Because Experience Matters with Jack Hanks

On this episode of Because Experience Matters, Jack Hanks—Executive and Shareholder with Gavnat (formerly VPA Claims)—sits down with Chad Williams, P.E., a seasoned professional engineer with more than 20 years of experience in civil engineering, building codes, and structural design. 

Drawing on his extensive background, Chad and Jack explore the important role building codes, engineering, and technical knowledge p...

On this episode of Because Experience Matters, Jack Hanks—Executive and Shareholder with Gavnat (formerly VPA Claims)—sits down with Sean Mata, Director of External Communications at Daly & Black, to discuss the current state of public adjusting and what today's professionals need to know. 

Drawing on years of experience, Jack and Sean explore how the industry is evolving, from changing regulations and client ex...

Jack welcomes longtime friends and roofing industry leaders Justin Dant and Brian Arnold for a straight-shooting conversation on business, mistakes, and the current state of the industry.

Both Justin and Brian entered roofing in 2010, pivoting from real estate and homebuilding after the market crash. Their early wins—from selling dozens of roofs in days to scaling multi-million-dollar companies—set the stage. But it&rsqu...

Jack sits down with roofing industry leader Josey Parks, the new force behind the Win The Storm conference. From humble beginnings knocking on doors at 18, Josey built a thriving career through innovation in specialty roofing and technology. After years of success in metal and tile roofing, he pivoted to developing AI-driven solutions with his company, Think Unlimited—matching the right reps to appointments and boosting contr...

Jack sits down with Galen Hair—renowned property casualty attorney and founder of the Level Up Claims Summit. Based in New Orleans, Galen has long stood out not only for his legal expertise but also for his commitment to integrity, personal development, and industry education.

What started as a frustration with flashy, sales-heavy events evolved into a vision: a one-day, high-impact summit with zero “pay-to-play” a...

Jack sits down with litigator Galen Hair. He is a Partner with Insurance Claim HQ as well as Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys.

Galen was brought up in a relatively poor household and took up vocal performance at Boston University in 2003, graduating in 2006. He then went to law school at Tulane University and, in 2008, he received a summer associate opportunity at Ropes & Gray where he had his first taste of the property c...

Jack sits down with Latinos En Roofing Founder Amparo Sancen.

Amparo worked as a medical assistant for years after moving to the U.S. and was quickly inspired to enter construction after getting to know a number of clients in that industry. With her limited knowledge and lack of resources, she eventually quit her job and made the leap.

Within six months, she had learned enough to get into the remodeling business. Eigh...

Jack sits down with Heather Hitchcock, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Roofing & Construction of Texas, a woman-owned residential and commercial roofing contractor that services the Greater Houston area.

Listen in as Heather reflects on her journey of overcoming personal demons that, until she regained her faith in God, forced her into drink and other self-destructive habits well into her adult life.

She talks ab...

Jack sits down with longtime friends Todd Stern and Chris Courville to discuss their greatest lessons learned on the journey to establishing their own forensic engineering firms.

Todd Stern spent his entire career in the construction industry. In May 2022, he co-founded Orlo Forensics alongside Patrick Snowden, where they specialize in collapse, fire, flood, hail, wind, and disaster investigation and design. They’re br...

In this episode, CEO of Hail 911, Jack Pinsel, talks with Jack about working with family and navigating friendships and business relationships. Jack has served as Hail 911 CEO for over 23 years, and CEO of Elite Call for 24 years.

The Jack's share how the industry looks on the inside vs. from the outside, experiencing storm chasing, handing off the business, making an impact on the industry, and goals for 2023, all on this e...

In this episode, Partner at Green Klein & Wood, John Wood, joins Jack to talk about AI, the idea of humachines, using AI in the claims adjusting process, sustainability, practicing law, and getting John’s advice to his younger self.

John is an author, attorney, and educator, and his work has been featured in journals, including the NYE Journal of Law and Liberty and NYU Environmental Law Journal.

Key Takeawa...

In this episode, the Owner of Tree Guardian, Jacob Guidry, talks with Jack about the tree services industry and working with Public Adjusters. Jacob understands trees inside and out. When other local tree services can’t handle a job, they call Jacob.

Jacob talks about his military history, financing his tree operation, dealing with insurance companies, branding consistency, the storm game, and Jacob’s advice to his young...

Host: Jack Hanks

Special Guest:  Chad Robinson

Episode Summary

In this episode, Your Damage Lawyer, Chad Robinson, PLLC, talks about the other side of the insurance industry. Chad graduated with cum laude from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, and holds a BSc in Telecommunication from the University of Florida.

Chad and Jack talk about the moment that Chad went over to the other side, Florida’s rocket do...

Host: Jack Hanks

Special Guest:  Zach Moseley

Episode Summary

In this episode, Founding Partner of MMA, PLLC, Zach Moseley, talks about his experiences throughout his career. Zach has a vested interest in protecting policyholders’ rights, settling hundreds of property cases throughout his career. He holds a BA in Finance from the University of Texas and a JD from Louisiana State University, and a diploma in comparative law ...

Because Experience Matters Podcast

Special Guest: Joseph Hughes

Episode Summary

In this episode, Owner of Contractor Dynamics, Joseph Hughes, talks about construction, business, branding, and parenting. Joseph and his team share a passion for helping businesses leverage digital media to grow their brands.

Joseph and Jack talk about creating content while running a business, being real with our kids, the power of branding, being transpa...

Host: Jack Hanks

Special Guest:  Chip Merlin

Episode Summary

In this episode, the Founder and President of Merlin Law Group, Chip Merlin, talks about his prolific career. Chip as the “Babe Ruth of Hurricane Lawyers,” following Superstorm Sandy, and as the “Master of Disaster” for his nationwide work following Hurricane Katrina.

Today, Chip and Jack talk about the major changes in the industry, sending claim...

Host: Jack Hanks

Special Guest: Steve Badger

Episode Summary

In this episode, Partner at Zelle LLP, Steve Badger, talks about disasters, disputes, and Darth Vader. Steve holds a BS in Economics from the University of Utah and a JD from South Texas College of Law.

Steve and Jack talk about the lack of training in the field, the lump sum, what appraisals are supposed to look like, proving bad faith, the problem of licensing, maki...

Host: Jack Hanks

Special Guest:  Logan Graff

Episode Summary

In this episode, Partner and VP of Sales and Operations at Crest Exteriors, Logan Graff, talks about partnerships, parenting, and positivity. After spending time in prison, Logan got into sales and turned his life around. Today, he lives his passion by helping others overcome their challenges to take control of their lives.

Logan and Jack talk about his career pa...

Host: Jack Hanks

Special Guest: Doug Quinn

Episode Summary

In this episode, Executive Director of The American Policyholder Association, Doug Quinn, talks about the fight against insurance fraud. Doug holds a degree in Political Science from SUNY Geneseo.

Today, Doug and Jack talk about the experiences that made him who he is today, generational differences, his experience with Superstorm Sandy, and the enormous extent of insurance fra...