In the heart of Mississippi, nestled among vast fields and quiet roads, lies the small town of Rolling Fork — a place where community and resilience are as deeply rooted as the crops in its soil. Yet, in March of last year, this unassuming town was thrust into the national spotlight when a series of tornadoes tore through the area, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Amidst the chaos and the rubble stood an elderly homeowner, a widow whose life savings were tied up in a home now battered by nature’s fury. This is where our story begins, not just with the calamity that befell her but with the beacon of hope that shined through when two members of United Claims Professionals (UCP) stepped in to illuminate the path to recovery.
At United Claims Professionals, we often speak of impact — not the kind that’s measured in financial gain or industry accolades, but the profound effect that skilled, compassionate professionals can have on the lives of those they serve. It is the story of such impact, where Sherry Hale and Jason Perry, two public adjusters who consistently live out our mission and values as UCP members, came together to champion the cause of Mrs. E., an elderly policyholder in dire need.
Their story is a powerful example of empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to justice. It tells the tale of individual struggles and collective action, showcasing what it truly means to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by disasters. As we recount their journey, we see more than just public adjusters doing their job — we witness the embodiment of what it means to serve, advocate, and uplift — principles that stand as the pillars of our organization.
The Backdrop: Rolling Fork, Mississippi
Residents of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, found themselves grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster that challenged their very way of life. The tornadoes that swept through had little regard for history or heartache, leaving many in a state of disrepair and disbelief. And for one elderly policyholder, Mrs. E., her home of five decades, once a haven for family gatherings and cherished memories, lay in fragments — a reminder of the storm’s indiscriminate wrath.
In the weeks that followed, the townspeople of Rolling Fork rallied in the way small communities often do, with neighbors helping neighbors. Yet, amidst the collective recovery effort, there were those whose cries for help risked being drowned out by the sheer scale of need. Mrs. E., a widow with limited means and a policy insufficient for the challenges she faced, became an example of such cases. Her situation was precarious; the initial insurance settlement offered was a meager sum that could not hope to restore her home to its former safety and comfort.
Meeting This Policyholder: A Call for Help
It was during this time of need that Sherry Hale, a new public adjuster with a growing career and a crusader heart, heard of Mrs. E.’s plight. Sherry, driven by a conviction that everyone deserves a champion, especially those least able to fight for themselves, set out to meet the elderly policyholder. Their encounter was as serendipitous as it was fateful — a chance meeting that would alter the course of this policyholder’s recovery.
Mrs. E., with her home in shambles, recounted the insurance company’s response with a mix of frustration and despair. The amount they had settled on barely scratched the surface of the repair costs. Worse still, a misunderstanding with a tree removal service had cost her dearly, a mistake that further depleted the already insufficient funds. Sherry listened, her resolve hardening with every detail — it was clear that this was a battle she was ready to take on, not for profit, but for principle.
Sherry conducted a thorough inspection, revealing the extent of the damage hidden beneath the surface. The holes in the roof, the compromised structural integrity, and the potential electrical hazards — all painted a dire picture that the initial settlement could never hope to address. It was a race against time, with the integrity of the house and, more importantly, the safety of its inhabitants hanging in the balance.
Undeterred by the complexities of an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy and the daunting task ahead, Sherry began her campaign for justice. However, she knew the road to a fair settlement would be filled with challenges beyond her experience. It was a reality that brought her to Jason Perry, a fellow public adjuster and UCP member known for his public adjusting and appraisal experience in the state of Mississippi. As a fairly new public adjuster, Sherry understood the importance of building both a local and national network of industry colleagues to ask for guidance when needed. Having recently met Jason Perry at an event, she decided to ask him for help with Mrs. E’s case. Jason was happy to assist his colleague and offer his knowledge to the situation.
Collaborative Efforts: Sherry and Jason’s Partnership
Sherry’s collaboration with Jason was critical in this policyholder’s story. Jason, known within Mississippi as a public adjuster with a knack for handling particularly tough cases, brought not just experience but a shared sense of duty to the case. The combination of Sherry’s dedication and Jason’s expertise formed a formidable team underpinned by a shared desire to serve and a level of integrity that transcended the transactional nature of their work.
Their collaboration was a testament to the power of community and collective expertise within the claims industry. Jason, reviewing the documentation Sherry had meticulously compiled, recognized the potential for an appraisal — a course of action that might pivot the claim in this policyholder’s favor. Pro bono, he took the helm of the appraisal process, a move reflecting his commitment to the cause and the mission to make a positive impact that United Claims Professionals stands for.
