East Bay Claims Association News Network - May 2019

East Bay Claims Association May2019

Since 1993 with East Bay!

Volume XXVII Number V

w w w. EastBayClaims.org

Third Annual

EBCA Paint Night!!!

Plan Now to Join-In with The East Bay Claims Association for the third annual WEDNESDAY

JUNE 12, 2019 6pm-9pm @ Zio Fraedo’s

611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA

Sign Up Now, at: www.EastBayClaims.org Members and guests may attend for just $40 per person or $65 per couple includes individual admission, painting canvas & supplies, one drink ticket per person, and sponsored hors d’oeuvres.

Limited Sponsorships are Also Available: Gold Sponsorships just $250 each! includes two paint tickets Silver Sponsorships just $100 each!

Construction Defect Issues Discussed at April EBCA

More inside Structural Errors & Potential Effects on Claims

4

EBCA is pleased to present our own John Ehlert, as our special guest speaker Wed., May 8, 2019

Getting To Know Your Leaders

5

EBCA Board Member, Bryan Harrison

EBCA Day @ The A’s!

Day baseball July 17

8

2

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

President

Vice President

Bosco Construction

RegasGroup Environmental

Bosco Construction

jennifer.pinney@boscoconst.com

amaya@regasgroup.com

eastbayclaims@gmail.com

Jennifer Pinney (408) 462-8310

Secretary

Amaya Fine (916) 757-4019

Treasurer

Hailey Ayres

John Ehlert

(925) 286-4093

(925) 469-8000

Past President

Gemma Houser

JR Structural

Paul Davis Restoration

john@jrstructural.com

gemmahouser@hotmail.com

(510) 760-7571

Grow Your Business to the next level

We are the First Responders “First Responder”!

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Consulting for ASBESTOS | LEAD | MOLD | BACTERIA

Same Day…

3 INSPECTIONS 3 REPORTS 3 ON-SITE CLEARANCES

Call or email us today for fast, reliable service

916-235-3110 service@regasgroup.com

www.RegasGroup.com

Start an Ad Campaign with Association News Network Be Seen • Be Real!

Call Bryan Harrison

925-708-5569 (cell)

bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

WATER DAMAGE CLAIMS • Electronic Leak Detection & Repair • Sub-Slab Plumbing • Sewer Line Video Scans • Pools, Spas & Fountains

800-353-LEAK

www.AmericanLeakDetection.com

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

Riding In The Wake of EBCA BINGO!

May, 2019 President’s Message

By Jennifer Pinney, 2018-’19 EBCA President MAY 2019

VOLUME XXVII . NUMBER V

EBCA Mission Statement:

The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

In order to accomplish this mission, the Association provides a forum and network for insurance claims professionals to meet and share information. This forum and fundraising events held by the group also help to connect insurance claims professionals in local communities and expands public awareness of the work performed by insurance claims professionals.

Hard to fathom that we are already into the month of May! The kids will soon be out of school for Summer, as the days are drying out and heating up. I look forward to this time with my family, and hope you are able to enjoy it, as well.

2018-’19 EBCA President Jennifer Pinney

A big East Bay Claims shout-out to our April guest speaker, Mr. Kurt Ahlich, PE, with ARCCA. Kurt provided us with a very informative look at Construction Defect-related issues. The topic was pertinent not only to the adjusters in the room, but to most everyone else in one fashion or another. He did a great job of keeping to the educational issues of his discussion, and steered clear of any commercial pitch for why his services are the best. That, to me, speaks highly of his integrity and faith in his own ability to share his knowledge in useful ways. Thank you, sir!

As you all know, in lieu of the golf tournament this year, we have decided to take-in a baseball game. It’s a DAY GAME, with first pitch at 1:05pm on Wednesday July 17th.

It is the Oakland A’s vs the Seattle Mariners. We will be treated to special seating in the right field ‘Budweiser Hero Deck’, with food and space to move about. We’ve priced continued page 4

www.pwsei.com

3

4

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

President’s Message continued from page 3

this as equitably as we can, and will be looking for sponsors to help make it a memorable afternoon. This is going to be a great event!

Join us in welcoming our own EBCA Treasurer, Mr. John Ehlert, PE, as our next luncheon guest speaker, Wednesday, May 8th. John has graciously (as is his way) offered to enlighten us all with a taste of his expertise in Structural issues with potential effects on claims. Invite your associates, clients and friends, and sign-up now!

