| Author |
Message |
Gale Hawkins
| | Posted on Thursday, December 09, 1999 - 10:44 pm: | |
Dave thanks for your efforts to date and all that you will be doing to help carry out the mission statement, “perpetuation of the professionalism of this trade”. As everyone knows every flood starts out with one raindrop. Several raindrops are just kind of ignored by most. Steady raindrops over time gets most peoples’ attention yet they often assume it will soon stop and everything will go back to the way it was before the first raindrop fell.
Based on many of the post I read and the few personal responses I received I think the raindrops will continue until many are surprised that there is a flood of support for the changes needed to move the trade forward. It will be slow building but it seems the ground is getting more saturated which is usually required before a flood can occur.
All the efforts to date have been positive for what you and others are doing on behalf of the trade. Just look how many years and how much effort Roy has put into CADO so the discussions of late could happen. If Roy had just created the site and then a few weeks later decided to kill it because of only getting a few hits history would be different today.
The water is rising a long time before the news media calls it a flood. Today most of the organizing will not be apparent to many, never the less it will continue. It may be years before a ton of results will be seen and many will fall by the wayside. True and lasting change usually never happens overnight. Most changes around us occur without us being aware of it and then suddenly it seems to appear overnight and catch us off guard.
As long as a need exist there will always be a few that keeps on keeping on until the need is met and the masses benefit from their efforts directly or indirectly. Yes, we do have the responsibility to try to leave things better than we found them but only a few will do it. There are many that want the benefits without paying the price to get them but that is OK. Their ways wind up hurting themselves more than the rest.
Doing the right thing even when others are saying it is the wrong thing still brings internal peace even if the outward results is less than we had hoped for at the time. One thing that life has taught me is that if one will only keep moving forward there are others that will step into the ranks just in time to help you reach a worthwhile goal. It will happen here, as we keep moving forward on this continuing worthwhile endeavor. |
R.D. Hood
| | Posted on Monday, December 06, 1999 - 9:49 pm: | |
Well, its as suspected, Not one (1) of the carriers even profered a polite refusal, (Im really not suprised, are you?)
Several of those mentioned in the initial post have responded favorably, and with they as the core group, we may be able to start a reasonable dialouge.
Some postings infer that "only those with certain credentials will benefit". Nothing could be furthur from the truth. The objectivity, or "Mission Statement" for some, IMHO, is the perpetuation of the professionalism of this trade. Nothing more, nothing less.
The ranks are open to all, including newer members. We all have had, dues to pay, to become successful in any endeavor we ventured into. This trade is no different. Are all of the associates going to be AIC and or CPCU's, absolutely NOT.
There is no reason, that comes to mind, why an individual , who is interested and dedicated to becoming a catastrophe adjuster, or remaining in the business, cannot become aware of the basic principals & requirements that this business requires. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to do this job, and yet, you do have to be endowed with some common sense, be trainable, be compasionate, honest, hardworking and presentable.
The tenor of the board , does not seem to agree with the various polls that have been replied to. The majority of the polls suggest that we DO need a professional association, and NOT a union. Why dont we have some additional suggestions from all, old dogs and puppies alike, as to what YOU think it will take to make this happen.
We older people will not be around too many more years, and why should we pass on, without leaving some of the knowledge and experience with those that may appreicate it? (Maybe the younger ones wanna re-invent the wheeel? If it ain't broke, dont fix it.) |
Evan Black
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 01, 1999 - 12:36 am: | |
A very good friend of mine out of Austin, Tx once remarked while in a state of agitated sobriety, "I'm not just independent, I'm damned independent!" This is one of the ironies of our trade. Being an independent adjuster often finds us in the role of a Don Quixote swinging at the evil windmills by ourselves. Thus we become a sort of loose cannon. But coming together in a mutually supportive organization with purpose and
courage, we morph from individual loose cannons into regiments of tanks with direction and goals that are attainable. (Please pardon the heavy GI symbolism.) Observing the poll results indicate a large majority think this is a good idea.