Together, they navigated the claim with a strategy that was both pragmatic and empathetic. They sought to address the immediate needs — the gaping holes in the roof and the water damage — while also laying the groundwork for a comprehensive claim that could secure the repairs Mrs. E. desperately needed in order to move back home.
The Appraisal: Turning the Tide
The appraisal process initiated by Jason was both strategic and insightful. With the coverages already opened by Sherry’s initial efforts, they had a solid foundation to build upon. Jason’s familiarity with the landscape of Mississippi claims meant he could navigate the appraisal with a nuanced understanding of local practices and regulations.
In the trenches of negotiation and evaluation, Jason had the hope that a fair and just appraiser from the carrier’s side would be appointed to the case. As circumstances had it, this is exactly what happened. The selected appraiser was known by Jason, and many within the Mississippi claims industry as being respected and equitable, allowing for a fair reassessment of the damages. This shift brought hope where there had been resignation, offering a tangible path toward rebuilding what the tornado had torn apart.
As they worked through the appraisal, they were able to highlight more than just structural damage; they uncovered layers of complexity within this policyholder’s claim—issues like asbestos tiles, which posed serious health risks and added to the urgency of their mission. The findings necessitated additional funds well beyond the initial payout — funds that would ensure not just the restoration of a building but the preservation of a home.
The collaboration between Sherry and Jason, while focused on one claim, resonated with broader implications. It highlighted the profound impact that skilled, compassionate adjusters can have when they come together for a common cause. It also highlighted how they can work in an upright fashion with appraisers on the carrier’s side who also care about a fair and just process in turn.
Impact and Reflection: Triumph Over Tragedy
The partnership between Sherry and Jason, rooted in their expertise and dedication to advocacy, led to the successful resolution of Mrs. E.’s claim by the end of January 2024. This achievement went beyond a mere financial settlement – it symbolized renewed hope, the reconstruction of a home, and the continuation of life for Mrs. E., who expressed deep gratitude for their support during her time of need. Her story underscores the human element at the core of each claim, highlighting the significant impact that skilled and compassionate professionals can have on the lives of those affected by disasters and accidents.
Sherry and Jason’s efforts not only brought resolution to Mrs. E.’s case but also highlighted the service excellence that defines United Claims Professionals (UCP). Their efforts epitomize the spirit of UCP—where members come together to support not just policyholders but each other, fostering an environment where compassion and professionalism go hand in hand.
As United Claims Professionals continues to grow, stories like this remind us of the positive impact each of us can make in the claims industry and the lives of policyholders in need. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Sherry Hale and Jason Perry for their exemplary service. United Claims Professionals stands proud of its members and their contributions, fostering a future where advocacy, excellence, and compassionate representation are the hallmarks of the claims industry.
About Sherry Hale & Jason Perry
Sherry J Hale has been a public claims adjuster since June 2022 for residential and commercial losses from perils such as wind, water, and hail. She has certifications through IICRC for water restoration and fire restoration and is a certified appraiser and umpire through the Property Loss Appraisal Network as of October 2022. Sherry has been a life insurance producer since 2003 and has an NCCER certification for print reading, estimating, planning, and scheduling since 2017. Sherry attends Encounter Church BR and has been in a leadership role since 2003. She is a Louisiana Notary since 2019 and is a member of BNI “Livingston Leaders.” The experience and certifications Sherry has acquired through the years has helped her to have a good understanding of policies and assessing damage for estimating. She has an excellent ability to communicate well with all parties involved in the claims industry process.
Jason Perry, the CEO and founder of Perry & Associates, serves as a Platinum Sponsor at United Claims Professionals. A seasoned public adjuster operating in Mississippi and Louisiana, he brings over a decade of general contracting and master water restoration expertise to the forefront of the claims industry. His military background as a U.S. Veteran underpins his commitment to excellence and disciplined work ethic. Jason’s skills are accentuated by his IICRC Master Water Restorer certification and his prowess with Xactimate estimating software, which he applies to craft detailed and persuasive claims. His role as a Public Adjuster is complemented by a broad perspective gained from his diverse industry roles, allowing him to adeptly represent policyholders’ interests. Jason’s dedication to mentorship and professional development within the claims community is reflected in his sponsorship at UCP, where he actively contributes to shaping a collaborative and knowledgeable environment for all of our UCP Members.