Weathering The Storm: Essential Insurance Strategies

Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission

JEDCO

Don’t leave your business’s future to chance. Local experts share best practices to ensure your business is well-protected.

JEDCO Conference Center

As a small business, there are so many things to juggle, but have you ever paused to think about whether your business has the right insurance coverage? Without the right insurance strategies, a single mishap could set your business back significantly. We’ve enlisted a panel of experts to provide vital insurance strategies that can help you safeguard your business from the unexpected. This is especially critical as we continue to navigate the current insurance challenges facing businesses and homeowners in Southeast Louisiana. In this seminar you will learn:<ul><li>The importance of accurate valuation in insurance policies</li><li>Common pitfalls in policy underwriting</li><li>Steps to ensure adequate coverage</li></ul><ul><li>The role of accurate property appraisals in claims</li><li>Case studies: Avoiding underinsurance or overinsurance</li><li>How to prepare for severe weather events: Data-driven solutions</li></ul><ul><li>The importance of pre-loss and post-loss documentation</li></ul>

MEET THE EXPERTSModerator: Jonathan Frazier, CEO &amp; Co-FounderForeFront 360Jonathan Frazier, a serial entrepreneur, serves as the CEO &amp; Co-Founder of ForeFront360, where he focuses on providing innovative, data-driven solutions in property insurance. Holding a business degree and boasting over 15 years of experience in leadership and personal development, Jonathan draws on insights gained from living in three countries and visiting 25 to enrich his understanding of the business landscape. His background in aviation safety and operations notably enhances his expertise in property insurance, contributing to his holistic and detailed approach to business challenges.Jonathan and his partners witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Ida firsthand. While collaborating with legal professionals to resolve disputes, they recognized the urgent need for changes in the insurance process. This experience served as the catalyst to establish ForeFront360, a concept that had previously only been contemplated by his partners. Jonathan then played a pivotal role in building and developing the company to address and revolutionize property insurance practices. His commitment to innovation and community support is demonstrated by his accomplishments, including being a runner-up in the 2025 Northshore Startup Slam competition, graduating from the NOLA IDEAinstitute in 2023, and participating in the NOEW 2024 Big Idea Showcase.Beyond his professional endeavors, Jonathan founded Peak Flags and Guru In Us, initiatives that reflect his dedication to community growth, personal development, and achievement. He is passionate about mental and physical health, enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and is an amateur musician. Additionally, as an active supporter of the Greater New Orleans startup community, Jonathan contributes significantly to fostering the local vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.JB Farley, President &amp; Co-FounderForeFront 360JB, the President and Co-Founder of ForeFront360, brings over 25 years of experience in the insurance adjusting industry. He holds the distinction of being the youngest-ever certified flood adjuster in the United States, achieving that milestone at just 16 years old in the mid-1990s. Since then, JB has built a career defined by leadership in high-stakes catastrophe environments, including Gulf Coast hurricanes, California wildfires, and the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand.JB has worked extensively across Louisiana, starting with the Great Flood of 1995 and continuing through Hurricane Katrina, the 2016 Baton Rouge Flood, Hurricanes Laura and Delta around Lake Charles, and more recently, Hurricanes Ida and Irene. He has managed and consulted on numerous multi-million-dollar large-loss claims, collaborating with engineers, contractors, public adjusters, and legal professionals to resolve disputes and accelerate recovery for property owners.His expertise lies at the intersection of construction methodology, insurance policy interpretation, and proactive disaster planning. JB holds certifications from the IICRC and FEMA/NFIP and is an expert in industry-standard estimating platforms like Xactimate—where he also served as a consultant and beta tester during its transition to the Microsoft platform.Outside of work, JB is a proud single father of four and is deeply involved in his children’s lives—coaching youth sports and supporting their many activities. He enjoys sports, camping, and live music, and visiting family in Montana each year with his children.Melissa Bennett Simeon, CEO &amp; FounderBennett Simeon Insurance LLCMelissa Simeon is a second generation insurance professional with two decades of experience in commercial property insurance. Her company, Bennett Simeon Insurance specializes in creating programs for property owners to help make their insurance expenses more cost effective. She is passionate about helping organizations safeguard their assets and mitigate risks. Her group has a deep understanding of the complexities of commercial insurance, and specializes in providing tailored solutions that protect businesses of all sizes across various industries.In the community, Melissa serves as a commissioner on JEDCO, a board member &amp; associates chairwoman for the Homebuilders Association, a board member of NOEL, a delegate for the National Association of Homebuilders, a board member of the Progressional Women in Building and a finance committee member for the LASPCA. She is also actively involved in volunteer work for the Junior League of New Orleans and her son’s school. In 2023, Melissa was awarded Associate of the Year for her efforts in the homebuilding industry.Arthur Schwertz, MAI, ASA, Co-Founder and Senior Managing DirectorMosaic Property ValuationsFor over 30 years, Arthur Schwertz has successfully delivered valuation and consulting services throughout the greater New Orleans area and across the U.S.Beyond appraisals, Art provides fractional interest valuations, feasibility studies, market studies, mediations, review appraisals, and litigation support for a wide variety of complex civil cases. As part of his litigation capabilities, Art has qualified as an expert witness in Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne Parishes; Dallas County, Texas; the United States Court of Federal Claims; the United States Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana; the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Louisiana; the Louisiana Tax Commission; and the Indiana Board of Tax Review.As a leader in the field, Art shares his expertise as an instructor of the Appraisal Institute. He has also been published in Valuation Magazine and Biz New Orleans Magazine, and was featured on the Appraisal Buzz / Valcre webinar The next generation of appraisal software is here: to build, buy or partner? and the “Appraisers on Purpose” podcast Arthur Schwertz | Mastering Complex Appraisals: Technology, Mentorship, and Unique Properties.

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Weathering The Storm: Essential Insurance Strategies

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