Our 2019 Membership drive is still going strong! If you haven’t signed up for your individual, or corporate membership, which comes with three memberships, please contact Lynna Harrison at 925-785-7021.

As always, on behalf of myself and your East Bay Claims Association Board, we thank you for all of your support. We also thank all our sponsors for always donating and supporting us.

Kind Regards,

EBCA 2019

Schedule of Upcoming Events • WEDNESDAY

May 8 - Luncheon

• August 27-29 - 26th annual CCNC

John Ehlert, JR Structural Structural Failures- see page 5

CCNC returns to Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe updates at: www.ClaimsConference.org

• WEDNESDAY

Ken Ridings, Engineering Design & Testing

June 12 - Evening Event

PAINT NITE!!! @ Zio Fraedo’s 6-9pm

• WEDNESDAY

July 17 -EBCA Day at The A’s

EBCA DAY GAME at the Coliseum Oakland A’s vs. Seattle Mariners - see page 11

• WEDNESDAY

September 11 - Luncheon

• WEDNESDAY

October 9 - Luncheon

Thomas Shechick, PE - Shechick Engineering Electrical Fires

• WEDNESDAY

November 13 - Luncheon

4th Annual EBCA Bowling Tournament Danville Bowl

• WEDNESDAY

December 11 - Luncheon

Holiday Luncheon Party

Jennifer Pinney

National Account Manager Bosco Company Direct: 408-642-8310 jennifer.pinney@schaperco.com boscoconst.com

Join the

East Bay Claims Association

for 2019 Today!

Jump On-Board NOW! Go to www.EastBayClaims.org

EBCA Designated Charitable Beneficiaries Include: 3 Bay Area Crisis Nursery

3 Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties 3 Shelter, Inc. - Contra Costa

5

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

Getting To Know Your Leaders EBCA Board Member, Bryan Harrison

publications for five (5) local claims associations. Those initial affiliated groups included: East Bay Adjusters; Central Coast Claims (S. Bay); Sacramento Claims; Mid-Valley Claims (Stockton/San Joaquin Valley); and the Mt. Diablo Property (Claims) Association. By 1996, HPS was continuing to expand, producing as many as 11 monthly Association News Network affiliated publications.

The internet was also fast becoming a medium of interest. About that time, Bryan overall business through the Association News had an offer from his computer provider to join a small group of professionals as EBCA Board Member, Bryan Harrison hard at play Network service he first established in 1993. the design component of a new limited liability start-up, Taylor Solutions, LLC. The original edition of ANN was for the charter affiliate East Bay organization, then “My time with Taylor Solutions, LLC, while fairly brief, provided me with a strong known as the East Bay Adjusters Association. Bryan tells the story of his business’s foundation of knowledge about web site development in the early days of the internet. modest beginnings.

Within a few years I was designing and hosting sites for each of our Association “Incoming EBAA President for 1993, Betty Neblett, along with her VP-elect cohort, News Network affiliates.

Gretchen Lord, urged me to work with their board to take-on an all-new approach “We not only expanded super quickly within the ANN affiliates,” Bryan said, “but to serving the association’s communications needs,” he explained. our graphic design and print brokering business took off, too. I was also still repre“The association had been attempting to keep up with their own internally-produced senting the annual CAG books for our ad clients, and Claims People for those who newsletter to keep the membership informed. Betty and Gretchen envisioned a wanted their all-in-one regional visibility. professionally-produced publication that could hopefully reach more than just their “The whole thing got kind of crazy. For a time, I was even commuting once or immediate membership - something that would also not cost the association any sometimes twice a month via Southwest Airlines to Southern California in support money (or so much time and effort for them) each month. of the two newest affiliate organizations we had taken on. We had a quarterly edi“At 32 years old, I had been involved with the association for a number of years, tion for the N. California Fraud Investigators, among others, as well,” Bryan said. working as an independent ad rep for the Casualty Adjusters’ Guide, as well as Previous to that explosion in growth, in 1994, Betty Neblett and Gretchen Lord Claims People Magazine. My business was also developing graphic design and had been working with then-president of the CAIIA (Calif Assn of Ind. Insurance print brokering services for my client base,” he continued.

