Adjuster Talk

Aaron Berkowitz is an independent catastrophe adjuster from Salinas, California. Aaron has been in the adjusting business since 2009 and he joins me on the show today to share his story on how he got started in the business, what keeps him motivated, and the secret to his success.

We also discuss how social media and today’s technology has impacted the way property insurance adjusters work from day to day, how it differs from the way our older mentors ran their businesses, and the importance of staying prepared for inevitable weather related catastrophes nationwide.

“The preparedness doesn’t stop on any level.” – Aaron Berkowitz

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• Staying excited about the job and how it helps keep you motivated
• Aaron’s scoping and claims writing strategy to help him make the most of his time
• How to develop a scoping and claims writing strategy that works for you at any skill or experience level
• How to get your first two claims when you’re just starting out
• Why being disciplined is critical in the adjusting industry
• How to be prepared for inevitable, weather-related catastrophes

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!

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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

AT037 Transitioning from Construction to Adjusting with Matt Whitmire

Matt Whitmire is a former representative of a construction and building company based in Texas. Earlier this year, he decided to transition his career from the building and construction industry to becoming an independent insurance adjuster.

On today’s episode, Matt shares his experience of transitioning from construction to adjusting and how he managed his time between working a full-time job while learning the skills required to be successful in the insurance adjusting industry. He explains how he overcame the mental barriers associated with transitioning into a new career, the time he and his family spent to mentally and physically prepare for the transition, and the importance of being committed to learning the ropes and doing the job correctly. He also shares his experience while working his first few claims this hurricane season as well as the lessons he has learned from mistakes he made on those claims.

“It takes some time. It’s a commitment, but if you’re going to do it - do it right.” - Matt Whitmire

In This Episode of Adjuster Talks:

• His experience with transitioning from construction to insurance adjusting.
• How he managed his time between working full-time and being trained as a new adjuster.
• His in-field experience while working claims.
• Overcoming the mental barriers associated with transitioning your career.
• The importance of being committed to changing your career.
• Taking time to mentally and physically prepare for a career transition.
• What inspired him to become an adjuster?
• The importance of setting a steady working pace while handling claims as a new adjuster
• The support and resources he received as a new adjuster.
• Overcoming challenges associated with learning new software and technology.
• The importance of being comfortable while adjusting claims.
• Why downloading your pictures on-site is critically important.
• The equipment he used in the field.
• Staying organized while working insurance claims.

Resources Mentioned:

• Eberl Claims Services
• Schedule It

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@royaladjustingservice

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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

AT036 Insurance Adjusting Technology and Software with Clint Harper

Clint Harper is a veteran insurance adjuster with Royal Adjusting Services. His career initially began in the adjusting industry before he decided to take time off to tend to personal events in his life. During the destruction that followed Hurricane Harvey, he decided to restart his career as an adjuster to help homeowners rebuild their lives after the catastrophic event.

Clint joins me today to share his experience while working as a claims adjuster during Hurricane Harvey. He shares how the adjusting industry has changed over the years since his previous deployments, the importance of controlling your emotions and being professional while in the field, and overcoming obstacles related to new technology and software programs available to adjusters to help them streamline their workflows. He also explains the importance of managing your finances effectively between catastrophic weather events and how calling customers can impact your ability to build their trust.

“There’s so many new apps in your cell phone that you can use to get your claims mapped out properly.” - Clint Harper

In This Episode of Adjuster Talks:

• His experience working as an adjuster through the Hurricane Harvey catastrophic event.
• How the industry has changed and evolved throughout his career.
• Representing the adjusting company and insurance company professionally.
• The importance of controlling your emotions while in the field.
• The importance of planning your day around your travel route.
• Using scheduling and mapping programs.
• The balancing act between understanding construction, claims, and technology.
• Overcoming fears associated with being a new insurance adjuster.
• The importance of budgeting and saving money for the slower storm seasons.
• How answering and returning customer calls helps build trust.

Resources Mentioned:

• Schedule It

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

AT035 Working with Unbiased Consultants with Kurt Richardson of Praetorian Consultants

Kurt Richardson is the President of Praetorian Consultants, LLC., a construction consultancy firm offering unbiased property assessment services to commercial contractors and insurance companies. Prior to founding the company, Kurt worked as an insurance adjuster with Royal Adjusting Services.

