J.R. Prewitt & Associates is thrilled to honor Cathi Berry as the 2017 Employee of the Year! After 7 years of serving J.R. Prewitt’s clients as a Claims Coordinator, Cathi is more than deserving of this honor. Cathi not only successfully juggles countless claims, but she also brings a positive attitude to the team and is always a joy to be around. To get to know the 2017 Employee of the Year, check out this Q&A:
Q: What are your responsibilities as a Claims Coordinator?
A: I handle all of the claims—personal lines and commercial lines. Essentially, I am the middle person between the client, the insurance carrier and the adjuster. Once a company or individual files a claim, they fill me in on what’s going on, next I turn it in to the carrier, and then the claim is assigned to an adjuster. I also follow up with each claim to ensure everything is going smoothly.
Q: How did you get into the insurance industry?
A: I have been in the insurance business for a long time, and in claims for almost 30 years. When I was young, I applied and was hired for a secretarial position in an insurance company’s claims office. Though I was just hired to be the secretary, I quickly learned all about the claims process and worked my way up from there!
Q: What’s your favorite part about working for J.R. Prewitt?
A: My favorite part is working with the people here—it’s a great team! Everybody knows their job, everybody does their job, and if help is needed, everybody pitches in to help.
Q: Who’s your biggest role model?
A: My mother. I lost her in 2001, but we were best friends. She influenced my strong work ethic. She raised two children and worked three jobs to support our family.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: It was from an employer I had when I was very, very young. I was young and dumb, and I did not take out any kind of insurance. He said, “I don’t care what you have to do to make it happen, but you HAVE to have insurance. It’s your back-up plan. You have to protect yourself.”
Q: What are three words that describe you?
A: Dependable. Loyal. Happy. I’m a very happy person.
Q: What is something most people would be surprised to learn about you?
A: We have a lot of young people that work at J.R. Prewitt, so they may be surprised to learn that once upon a time in high school I was a cheerleader and nominated for best school spirit!
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: “Being honest may not get you a lot of friends but it’ll always get you the right ones.”
Q: Where is your favorite place to vacation?
A: I love Las Vegas. I like to gamble, and we try go out there every 3-5 years. Last year, we celebrated my big 60th birthday with a trip to Lake Tahoe! It was really nice and beautiful!
Q: What is your favorite spot to hangout in Birmingham?
A: We like to hang out at Ragtime Café. The steaks and fish are delicious! It’s a small, quaint place, but we enjoy spending time there.
Q: Tell us about your family, personal life and hobbies.
A: I have a wonderful husband and two cats (Sissy and Sam), who are 14 ½ years old. I like to gamble, and we go to Biloxi when we can get away for a short trip. I also enjoy going to the movies!
Congratulations, Cathi! We are so thankful to have you as a part of the J.R. Prewitt team