Throwing My Net to the Other Side: My Journey from Insurance Adjusting to Public Adjusting
By Randy Thompson, CEO of Building Damage Consultants
Most of my professional story online focuses on what I do today — helping property owners navigate the complex world of insurance claims — but it doesn’t tell the full story of how I got here. The truth is, the shift from insurance adjusting to public adjusting was a turning point in my life and career, born out of both experience and conviction.
Hurricane Katrina
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, I began working with a disaster cleanup company, helping communities pick up the pieces after the storm. That work opened my eyes to the scale of loss people endure and the resilience they find to rebuild. Not long after, I started a construction business focused on restoring homes damaged by natural disasters. I wanted to help people rebuild what they’d lost — not just structures, but stability.
Insurance Adjusting
By 2010, I had moved into the world of insurance adjusting, traveling to multiple states to handle disaster claims. It was demanding, detailed work that taught me how the insurance process really functions — and how complicated it can be for property owners. I managed increasingly complex claims, some even involving lawsuits, and gained a deep respect for both sides of the table.
Personal Crisis
Then, a personal emergency forced me to slow down and reflect. It was during that time of pause and prayer that I felt led to “throw my net to the other side.” I realized I could make a greater impact working for the policyholder as a Public Adjuster rather than the carrier — ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity in the claims process.
BDC is Born
That conviction led to the founding of Building Damage Consultants in 2019. Little did I know, there were many storms on their way. Since then, my team and I have worked tirelessly through hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta, and Ida, providing expert guidance, property damage appraisals, and expert witness consulting for complex claims.
Today, we’re not just Public Adjusters — We are Damage Consultants and Appraisers. We are partners to those navigating loss. Every storm, every claim, and every client reminds me why I made that pivotal shift. Sometimes the most important steps in life result from a moment of crisis. Crisis can bring perspective and sometimes it means casting our nets in a new direction.
If you have found yourself in a time of crisis and need assistance with your property claim, you’ve come to the right place. We are here to help.