Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network - June 2015

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

June 2015 Volume XXII • Number VI

Serving MVCA Since 1994

www.MidValleyClaims.org

An Analysis of A Fire Subrogation Case at June 19 MVCA Join MVCA This Friday

June 19, 2015

Ron Hall

Ron Hall & Associates, Inc. at

Pa pa pa v lo’s

Mediterranean Bistro

501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton - see page 5

Sign-Up NOW to Play and/or Sponsor the

- see back page

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2015

Your 2015 Mid-Valley Claims Association Board of Directors 2015 OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

Norman-Spencer Agency, Inc.

Frontier Adjusters

Royalty Restoration Services

(209) 478-1422

(209) 529-3110

Centralcalclaims@aol.com

gbishop613@comcast.net

Sherry Wenograd

Staci Moreno

(209) 946-6674 StaciMoreno@Norman-Spencer.com

Gaye Bishop

2015 BOARD MEMBERS Bob Bishop

Danielle Dynes

Private Investigator Global Hawk Insurance

DeeDee Hintze

Katie Howard

Restoration Mgmt Co. Sierra Env. Testing & Consulting, Inc.

TREASURER & PAST PRESIDENT Deena Lucero

Frontier Adjusters (209) 603-5006 midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

John Tucker

York Claims Services, Inc.

Marvin Wenograd Frontier Adjusters

MVCA Rep to the Claims Conference of Northern California DeeDee Hintze & Katie Howard

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2015

So Much On The Horizon For Mid-Valley Claims - JOIN IN!

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Dear Association, Here we are, June 2015? As we move on to the next half of this year, we have an exciting few months ahead of us. Starting off, I would like to thank Thomas Lepper for his presentation on Tires at our May 15th luncheon meeting. He had some very useful information for us, including what the numbers and letters on the side of your tires represent. He stressed the importance and safety of maintaining the correct pressure in each tire to avoid future mishaps. I greatly appreciate Mr. Lepper taking time out of his schedule to give his presentation to our association.

This month I would like to welcome back Ron Hall of Ron Hall and Associates. Mr. Hall will be giving his presentation on “An Analysis of a Fire Subrogation Case”. This should be a great presentation for all of us. Mr. Hall will take us step by step through an actual fire subrogation case, following the current fire industry standards. I hope you will be able to join us at Papapavlo’s for this presentation.

For the month of July and August we will not be having a luncheon.

July 10th is Mid-Valley Claims 50th Annual Golf Tournament. If you haven’t heard Elvis will be stopping by the tournament, so sign-up now we still have foursomes and sponsorships available. Registration begins at 9:30am with Shotgun at 11am. This year we welcome “Ha-

ven of Peace” a non-profit organization located in French Camp, CA. Haven of Peace is the first homeless shelter for women and children in San Joaquin County founded in 1959. They offer help and guidance to local homeless women and children in our county. A portion of the tournament’s proceeds will be donated to Haven of Peace. To find out how you can help their cause, please visit www.havenofpeaceinc.org.

Join MVCA members August 11th & 12th at the 22nd Annual Claims Conference of Northern California; “Hot August Claims”, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Sacramento. Early Bird attendee registration runs through June 16, 2015.

Attendees are encouraged to register now. There are a few remaining Exhibit Booths. Space is limited so reserve one now!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our 2015 golf committee members for assisting our Association with the planning of our golf tournament. This years golf committee members are as follows; Katie Howard – Sierra Environmental Consulting Latasha Wallace – K2GC Jackie Mezeul – P.W. Stephens Environmental

Dee Dee Hintze – Restoration Management Deena Lucero – Frontier Adjusters Bethany Woodward – 1-888-4-Abatement Danielle Dynes – Global Hawk Staci Moreno – Norman -Spencer Agency, Inc. Once again, if you have not renewed your membership please see Deena at registration at the June luncheon and she will be able to assist you. You can also renew online or by U.S. Mail.

If anyone has any suggestions or comments you would like to address, please feel free to contact me at: stacimoreno@norman-spencer.com or (209) 570-9180. I look forward to hearing from you.

See you all June 19th.

