Because Experience Matters with Jack Hanks

On this episode of Because Experience Matters, Jack Hanks—Executive and Shareholder with Gavnat Public Insurance Adjusters—sits down with his longtime friend, Tim Johnson of SJJ Law Firm, for a conversation about the intersection of law, property claims, and the challenges professionals face throughout the claims process.

Drawing on his experience in insurance and property law, Tim shares his perspective on the legal issues that can arise during complex property claims and what contractors, public adjusters, property owners, and other industry professionals should understand when navigating disputes with insurance carriers.

Jack and Tim also discuss the importance of experience, preparation, strong communication, and knowing when to bring the right professionals to the table. Together, they explore how legal and claims expertise can work hand-in-hand to help policyholders navigate difficult situations and pursue better outcomes.

Whether you're a contractor, public adjuster, attorney, property owner, restoration professional, or anyone involved in property claims, this conversation offers valuable insight into the legal side of the claims process and why experience matters.

Key Highlights by Topic: 
1:15 - Meet SJJ lawyer Tim Johnson
7:40 - Small Claims court knowledge
15:25 - What is "bad faith" and how far do you have to go to prove it
26:16 - What happens with no PA's + lawyers
34:11 - AI within the industry
45:00 - Tim Johnson with the magic wand

On this episode of Because Experience Matters, Jack Hanks—Executive and Shareholder with Gavnat (formerly VPA Claims)—sits down with Chad Williams, P.E., a seasoned professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience in civil engineering, building codes, and structural design. 

Drawing on his extensive background, Chad and Jack explore the important role building codes, engineering, and technical knowledge play in construction and property claims. Chad also shares how his experience has shaped his approach to educating contractors, adjusters, and attorneys. Through his work, he focuses on practical training and actionable strategies that help industry professionals navigate and strengthen their knowledge and achieve better outcomes in construction and claims. 

Whether you're a contractor, public adjuster, attorney, or restoration professional, this conversation offers valuable insight into the importance of understanding building codes, staying educated, and knowing how technical expertise can make a difference throughout the claims and construction process. 

Key Highlights by Topic: 

2:20 – How Chad got into Forensic Engineering

11:56 - Whose sandbox is who's?

17:36 – Why we have engineering in this world

21:00 - Public Adjusters filing claims against engineers

32:45 - Why engineers want to see the policy

35:12 – Chad Williams waving the magic wand 

On this episode of Because Experience Matters, Jack Hanks—Executive and Shareholder with Gavnat (formerly VPA Claims)—sits down with Sean Mata, Director of External Communications at Daly & Black, to discuss the current state of public adjusting and what today's professionals need to know. 

Drawing on years of experience, Jack and Sean explore how the industry is evolving, from changing regulations and client expectations to the importance of education, communication, and building strong referral relationships. They also discuss how public adjusters, attorneys, and industry partners can work together to better serve policyholders throughout the claims process. 

Known by many in the industry, Sean shares how his background as an entrepreneur, athlete, husband and father has shaped his disciplined, relationship-first approach. He explains why responsiveness, transparency, and simplifying the claims process are essential to earning trust and delivering better outcomes for both residential and large commercial property owners. 

Whether you're an experienced public adjuster, new to the industry, or simply looking to stay informed on where the profession is headed, this conversation offers valuable insight into the challenges, opportunities, and future of public adjusting. 

 Key Highlights by Topic: 

00:50 – Balancing being a husband, father and work 

05:40- How the industry effects day to day life 

10:40 – Misconceptions within the industry 

19:43 – Self education with clients 

27:09- Bad guy vs. good guy 

31:52 – The insurance magic wand 

Jack welcomes longtime friends and roofing industry leaders Justin Dant and Brian Arnold for a straight-shooting conversation on business, mistakes, and the current state of the industry.

Both Justin and Brian entered roofing in 2010, pivoting from real estate and homebuilding after the market crash. Their early wins—from selling dozens of roofs in days to scaling multi-million-dollar companies—set the stage. But it’s not just about revenue. Both leaders are focused on building smart, sustainable businesses.

Justin sees himself as a business owner who sells roofs. Brian identifies as a salesperson learning to run a company. Each has built strong teams, brought in key leadership like COOs and CFOs, and learned to delegate. The goal: stop doing everything, avoid burnout, and grow the right way.

They’re honest about mistakes. Justin lost over $300K on a mispriced commercial job. Brian is millions deep into completed work while waiting on insurance payouts. Their takeaway? Not every deal is worth it. Protect yourself with solid contracts and don’t grow too fast.

Justin and Brian also address private equity. Both have been approached, but remain cautious. The money is tempting, but culture, values, and long-term fit matter more. They agree: if they ever partner up, it’ll be on their terms—with people they trust.

