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PODCAST

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast

Welcome to Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, where insurance professionals can hear discussions by experts on a variety of topics related to what you may see in claims. We’ll discuss roof damages, electrical and HVAC system losses, product failures, fire origin and cause, workers’ compensation, complex commercial properties and equipment, and so much more. Each episode features guests from Alpine Intel’s operating brands—HVACi, StrikeCheck, National Fire Experts, Donan Engineering,

business management

All Episodes

00:39:27

Certified Fire Protection Specialists: How To Tell if...

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/08/08

In this episode, Alpine Intel Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols is joined by National Fire Experts Certified Fire Protection Specialists (CFPS) Ted Forbes and Ryan Bain to discuss why it’s important to evaluate fire suppression systems following a fire incident. You’ll understand the difference between the certified fire investigators who determine origin and cause and the fire protection specialists who analyze whether fire suppression systems prevented or failed to prevent the spread of a fire

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00:07:51

Take 10: Using Expert Vehicle Forensics in Litigation

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/07/16

In this short episode, Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols returns with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories and Curtis Whitfill, Vice President of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations. They discuss the role potential litigation plays in the evidence-gathering and preserving process for vehicle crash investigations and auto claims.Discussed in This Episode:What SIU investigators consider going into the assignmentThe

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00:35:55

When You Should Turn to Vehicle Forensics in Auto Claims

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/07/02

Learn how vehicle forensics and other investigation techniques can be included in the auto claims process during this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols discusses what a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder, infotainment equipment, and 3D scan can tell adjusters with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories. Curtis Whitfill, vice president of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations, joins to provide

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00:33:35

Large Loss Claims and the 100% Assessment Process

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/06/18

On this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols explores the 100% structural assessment process with Jarrod C. Burns, MS, PE, Founder and Principal Engineer of BSC Forensics, part of Alpine Intel’s suite of services. Joining them is Pre-Loss* Co-Founder and Executive Large Loss Specialist Steven Romero, CPCU, AIC, ARM, who offers insurance-industry insight into how this method helps during disputes by reducing exposure and providing easy-to-understand

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00:22:33

Simplifying Answers to Complex Claim Questions

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/06/04

On this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Alpine Intel’s Chief Revenue Officer, Reza Nikrooz, joins Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols to discuss the risks insurance adjusters face when they seek to settle a claim. Using his background in the insurance industry, he explains the risk of making a settlement decision without having all the facts, as well as steps adjusters can take to help ensure better accuracy for claims involving electrical and HVAC equipment. Additional ResourcesAlpine Intel

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00:11:08

Take 10: Protecting Against Lightning and Surge Damage

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/05/14

Alpine Intel’s Customer Education Director, Jay Dykstra, is back on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast to discuss measures policyholders can take to protect their electronics from lightning and high voltage surge. He’ll explain to Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols and our listeners some options to prevent power surges—and why they’re not always enough.Additional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/3GPSOEKStrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/43mXlY2Additional Lightning and Surge Resources:Article:

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00:34:57

Assessing Surge and Lightning Damage

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/04/23

Alpine Intel’s Customer Education Director, Jay Dykstra, once again talks with Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. This time, their conversation revolves around lightning damage to electronics, HVAC equipment, and more. Jay sheds some light on why policyholders often suspect lightning when another peril is at play, how experts deliver an accurate cause of loss, what items are particularly susceptible to lightning and surge damage, and much more. Discussed in This

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00:25:57

Believe in Better: Core Industry Principles With CEO...

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/04/09

Chris Nichols welcomes a very special guest to this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast: Damon Stafford, Alpine Intel’s CEO. Damon talks about the philosophies he lays out in his book, Believe in Better: The Evolution of Core Principles That Pioneered an Industry, in which he draws upon his decades of experience to share tips about how leaders can succeed, particularly in the evolving insurance industry, by demonstrating core values, embracing innovation, and getting the most out of your

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00:08:52

Take 10: Real Assessments of Wind-Related Roofing Claims

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/03/26

This episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast features Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman and Donan licensed Forensic Engineer Josh Hegenderfer sharing intriguing their own stories of inspections of roofs with suspected wind-damage. These examples highlight the unique possibilities in each claim and that the actual cause of loss isn’t always what it was reported to be.Additional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4hytgJ0Donan Engineering:

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00:07:05

Diagnosing Wind Damage to Asphalt Shingle Roofs

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/03/12

Returning guest and Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman, and Donan licensed Forensic Engineer Josh Hegenderfer join Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols to talk about how wind can damage asphalt shingle roofs and other perils that might be mistaken for wind. They share their respective insights as a former adjuster and an onsite inspector, so listeners can know when an objective expert assessment is beneficial and what to look for from the engineer’s investigation and

