Crawford mpany : Employee spotlight - Nathan Copeland

Nathan Copeland, operations manager, has over 23 years of experience in the industry. Coming from a military background, Nathan does not allow himself to fail at providing for our customers and carriers. He is a team player with an optimistic outlook that helps his team and colleagues persevere through challenging times.

In 1997, Nathan started adjusting auto claims. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, an employment opportunity came his way, and Nathan joined Crawford as an adjuster. He had always heard throughout his career that Crawford was a good place to work because of the respect and treatment we offer our customers, carriers, and employees. In the field, Crawford has a reputation for providing exceptional customer service and quality solutions. Nathan was intrigued by Crawford's reach and their worldwide position and seized the opportunity to be a part of the Crawford family.

'Crawford has always had a good name in the industry,' he said. 'It was like the shining star and I thought that's who I want to work for. When an opportunity became available, I jumped on it.'

As an adjuster and manager, Nathan admits there is no typical workday. Every day, something is always changing and can create some potentially complex situations. However, Nathan described himself as 'not having a quitting bone' in his body.

When he was in military infantry, he had many long days in harsh conditions but he embraced those challenges and Nathan still approaches his job the same way. He admits that his deployment during Hurricane Katrina was challenging from a lack of resources and shelter, but he had the opportunity to restore lives. Although certain times can be worse than others, Nathan still reminds his team that they will get through it together.

'When times get tough, I'm there,' he said.

Despite the daily challenges, Nathan loves his job. Change can be scary, but he shifts his perspective to see it as an opportunity to learn more and improve. In his managerial role, he is responsible for getting himself and others prepared because when a storm is brewing, Nathan is getting to work. He is always thinking of ways to improve and become better as a unit.

'My job is to make sure we're doing the best job we can for the customers and carriers,' he said. 'I have to make sure the machine is working and going in the right direction.'

Nathan enjoys being able to interact and build relationships with people from all over the world. After an east coast hurricane, Nathan was deployed to North Carolina to inspect a flooded tractor claim. To inspect the claim, the policyholder and Nathan had to ride a boat through the flooded streets. The insured was soft-spoken yet attentive while Nathan examined the tractor and gave advice. After the boat ride back, the insured started crying and asked if he could give Nathan a hug. Nathan, who was touched by the man's vulnerability, accepted the invitation. The insured had lost everything in the storm, and the tractor was all he had left.

Nathan remembers this memory as a reason why he is in this industry. He saw how one claim could mean so much to the customers. Being able to restore the policyholder's tractor not only restored hope, but also provided pride in Nathan.

When Nathan is not at work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, two daughters and granddaughters. He prefers to spend his time outside hunting, fishing or riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Nathan was a member of the Caisson Platoon during his time in the military and participated in over 1,600 funerals at the Arlington National Cemetery. He is thankful for a long career in the adjusting industry and even more grateful to be part of the Crawford family.