Colonial Claims

In 1982, long before software was eating the world, Doug Branham and Felicia Rivas saw a different kind of market need. When disaster strikes a home or business, the insurance industry mobilizes. But who manages the on-the-ground response? Branham and Rivas founded Colonial Claims to be the definitive answer. Their model was straightforward: build a nationwide network of highly trained, independent adjusters who could be deployed to handle property and liability claims for insurance carriers. For decades, the company grew steadily, building a reputation for reliability. Instead of hiring temporary staff when a hurricane or flood hit, Colonial maintained a full-time team of examiners and quality assurance specialists year-round, ensuring a consistent standard of service. This operational playbook allowed them to handle over $50 billion in damages from both major catastrophes and daily claims. A pivotal chapter began in 2019 when the private equity firm Concentric Equity Partners acquired the company. This event signaled a new phase of strategic growth. In July 2020, John Cerasuolo was appointed CEO to lead this charge, with founder Doug Branham staying on as chairman. The new leadership quickly moved to expand the company's footprint, acquiring Premier Adjusting and Catastrophe Services in February 2021. This move not only strengthened their daily claims business but also added new services like appraisals and third-party administration, solidifying Colonial's position as a quiet giant in the insurance services industry.