Adjusters), Mr. Gene Riggs, and a host of others to develop what would become Bryan had previously established a somewhat similar arrangement with several the Claims Conference of Northern California. Their idea, based loosely on the claims associations on behalf of Claims People Magazine, which was being pub- Combined Claims Conference in Southern California, was to provide an annual lished monthly by an independent adjusting firm out of the Sacramento area. The conference for the continuing education benefit of claims professionals in the region. idea with Claims People had been to provide a page in each issue for the various The group saw Bryan’s involvement as an essential component to a successful launch, claims associations within the Northern California market region, to help promote and he was directly engaged from the earliest planning meetings. their activities. However, several groups had been expressing their preference to HPS grew to include as many as seven employees by 1996. As the operation was have their own focused publication. “The Casualty Adjusters’ Guide publisher was exploding, Lynna Harrison - Bryan’s mom - joined the team to help with ad sales contractually prohibited from any such endeavor, and the folks at Claims People and customer service. weren’t interested in such localized coverage and distribution,” Bryan explained.

“Lynna had extensive experience not only in sales, having worked for the CAG “I could see that if I started a commercially produced newsletter for one of the publisher for a time, herself, in the 1980s, but also within the insurance industry, groups (paid for by way of advertising sales), others would likely want a similar including as a claims rep. Plus, she had office management experience, having run product,” he said. the office admin for a moderate sized law firm in Concord. But, computers were Sure enough, within the first year and a half, the Association News Network, as such, completely foreign to her at the time. produced then by Harrison Promotional Services, had expanded to publish similar “We were just learning about computer networking possibilities back then,” Bryan

Long time member of the East Bay Claims Association, Bryan Harrison, continues to oversee communications on behalf of the organization.

For many years, now, Bryan has managed to sustain a good part of his

Continued page 9

Complete Rebuild Plans for Insurance Repair Projects

(Architectural, Structural, Title 24, Etc.)

2227 Willow Pass Rd • Concord • CA 94520

600 Valley Main Street, Suite K E 3942 Ave., Suite Pleasanton, CA 94566

925.469.8000

www.JRStructural.com

Structural Evaluations & Reports Residential Remodels, Additions, & New Homes

6

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

Construction Defect Issues Discussed at April EBCA

By Lynna Harrison

Kurt Ahlich, P.E. of ARCCA, gave a very informative presentation on Construction Defect Claims at the April 10,2019 EBCA Luncheon meeting.

Kurt Ahlich, P.E. of ARCCA, gave a very informative presentation on Construction Defect Claims at the April 10,2019 EBCA Luncheon meeting.

Mr. Ahlich took the crowd, that included a better than average adjuster audience, through numerous construction defect scenarios, relative to the claims handling process.

He posed the question: “Did the Claim happen because of Construction repair or a mistake in design or maybe wear and tear or maintenance?”

He stated that it’s always best to use a licensed registered contractor to determine cause.

He also emphasized the importance of establishing construction performance standards and code requirements.

Investigative work can provide a big assist in determining details. He suggested confirming the stated defect; identifying the types of material used, permit history, manufacturer components, etc.

A good engineer can also help establish who is responsible for

any defects, as well as cost of repairs, and is most likely to have the expertise and experience necessary to investigate, and helping to determine the cause of a property loss.

The 50/50 Raffle drawing of $53 was won EBCA Speaker Committee Chair, Kathleen Taylor, thanked Mr. Ahlich for his informative presentation.

by Mark Taylor of Velocity Solar.

EBCA Treasurer, John Ehlert, and Secretary, Hailey Ayres, welcomed the April crowd.

EBCA thank you to Eric Gacutan, EBCA President, Jennifer Pinney, ran of Alliance Environmental, for the April luncheon in good humor. providing table decorations

A good mix of members and guests attended the April 10, 2019 EBCA luncheon meeting, EBCA Board member, Eric Gacutan, of Alliance Environmental Group, assisted President, Congratulations to 50/50 Raffle Winner, Mark Taylor, where they were treated to an informative presentation on Construction Defects.

Jennifer Pinney with the raffle drawings. shown with wife and partner, Kathleen Taylor.