Sincerely your 2015 President,

Staci Moreno

2015 Mid-Valley Claims Association President Boat & Yacht Claims Manager Norman-Spencer Agency, Inc. Marine Insurance Services StaciMoreno@Norman-Spencer.com Direct:(800) 633-8606 ext.1380 Fax: (209) 466-0260

RON HALL & ASSOCIATES, INC FIRE ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH

(800) 666-0622 Tel(916) 635-3441

WWW.RHA-FIRE.COM • Full Service Fire Investigation • Evidence Storage & Preservation • 7 Day Report Submission • Code Research 11151 Sun Center Drive, Suite A Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2015

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

MVCA

CLAIMS INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS Gary E. Mingus, GEM Search Group provides both Temporary, Temp to Hire and Direct Hire placements in the Insurance Industry also, placing Vendors related to the Insurance Industry. Call Gary Mingus 866-935-4426 or email to Gary@GEMSearchgroup.com. Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

BMS CAT has Current Open Positions In the S.F. East Bay Area: We offer top pay, advancement opportunities, company paid medical and more!

Construction Estimator / Project Manager: We are looking for individuals with construction estimating experience using Xactimate Software. This position will also be responsible for managing the project through completion. The right candidate will demonstrate the ability to make decisions, direct and motivate others.

Outside Sales - Emergency Response: The ERC is the first person on-site when a commercial property suffers a fire, water damage or other large scale event that would cause loss of business. This position will provide advice, counseling, and secure the business for BMS CAT and solidify the project prior to a project manager taking over.

Crew Supervisor: We are looking for natural leaders who can inspire those around them to perform at high levels. This position will lead, train and motivate team members in all facets of our operation. The ability to survey a project and envision the steps required to achieve completion are critical. Experience in restoration is required. This is a hands-on multitasking position.

Regional Account Manager: We are looking for individuals who have experience calling on and selling to insurance adjusters and agents, commercial property owners and management companies as well as commercial facility managers. This is a relationship building role and you will be tasked with assuring that when disaster hits, we are the vendor of choice for remediation and rebuild. 90% of your time will be spent in the field.

To apply please visit our web site at: www.bmscat.com click on the “employment opportunities” link at the bottom of the page and complete our on-line application.

SR Casualty Claims Adjuster - York Risk Services Group, Inc is currently seeking candidates to fill a SR Casualty Claims Adjuster position. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 10 years GL experience with 5 years public entity experience preferred. Visit our website www.yorkrsg.com/careers and appy to position SLASACRAMENTO01071501. Will consider candidates in the Bay Area as well.

Experienced estimator needed for a busy General Contractor located in the East Bay and specialize in insurance reconstruction repairs throughout the Bay Area. We are seeking an Estimator with experience in property insurance related claims and a background in construction.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: • Experience working with Xactimate estimating software and knowledge in property claims handling • Sales experience in maintaining relationships with existing clients as well as a constant commitment to cultivating new ones • Excellent communications skills along with attention to detail and follow through • Good computer skills: Excel, Word and Outlook • Able to balance job site visits throughout the greater Bay Area and office work • Clean driving record Competitive salary, benefits and 401K. Please email resumes to: gen.info@msconstruction.com.

2015

Luncheon meetings are held the THIRD FRIDAY of each month at Papapavlo’s in Stockton, except where indicated. updates at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendar Now: Friday, June 19, 2015 Luncheon Meeting -

Ron Hall - Ron Hall & Associates

Friday, July 10, 2015

50th Annual Mid-Valley Golf Tournament!

“Rockin’ Around 18 Holes” - see back page

Tues-Wed, Aug 11-12, 2015

22nd Annual Claims Conference of Northern California

“Hot August Claims”

www.ClaimsConference.org

Friday, September 18, 2015 Luncheon Meeting

Ulises Castellon, CPCU, with Fire Cause Analysis

Friday, October 16, 2015 Luncheon Meeting

Friday, November 20, 2015 Luncheon Meeting

Neil Callahan with The Law Offices of Borton Petrini

Friday, December 18, 2015 Holiday Luncheon party

CCNC 2015 Program Schedule Monday August 10, 2015 - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 pm