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00:07:05

Take 10: Fire Hazards in Commercial Kitchens

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/02/26

National Fire Experts Certified Fire Investigator Mark Howard once again sits down with The Savvy Adjuster Podcast host Chris Nichols to talk about kitchen fires. This time, they’re exploring what makes commercial kitchen fire investigations different from residential ones, including the equipment and additional parties more likely to be involved in fire claims impacting hotel, restaurant, or cafeteria kitchens.Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3EUvdC1National Fire

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00:28:56

Investigating Residential Kitchen Fire Claims

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/02/12

Join host Chris Nichols in this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast as he chats with National Fire Experts (NFE) Certified Fire Investigator Mark Howard about residential kitchen fires, including range top and cooktop fires. You’ll learn how NFE’s systematic approach to fire investigation helps answer questions adjusters ask about each unique claim. Chris and Mark will also discuss common kitchen fire causes, what interviews can contribute to an investigation, and much more.Discussed in This

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00:06:30

Take 10: Scene Investigations of Questionable Vehicle...

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/01/29

Host Chris Nichols is once again joined by Curtis Whitfill, VRC Investigations’ vice president of SIU compliance and CE programs. Continuing with the theme of scene investigations, this episode explores why they are so important in claims where vehicle insurance fraud is suspected. Learn what red flags might indicate questionable claims and what information an investigator can obtain to confirm their veracity.Additional Resources Register Now! Putting the Brakes on Auto Fraud Webinar:

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00:34:15

Why To Prioritize Scene Investigations

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2025/01/15

In 2025’s first episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols welcomes VRC Investigations’ Vice President of SIU Compliance and CE Programs Curtis Whitfill to delve into the importance of scene investigations. Find out what red flags adjusters notice that may indicate the need for an expert, techniques VRC employs to get the evidence to verify claim facts, parties they interview, and more.Discussed in This EpisodeTypes of claims that benefit most from scene investigationsRed flags that

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00:37:35

How Code and Regulation Updates Impact Claims

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2024/12/18

We wrap up 2024 on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast with a discussion about how recent and upcoming changes to codes and regulations can impact claims, and a look at the various sources available to adjusters who want to make sure they’re making accurate settlement decisions. Host Chris Nichols is joined by returning guests, Alpine Intel’s Director of Customer Education Jay Dykstra and Donan’s Principal Forensic Engineer Rich Grimshaw, as they touch on HVAC refrigerant legislation, building codes, and

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00:09:17

National Fire Experts: PC360 Luminaries Class of 2024

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2024/11/20

Host Chris Nichols welcomes National Fire Experts General Manager Pat Walsh and Senior National Fire Experts Account Executive Kathleen Riley to talk about NFE’s use of customer feedback and insurance industry pain points to enhance origin and cause investigation offerings. This earned the brand a spot in PropertyCasualty360’s Insurance Luminaries Class of 2024 in the Claims Innovation category. In this short episode, learn how NFE addressed cycle time concerns and updated reports to ensure

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00:39:08

Water Damage to Structural Elements

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2024/11/06

On this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols is joined by Donan’s Principal Forensic Engineer Rich Grimshaw and Senior Project Engineer Alec Haugdahl to discuss the huge topic of water intrusion, leaks, and other sources of water damage to structural components. Learn from their expertise and experience about internal and external water sources, which structural elements are more vulnerable to moisture damage, and what adjusters should ask when water is a suspected cause of

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00:10:58

Take 10: Smoke and Fire Damage to HVAC Equipment

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2024/10/16

Host Chris Nichols is once again joined by Alpine Intel Customer Education Director Jay Dykstra. This time, Jay’s delving into “the dreaded puffback.” Learn what puffbacks are, what can cause them, and what these challenging (and messy) claims can look like for both the adjuster and assessing expert. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.Additional ResourcesAbout Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/487xK6eAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/489HmxmAdditional Puffback

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00:36:31

Smoke and Fire Damage to HVAC Equipment

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2024/10/02

Host Chris Nichols talks about the causes and effects of smoke and fire to HVAC systems with Alpine Intel’s Customer Education Director Jay Dykstra in this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. Find out why even distant fires may lead to a claim, which different types of smoke can impact equipment, how changing codes and regulations affect adjusters’ processes, and more. The HVAC Smoke and Fire Claims Webinar referenced in this podcast takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 2 PM. You can find a

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00:12:30

Take 10: Parallel Fire Claim Investigations

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast ·

2024/09/04

Senior National Fire Experts Account Executive Kathleen Riley and NFE Fire Operations Manager John Hill join host Chris Nichols again to talk fire investigations. Specifically, they delve into how both adjusters and certified fire investigators can collect and analyze witness statements – even when stories change or don’t support the facts of the claim. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.Additional ResourcesAbout Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3Th6njRAlpine Intel Resource

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