Church is out, and we’ve howdied and shook our way through Dallas—officially wrapping up the 2025 Annual Windstorm Insurance Conference in true Texas fashion! They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and this year’s conference proved it. With 740 attendees, 60 exhibitors, non-profits, and key stakeholders gathering in the Lone Star State, WIND 2025 once again solidified its status as a must-attend event for professionals dedicated to advancing the windstorm and property insurance claims industry. From insightful discussions to thought-provoking workshops, the conference fostered a balanced exchange of perspectives—uniting all members with a common goal: driving meaningful improvements that benefit both industry professionals and the consumers we serve. 

The westward expansion was inspiring, with near-equal representation of member adjusters from both sides—a promising sign for the industry. A definite bonus was connecting with some of my IA colleagues on solid ground rather than rooftops! As always, WIND provided a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with new professionals and reflect on past conferences alongside industry peers. This success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of so many who continuously invest their time and expertise to ensure this conference remains an invaluable resource for all who attend.

While much of my time at WIND 2025 was dedicated to the Appraiser and Umpire Re-certification Courses, there’s plenty to digest—likely best suited for a follow-up blog after reviewing the Florida Case Law and Legislative Update. My key takeaways? Appraisal remains an effective dispute resolution tool—one that the industry recognizes as worth preserving. Despite ongoing challenges (to put it mildly), forward-thinking panelists have been working diligently to enhance the appraisal process, making it more transparent and effective. That’s a step in the right direction. Given the complexity and ever-evolving nature of appraisal, I encourage all professionals to revisit WIND’s established Code of Ethics and stay informed on case developments—both of which are critical to maintaining integrity in this essential process.

Consumer Advocacy & Emerging Trends

The two main stage events were highly informative, and though brief, I had the pleasure of personally meeting Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate before the Ethics and Professionalism session. One particularly striking statistic from a study commissioned in Florida after Hurricane Michael revealed that policyholders typically seek help from attorneys and public adjusters only after six months of struggling to resolve claims with insurance companies. While some of my peers in the room may have interpreted this discussion differently, I saw it as a testament to the critical work Ms. Carter is doing to ensure consumers' interests are represented. I commend her dedication, empathy, and passion for championing policyholder-focused solutions.

The second mainstage event provided a different yet equally important perspective—highlighting the increasing demand for public adjusters after a year of severe windstorm damage. The Chief Deputy of the Arkansas Insurance Department referenced the growing demand for public adjusters, and though Arkansas is one of the few states that still prohibit public adjusting, it seems the conversation may be shifting. Another notable trend? An increasing number of Independent Adjusters are seeking Public Adjuster licenses—a positive development for any professional looking to expand their career opportunities.

The Debate: Managed Repairs & Industry Speculation

One session I caught the tail end of was the much-anticipated debate between attorneys Chip Merlin and Steve Badger. I’d be curious to see what the survey says about this session and whether any real solutions were proposed to the issues we always argue about. Frankly, it felt more like an episode of Love Island Dallas, but one remark from Mr. Badger stood out—his carrier clients are banking on managed repair programs as the next big revelation in Texas.

Only time will tell whether this initiative gains traction or if it’s just another case of building castles in the clouds—but it’s always entertaining to watch Mr. Badger and Mr. Merlin go toe-to-toe for the title.

A Personal Takeaway: The Power of WIND

The main stage event, Control the Controllables, was truly authentic and impactful, reshaping my perspective in more ways than one. Raymont Harris delivered a remarkable story with energy and passion that made his message unforgettable—you could tell he loves this work, and it shows.

During the interactive session, I found myself sitting next to a colleague with whom I handled my very first claim over 20 years ago. Back then, I was green, and to say we didn’t see eye to eye would be an understatement. We were locked in a standoff over a loss in the sweltering heat of Biscayne Bay, South Florida.

Raymont’s message struck a chord, but what made it even more impactful was sharing that moment with my former rival-turned-peer. His story was humbling—a powerful call to reassess and refine my own mindset. It reinforced a fundamental truth: nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.

As for my colleague? Over the years, respect replaced rivalry, and after this session, I can say he’s more than just a professional peer—he’s a class act and a friend.

That’s the true power of WIND—turning competition into collaboration and lessons into lasting change.

See You at WIND 2026!

The 2025 Windstorm Insurance Network Conference was a resounding success, proving once again why it’s a must-attend event for professionals committed to staying ahead in this evolving industry. Year after year, WIND continues to push boundaries and elevate industry standards.

We’d love to hear your biggest takeaways—what insights, connections, or lessons resonated most with you? Drop a comment and let’s keep the conversation going. See you next year in Orlando!