Fire Claim Investigation - Subro, Arson and Other Exposures Tuesday a.m. Keynote Address: The Ring of Power

Tuesday August 11, 2015 schedule

- Commercial Trucking Accident Investigations What to get before it is gone CE Credits = 2 - Earthquake Claims CE Credits = 2 - Construction Defects CE Credits = 2 - Protecting the insured against statutory and non-statutory liens, including Medicare CE Credits = 2 - Earthquake Claims CE Credits = 2

- Tile Roof Damage Assessment CE Credits = 2 - Avoiding the pitfalls of Crawford and Additional Insured tenders and what the future may hold - Fighting Back Against an Appraisal Ambush - A Case Study - Track 3 - Managing a Complex Suspected Property Claim CCNC Casino Night

Ulises Castellon, CPCU RPA Wednesday August 12, 2015 schedule

Dealing With Counsel In Handling and Surviving sThird Party Litigation CE Credits = 1 Settlement: From First Phone Call to Final Handshake CE Credits = 2 Hoarding CE Credits = 2 Investigative Technology : Social Media and Geolocation in the Real World CE Credits = 2 Ethics 3 CE Credits = 3 CCNC Drawing and Closing

Register Now at www.ClaimsConference.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2015

Ron Hall with “An Analysis of a Fire Subrogation Case” at June 19 MVCA

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Join the Mid-Valley Claims Association Friday, June 19, 2015, as we welcome Mr. Ron Hall, of Ron Hall & Associates, Inc. Fire Investigations.

Mr. Hall will present his topic, An Analysis of a Fire Subrogation Case". This presentation takes the attendees step by step through an actual fire subrogation case, following the current fire industry standards. From the initial fire scene examination, the lockdown of thescene, notice to potential defendants, the joint fire scene examination by Origin and Cause investigators, and Electrical Engineers, to the collection and preservation of evidence. Also covered is the forensic analysis of the collected evidence leading to the final expert opinions. In addition the case covers the challenges that can be expected and the final outcome of the case.

Ron Hall is an internationally recognized Fire Expert representing over 500 law firms, insurance companies and manufacturing companies throughout the United States and Canada.

Mr. Hall’s expertise includes all phases of fire investigation, fire behavior, fire spread and general code compliance.

He has a degree in Fire Science and a teaching credential at college level in the field of Fire Science. He has

instructed at the California State Fire Academy’s Arson Section, the Department of Material Sciences at University California Davis, and numerous seminars and workshops for fire, police, building departments and insurance companies throughout the nation.

With over 40 years experience in the field of Fire Investigation, he has qualified as an expert over 60 times in Superior and Federal Courts nationwide.

Join MVCA This Friday

June 19, 2015 Ron Hall

Ron Hall & Associates, Inc. - fire investigators at

Pa pa pa v lo’s

Mediterranean Bistro

501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton

Purchase your monthly lunch, and pay your annual membership dues online, directly, at: www.MidValleyClaims.org Choice of Luncheon Entree Served

Just $22 for paid 2015 Members $28 for Non-Members or No Reservations Or, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make your reservations now with 2015 MVCA Treasurer Deena Lucero: 209-603-5006, or midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

Construction & Restoration Specialist CA License# 877420

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2015

Mid-Valley Claims AssnNewsNet Services Directory CONTRACTORS - ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 8440 Elder Creek Road bmetcalf@amer-tech.com • (916) 388-2440 Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com 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. - Jason Kettlehut 3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962 Loomis, CA 95650 jasonk@pwsei.com

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 - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com HUGON CONSTRUCTION 4601 Spyres Way Suite 1 (209)491-2620 Raquel.hugonconst@yahoo.com • (209)581-0149 Modesto, CA 95454 K2GC GENERAL CONTRACTOR, INC. - Ken Turnage We treat your home as if it were our own, www.K2GCinc.com • (925)754-5232 and value your time as we do our own.

