Ted Patestos has found that when disaster strikes, insurance companies often shortchange customers by minimizing payouts and using tactics to reduce risk, sometimes delaying the settlement process entirely. Because of this, he built a business to fight back. By Jessica Petrucelli

Ted Patestos has found that when disaster strikes, insurance companies often shortchange customers by minimizing payouts and using tactics to reduce risk, sometimes delaying the settlement process entirely. Because of this, he built a business to fight back.

“Our mission is to provide guidance, advocacy and peace of mind to property owners who are navigating the insurance claims process,” said Patestos, founder and CEO of Tiger Adjusters, the nation’s first public adjusting franchise. “We use our insurance know-how to fight tirelessly on your behalf, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.”

Founded in 2020 and franchised in 2024, Tiger Adjusters already has multiple territories in Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Florida, Ohio and New Jersey, and it’s on pace for exponential growth. Franchisees are hired by policyholders to help negotiate and settle insurance claims. They represent the policyholder’s best interests and work to ensure a fair and reasonable settlement. 

In doing so, the brand is revolutionizing the public adjusting industry through the use of advanced technology, marketing support and unmatched expertise, delivering clients an average 747% increase in payout.

“It’s a low-cost, high-reward business model,” Patestos said. “You don’t need a background in insurance or construction. We train franchisees from the ground up.”

No storefront or equipment is required, Patestos added. Franchisees just need a laptop, iPad, laser measurer and a reliable vehicle. The company provides data-driven leads, marketing support and a proprietary claims management system. 

“If you have basic sales skills and are detail oriented, you can succeed,” Patestos said. 

Additionally, Patestos says the model is recession and inflation resistant as well as a high-growth and home-based business with good opportunity for multi-territory expansion. He also noted that Tiger Adjusters is the first public adjusting franchise in the country making use of electronic moisture meters, aerial drones, MatterPort 3D scanners, laser measuring tools and more.

“We’re committed to finding new, innovative ways to better serve our clients and help them recoup losses after filing a claim,” Patestos said.

All tools that help facilitate a smooth claims process for the average policyholder and have helped Tiger Adjusters settle hundreds of claims, with millions of dollars in settlements recovered over the past five years.

Jessica Petrucelli

tigeradjusters.com/franchise