Is the next question, What's next? Do we as individuals have the Brains, Heart, & Courage to carry thru on this concept? For the sake of Dorothy, Toto, the rest of us munchkins, I sure hope so. |
Eric Carlson
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 1999 - 12:05 pm: | |
While you're at it, why not set some standards for the industry. I've seen many postings asking for a common file format that would allow adjusters to use whatever software program they desired and be able to transmit a claim in a standard format that could be shared between all property adjusting software programs. The PHANTOM seemed to think that "software peddlers" weren't important to the formation of an organization like the one that is being proposed but it seems that this is one area that could really benefit from input from all involved parties.
I'm aware that there are some standards that are out there already (X-12, Accord, etc.) but until there is one standard that is freely available to all vendors we really can't call them standards. With the advent of XML (which most of you have probably heard of--it is similar to HTML which defines the layout of web pages except that XML defines the structure of data) there is a common standard that all software could write to and read from. We at Hawkins Research would be willing to do a large part of the development and simply make it available to the adjusting industry. Much of the work could be done in a forum environment similar to this so we could get input from everyone involved.
Do any of you think this is important enough to add to your list of 4 or 5 things that the new organization should accomplish or would it better be left to another organization? |
Jim Flynt
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 1999 - 5:57 am: | |
Gale, just remember that in 17 states and the District of Columbia no license is required to be an adjuster, and in fact, they do not even have a licensing process or adjuster's license. (Source: NAIC - National Association of Insurance Commissioner's)
Therefore, residents in 17 states and the District of Columbia can just wake up this morning and decide to call themselves a "Catastrophe Adjuster" and as far as their state or district are concerned, they are in fact allowed by law to adjust and call themselves an adjuster. (Gee, haven't we all met a few of these?)
As for the naysayers out there whom you mention will come out of the woodwork, WHO CARES? They are generally the negative souls who never have any positive ideas or things to say and would be much happier if they could convince the rest of us that the world is still flat.
As Dave Hood has so amply said, LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY.
The time is now, the time is right, and for those who are true professionals or the newer adjusters willing to pay the price to become a professional, then welcome aboard the train. For the rest of you, please stay off the tracks. As my Daddy used to say, "never stand in front of a trend or a train with the idea you can stop or slow down either." |
Gale Hawkins
| | Posted on Monday, November 29, 1999 - 11:30 pm: | |
Dave having a truly professional organization with full-time professionals like Roy, yourself or the others out there heading it up can change the cat-adjusting world forever. Optometry associations across this country have fought and won many battles to lift that profession in status and income and in many states they now prescribe medication and do much more post surgery follow-up care than in the past. One of my optometry classmates spends many hours a year away from his practice because he is at the capital working for or against bills that are in committees that will impact the state association members practicing in the state. Lifting oneself to a higher station in life is not without great price and often education is the best way.
The big thing I hear from experienced adjusters is how easy it is for a non-adjuster to become an adjuster. It is not that way in most professions. There will be a need to fight at the state level for true licensing of adjusters. Having different level of licensing could be considered as well. The schools teaching adjusting need to be state accredited intuitions and not just some group out to make a quick buck during off-season times. Since I do not know any group this is not personal but regardless where their quality is good or bad it is bad for the profession as a whole if those doing the training are not accountable to anyone for their quality or content.
CADO would need to work up what curriculum the schools need to be teaching and lobby each state to see that it become law. The state insurance commissionaires should be excited to help inform the CADO committee responsible for getting this done. They are in office to protect the citizens of their state and how much easier that would be if they had a professional group of licensed adjusters working for the carriers. It seems that if a carrier used the services of such professionals that it would enhance their standing with each state insurance commissioner.
Ironically this will raise the adjuster’s status (income) and still save the carriers money because the quality of workmanship will be higher but if there is truly an adjuster that begins to drop his standard of workmanship he or she can lose their licenses. The lazy ones that just want to ride the coattails of the others are going to fight a professional organization being formed that has teeth. If it does not have teeth it is not a professional organization to begin with, only a social organization and for the most part a waste to the professional’s time and money.
