The CSI of Insurance Claims - EP022 with Michael Ross

The CSI of Insurance Claims - EP022 with Michael Ross

Greyhawk founder Charlie Deaver sits down with Michael Ross, founder of Vision Forensic Engineering, a national firm that figures out why buildings fail and what really caused an insurance loss. Think CSI for claims: cause-of-loss investigations, telling the difference between real damage and fraud, and helping people get answers in their hardest moments. But this conversation is as much about building a business as it is about engineering. Michael shares his unlikely path from pastor to entrepreneur, the case that hooked him on forensics, the licensing mistake that nearly sank the company, and how he grew Vision from a spare-bedroom office to a firm of more than 80 people covering all 50 states in about five years. Along the way: betting on yourself, leading with faith, taking care of your people, and why real entrepreneurs are builders, not get-rich-quick day traders. CHAPTERS 00:00 A different kind of insurance episode 00:35 What forensic engineering actually is 01:42 Real damage vs fraud: the ball-peen hammer tell 03:09 When adjusters get it wrong 05:56 Meeting people in their hardest moments 06:48 From pastor to forensic engineering 08:11 The case that hooked him 10:25 Starting his own firm, and the licensing mistake 15:38 From 8 states to all 50 17:26 Hitting $1M in three and a half years 19:21 Betting on yourself, and faith through the fear 22:02 "$90K in debt... rookie numbers" 24:16 Taking care of your people, thinking generationally 31:21 Lawsuits, intimidation, and the 3% who don't quit ABOUT THE GUEST Michael Ross is the founder of Vision Forensic Engineering, a national firm providing cause-of-loss investigations and building consulting for insurance companies and private parties. A former pastor turned entrepreneur, he built the company from eight states to all fifty, and from a spare bedroom to more than 80 people, in roughly five years. FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: @greyhawkinsurance Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/pryces/got-it License code: IJFRDULSIGSMATU5

He Left A 10-Year Liquor Career for This - EP021 with John Young

He spent nearly a decade selling alcohol across Los Angeles. Then he watched the industry change for good and made the jump into commercial insurance. In this comeback episode of the Risky Assets Podcast, host Charlie Deaver sits down with John Young: former UCLA football player, longtime liquor industry veteran, and now a producer at Greyhawk Premier Insurance Solutions. John breaks down the generational shift that is quietly reshaping the alcohol business, including the stat that stopped Charlie cold: 80 percent of alcohol is consumed by just 20 percent of drinkers, and those drinkers are aging out. He talks about why he walked away from a successful sales career, what made him choose a smaller, family oriented shop over a big corporate agency, and what his first two months inside Greyhawk have actually been like. It is an honest conversation about career change, betting on yourself, and what it looks like to do right by the people you serve. CHAPTERS 00:38 Meet John Young 01:36 LA roots: Loyola and UCLA football 03:04 "Man for others": the Loyola network 04:39 Injuries and walking away from football 06:20 Family 06:56 From Aldi to a decade in liquor 08:05 How the pandemic gutted hospitality 10:27 Why nobody is drinking anymore 11:56 The pivot into commercial insurance 13:23 Why he chose the small shop over corporate 16:29 Two months in: learning inside the bullpen 19:30 What insurance really means, and the Greyhawk difference 22:03 Closing thoughts For more info on careers at Greyhawk: careers@greyhawkinsurance.com [careers@greyhawkinsurance.com]

The Importance of Being Honest - EP020 with Edgar Corona

Edgar Corona is our VP of Personal Lines at Greyhawk. We discuss: - Shifting from big-name employers (In-N-Out and State Farm), to Greyhawk - Trusting your gut - The importance of life insurance (at any age) - State Farm pulling out of California - Pros and cons of the brokerage side of the insurance industry - California Fair Plan = "nothing fair about it" - Why it always pays to be honest - Becoming the largest insurance brokerage in Santa Clarita, CA - Plans for future growth From Eddie: With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry. I specialize in providing tailored risk management solutions that protect business and individuals. At Greyhawk Insurance, I focus on delivering personalized service, ensuring clients understand their coverage while securing the best policies for their needs. My expertise spans in property & casualty and Life & Health. I'm passionate about building lasting relationships and staying ahead of the industry trends to offer protective solutions. For more info on personal insurance contact Eddie at: ecorona@greyhawkinsurance.com [ecorona@greyhawkinsurance.com] For more info on careers at Greyhawk: careers@greyhawkinsurance.com [careers@greyhawkinsurance.com]

The Future Is Insurance - EP019 with Bryan Houser

Bryan is our newest commercial producer here at Greyhawk. He comes from a dynamic professional background- from the entertainment industry, to owning a drone operating company and executive assisting. He has absolutely killed it this year, surpassing the national average for a book of business by 3xs! We also discuss the future of insurance as it pertains to AI and cryptocurrency.  If you are looking for help with your insurance, or are interested in a career, contact us @ info@greyhawkinsurance.com [info@greyhawkinsurance.com]

The BIGGEST little Company (That No One’s Ever Heard Of) - EP018 with George Sagadencky

George Sagadencky is an Area Manager for BBSI in Southern California. As a small business owner for over 2 decades in California he has a unique insight into the challenges running and growing a small business in the State. His understanding of risk management, payroll and employer tax requirements as well as human resource laws make his diverse background and strong relationship building a unique fit to be a partner with the small business owner. BBSI is a leading provider of business management solutions, combining human resource outsourcing and professional management consulting to create a unique operational platform that differentiates it from competitors. The Company’s integrated platform is built upon expertise in payroll processing, employee benefits, workers’ compensation coverage, risk management and workplace safety programs, and human resource administration. BBSI’s partnerships help businesses of all sizes improve the efficiency of their operations. The Company works with more than 5,600 clients across all lines of business in 50 states. For more information, please visit www.bbsi.com [http://www.bbsi.com/]. Our Model: - Provide Worker's Compensation in all class codes - High-touch approach services for small businesses within 50 miles of the Pasadena Branch - Aligned with the business owner's goals and vision - Deliver the resources, value and expertise of a full time Risk Manager, Human Resource Manager, Individual Payroll Specialist and Business Partner to help the business owner grow their passion - Business seminars on Harassment, CPR Training, Active Shooter Protocol, Best Hiring Practices - Cost and billing structure that brings predictability to the P&L For more information about Greyhawk Insurance, visit our website: greyhawkinsurance.com [http://greyhawkinsurance.com/] or email info@greyhawkinsurance.com [info@greyhawkinsurance.com]