Kurt joins me today to discuss how his company helps contractors and insurance companies receive unbiased property assessments on various insurance claims. He explains the role that construction consultants play while working with insurance adjusters in the field, the programs he has helped establish - such as the Shelter At Home Program - and what it’s like working with federal and government agencies. He also explains the challenges often associated with identifying insurance fraud and the importance of understanding insurance policies and coverage as a consumer.

In This Episode of Adjuster Talks:

• How his company helps commercial contractors and insurance companies receive unbiased property damage assessments.
• The benefits of using third-party construction consultants.
• How insurance adjusters can work with construction consultants to assess property damage.
• Working with federal and government agencies.
• How the Shelter At Home Program began.
• Qualities and requirements needed to become a successful construction consultant.
• Challenges associated with working under tight deadlines.
• How insurance carriers can benefit by working with smaller independent adjusting firms.
• Using technology to your advantage as an independent business owner.
• Working with the millennial generation in the insurance industry.
• Identifying insurance fraud.
• How educating insurers can help reduce or eliminate insurance fraud.

Connect with Kurt Richardson:

• Kurt Richardson on Facebook
• IVHydroPros

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

AT034 Attending Meetup Events While Working Adjusting Claims with Jeremy Rettig

Jeremy Rettig is the founder and CEO of Adjusting to 6 Figures and Makenzie Properties of New Jersey. Adjusting to 6 Figures focuses on helping independent insurance adjusters be successful in the field as well as their careers through education and support. Jeremy initially started his career as an independent adjuster before recognizing the need for additional support and guidance for new adjusters within the industry.

On today’s episode, Jeremy shares how he created networking and meetup events while working in the field while working claims after Hurricane Irma’s catastrophic destruction. He discusses the importance of encouraging others who are considering a career in adjusting to begin networking with other adjusters through local networking events such as Meetups. The importance of receiving adequate training and support for new adjusters, and the value of riding with experienced adjusters when you’re just starting your career in the adjusting industry.

“Ride alongs are the biggest part of the training process.” - Jeremy Rettig

In This Episode of Adjuster Talks:

• Attending meetup events to network with other adjusters while working claims.
• Encouraging others to start their career as an adjuster through networking events.
• Collaborating with adjusting firms to grow your independent adjusting business.
• Training new adjusters to be successful in the industry.
• The importance of seeking training, guidance, and mentorship as a new adjuster.
• The benefits of attending local meetup events.
• Lessons you can learn from riding with experienced adjusters.

Resources Mentioned:

• Meetup.com

Connect with Jeremy Rettig:

• Adjusting to 6 Figures

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

AT033 The Entrepreneurial Side of Independent Adjusting

Thousands - if not millions - of people are beginning to consider becoming an entrepreneur. As each year passes, more and more people quit their jobs to follow their dreams and start their own businesses. The independent insurance adjusting industry is often considered a breeding ground for entrepreneurship.

On today’s episode, I’m discussing the entrepreneurial side of independent adjusting. I’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being an insurance adjuster and the importance of investing in yourself and your skill sets. I’ll also explain how to set yourself apart from your competition by developing your resume.

“The best investment you can make is in yourself.” - Jason Heenan

In This Episode of Adjuster Talks:

• Advantages and disadvantages of being an independent insurance adjuster.
• The importance of mentorship in the adjusting industry.
• Factors that help cultivate entrepreneurial ideas and concepts within the adjusting industry.
• The importance of developing and investing in yourself and your skills.
• The importance of developing your resume.
• How to improve your skills and knowledge between storms.
• How independent adjusting is a breeding ground for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• The benefits of entrepreneurship.
• The importance of engaging in conversations about money and finances.

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

Jason Timmerman is the President and owner of Ridge Top Aerial Technologies, LLC., a company dedicated to helping insurance adjusters and roofing contractors receive precise roof diagrams through satellite and aerial imagery. He initially started his career as an insurance adjuster before discovering the specific, third-party need that could help thousands of adjusters across the country.

Jason joins me today to share his experience while working as an insurance adjuster and how this experience inspired him to start his company. He explains the systems he set up as an adjuster to allow him to streamline his process as well as shares tips and strategies new adjusters can implement to be more productive throughout their day.

“You never know who you’re meeting today, what position they will be in tomorrow.” - Jason Timmerman

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• What inspired him to start Ridge Top Aerial Technologies.
• His experience as a new adjuster during Hurricane Rita.
• Lessons he learned while working in an office setting at an insurance adjustment bureau.
• The importance of building your network as a new adjuster.
• Managing work-life balance as an insurance adjuster.
• Creating a system to manage your workload.
• Using text messaging to contact insurers.