I am sure you and others interested in making a lasting impact on the industry know how much work and how many years it would take to see the desired results but at some point a few have to say “now is the time and if it is to be it is up to me”. The insiders will have to do the work because those outside the adjusting industry do not care about your future the way you do. The momentum is in favor for this reform of the adjusting industry’s future to continue from this point forward. Union cat adjuster had some good points but just the wrong vehicle for a group of professionals.
There are those already saying it can’t, it won’t happen and all the other negative things possible but one thing I have learned is that really the only ones that truly succeed are those that learn from their earlier failures and get up and try again. True failure is when you fail to get up and try one more time taking a different approach. Dave I will help any way you think it can. Let’s look for a similar profession that has successfully done this thing so we can copy or modify what worked best for them. Any ideas? |
Jim Flynt
| | Posted on Monday, November 29, 1999 - 4:52 am: | |
PS to Dave Hood:
Dave, Thanks for the honor of including me on your list and I stand ready, willing and able to work with your group to create the proper vehicle to carry this industry into the next century.
Just remember, there were naysayers who said man would never fly and that those new fangled machines would never replace horses.
Thanks for having a vision Dave. It is about time we all did. Now, let us make it a reality. |
Jim Flynt
| | Posted on Monday, November 29, 1999 - 4:44 am: | |
A list of the movers and shakers in catastrophe adjusting would not be complete without the name of Dave Hood included. I am sorry that "The Phantom" does not know Dave or has never had the opportunity to work with him. That is the Phantom's loss, but for those of us who have, it has been one of life's blessings and a richly rewarding experience.
Dave is not only a first class adjuster of the highest order, but a first rate human being as well.
Keep up the good work Dave and please know that your name is on MY (short) list! |
Admin
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 1999 - 6:57 pm: | |
I know R.D. Hood.
R.D. Hood was one of the first supporters of the CADO site and has been a visitor and supporter of this site since it first went online over five years ago. As far as I know he has always used his real name while making post and has made numerous post over the last five years providing a vast amount of information and resources to Adjusters. His aim has always been to help and support his fellow adjuster even at the risk of losing work from vendors. You can find some of his work at this site by reviewing "Katt's Report" and searching the Forum Archive for articles that he has posted (over 120 the last time I checked). He might want to give consideration adding his name to the list.
Sincerely,
Roy Cupps
CatAdjuster.org |
Evan Black
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 1999 - 3:31 pm: | |
Mr Phantom,
I accept your apology. And to Mr Paladin and to Dave, I thank you for your quick draws in defense of sincere questions and ideas surrounding this topic that we all are facing in the evolution of our industry.
On a personal note, I do not smoke. |
THE PHANTOM
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 1999 - 2:52 pm: | |
PALADIN, YOU ARE SO RIGHT. I APOLOGIZE TO MR. BLACK AFTER GOING BACK AND READING PREVIOUS POSTINGS.
HOOD, YOU ARE ALMOST RIGHT. I WAS FLIPPING HAMBURGERS UNTIL A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND I FOUND THIS WONDERFUL PROFESSION AND FOUND OUT ONE DOESN'T HAVE TO KNOW MUCH TO GET INTO IT AND MAKE ALL THE BIG BUCKS, SO HERE I AM. SINCE YOU SAY WE ARE GOING TO GET ONE OF THOSE UNIONS OR SOMEONE TO LOOK AFTER US, I AIN'T GOING AWAY EITHER.
THE PHANTOM STRIKES AGAIN! |
Dave
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 1999 - 1:10 pm: | |
Mr./Ms.(And the term is used extremly loosely)Phantom:
Your blantant disregard for your fellowman deserves no comment, ergo: __________________________________________________
From now on only those posts that are made, and worthwhile, pro or con, will be replied to on these pages, all the others can get out of the way. Im extremely doubtful that this individual has anything to do with our business and thank you, LORD for that. |
Paladin
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 1999 - 12:57 pm: | |
Phantom,
It would appear that the question is what are you smoking. If you had been following the previous posts you would realize the stated postions of the persons you mentioned and yes they are different people.