The Finest Name in Safe Overspray Removal

1-800-345-1269

Nationwide Mobile Crews – Immediate Response ISO 9001:2008 Certified

www.nationwideoverspray .com

7

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

Structural Errors & Potential Effects on Claims @ May 8 EBCA The East Bay Claims Association is pleased to present one of our own, Mr. John Ehlert, PE, as our guest speaker Wednesday, May 8, 2019 The East Bay Claims Association is pleased to present one of our own, Mr. John Ehlert, PE, as our guest speaker Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

John's presentation will address structural errors, and their potential effects on claims.

Construction projects inherently include an element of risk that the project will not be successful and/or stand the test of time. Typical factors that reduce the probability of success include: • • • • • • •

•

Adverse weather conditions Low quality materials Poor workmanship Theft or vandalism Uncooperative city officials Site drainage problems Unforeseen or hidden soil conditions (i.e. buried chemicals, unstable soils, etc.) ...many, many others

John Ehlert, the “JR” in JR Structural, received a BSCE from Michigan Technologoical University in 1985, as well as a Navy Commission - Naval Officers Candidtate School that same year.

He went on to earn hi MBA from Santa Clara University, with honors, in 1994.

He served as a Naval Officer, U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, Monterey, California from 1985-1989, before going to work at his first Civil Engineering position with Hoskins Engineers in San Jose, CA., from 1989-1992.

He then became a Structural Group Manaer for ATI Engineering Services in Danville, where he worked from 1992-1999, before starting his own practice as Principal of JR Structural Engineering, Inc. in 1999.

His firm was originally located in Danville, where they opened an office in the Spring of 2000. Three years later, again in the Spring, of 2003, the firm moved into a new, modern, office in the Hacienda Business Park in Pleasanton, where they remain today.

John is a member of the following professional organizations: • Structural Engineers Association of Northern California • Home Building Associations of Northern California • Build It Green • East Bay Claims Association (Treasurer) It is important to note that we can manage the risks associated with a project but we can’t eliminate them.

Despite our efforts, the forces of Mother Nature that built our mountains and valleys could eventually bring down the structure.

The elements recommended to manage risks on projects are specified to meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the Uniform Building Code and generally accepted local standards of practice. The UBC and local standards of practice include provisions that reduce the risks associated with a project to levels that are deemed acceptable and can be defended in a court of law.

is now a part of...

The national leader in forensic engineering and origin & cause services • Fire origin and cause investigations • Construction Defect Investigation • Fire protection engineering • Damage Assessment/Cost Consulting • Fire debris analysis • Design Services/CAD Drafting/Repair Plans Contact: 916.640.0640

1172 National Drive Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834

assignaproject@efiglobal.com or https://www.efiglobal.com/assign-a-project/ Engineering • Environmental, Health & Safety • Specialty & Consulting Services 888.888.2467 • www.efiglobal.com

Plan now to attend the next EBCA Luncheon Meeting

Wednesday

May 8, 2019 as we welcome guest speaker

John Ehlert, P.E. of JR Structural addressing

Structural Issues in Claims at

Zio Fraedo’s

611 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 11:30 am Check-in Luncheon 12:00 noon - 1:00pm

FREE, or by donation, to registered 2019 Adjuster Members Adjusters Now Join for FREE

(suggested $10 donation to the EBCA Charitable Fund)

$35 for current paid 2019 Associate Members $45 Non-Members/Guests or No Reservations

Purchase your lunch online, at: www.EastBayClaims.org

Otherwise, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make reservations now with 2019 EBCA Secretary, Hailey Ayres: (925) 286-4093 or eastbayclaims@gmail.com

8

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

People On The Move

PW Stephens Introduces Sheri Buenz new to EBCA

Sheri Buenz, of PW Stephens Environmental, Inc.

Hi All, the EBCA “New Year Kick-off Party “ was the 1st EBCA event I attended and really enjoyed meeting the EBCA community! I’ve enjoyed each one since, and look forward to attending many more events in my new marketing role with PW Stephens Environmental.

This is my second engagement at PW Stephens. Steve and Kim MacFarlane are longtime family friends. I previously worked for them as office assistant on my reentry to the workforce when Kim ran the Marketing Department. Steve, Kim and the crew at PW Stephens are family to me and I am delighted to be back!

