This month, our spotlight is on Mike Dupelycz BSc FRICS FCILA who heads our contractor network service, Quadrassist.
How did you get into loss adjusting?
I was recruited by Cunningham Hart in 1983 as a Chartered Surveyor to be a property adjuster specialising in subsidence claims. I involved myself in a wide spectrum of claims to gain as broad an experience as possible. In 1990, a colleague and I became responsible for the development of a new approach to the handling of subsidence claims not previously seen in the market. This new approach was developed into Project Management of Subsidence claims and became the industry standard approach by the mid 1990s. I was subsequently appointed National Manager of Structural Services in April 1991.
In late 1994, I joined a new elite team at Cunningham’s, specifically created to develop business in the field of Corporate Nominated Accounts with a particular focus on major loss. The team consisted of a number of specialist Adjusters with particular skills and I provided specialist surveying expertise.
From there I joined Carr Greenwood Smith, Quadra’s founding business. The business was started from scratch and I was involved in all aspects. As CGS became established, my role developed to that of Senior Loss Adjuster responsible for Major & Complex losses.
Following the acquisition of CGS, I was appointed Head of Surveying and Subsidence Services with responsibility for a team of over 70 people. After it became apparent that the interests of the business that had acquired CGS in 2007 were inconsistent with the specialist services that we had previously offered, I accepted an invitation from the Directors of Quadra to join them to develop a network of Contractors and Surveyors and also to beef up capability in Major Loss. I had a Partnership interest in CGS and coming to Quadra reunited me with my former CGS Partner colleagues.
Tell us a bit about your work profile …
I am Head of our managed Contractor Network, Quadrassist and continue to specialise in major loss. We initially developed Quadrassist as support for our Loss Adjusters but also in response to an increasing expectation from our customers. We felt the existing networks fell short and by developing this approach it allowed us to deliver a proactive solution to building losses, whilst ensuring we deliver measurable value for money, customer satisfaction and offering complete transparency. We now have over 40 contractors providing Nationwide coverage and, in addition to fulfilment services, now offer validation services and a building repair service for smaller building claims where loss adjuster involvement is not warranted. In addition, the network includes hand-picked Chartered Surveyors, Structural Engineers and Architectural Consultants, along with disaster restoration contractors, loss mitigation specialists and drainage contractors allowing us to offer an immediate response where required.
What about your professional membership and training?
I am a Chartered Surveyor and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. I am also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA).
Any other interesting experience?
By far the largest claim I have ever dealt with, was the 1996 IRA Manchester Bombings of the Royal Exchange, Corn Exchange and Arndale Centre. The explosion was the largest in the city since World War II. I was involved with the claim for The Royal Exchange, which was a huge project with a value of nearly £50 million, including the Royal Exchange Theatre. I was based on site for 2½ years embedded into a Project Team that had been assembled to manage the reinstatement of the building. There was extensive damage to the structure of the building, in addition to the Roof Dome. The Project Team included an assembly of Construction Professionals, Specialist Advisors and a team from the Building Owners.
More recently, I have assisted in the international catastrophe team and have been involved in Italy since 2016 following the three major Italian earthquake events in August & October 2016 and January 2017. We have involvement in around 40 losses – many of them being Major losses. My participation continues and is likely to go on for another 6-12 months. I am making regular visits to the earthquake zone. As a consequence of my involvement in the Italy Earthquake incident, it has been confirmed with Insurers that I will continue to be involved in any future overseas catastrophe events involving Major Losses.
What are your hobbies out of work?
I have been a competitive swimmer since the age of 9 years old, the pinnacle of my swimming career being the World Masters Swimming Championships. I no longer compete but still train twice a week. I am a pet owner and find walking my dogs a relaxing pleasure. I have also been known to get on a wake board and a windsurfer and to drive a speedboat very fast – a pleasure which I do not experience often enough these days! I have a Level 1 powerboat licence and a Level 1 windsurfer’s certificate.
I am a lover of music and attend Concerts and Gigs whenever I get the chance. I am not a fan of mpg players and compressed music files and my indulgence is my estoteric Hi-Fi system which I have assembled over many years. It includes a pair of horn-loaded speakers which are as rare as hen’s teeth. They ‘breathe’ and are fantastic. Nothing gives more joy than turning up the volume and blowing the roof off!.
If you would like to learn more about our Building Contractor Network – Quadrassist, please view our webpage here and do not hesitate to contact:
Mike Dupelycz
T: 07738 712077
E: mike.dupelycz@quadraclaims.co.uk
Catch up on our last few Spotlight features:
