Over the past few months, NICB employees have been sharing some of their insights and fondest memories about working here at the organization. Some have been with the organization before the merger of NATB and ICPI. Others are newcomers. While the general consensus is that the technology has changed and advanced over the years, the things that have remained consistent are the heart of the organization, its commitment to fighting fraud and the life-long relationships that employees build.
The following are a few additional thoughts shared by Frank S. (7 years), Ben (2 years) and Jenn G. (1 year), and Kathy J. (31 years).
What are some of your fondest moments over the past years?
Frank: Listening to former COO Frank Visconi describe some of his experiences. Frank had a unique storytelling manner, and he could turn a mundane event into a wildly funny experience. On a visit to our New York office, I witnessed Frank go from cheerful to forlorn as he was told by a snack bar cook that he didn't know how to make a Denver omelet. Well, watching Frank explain to that chef how to cook a Denver omelet—and seeing his expression when he saw what was delivered—is right up there with some of my fondest memories.
Kathy: Meeting the agents face-to-face, the training classes we had with the Illinois State Police, and also the Corn Beef dinner with Chicago Auto Theft.
How would you describe the NICB and its employees to those who aren't familiar with the organization or the work that we do?
Frank: The most experienced collection of insurance crime investigators and analysts ever assembled in one not-for-profit private sector organization.
Ben: It's a great workplace environment with great people, and the work we do helps people every day.
Jenn: The NICB is like a big family. Each department has its own tasks and projects to complete, but we are all working toward one goal – stopping insurance fraud.
Kathy: I would say that we are an organization that strives to fight insurance fraud of any
kind and that we started out with auto theft fraud and have branched out to medical fraud and that we have employees all over the states working together.
What has been a crowning achievement or one of your greatest successes during your time here?
Kathy: It's always gratifying when you are recognized by the company for the good work you've done. It's also good to hear from either the field agents or law enforcement about something you were able to help them with.
Frank: Coming up with the idea to make information about Hurricane Katrina-damaged vehicles available to the public—an idea that evolved into what is now known as VINCheck. Also, helping to firmly establish NICB as the most consistent, credible and reliable source of public information on insurance fraud and vehicle theft.
Ben: I'm very happy that I have been given an opportunity to work in Data Analytics after starting in the mailroom.
Jenn: I have done extensive research and many price comparisons to make sure that the NICB is using the most cost-efficient and user-friendly shipping vendors. I work hard to stay up-to-date on current pricing and services offered by each company (UPS, FedEx, USPS) and am always looking new services to benefit the company.
Final takeaways:
Ben: For the first time in my life, I really enjoy the work that I do and the environment in which I work. The NICB is a wonderful place to work and we, as a group, accomplish a great deal to benefit the industry and our community.
Jenn: I have learned many things during my time here. People skills are a must when working in my position. I see and speak with many people, and this job has given me vital skills that I can use elsewhere. For example, you do not have to agree with everything a coworker says or does, but you do have to get along with them. We are all working together to accomplish something good, and negative feelings can only hinder this progress.