Prior to raising a family, my education and early career were in the fashion design and visual display space. I have spent the last couple of years in retail and online sales marketing for high-end apparel. Retail and online sales marketing have changed a lot over the last few years and I enjoyed working in the fast -paced environment. My customer

base was built on relationships and I met many wonderful people who I am confident will remain life-long friends.

I have four boys who are all off on their own but as they say, “once a mom always a mom”! With that said, I feel privileged to have the time to start this new third career. Health, exercise and outdoor activities are huge areas of personal interest for me. So, it is really exciting for me to represent PW Stephens and their commitment to green solutions for abatement.

In my new role, I am the first point of contact for new and returning customers. My experience so far is that claims adjusters, contractors and property pro-

fessionals in general are constantly engaged and extremely busy. My personal goal is to be the “Big Easy” button for abatement and environmental projects.

PW Stephens is a long-time member of EBCA and respects the role that EBCA plays in the industry, and all the hard work of the board. I look forward to maintaining that partnership by strengthening our business relationships and earning your trust.

I look forward to meeting each of you and continuing to connect a face to your name & industry! Please reach out if I can be of assistance, I am just a call, text or email away.

Cheers! Sheri - 510-335-5469, or sherib@pwsei.com

Bolin & Marcee Launch City Water Conservation, Inc.

James Bolin and Colin Marcee are very pleased to announce the launch of City Water Conservation Inc., established on January 1, 2019.

“We’ve created this leak detection company of the future to facilitate the merging of the green home to the smart home in regards to water and to assist homeowners and their insurers in addressing their plumbing disasters,” they said in a press release announcement.

“Our services to the industry include non-invasive leak detection with a focus on cause and origin reports, direct slab leak repair and complete and partial re-piping - all possible through the ease of online booking with transparent pricing,” they stated. “This system allows us to operate at maximum efficiency, in turn, growing our serviceable area of coverage.”

City Water Conservations Inc. serves the greater Sacramento area, the East Bay to South Bay and the San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties that make up the Central Valley.

“Operating 7 days a week at no extra cost gives us opportunity to assist in emergency situations and provide flexibility for homeowners.”

James and Colin first got into the

claims industry as pupils to the two very best and most reputable leak detection companies in the region, gaining a combined 28 years of experience through the process.

City Water Conservation Inc’s leak detection specialist and co-owner, Colin Marcee, is originally from El Paso, Texas and planted his roots here in the Sacramento area back in 2010.

The company’s operations manager and co-owner, Jamie “James” Bolin, was born and raised in the South Bay until moving and maintaining establishment in the Central Valley from his teenage years to today.

Both Colin and James share that they each have only partial college experience and strive to be examples to the next generation that highly skilled and technical work in the claims industry is a good, honest living, driven by experience one can only find in the field.

James’ strongest accomplishment has been graduating from the accredited Ray Simon Police Academy in 2008, where he took the ethics and integrity instilled and applied it to his work in the claims industry as a repair and leak detection specialist.

Colin’s strongest accomplishment has been moving out to a new place

and picking up the leak detection trade while pairing it with his desire to offer great customer service, motivating him to blaze his own trail to help start his own company.

Colin and James’ bosses have been con- James Bolin & Colin Marcee, of City Water Conservation, Inc. tent with their work, and maintained a close friendship wished them the best and let them with excitement to now be working know “the door is always open”, together with their refined skill sets “and we admire them for their sup- to offer work with the same degree port,” they said. of professionalism learned from Colin and James had first worked the the best. industry together for their previous You can reach Colin personally at employer for almost four years (916) 365-1035 and James at (209) and separately for another four 652-4378 The East Bay Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network. Published monthly as a free service to the EBCA with a commitment and dedication to the promotion and betterment of this professional organization. The views and comments expressed within the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the views of A.N.N. or E.B.C.A. The publisher and/or the association assume no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing authors to the publication. Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. A.N.N. reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or placement. We encourage industry support of this professional organization, its monthly newsletter publication and web site.

Go to: www.EastBayClaims.org Bryan Harrison, Publisher Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.708.5569

Lynna Harrison, Customer Services Manager

Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.785.7021 © 1993-2019, all rights reserved • Association News Network • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304

9

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

EBCA Board Member, Bryan Harrison continued from page 5

went on to explain. ‘Why can’t I just use my typewriter,’ she used to say to me. She actually did an amazing job of learning basic computer skills - from data entry to word processing and more,” he said with a proud smile.