Resources Mentioned:

• Schedule It

Jason Timmerman’s Advice for New Insurance Adjusters:

1. Build your network.
2. Attend conferences and industry events.
3. Stay open to new opportunities.
4. Promote yourself as a person that goes the extra mile.

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

AT031 Lessons From a New Adjuster with Anssi Viljanen

Prior to becoming an insurance adjuster, Anssi Viljanen worked in the solar energy industry and a limo driver for several years. After hearing about the devastation that impacted the Houston, Texas region, he decided to pivot his career to become an insurance adjuster.

On today’s episode, Anssi shares what it was like to get involved in Hurricane Harvey and how he encouraged his friends to become insurance adjusters despite their fears and uncertainty. He shares how he discovered the adjusting industry and what it was like to be a new adjuster in the industry during a massively devastating weather event. He also shares the valuable lessons he has learned throughout his journey, tips on being more productive while handling insurance claims, and the importance of new adjusters seeking mentors to help you through your first insurance claims.

“Relying on the infrastructure of mentors and helpers is really important.” - Anssi Viljanen

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• How he got started as an independent adjuster
• How he rallied his friends to help his new career path
• What inspired him to become an independent adjuster
• His first claim experience
• The importance of managing your time and developing a strategy and system to be productive
• Working as a team with your spouse to be more productive and efficient
• Simplifying the process of writing insurance claim reports
• The importance of finding and working with a mentor as a new 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, 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

AT023 Post-Disaster Heirloom Restoration with Jeremy Lawrenson and Craig Campbell

Craig Campbell works with FRSTeam - Fabric Restoration Service Team - a company specialized in helping homeowners rebound after a natural disaster through drycleaning and laundry restoration, clothing restoration, and textile restoration services. Jeremy Lawrenson works with Homeowners of America, an insurance company dedicated to helping homeowners protect their property investments through a wide range of comprehensive insurance packages.

Craig and Jeremy join me today to discuss the importance of building relationships within the insurance adjusting industry and the impact that these relationships can have on streamlining processes as well as customer service and support. They share their most memorable - and challenging - experiences while working with homeowners, adjusters, and claims, as well as how they got started in the restoration and adjusting spaces. Craig also shares how he handles post-disaster heirloom restoration claims and the challenges and psychology often associated with these claims.

“The most important part of the process is developing that relationship upfront.” - Jeremy Lawrenson

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• How Craig works with adjusters and contractors.
• How he helps homeowners restore their fabrics.
• How he got started in the fabric restoration industry.
• The impact that cigarette smoke has on the fabric restoration process.
• The importance of building relationships and networking.
• How relationships impact customer service and the claims adjusting process.
• Their most memorable - and challenging - experiences while working insurance claims.

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

Jeremy Lawrenson has worked in the insurance industry for over a decade, handling a wide variety of claims including worker’s compensation and bodily injury. For the last four years, he has worked as a staff adjuster with Homeowners of America, a company dedicated to offering customers with a wide range of comprehensive insurance coverage and claims services.

Jeremy joins me today to share his experiences while working within the insurance industry, how he transitioned his career from working in worker’s compensation to bodily injury before finally settling on staff adjusting, and what it’s like to work as a staff adjuster with Homeowners of America. He shares some of the most challenging and heartbreaking claims he has handled and settled throughout his experience, the challenges associated with identifying fraudulent claims, and the challenges of enforcing policies while considering the client’s best interests. He also shares how becoming a staff adjuster has impacted his - life financially and personally, how the company’s culture impacts his desire to “take care” of the company, and why he prefers to work as a staff adjuster instead of being independent.

“It starts at the top. When you get treated well and you get taken care of during the slow times, it is a lot easier to work those hours and spend that time during the storm seasons.” - Jeremy Lawrenson

In This Episode of Adjuster Talk:

• How he transitioned his career from working with worker’s compensation claims to becoming a staff insurance adjuster
• Challenges associated with policy enforcement while considering human interests.
• The most heartbreaking claim he has settled.
• Protecting the company against fraudulent insurance claims.
• Challenges associated with identifying fraudulent insurance claims.
• His experience as a staff adjuster.
• How becoming a staff adjuster enables him to spend more time with his family.
• The company’s culture.
• Why he prefers to work as a staff adjuster instead of being an independent.
• Balancing your personal values with your career in the adjusting industry.

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 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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