Before there were nearly 1,000 adjusters, supervisors, and support staff—before the tech, the clients, and the coast-to-coast coverage—there was a garage, kids in car seats, and a vision for something different.
Melanie Hawkins, co-founder of Churchill Claims, recently reflected on the early days of the company and how a combination of personal goals, professional drive, and problem-solving values helped launch what would become one of the most trusted independent adjusting firms in the country.
Starting With a Desk Beside the Dryer
Churchill Claims began, quite literally, at home. Melanie and her husband John set up shop in their garage, parking their cars in the driveway and carving out space between tools, a washer and dryer, and a water heater.
“We turned it into an office of sorts,” Melanie said. “John would take our older kids to school and sometimes the little ones to the park, just so I could make marketing calls from the desk in the garage for a couple of hours.”
It wasn’t easy. But the two shared responsibilities, frequently switching hats between adjusting, marketing, and admin work depending on where help was most needed.
“We were a team in every sense of the word,” she said. “If one of us got bored with a role, we’d switch. It kept things interesting.”
A Foundation that Lasts
Today, Churchill Claims continues to grow—expanding its reach, team, and capabilities while staying grounded in the purpose that started it all.
“I’m proud that we’ve kept going, even through tough times like COVID,” Melanie reflected. “We rarely have to say no to an assignment, and even when we do, we help the client find another solution. I don’t think many IA companies do that.”
From a garage to a national presence, Churchill Claims has been built on teamwork, resourcefulness, and the unwavering belief that every client deserves answers, not excuses.
When you need frustration-free, always on time and accurate claims, Churchill Claims is your trusted partner.
Contact us at 877-840-6277, info@churchill-
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