Finally, Jack, Brian, and Justin raise concern over growing legislative threats—like proposed laws in Louisiana limiting contractor involvement in claims. Insurance carriers are lobbying hard, and the industry needs to take it seriously.

Bottom line: success in roofing takes more than hustle. It takes leadership, patience, and good people. The industry may be getting tougher, but with the right mindset and structure, contractors can still build businesses that last.

A Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:

●       [02:12] Brian Arnold and Justin Dant’s Backgrounds and Business Philosophies

●       [16:07] Their Thoughts on Private Equity

●       [24:33] Legislative Threats to Insurance Carriers

●       [29:43] Biggest Roofing Contractor Horror Stories

●       [36:49] The One Thing Brian and Justin Would Do Differently if Starting Business Anew

Memorable Quotes:

●       "You're not gonna get rich overnight, and you're not gonna build your business overnight—but you sure as hell can lose it overnight."

●       "Insurance claims are not about policy and date of loss anymore—they're strictly business decisions."

Connect with Justin Dant, CEO of Soderburg Roofing & Contracting, at

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-dant-b7134bb7

Connect with Brian Arnold, President of Arnold Roofing and Restoration,

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-arnold-4510468/

Jack sits down with roofing industry leader Josey Parks, the new force behind the Win The Storm conference. From humble beginnings knocking on doors at 18, Josey built a thriving career through innovation in specialty roofing and technology. After years of success in metal and tile roofing, he pivoted to developing AI-driven solutions with his company, Think Unlimited—matching the right reps to appointments and boosting contractor growth through deep learning.

Despite a quiet social media presence, Josey’s impact is loud and clear. When he saw Win The Storm—a foundational industry event—on the brink of collapse, he stepped in, driven not by profit but by purpose. “I want to be the force,” he said, determined to preserve and evolve a gathering that shaped his own career. The 2023 event ran at a $500,000+ loss, but Josey’s focus is on legacy, not bottom lines.

Now based in Fort Worth with his wife and four sons, Josey’s mission is about community and growth. He’s expanding Win The Storm to include hands-on training, vendor connection opportunities, and breakout sessions tailored for every level—from door knockers to CEOs. Under his leadership, 164 companies committed to community service last year, with a goal of 500 in 2024. 

This year’s theme, Steady in the Storm, reflects both industry resilience and personal development. By building real relationships and refusing to let ego or the past cloud the future, Josey’s creating a movement grounded in integrity, collaboration, and impact.

If you’re in the storm restoration space, this is your call to action: get involved, bring your team, and be part of something bigger than business. As Josey says, “Thoughts lead to action. Action leads to results.”

A Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:

• [02:35] About Josey Parks and Why He Stepped Up to Rebuild Win The Storm
• [08:09] How Josey Got the Opportunity to Spearhead Win The Storm
• [14:00] Building the Storm Community Through Win The Storm
• [15:40] Changes Josey Made at Win The Storm
• [21:18] How to Join Win The Storm 2025 and How to Prepare for Success
• [23:43] Josey’s Final Thoughts

 Memorable Quotes by Josey:

• “My goal is to build a bridge between the blue collar community and technology.”
• “The industry doesn’t need another pitch fest. It needs real value, real community, and real leadership.”

Learn more about Josey Parks at www.joseyparks.com

Jack sits down with Galen Hair—renowned property casualty attorney and founder of the Level Up Claims Summit. Based in New Orleans, Galen has long stood out not only for his legal expertise but also for his commitment to integrity, personal development, and industry education.

What started as a frustration with flashy, sales-heavy events evolved into a vision: a one-day, high-impact summit with zero “pay-to-play” and a 100% focus on real growth. Launched in 2021, Level Up is now in its fourth year, curated to provide business owners, adjusters, and contractors with actionable insights—not sales pitches. With sessions ranging from ethical AI applications to leadership coaching and business automation, Galen’s event isn’t just about claims—it’s about character.

What makes Level Up different is its intimacy and intention. Capped at 200 attendees and held at Galen’s own facility, it’s invite-only and free to attend (with a refundable deposit). The goal? To create a safe, collaborative space where the right people can connect, learn, and elevate together. “You don’t need another conference about shingles,” Galen says. “You need a space that makes you better at being a person, a leader, and a professional.”

The 2025 summit promises cutting-edge content, including international AI experts and leadership coaches who rarely speak publicly. But beyond the line-up, it’s the culture Galen has built—rooted in mentorship, ethics, and practical excellence—that keeps people coming back.

As Jack put it best, Level Up is Galen. It’s a reflection of his humility, clarity, and drive to raise the bar in a too-often chaotic industry. For those seeking more than just CE credits or vendor booths, this is where real transformation begins.