Tammie Snyder, known by many in the industry for her years of work with the CCNC, had answered an ad for a Computer Page Layout Designer, and soon became a very integral member of the HPS team.

“Tammie’s organizational skills were far beyond my own scattered/creative mind,” Bryan admitted with a laugh.

“She did an amazing job of managing production schedules for the booming business.”

Ultimately, however, pressures from trying to keep up with growth that happened all so quickly, along with tensions on the home-front, soon began to overtake the young businessman’s ability to manage it all.

Bryan acknowledged that his family and personal life suffered greatly as he continued to take on more and more. “The learning curve was steep and overran my abilities,” he stated. “The growth had a snowball effect. Struggling to keep up with all the overhead drove the need to continue bringing in more business.

‘Juggling’ it all was the reality of it, more than ‘managing’.

By 1998, tensions at home had come to a head, leading to divorce. The business nearly crumbled completely.

Fortunately, Tammie Snyder was in a position to buy-out the graphic design side of Bryan’s business. He sold off his meager interest in Taylor Solutions, LLC, and clung to the Association News Network to sustain himself in business.

“In the end, it all worked out. To say it was a tumultuous time would be grandly understating it,” he said.

In the intensity of it all, Bryan said he came to realize that playing guitar had long been a source of grounding and maintaining a sense of sanity. So, he began refining his chops, and writing songs (a practice he said he had been honing for years previous to all this), and began hitting the Songwriters’ Open Mic scene in and around San Francisco.

“My son, Chris, was in high school, but my daughter, Sarah was still in third grade. The divorce was arguably hardest on her. That said, they have both come through it well, and have found their respective paths forward quite nicely.”

Beginning in 2001, the East Bay Adjusters and Mt. Diablo Property Associations elected to join forces, forming a new organization known as the East Bay Claims Association.

“Randy Agnetti and JoAnn Dean were largely the ones who spearheaded that decision, but it made a lot of sense to all.

“A few years later, the Sacramento Claims Association and Property Claims Forum of N. California did the same thing. However, The Forum, as it was widely known, was absorbed under the Sacramento Claims banner.”

“Both of those newly rejuvenated groups have managed to continue thriving to this day even as the industry has changed fairly drastically.”

Bryan found the love of his life in “Cass”, a woman he met in line at a Starbucks in Stockton, while on his way to a Mid-Valley Claims luncheon in 2001.

“I missed the luncheon.”

He and Cass (a nickname for Patricia, given to her by her father), allowed one another the time and space to raise their respective children, keeping their personal relationship mostly separate from family for nearly seven years.

They were married July 7, 2007 (7/7/07) in his sister Vicky’s backyard in Pleasant Hill, by then President of the Sacramento Claims Association, and dear friend, Art Coussoulis.

The couple had rented a house together in Livermore earlier that year, and then purchased their first home together just about two years later, moving just over the hill to the new master-planned community of Mountain House.

Bryan also served as President of the CCNC in 2009, having been nominated

by Bill Hanamaikai to fill the role.

However, times in the industry were continuing to change. By 2011, most of the Association News Network affiliate organizations had dwindled considerably from the height of their growth.

A collusion scandal in S. Calif. between a few adjusters and a restoration company (not associated with the claims associations) some years before caused even the strongest of the numerous organizations throughout the LA basin to evaporate. The scare in its wake resonated throughout the industry.

Other groups closer to home dissolved and/or were unsuccessful in continuing to breathe new life into their efforts.

By 2012, with the remaining five organizations still standing looking like they would soon drop to three, Bryan said he was seeing the writing on the wall.

“At that point, I pretty much had all my eggs in one basket, and realized it would behoove me to expand outside of the insurance claims niche I have so long enjoyed.

“As it so happened, I found a need in our own backyard. The people of Mountain House had no means of communications outside of social media options, which attracted maybe ten to twenty percent of

the total population at the time. The idea formed, percolated for a time, and then seemed unavoidable. I launched a direct mail monthly newspaper, Mountain House Matters, in September of 2012.”

While Bryan is arguably more involved in the three claims associations that now make up the Association News Network than ever, Mountain House Matters has grown to become the primary piece driving the future of the business.

