When I first wrote about Justin Skipton in Justin Skipton—Public Adjuster Spotlight, I described him as “a leader who leads with both head and heart,” someone who brought “a quiet confidence and an unmistakable fire” to the public adjusting profession. Last night, that same spirit shone through as Justin Skipton accepted the presidency of NAPIA with a heartfelt and forward-looking speech that signals a new chapter for the association and a powerful recommitment to its core values, which can be found in “The Public Adjuster” — An Article Every Public Adjuster Should Be Required To Read.
In the closing remarks of his acceptance speech, Skipton made it clear that NAPIA’s future will be shaped by how well its members support one another across generations. Speaking to a room of peers, he said:
In this room, there are two groups I’m speaking to tonight. To the seasoned leaders and statesmen, I urge you to look around and identify those you can mentor. Your experience and wisdom are invaluable, and the future of this association depends on you bringing up the next generation of leaders.
This isn’t just lip service. It’s a leadership model Justin has lived for years. When I interviewed him for the previous article, he spoke passionately about creating a culture where “young adjusters feel not only welcomed but believed in.” His call to mentorship isn’t about hierarchy. Instead, it’s about creating a legacy.
Encouraging the Next Generation of Contenders
To those early in their careers, Skipton offered both inspiration and challenge:
You have the potential to shape this profession and even stand where I am today. Your involvement, your passion, and your dedication can lead you to incredible heights.
He’s right. Justin is living proof. Years ago, I recall him as the young adjuster finding his footing. In my earlier article about him, he shared how humbling it was to learn the human side of the business: “This isn’t just about claims—it’s about trust. You earn it slowly, and you can lose it fast.” That perspective has only deepened over time.
One of the most powerful moments of his speech came when Justin shared a story from his early days in the field. He represented a couple whose house had burned down and who were also facing marital difficulties. Rather than just push their claim along, he chose to walk beside them through the process. Years later, he discovered that his support had helped save their marriage.
He recounted:
It was a profound reminder that our work isn’t just about policies and paperwork; it’s about people, relationships, and making a real difference in their lives.
This wasn’t a story about ego. It was about the impact professional public adjusters can have, which is often quiet, meaningful, and lasting. And as if to punctuate the theme, I noticed a handwritten line at the bottom of his speech which drove it home:
If you’re here just for the money, there are easier ways.
What sets Justin Skipton apart is that he doesn’t just preach values. He does his best to live them. In my first article, I described him as someone who “knows how to stay grounded while climbing.” That hasn’t changed. But now, I think he stands taller, is accepting and knowing of his responsibility, and on a platform not built for personal acclaim but for the benefit of others trying to be the best of his profession.
He told his fellow members:
Together, we can continue to elevate NAPIA and the entire field of public adjusting.
The core reason why Will Goodman and others started NAPIA 75 years ago is summed up in that one line.
Cheers to the new Board of Directors and Officers of NAPIA. Everyone in the insurance claims industry will be better for it if you can run with the vision Justin set out last night.
Thought For The Day
“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”
—John C. Maxwell
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