K2GC@comcast .net

FIRE INVESTIGATORS - continued

JOHN MILLER INVESTIGATIONS (JMI) - John Miller, CFI Throughout Northern California (530) 346-1111 jmi@jmifire.com • www.JMIfire.com

RON HALL & ASSOCIATES - RON HALL/KARLA JONES Throughout Northern California (916) 635-3441

OVERSPRAY REMOVAL

www.RHA-fire.coms

NATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California

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

PROPERTY RESTORATION-CLOTHING SPECIALIST

FRSTeam by CUSTOM COMMERCIAL - Jim Nicholas (800) 80-SMOKE • (916) 920-0482 910 Striker Avenue, Suite E Fax (916) 920-0483 Sacramento, CA 95834

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 8440 Elder Creek Road bmetcalf@amer-tech.com • (916) 388-2440 Fax (916) 388-2445 Sacramento, CA 95828 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com ROYALTY RESTORATION SERVICES - Kevin Messer/Gaye Bishop 1331 Granite Lane kevin@royaltycleaning.com • (209) 529-3110 Fax (209) 529-3187 Modesto, CA 95351

CONTRACTORS-MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf 8440 Elder Creek Road bmetcalf@amer-tech.com • (916) 388-2440 Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445 BELFOR USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Jason Kettlehut 3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962 Loomis, CA 95650 jasonk@pwsei.com

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

COMPLERE ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. - Gene Wilkins, P.E. Fire C&O, Property Liability, Thermography, Structural, Combustion Safeguards 4230 Kiernan Av., Suite 210 wilkins@complere.com • (209) 545-8165 Modesto, CA 95356 www.complere.com • Fax (209) 545-8170

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

SIERRA ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING, INC. - Chris Hintz P. O. Box 1563 www.SierraEnviro.com • (209) 366-3684 Woodbridge, CA 95258 Fax (866-612-8294

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Throughout California, (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nevada, Arizona, Oregon & N. Dakota inquiry@fcafire.com

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Next Deadline for submissions is June 26, 2015 call 209-229-8240 or fax FAX# 209-229-8328 info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

The Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the MVCA 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., Inc. or MVCA. We 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. We reserve 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.MidValleyClaims.org

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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • June 2015

Lepper Returns with talk on Automotive-related issues, including tires at May MVCA

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By Lynna Harrison

The Mid Valley Claims Association welcomed Mr. Tom Lepper of Garrett Engineers, Inc. to speak at their May 15, 2015 Luncheon Meeting.

Mr. Lepper brought his consider expertise to the group with a focus on Automotive-related issues - a good deal of which focused on tires.

He passed around part of a tire tread for the group’s examination.

He stated the importance of considering, before going to litigation, “was the tire the cause of accident?”

He outlined numerous aspects of knowledge surrounding tires. For example, all the tires need to be the same size to be safe. He explained the numbering system found on the sidewall of every tire, which contains a lot of important information.

“PC” for Passenger car, and “LT” for light truck, etc. They also print the Department of Transportation Number and the first two letters tell where the tire was made, as well last four digits indicating the year in which each time was made.

When purchasing a car look for all this info on the tires, he suggested Other tidbits he shared: tires should never be more than eight years old; the proper inflation is vital (do not rely on low-tire sensor in the car).

State law now mandates that, when only two new tires are being purchased, they must be installed in the rear position.

He also spoke about the “Event Data Recorder “ that came out in the late 90’s, when air bags came out. He stated that, legally, the information found in those boxes belongs to the driver - not necessarily the owner of the car - at time of accident..

Mr. Lepper’s presentation was most informative, even despite not being able to utilize his powerpoint slideshow.

New MVCA Board Member Danielle Dynes, of Global Hawk Insurance.

John Miller, of John Miller Investigations

MVCA President, Staci Moreno, above right, and board member Katie Howard.

May guest speaker, Tom Lepper, of Garrett Engineers

JOHN MILLER INVESTIGATIONS, INC. FIRE ORIGIN AND CAUSE H NFPA 921 & 1033 Compliant H IAAI-Certified Fire Investigator H NAFI-Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator H Evidence Retrieval, Storage & Examination Facilities Located between Sacramento & Stockton, California Established 1998

530.346.1111

Licensed in California (21626) and Oregon (33966)

www.JMIFIRE.com

JMI@JMIFIRE.COM

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