The Level Up Claims Summit returns June 13, 2025, in Metairie, Louisiana.

A Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:

• [02:07] About Galen Hair and What to Expect at the Level Up Claims Summit
• [07:21] What Inspired Galen to Start the Level Up Claims Summit
• [12:40] Galen’s Advice to Those Nervous to Attend a Summit
• [18:18] Galen’s Favorite Speakers From Last Year’s Summit
• [22:46] Common Leadership Mistakes by Company Owners
• [26:18] What to Expect at This Year’s Summit

Memorable Quotes by Galen:

• “The shortcut is getting up every morning and working your ass off… and surrounding yourself with really good people. That is the shortcut—and it takes forever.”
• “You gotta show up and do the work. That doesn’t happen while you sleep. It happens while you’re up, making sure the right people are doing the right things, every day.”
• “If you don’t get anything out of this event, it’s on you. Go with purpose. Pick five people you want to meet. Be intentional with your time.”

 Learn more about Galen Hair at https://shunnarah.com/attorney/galen-m-hair/

 Learn more about Level Up Claims Summit at https://levelupclaim.com/

Jack sits down with litigator Galen Hair. He is a Partner with Insurance Claim HQ as well as Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys.

Galen was brought up in a relatively poor household and took up vocal performance at Boston University in 2003, graduating in 2006. He then went to law school at Tulane University and, in 2008, he received a summer associate opportunity at Ropes & Gray where he had his first taste of the property casualty space.

He followed up what he referred to as a grueling experience at Ropes & Gray with a fellowship attorney position at Tulane’s law clinic. In 2010, he went back into defense work for a year “because I still needed to pay some bills”.

In 2011, he became a Partner at Scott, Vicknair, Hair & Checki, where he would work for the next nine years before finally partnering with Insurance Claim HQ and Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys.

Listen in as Galen addresses the common gaps in professionalism and expertise plaguing many PAs today. He also speaks on the importance of branding your name and business with integrity and humility, and the common social media faux pas many roofers, lawyers, and PAs make.

Galen shares why it’s so important to play the long game when building an online presence in this business, and why he believes the industry as a whole could benefit from a complete overhaul in favor of more mentorship and a greater focus on individual roofers, lawyers, and PAs.

A Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:

• [06:55] Maintaining a relationship as a public adjuster
• [16:12] How Galen got into insurance litigation
• [23:27] Why many PAs fall short
• [30:28] How smaller claims can net higher attorney fees
• [39:34] Why you’re not self-made
• [43:23] Why it pays to build real connections with others
• [47:07] What Galen would change about the industry
• [54:25] Why authenticity and the long game is always worth it

 Memorable Quotes by Galen:

• “I’m sick and freaking tired of going to conferences and seeing people who made a little bit of money get up on a stage and talk about how they’re self-made. You worked hard, and I’m proud of you, but you’re not self-made.”
• “The whole industry is broken because we have no guidance nor help. The insurance companies want us to behave, but they don’t want us to be good.”

Follow Galen on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/galen-hair-03b27a4/ and learn more about Insurance Claim HQ at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.

Jack sits down with Latinos En Roofing Founder Amparo Sancen.

Amparo worked as a medical assistant for years after moving to the U.S. and was quickly inspired to enter construction after getting to know a number of clients in that industry. With her limited knowledge and lack of resources, she eventually quit her job and made the leap.

Within six months, she had learned enough to get into the remodeling business. Eight months later, she forayed into roofing. She made every rookie mistake imaginable but stayed undeterred.

In 2016, she moved to Texas, determined to rebuild her roofing venture, hungry to learn as much as she could about building a strong, profitable business. Today, beyond her own business, she’s taken on the responsibility of inspiring and educating Latinos around the country to find entrepreneurial success in the world of roofing and construction.

Listen in as Amparo shares what holds many people in their community back from pursuing their dreams as business owners, from systemic issues to cultural and mindset-related obstacles. She explains how Latinos En Roofing quickly grew from a tiny community to a massive, multifaceted event regularly hosted in various cities around the country.

 A Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:

• [02:20] Amparo’s story
• [08:24] What it takes to create more Latino entrepreneurs in the trades
• [14:28] Eye-opening statistics about the Latino workforce in the U.S.
• [18:53] Mindset matters
• [25:04] Taking your roofing business to the next level
• [28:11] How Latinos En Roofing came to be
• [39:40] Creating a tiered professional ecosystem
• [44:36] How to get involved in the community

 Memorable Quotes by Our Guests:

•  “I love what I do. If I can help somebody grow their business and give a better life for their kids, that’s amazing.”
•  “We’re essentially building an ecosystem that people can feel comfortable around, and that ecosystem needs to have tiers: people with knowledge, people with some knowledge, and people with no knowledge.”