“We incorporated as Mountain House Matters, Inc. in late 2017, with ANN still a greatly valued division thereof, Bryan said.

Bryan still takes time to indulge his passion for music, playing regular gigs with his band, The Buds, and with his Mountain House-based band, MoHo Mojo.

“You can never take whatever success you might experience for granted,” he stated. “If not for all the wonderful relationships I have had the privilege of enjoying, I would not be able to continue to live my passion. I am eternally grateful for that.”

Novato

415/493-2211

Napa County/Vallejo/Benicia 800/648-1608

Contra Costa/Santa Clara/Sonoma/ Sacramento 800/480-TIDY

Oakland/Alameda 510/351-0581

Fire • Water • Smoke • Odor • Mold • Trauma • Vandalism Residential • Commercial

www.servicemasterclean.com

10

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

East Bay Claims AssociationNewsNetwork Services Directory

Paid Sponsorship listings directory - for info on being included, call 925-785-7021, or email: lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

CONTRACTORS-ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Dan Ward 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • Fax (510) 429-5010 JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - John Moore & the JM Team PO Box 2189 www.jmenvironmental.net • (916) 726-0304 Granite Bay, CA 95746-2189 Fax (916) 726-0340 P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICAL

TUCKNOTT ELECTRIC CO. - Robert A. Tucknott, CFLC Forensic Electrical Expert bob@tucknott.com • (925) 931-0800

www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL/RESTORATION

BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com CHAD SMITH CONSTRUCTION - Chad Smith 2227 Willow Pass Rd www.chadsmithconstruction.com • (925) 566-8755 Concord, CA 94520 chad@chadsmithconstruction.com • Fax: (925) 566-8757 COAST CONSTRUCTION - Steve Mink/Kevin Morgan 718 Kennedy St www.CoastConstruction.net • (510) 533-7168 Oakland, CA 94606 24 Hr Em: (510) 773-6379 MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION, INC. - Troy Brincat Residential & Commercial msconstruction.com • Pl. Hill: (925) 944-0502 24 Hour Em Service Fairfield: (707) 804-8880 • Stockton: (209) 982-0502 WINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (925) 383-5618 One-Call Contractor for all your Corp. office: (925) 689-9322 reconstruction needs email@wingardconstruction.com • Lodi: (209) 368-2464

CONTRACTORS - MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Dan Ward 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

ELECTRONICS RESTORATION

ENGINEERS - STRUCTURAL

JR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, INC. - John Ehlert 3942 Valley Ave., Suite K www.JRStructural.com • (925) 469-8000 Pleasanton, CA 94566 john@jrstructural.com

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES SERVICES - Shane Jones PO Box 452 (916) 417-5361 Lockeford, CA 95237 envss1ca@gmail.com PATRIOT ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY SERVICES, INC. - Michelle Basto 2186 Paragon Drive mbasto@patriotlab.com • Office (408) 452-9700 San Jose, CA 95131 www.PatriotLab.com • Cell (408) 921-9490

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Serving Clients (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nationwide! inquiry@fcafire.com

LEAK DETECTION/PLUMBING

AMERICAN LEAK DETECTION - Hillel Salomon P.O. Box 438 (800) 353-LEAK (5325) Berkeley, CA 94701 www.AmericanLeakDetection.com BULLSEYE LEAK DETECTION - Daniel Spatz 4015 Seaport Blvd. www.bullseyeleak.com • (916) 760-8944 West Sacramento, CA 95691 office@bullseyeleak.com

OVERSPRAY REMOVAL

NATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California

www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909 Safe Overspray Removal eric@overspray.net • (800) 345-1269

PROPERTY RESTORATION - CLOTHING SPECIALISTS

BRIGHT LEAF CLEANERS - Liza Wisecarver Servicing all BrightleafCleaners.com • cell (925) 406-9889 of Northern CA liza@blcleaners.com • office (925) 455-6000 FRSTeam - Jim and Courtney Nicholas 3201A Investment Blvd 510-723-1000 Hayward, CA 94545 Natalie Lagorio: nlagorio@frsteam.com

