Total 533 words used.
Ernie Bray, CEO and founder of ACD, has been the driving force since the beginning having built the company into an award winning claims technology and vendor services firm to the Property & Casualty industry. When the Covid pandemic swept through the world causing an economic shutdown and crisis throughout the country, ACD like many businesses, was hit hard. Auto insurance claims processing slowed due to dramatically reduced driver activity over much of 2020. Ernie immediately took steps to weather the storm and plan for the future. In 2021 his goal was to get the company back on its feet and use the difficult challenges of the past year as an opportunity to put the company in a position for rapid growth.
Ernie’s entrepreneurial drive for innovation set the organization on that path. At the beginning of 2021, ACD set out to revamp the company in a post Covid world. With the auto claims industry thrust into change, many insurers downsized adjusting staff and looked to outsource even more to vendors like ACD who could fill their needs. This allowed Ernie and ACD the opportunity gain a new growing share of the market while retaining current clients.
Ernie focused on immediately transitioning the company into a fully remote (work from home) organization which was smoothly done through the use of technology solutions and laser focus on company culture. Building a connected, positive and upbeat workforce was key to forming a strong team. The investment in culture enabled ACD to begin a new growth phase. Ernie tasked his management team in coordinating team meetings, video calls and staff training. As a hands on CEO, Ernie was personally involved in the process. The results have been highly successful with revenue growth since 2021 of 56%.
Ernie then recruited and built out a highly experienced sales team that could support ACD’s plans. This investment paid off through the growth if over 30 new accounts to ACD’s portfolio of clients. The sales organization’s systematic and organized approach overseen by Ernie has led to faster onboarding, higher retention and easier integration with ACD’s client services and quality assurance teams. ACD has also diversified its’ client base adding new growth in the TPA and dealer services arena.
Another key initiative Ernie drove forward was the full enhancement of ACD’s technology platform. This completely reimagined the entire claims workflow process launching a new system called Clarity meshed with a companion mobile app designed for 600 field appraisers to optimize their productivity. Ernie’s push to modernize ACD’s technology after Covid was a future focused decision that took in account the ability for the company to add in new enhancements, advanced AI/Machine learning and scalability. The platform eliminates needless administrative tasks speeding up the entire claims process for adjusters and appraisers which gives ACD a fresh new advantage in the marketplace for years to come.
Through Ernie’s positive and driven leadership, he took the challenging times the world has faced and adapted the company for future growth, innovation and leadership. His strategic planning and positioning of the organization has prepared ACD to continue on its’ mission to be the outsourcing solution for insurers, TPAs, fleet and dealer services into 2023 and beyond.
Nomination Title: Ernie Bray, CEO and founder