Our latest insurance adjuster spotlight features former AdjusterPro student, Zack Young. Keep reading to learn how he came into the career, how he got his license, found work, and what he loves most about the job.
I came to insurance claims adjusting like many do, through friends in the field who really seemed to enjoy their jobs. Throughout my college career at Delta State University, I operated my own handyman service in Cleveland, MS. I also had some prior experience in construction and farming. After graduating in 2020, I moved to Dallas – the same day the COVID-19 pandemic began. (Yikes.)
While working a corporate job at Ryder, I noticed two friends traveling to places I had always wanted to visit, such as enjoying a Chicago Dog at Wrigley Field. Curious about how they achieved this lifestyle, I reached out to one of them and he encouraged me to get my insurance adjuster’s license.
Taking his advice, I searched online and found AdjusterPro. After long days at work, I dedicated my evenings to studying. It took two weeks of perseverance—failing, passing, and working to understand the complexities of insurance adjusting—but in January 2022, I earned my Texas All-Lines Adjuster License. Eager to start my career, I began applying to rosters, but with no experience, I didn’t receive a single call. Determined to break into the industry, I enrolled in a training program in August that taught me Xactimate and how to properly scope a property as an adjuster.
That preparation paid off when, in September 2022, Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole hit Florida. I got my first deployment, where I successfully completed 50 claims in a month. In early 2023, I was sent to California to assess snow and ice-related damages in Yosemite National Park. (See the image at the top of the blog. Not a bad gig!)
Later that year, I worked my first deployment for a BIG insurance company in Akron, Ohio, for two months. 2023 turned into a slower year overall, so after that, I took on daily claims across multiple regions, including West Tennessee, the Delta region, Western Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Illinois.
In 2024, my career took off. I began the year in Portland, Oregon, on another deployment for one of the country’s largest insurers, followed by assignments in Houston for tornado claims, Miami for insurer cleanup efforts, and finally, Georgia for Hurricane Helene with an IA Firm.
With each deployment, I have continued to refine my skills, gain valuable experience, and build strong relationships within the industry. My journey has been one of persistence and dedication, driven by my desire to serve. My goal is to help fellow Americans rebuild their lives after disasters, offering them support and stability when they need it most.
What I enjoy most about adjusting is the opportunity to travel and immerse myself in different locations. Being a temporary “local” allows me to experience new places, explore their unique offerings, and gain a deeper appreciation for diverse communities—but only after all my claims have been submitted, lol.
Aside from dealing with the IRS, one of the most challenging aspects of adjusting is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With multiple daily deadlines—ranging from arriving at appointments on time to submitting claims promptly—it’s crucial to prioritize rest and self-care. Proper nutrition and adequate sleep are essential, not only for long-term well-being but also for maintaining accuracy and efficiency in claims handling. To stay at my best, I prioritize my health by maintaining a fitness routine with my Planet Fitness Black Card membership and traveling with my George Foreman grill to prepare healthier meals on the road.