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Dan Ward 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com SERVICEMASTER OF OAKLAND/ALAMEDA - Jean Hughes 14498 Wicks Blvd servicemastereastbay@comcast.net • (510) 351-0581 San Leandro, CA 94577-6712 Fax (510) 351-4704 SERVICEMASTER RESTORATION SERVICES - Charles Hoage Serving Contra Costa charles@sharjo.com • (800) 480-TIDY Santa Clara & Sonoma www.svmcleaning-restoration.com

ERS - ELECTRONICS RESTORATION SERVICE - Andrew Titley 8698 Thornton Ave. www.ers-us.com • (510) 775-1959 Newark, CA 94560 andrew.titley@ers-us.com

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

I-ENG-A® OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA A Division of Pauli Engineering, Inc www.pauliengineering.com • (559) 237-4408 Cause & Origin Investigations, Plans for building reconstruction.

EFI GLOBAL - Michael OConnor, P.E. Civil, Structural, Electrical, (916) 640-0640 Mechanical, Fire O&C, Repair Plans www.efi-global.com

Thank you to all our paid listing subscribers, and all our publication advertising sponsors. Literally couldn’t do it without you!

Deadline for all Submissions for the next issue is

May 17, 2019

bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925-708-5569

East Bay Claims Association News Network • May 2019

East Bay Claims Association Members:

11

Please Save The Date and Plan Now to Participate!!

EBCA Day at the Oakland A’s!

First, we would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the 2018 EBCA Golf Tournament last year!

This year, EBCA has decided to shake things up a bit. We will NOT be hosting a golf tournament this year. We have decided to have a few other fundraising events throughout the year.

Oakland A’s vs. Seattle Mariners

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 “Budweiser Hero Deck” section in Right Field 1:05 p.m. game-time Thank you for your continuous support of this organization!

EBCA is excited to announce a fun opportunity to network and watch the Oakland A’s vs. the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday July 17!!

This is a DAY GAME, starting at 1:05p.m. We are in the process of sorting out sponsorship options, and such, but this is sure to be an excellent event!

We will be located on the Right Field Budweiser Hero Deck for this game. There will be sponsorship opportunities available soon, so please keep an eye out for our follow up email! For now, you are encouraged to purchase your tickets for the event on our site: www.EastBayClaims.org If you are still interested in participating in a local golf tournament, our sister organization – Mid Valley Claims Association will be hosting a golf tournament on Thursday, June 27th at The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton. More Sign up now at www.midvalleyclaims.org or please reach out to Eric Gacutan at ericgacutan@alliance-enviro.com or 707-330-3164.

East Bay Claims Association

2019 Membership!

The East Bay Claims Association depends on membership dues as a main source of sustainability. As a thank you to your dedication to this organization, EBCA is offering an “early-bird” membership discount, for both individual and corporate memberships.

As a member of the EBCA, you are encouraged to get involved! Beyond attending the regular luncheon meetings and other events the organization produces throughout the year, help is needed on committees and, ultimately, on the board of directors.

You can play a part in helping to shape a positive future for EBCA. Jump On-Board NOW! For more information and ways in which you can possibly contribute, speak with one of your EBCA officers or board members today! You can have a say!

Go to www.EastBayClaims.org

TO:

First Class Postage

Association News Network, Inc.

2455 Naglee Rd #263 Tracy, CA 95304 Return Service Requested

Getting To Know Your Leaders

5

EBCA Day @ The A’s!

Day baseball July 17

EBCA Board Member, Bryan Harrison

Construction Defect Issues Discussed at April EBCA

8

7

Structural Errors & Potential Effects on Claims @ May 8 EBCA The East Bay Claims Association is pleased to present John Ehlert, PE of JR Structural, as our guest speaker Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

John Ehlert PE

Join the

East Bay Claims Association

for 2019 Today!

Jump On-Board NOW! Go to www.EastBayClaims.org

Lic. #682814

Full Service Property Restoration & Reconstruction COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

• Water Mitigation • Mold Remediation • Contents/Pack-Out • Fire & Smoke Damage • Sewage & Sanitizing • Moving & Storage • Re-Construction • Post-Construction

925-944-0502 209-982-0502 707-864-8880 MARK SCOTT construction, inc.

MSConstruction.com 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

PLEASANT HILL / MAIN: STOCKTON: FAIRFIELD:

1.800.944.0502