financial
• LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

Enroll Today for the Royal Adjusting Services Academy!

Are you ready to take your independent adjusting career to the next level? Royal Adjusting Services and Adjuster Talk Podcast are excited to announce our new insurance claim adjusting school - Royal Adjusting Services Academy. At Royal Adjusting Services Academy, you will learn everything you need to know to take your career to the next level, including a curriculum in dynamic, custom, and mock-up rooms and roofs as well as other cutting-edge techniques to help you become successful in the claim environment.

Visit our Royal Adjusting Services Academy website or email [email protected] to apply for your curriculum scholarship 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

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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

AT054 - It's All About Relationships and the Hustle with Kagan Blackburn

Kagan Blackburn is an independent adjuster who has an amazing work ethic. He’s what you can call an expert hustler. His mindset when it comes to accomplishing his tasks is clear-cut and makes him stand out from the rest, but his humble upbringing keeps him grounded. He enjoys helping other people grow and repair their lives and being an independent adjuster enables him to do both.

Kagan joins me today to describe what it means to be a hustler in the insurance adjusting industry. He discusses some of the habits he’s developed that enable him to be successful in his career and how networking and building relationships have impacted his career. He also shares how he got started in the industry as well as the people who helped and inspired him to pursue the life of an independent adjuster.

“What’s going to separate you from those other people that are sending emails - it’s going to be following up.” - Kagan Blackburn

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• Kagan's unique skill set that helped him become successful in the insurance adjusting industry.
• When he became interested in independent adjusting and who inspired him.
• Knowing the people to call and how he contacts them.
• Communicating in a way that connects with people.
• The challenges he faced in his career as an independent adjuster.
• His experience in dealing with auto claims.
• What he is currently working on with Chris Stanley.

Resources Mentioned:

• The World of Auto Industry Claim Adjusters with Chris Stanley
• The Insurance Adjusting Industry is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT with Chris Stanley Part 1
• Chris Stanley on Getting Into Auto Insurance Adjusting Part 2

Connect with Kagan Blackburn:

• LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

Enroll Today for the Royal Adjusting Services Academy!

Are you ready to take your independent adjusting career to the next level? Royal Adjusting Services and Adjuster Talk Podcast are excited to announce our new insurance claim adjusting school - Royal Adjusting Services Academy. At Royal Adjusting Services Academy, you will learn everything you need to know to take your career to the next level, including a curriculum in dynamic, custom, and mock-up rooms and roofs as well as other cutting-edge techniques to help you become successful in the claim environment.

Visit our Royal Adjusting Services Academy website or email hknox@RoyalAdjustin

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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