Do us a favor and go back to sleep |
THE PHANTOM
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 1999 - 10:54 am: | |
IT APPEARS THAT THE "UNION ADJUSTER" HAS COME OUT OF THE CLOSET. BOY, WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU SMOKING? WHATEVER IT IS, IT HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL FOR SURE! ARE THE NAMES BLACK AND HOOD TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE OR ONE? SEEMS WE CANNOT FIND ANYONE IN THE INDUSTRY THAT KNOWS YOU. ANYWAY, I WONDER IF ANYONE KNOWS WHAT YOU WANT INCLUDING YOURSELF. DO YOU WANT AN ORGANIZATION OF ADJUSTERS, VENDORS, OR SOFTWARE PEDDLERS? VENDORS AND SOFTWAREE PEDDLERS HAVE NO BUSINESS DIRECTING ADJUSTERS AND SHOULD NOT EVEN BE POSTING MESSAGES ON THIS SUBJECT. AS LONG AS YOU WANT A SUICIDE MISSION, I THINK YOU SHOULD LEAD. BETTER YET, WHY DON'T YOU THROW AWAY THOSE LEFT HANDED CIGARETTES, PULL THE NOSE OF YOUR PLANE UP BEFORE YOU RUN AGROUND, AND THINK A LITTLE. YOU MIGHT COULD BE A SURVIVOR IN THIS BUSINESS AND EVEN HELP THE OTHER HALF-DOZEN WANTING SOMEONE ELSE TO DO THEIR LAUNDRY. |
Gale Hawkins
| | Posted on Sunday, November 28, 1999 - 3:22 am: | |
Thanks Dave for thinking of me :) Not being an adjuster, vendor or carrier I really do not have a dog in this fight but from my experience of working with all three groups it seems all three want the same thing so getting some common guide lines in place concerning each others' needs and wants should not be too hard. Finding someone that is not already working 80 hours a week will be hard. If something is not done we may just see the carriers staffing more, using telephone adjusters more and letting the contractors handle the adjusting side as well. Dave what would you expect would be required time wise to do the job you had in mind? Could much of it be done by web, email or phone? |
R.D. Hood
| | Posted on Saturday, November 27, 1999 - 6:22 pm: | |
Here it is, my fellow compatriots. Sink or Swim, Fish or cut bait,Yes or No?
The following people, whom, IMHO, are in the forefront of this Industry, are desired to assist. They are leaders in their particular fields of endeavor.
If they wish to entertain the responsibilities associated with the formation of a forward thinking, respected and much needed ensemble of the "Catastrophe Adjusters" at large, then we all need to express a vote in whom shall lead.
The following individuals, based on only my personal knowledge of their efforts, deserve to be considered.
1) Roy Cupps, (Adjuster & CADO webmeister)
2) John Postnova (Vendor & Software Mfg.)
3) Gale Hawkins (Software Mfg.)
4) Jim Flynt (Adjuster, AIC,CPCU & educator)
5) Art Boyle (Vendor & Ex-carrier Rep.)
6) Billie Powers (Vendor)
7) Bob Harter (Vendor)
8) Chuck Deaton (Adjuster)
This list does NOT include the necessary representation , much needed and desired by the carriers. Perhaps some, at least three (3) WILL VOLUNTEER.
Any and all suggestions, recommendations,and / or volunteers for participation are certainly welcome
and will be open for the next 10 days. After that those that agree to participate will commence the undertaking.
Here is a concrete proposition for a start. With a concerted effort , all of the objectives can and will be met in the next 180 days. Times a'wasting folks, whats stopping YOU from doing something, anything, nothing but watch????
The time for all the rambling, pontificating,and useless banter on this site is past.
IT IS NOW OR NEVER, for all of those truly concerned and committed to stand up and be counted. (In the alternative, you can lie down and die......) |
|
