The Independent Adjuster Podcast (IA Path)

Have you ever wondered what it's like to switch careers and dive into a whole new industry? Buckle in, because in our latest episode, we're taking you on a journey with Chad Brown, a former ASC certified mechanic who took the leap and transformed his career to become an insurance adjuster. Chad's story is a captivating tale of exploration, risk-taking, and resilience.

Chad had 17 years of experience as a mechanic under his belt, but his curiosity led him to the insurance field. Listen as he talks about his transition into the world of insurance and independent inspections, his learning process, and the ways he has grown his business. The conversation is packed with valuable insights - from understanding the differences between mechanical and damage inspections to the importance of taking total loss photos, Chad’s journey offers valuable wisdom for those intrigued by a similar career change.

Finally, Chad opens up about the strategies he adopted to efficiently run his auto industry business. He shares how he has gradually progressed his business, built up his income streams, and even brought in his wife to help expand the business further. As we wrap up the episode, we explore ways to increase rates with existing clients, find new clients, and balance volume with profitability. If you're considering a career shift or just interested in the nitty-gritty of the insurance industry, you won't want to miss this episode.

Ever wondered if you could handle auto claims remotely?

Or thought, "I can't make a living handling auto claims, I'm in the country."

Meet Derek Harden. He's an independent adjuster and public notary who has innovatively crafted his career to accommodate both his professional and personal life. Derek takes us on a journey through his unique hybrid setup where he manages field appraisals and excels at remote work with his superior writing skills. His life is an adventure, with a recently expanded family and wildlife for neighbors.

Derek navigates us through his professional journey, including his successful attempts at diversifying his sources of work. He candidly shares the challenges he faced getting his New York and Pennsylvania licenses, his strategies for becoming a desirable adjuster for remote work, and his unique way of dealing with the pressures of field work. Derek also provides insights into managing large supplements, the art of desk writing, and how to continuously optimize and upgrade skills.

But, Derek's story is more than just professional success, it's about a rewarding life transition. He sheds light on his transition from a mechanical engineer battling corporate burnout to a sought-after independent adjuster. He discusses the importance of training, adequate compensation, and shares tips to avoid common pitfalls for newcomers to the industry. We also get a peek into Derek's future plans, his productivity hacks for remote work, and his firm 'no car-sleeping' policy for his team on deployment. 

This episode is a gold mine of practical advice for anyone interested in the adjusting industry or those seeking to strike a balance between work and personal life. Tune in for an enlightening and entertaining chat with the man who's got it all figured out - Derek Harden.

What is it like being a woman in the independent adjusting industry?

Can you triumph against the odds? 

That's the inspiring story of Chanel Tran, a mentor at IA Path, who took the leap from academic counseling to the Independent Adjusting (IA) industry. She braved the male-dominated world of heavy equipment body shops, equipped with resilience, training, and a relentless pursuit of growth. 

Our conversation with Chanel reveals a captivating journey of transition, learning, and growth. She powerfully shares how she moved from body shop work to claims adjusting amidst the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chanel's dedication to balance is admirable, as she manages field inspections with family life and emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated workspace to enhance productivity. She also brings to light the importance of a strong foundation in understanding your business numbers, a lesson she learned and applied in her own career.

The essence of this episode lies not just in Chanel's story of resilience and professional growth, but also in her advice for fellow women in the IA industry. Chanel's experiences provide valuable insights into the need for assertiveness in customer interactions and situations where you might not look 'the part'. Chanel's journey reflects the immense potential that exists for women who are exploring this path, making this episode a must-listen for anyone considering a leap into the IA industry.

What happens when a warehouse worker becomes a successful entrepreneur? That's the story of Chris Stanley, owner of IA  Path and the original host/captain of the Independent Adjuster Podcast. His journey is a testament to continuous learning, understanding one’s worth, and the power of mentorship. As we sit down with Chris, he warmly walks us through his shift from a warehouse job to a thriving business owner and how his fascinating lifestyle of living on a sailboat set a foundation for adaptability and resilience - necessary qualities for a rewarding career in the insurance appraising industry.

Along with his fascinating personal journey, Chris sheds light on the birth and vision of IA Path. He shares how he built a business from scratch, capitalizing on his unique experiences and the training he received from his father-in-law. Chris candidly discusses the importance of quality training for insurance adjusters and the value of mentorship in navigating the industry. His insights offer invaluable lessons for anyone standing on the brink of a new venture or a career change.

As we ponder on the exciting future of claims, Chris offers his perspective on the potential of virtual claims handling, the need for independent adjusters to expand their skillset, and the importance of diversification in the industry. He also talks about the vibrant IA Path community and its mentorship program, a safe space where members can learn, grow, and make their mark in the insurance adjusting industry. You won't want to miss out on this insightful episode that paints a hopeful picture of the future and offers practical advice on succeeding in the industry. 

So, buckle up for a deep dive into the world of insurance adjusting with Chris Stanley!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to successfully transition  to being an IA?  

Get ready because today we're chatting with Eric Greiner, a versatile guide in the independent adjuster appraisal industry and a mentor at IA Path. Eric shares his fascinating journey from a decade-long career in sales to the auto service industry, and finally into the independent adjuster appraisal industry. His military background and previous roles as a service advisor and manager of his own mechanical shop have all fed into his success today. 

