What Makes A Great Adjuster

By Joshua Flora

As an Adjuster, Re-inspector, 2^nd Inspector, Trainer and Manager of Adjusters, I spend a lot of time fielding questions about what it takes to really become a great Adjuster.  On the individual side, I can sit down with someone and assess their strengths and point them in the right direction to create a path that will get them to that level, but for the masses, there has never truly been a 100% effective method to achieve the greatness that every new Adjuster looks for.  In any school or training you have been to, there have been suggestions and opportunities even gentle nudging from the IA you were working for, but in the end the one thing that is holding you back will always be You.

How do we work towards putting the “Great” back into the equation?

MEPS

As I said, every Adjuster starts out and they need a direction, a path that will get them to the end goal of becoming a “Hip Pocket” Adjuster.  A “Hip Pocket” Adjuster is one that has their name on the tip of every managers tongue.  MEPS is a perfect path to that goal.  Four steps and if followed will propel any adjuster who wants success, to the finish line.  That is not to say that this method is super easy and it can be accomplished in a day, but instead this method is designed to give any Adjuster who honestly wants to create a career as an Adjuster, the means by which they can stand out above the crowd.

What is MEPS?

M – Motivation

E – Education

P – Perseverance

S – Stamina

Motivation:

A motivated Adjuster keeps up with current events.  Watch the weather and monitor weather sites.  If you don’t know that there maybe work out there, then how can you be ready for it when it happens.

A motivated Adjuster does not wait for the phone to ring.  Pick up the phone and let the IA Firms know that you are available and willing to work.  An adjuster who thinks that every IA firm is just about ready to dial his or her number, just missed out on an opportunity to go on storm.

A motivated Adjuster is one who gets off the couch and gets out and works claims.  Set a goal for yourself and live up to it.  If you believe you can scope, write and settle 5-10 claims a day, then get out there and do it.

Education:

An educated Adjuster understands that he or she does not know everything there is to know about adjusting.

An educated Adjuster is one who takes every opportunity to advance their trade.  Any training can be great training.  Annual IA Firm conferences offer opportunities to extend your knowledge of the industry and provide a useful resource.

An educated Adjuster finds unique opportunities to advance their knowledge.  Lumber yards offer free training events on installation techniques for various skills.  Roofers and Restoration companies often hire Adjusters as estimators and offer the Adjuster with an opportunity to see the field from the other side of the fence.

Perseverance:

A great Adjuster has the perseverance to stay on storm.  The best storm out there is the one you’re on.

A great Adjuster has the perseverance to put up with the heat, the cold, the wet, the good managers, the difficult managers, the long hours, and the time away from home and family.

A great Adjuster has the perseverance to put with travel, uncomfortable hotels, high fuel costs, mosquitos and fast food.

Stamina:

A great Adjuster has the stamina to tie it all together and fill in the gaps.

Make your contacts.

Learn your trade.

Stay on storm and stay productive when you’re not on storm.

A great Adjuster saves money till they can get back on storm.

A great Adjuster maintains their license and completes Continuing Education during the downtime.

A great Adjuster stays prepared to deploy.

Ultimately, the goal here is to put “Great” in front of “Adjuster.”   Take the time that is necessary to put your MEPS plan into action and when your name comes up in conversation it is to keep you deployed, employed and at the top of your game.