 Follow Amparo on Instagram at www.instagram.com/amp_sancen and Latinos En Roofing at www.instagram.com/latinosenroofing.

Jack sits down with Heather Hitchcock, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Roofing & Construction of Texas, a woman-owned residential and commercial roofing contractor that services the Greater Houston area.

Listen in as Heather reflects on her journey of overcoming personal demons that, until she regained her faith in God, forced her into drink and other self-destructive habits well into her adult life.

She talks about how she contemplated thoughts of suicide while sitting in a mental institution for her fifth case of DUI. This experience finally inspired her to embrace vulnerability, freeing her from the emotional and spiritual bondage of shame.

Heather then shares how she chose her current career path. She one day realized that “there was zero integrity and excellence in the roofing industry” when she struggled to file a claim for her own roofing. Once she was finally able to make a profit, she reinvested everything into a roofing training program.

Within six months of starting her business, she was getting two to four jobs per week. She regularly posted online about her day-to-day to get the word out, and the rest was history.

Heather goes on to explain how she has been using her online platform to educate homeowners on the importance of their roofing and how to tell a good roofer apart from the rest. She talks about how consistently putting educational, entertaining, and authentic content has resulted in a profitable business built entirely on referrals.

A Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:

●       [04:14] The first time Heather embraced raw vulnerability on social media

●       [10:52] The shame of going to prison for DUI

●       [15:45] How Heather overcame thoughts of suicide in a mental ward

●       [20:19] Why Heather decided to get into roofing

●       [25:04] Creating educational content about roofing for homeowners

●       [33:26] Heather’s content strategy

●       [37:26] Navigating the roofing industry as a woman

●       [40:12] What’s next for Heather?

 Memorable Quotes by Heather:

●       “Alcohol wasn’t the issue. The issue was brokenness inside. It was my brain. It was my heart. It was wounds in me that caused me to act out when I drank.”

●       “Shame keeps people in bondage.”

●       “You do the right thing and you’ll be surprised at what comes back to you.”

Follow Heather at:

• linkedin.com/in/heather-hitchcock-217397255

Jack sits down with longtime friends Todd Stern and Chris Courville to discuss their greatest lessons learned on the journey to establishing their own forensic engineering firms.

Todd Stern spent his entire career in the construction industry. In May 2022, he co-founded Orlo Forensics alongside Patrick Snowden, where they specialize in collapse, fire, flood, hail, wind, and disaster investigation and design. They’re brought onsite to complete investigations and compile reports to be submitted to insurance companies, contractors, or attorneys.

Chris Courville is the owner and CEO of United Environmental LLC, a mold remediation, air quality testing, water mitigation, and emergency response company established in October 2018. The team at the interior damage consulting firm brings 40+ of combined experience to the table.

Listen in as Todd and Chris give their thoughts on the lack of professionalism and accountability that was unfortunately quite prevalent in the mitigation industry when they got their start at the turn of the century.

Too many professionals focus overwhelmingly on getting the sale over hitting key metrics with a view to keeping the company healthy. In other words, they take on claims with the intention to “win the battle, lose the war”, which may lead to short-term financial gain but a bankrupt business in the long term.

Todd and Chris also share how they’ve been navigating the challenges of running their companies with those of keeping their personal relationships healthy. Asked about the keys to creating a legacy business, the pair talk about the importance of staying high-touch every step of the way and passing on client-focused values to the next generation.

 A Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:

• [04:01] An introduction to Todd and Chris
• [12:45] Building a legacy business
• [18:08] Todd and Chris on the lack of professionalism in the industry when they got their start
• [23:46] The value of focusing on the little things over the outcome
• [27:05] Implementing The Art of War into business
• [34:02] The importance of time management and establishing a routine
• [41:53] Managing healthy personal relationships in the mitigation industry
• [48:40] The most satisfying thing about the business
• [54:29] Passing on a legacy company
• [58:10] Advice that Todd and Chris would give their younger selves

Memorable Quotes by Our Guests:

• “If you surround yourself with good people and good mentors, you’re going to be successful. It’s bound to happen. You’re bound to get your break.” ~Chris
• “More money has not made me any happier.” ~Todd
•  “If we don’t go into work every day and work on these claims as if we’re going to war, then we’ve lost. It’s a mindset thing.” ~Todd
•  “If you’re only as good as your next check, that’s a shitty way to run a business.” ~Chris
• “Our profession demands our attention. If you don’t give it the attention it deserves, it can crush your life.” ~Chris

Follow Todd at:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-stern-569930114
• https://orloforensics.com/

Follow Chris at:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-courville-428287187/