“It sounds cheesy,” Don laughs, “but I
always try to leave things better than how I found them.”
Don Kaczmarek is a Casualty Adjuster who
handles bodily injury claims. What exactly does that mean? In its simplest
form, it means that Don is responsible for helping people through some of the
most distressing and stressful moments of their lives. For example, Don’s job
is to protect our insureds when they’re facing issues that look like this:
-
They are in a car accident and
someone claims to be hurt in that accident.
-
Someone falls on ice in their
driveway and breaks their leg.
Sometimes the situations can look much
more tragic than this. The bottom line - Don’s job is to be in our insured’s
corner as they get through what can often be trying times.
Don’s commitment to our insured’s
wellbeing doesn't go unnoticed. Don was recently recognized by his colleagues
at a corporate event, where he was surprised to learn that he had won a Vision
in Action award - a honor given through our Vision in Action program which is
designed to call out those who exemplify our dedication to providing a superior
experience to our customers.
Don was surprised and honored to receive
the award:
“It means a lot that other people notice
when you’re doing your best to do your job. It says a lot that you don’t have
to jump in front of everyone and wave your arms to be recognized.”
It was also meaningful to Don that it was
his manager who put him up for the award.
“I’m lucky because, honestly, my manager
is one of the best managers I have ever come to work for. He is supporting,
understanding and always has an ear to listen to me. He always makes time for my
colleagues and I and recognizes how important our culture is.”
While there are many stories that justify
Don receiving this award, there was one specific interaction that led to this
recognition. Don was dealing with a particularly tragic case where the insured
was distraught over the loss of his best friend, due to a construction
accident. The situation at hand included navigating a difficult legal situation
but Don was able to do so with sympathy, understanding and grace. Don’s
positive influence was so palpable that he received an email from the attorney
involved, saying “Thank you for your consideration throughout this case and
your honest approach to such a difficult manner. Your sincerity was profound.”
In addition to his personality and
ethics, Don also has the experience to back up his efforts, having been at NYCM
Insurance for 16 and a half years. Prior to joining our
team and the insurance
industry he worked at a fencing company for 10 years where
he would get laid off during the winter. His wife, who also happens
to be his high school sweetheart, was the one who brought him to us at NYCM. At
the time of Don’s joining our team, our Orchard Park office was run by his
wife, Cindy’s, father.
Don threw himself into the insurance industry.
He took his 90-hour pre-licensing course at Brian & Stratton and became a
licensed agent before also acquiring his General Adjusting License. When he
first joined NYCM, Don worked in Customer Service on the night shift
as well as on property claims during the day as a Property Claims Adjuster – if
someone filed a property claim where they suffered damage Don would go out and
assess the damage. While he has enjoyed his entire NYCM career, Don especially
loves what he does now.
“I love the interaction I get to have
with people. When an insured is being sued or is in an accident, it’s very
stressful for them and they are very scared. I get to go out and meet these
people, and tell them that we’re here to help and protect them.”
Don explained that some files can stay
open for much longer than you might imagine - upward of five years.
“It’s important to get to know people
right from the beginning of the process. That way, people feel more assured.
They already know you.”
Don continued that part of his job
entails attending trials where he observes and takes
notes.
“Our customers feel more comfortable
knowing someone in the room.”
Aside from dealing with serious
situations, Don also noted that his job can - at times - be pretty fun.
“I’m looking for witnesses and accidents…I
get to be a private investigator like a police officer, which I always wanted
to be as a kid.”
Aside from being a caring person on the
job, Don also enjoys giving back to his community. Don has been organizing
NYCM's involvement in the 5K Run the Burg race for Autism in Hamburg for 8
years and volunteers annually for Food 2 Families through the Foodbank of
Western New York.
In his free time, Don enjoys spending
time with his family. He and his wife have two kids: a 20-year old son who just
returned from boot camp for the National Guard and 16-year-old daughter whose
volleyball hobby keeps them busy. His wife still works at NYCM on the Quality
Assurance team. Aside from spending time with his family, his passion is fishing. He’s a proud boat-owner
and has even entered some fishing competitions. He especially loves to fish for
smallmouth bass.
When asked his favorite part of being a
member of team NYCM, Don had this to say:
“The culture, the ability to be
myself...I see so much opportunity in what I do. While it doesn’t always
present itself in minor issues, there is always a chance to make someone feel
better or help them sleep better at night. If I can do that, then I feel like
that’s an accomplishment.”
To read another installment of our Faces of NYCM series, click on the
button below.
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