Catastrophe Response Manager Jack Harrington shares his thoughts after Hurricane Ian
Jack Harrington spent the last 15 years as a district manager in Contractor Connection U.S.’s Southern District, so he was no stranger to hurricane-related catastrophe events. But when Hurricane Ian left widespread damage from Florida to the Carolinas, even up to Virginia, Jack’s experience was a bit different this time.
He was recently named the Catastrophe Response Manager for Contractor Connection, leading a team dedicated to restoring lives, businesses and communities in the wake of severe weather events. As Hurricane Ian made its way toward the Sunshine State in late September, Jack and his team were all hands on deck, ready to respond to insurance carrier clients and their insureds in need of emergency services and repairs for homes and businesses.
The team began working to mobilize network contractors from across the U.S. to the affected regions in need of assistance. They relied on an ecosystem of technology integrated within Contractor Connection’s managed repair platform to manage timely response and provide real-time data insights to carriers. The team used proprietary tools as they worked to determine assignment capacity, analyze coverage and forecast volume in advance of any impacts.
Once the storm hit and passed, the contractor response was initiated and resource mobilization began. Contractors were available to provide board up and tarping, emergency water mitigation, tree removal, general structural repairs and roofing repairs.
Jack knows that industry-leading digital enhancements to the Contractor Connection platform were critical in executing a timely and effective response plan. As technology continues to rapidly evolve moving forward, he believes it will create an even more seamless experience for property owners, carriers and contractors after weather events. One thing that will not change, however, is his team’s dedication and hard work in difficult circumstances.
“There is no such thing as a typical CAT event,” he said.
“Each one is different and has its own challenges and triumphs. It is a team effort.”
Together, the Contractor Connection CAT Response Team alongside network member contractors are committed to fulfilling Crawford’s purpose. Jack says that is why he is excited to lead this team as they respond to those affected in their time of need, both now and in the future.
“I have had many opportunities,” Jack said.
“I stay because of the values of the company and the importance placed on life, family and work balance. Crawford cares.”