We'll unravel the ins and outs of the adjuster appraisal industry as Eric shares his valuable experiences. He talks about overcoming the first challenging months in the field, highlights the importance of training and repetition, and gives us insights into how a strong estimator can lead to better pay. Moreover, he'll discuss his strategies on how to negotiate a rate increase and when it's the best time to ask for it. Eric also explains how to evaluate your own worth, understand the market rate, and be prepared for these essential conversations.

But that's not all! Eric will also delve into how he diversified his business and manages multiple streams of income. He'll stress the importance of networking within the industry, having a good scoper, and understanding the role of the estimator in the claim writing process. Eric's story is filled with ups and downs and offers a wealth of knowledge, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the independent adjuster appraisal industry. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an enlightening ride with Eric Greiner!

What happens when you mix a builder, a pastor, a businessman, and a teacher together? You get Brad Fancher, our guest in this episode, who has walked these diverse career paths with resilience and determination. Buckle up, as we explore Brad's fascinating journey from the construction site to the pulpit, from running businesses to helping shape future auto appraisers at IA Path.

Brad's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of seizing opportunities. As he navigated the building industry, he discovered a niche in auto appraisal which he dove into headfirst. He willingly shares the trials and tribulations he faced in starting his business in the appraisal industry, likening the experience to climbing a mountain while pulling a boulder. His insights on the importance of loyalty, leaving on good terms and the invaluable role of platforms like LinkedIn in growing your business are not to be missed.

But Brad's journey doesn't end there. His role at IA Path is where his passion for teaching and helping others to excel shines through. From the unique teaching methods to his willingness to take on a mentorship role, Brad's contribution to IA Path has been instrumental. And if you're considering a career in the insurance industry, or looking to grow in your current role, Brad's insights on the potential of earning a great living in the auto appraisal industry and heavy equipment claims are essential. Listen in, as this episode promises to be an inspirational conversation with a man who has truly worn many hats.

What happens when a car enthusiast, a Craigslist ad, and a passion for auto restoration collide? You get Jim Berger of CFL Auto Appraise who turned his love for automobiles into a full-time career in the auto appraisal industry. In this episode, we explore Jim's fascinating journey, discuss the challenging world of diminished value and prior valuation, and the specialized knowledge needed for classic car inspections.

Discover the intriguing tactics insurance companies use to lowball their customers to settle claims and the important role independent appraisers play in negotiating fair settlements. We also delve into the challenges of accurately assessing the value of classic cars and the need for expert knowledge to navigate this niche industry. Jim shares his experience working with insurance companies and his clients, and the impact his work has on their lives.

Lastly, we discuss the importance of marketing for public adjusters, the investments needed to build a successful career, and the need for diversification in the auto appraisal industry. Jim emphasizes the significance of having a solid marketing budget and leveraging technology to stay ahead of the competition. If you're a car enthusiast looking to turn your passion into a thriving business, don't miss out on this episode packed with valuable insights and advice from a true industry expert.

Ever wondered how a passion for cars can turn into a successful career as an independent appraiser? Join us as we sit down with veteran appraiser Rusty Meeks, also known as the West Virginia Ninja, to explore his journey from a sales director in Florida to finding his niche in the auto appraisal industry through Chris Stanley's IAPath. Rusty shares valuable insights on the power of communication, relationship-building with appraisal firms, and the impact of responsiveness on reputation.

Discover how Rusty's experience in moving to Indianapolis and building trust with clients through excellent communication skills helped him establish and grow his business. We also delve into the challenges of managing contractors, maintaining work-life balance, and the importance of diversifying in the appraisal industry. From branching out into heavy equipment and classic cars to navigating the ever-changing auto industry, Rusty's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and staying connected.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the West Virginia Ninja himself as he shares his advice for success in the field, emphasizing the need for flexibility, time management, and the willingness to branch out into new territories. Whether you're an aspiring appraiser or simply a car enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help you stay ahead in the fast-paced world of auto appraising.

Looking to thrive in the independent appraisal and adjusting industry? You won't want to miss our latest episode, where we examine the five main elements that can make or break your success in this field. We've done our homework and consulted with seasoned adjusters to bring you insights on cost-effectiveness, parts usage, repair times, and striking a balance between fairness and equity when handling claims.

We also emphasize the role of clear communication in managing cycle time, scheduling, and delivering high-quality appraiser reports. Discover strategies for navigating weekend and holiday times, asserting yourself when needed, and understanding carrier policies and procedures. 

Plus, learn why quality files are essential in the claims industry and how great photos, accurate documentation, and precise estimates can set you apart.

By tuning in to this episode, you'll be better equipped to tackle the complexities of the independent appraisal and adjusting industry and forge strong relationships with carriers and firms. Get ready to elevate your game and excel in your business by understanding and implementing the metrics that matter most. Join us now for this essential conversation!

Koby Hearn talks about the biggest obstacles you'll face as an independent insurance adjuster or auto damage appraiser and how to overcome them.

He shares from his own personal experience and from helping mentor hundreds of adjusters and appraisers as a mentor at IA Path.

Beat the 3 walls by listening to this episode and applying his suggestions!