Temporary Housing Directory Blog

Meet Maile…

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:46:00 GMT

I have been with THD a little over 1 year. I am a Leasing Consultant and love the challenge it presents every day trying to juggle leases, rental furniture and housewares, and find properties. I learned about THD when working Allstate and Encompass claims as an adjuster and handling files with Charla and Lisa. I honestly don’t know what I thought they did all day, but I was sure surprised when I found out how much is involved in finding homes for displaced families! The best part of my job is hearing how much we have helped bring families back to “normal”, it makes all the hard work worthwhile!

I grew up in Lubbock, TX and have since lived in Denver, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Orlando, and currently reside in Spanish Fort, AL. I’ll be married to my husband, Brent, for 6 years next month and we have one son, Crew, who will turn 2 in August. I enjoy reading, movies (except scary ones!), dancing, singing, and spending time with family and friends. My favorite weekend activities are going to the farmer’s market, taking Crew to the splash pad, cooking out with friends, or just lounging around the house. I love to laugh and try to have a good attitude so I don’t poison the people around me. If I could have my dream dinner party, the guests would include (besides friends and family, of course): Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kristen Chenoweth, Leslie Mann, Tim Gunn, Robert Downey Jr., Betty White, Bette Midler, RuPaul, and Russell Brand.

Meet Kara Guinotte…

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

I started working with THD as a contractor in June 2012, doing property searches for the relocation department. I was hired as a full-time relocation consultant on July 20, 2012! My first few months were really busy as I placed over 900 interns and transferees into housing. I must have done a really good job because I’m doing the Intern program this year and the transferees again this summer – of course with a lot of help. That might be my favorite thing about THD – everybody is willing and offers their help. You never feel like you’re bugging someone – everybody looks out for each other – and we’re all better because of it. I love that the relocation department is truly something new every day, I get to ‘meet’ and work with new people, we’re always problem solving, and it keeps me busy!

I am originally from Chanute, KS. I love the University of Kansas so much – I went twice! I got my degree in 2007 and a Master’s in Environmental Urban Planning in 2009. Rock Chalk! I married my husband Dave (who strangely enough is also from Chanute) in October 2010 after meeting in a bar in Lawrence, KS 5 years earlier! We moved to the Denver area in August of 2011, and I absolutely love it! In my spare time I like to read, watch KU basketball (and Denver sports like a traitor), hike, walk our dog Milo, go to the movies, and travel. Best trip ever – our honeymoon to Thailand. But I’m pretty sure that aspect of our lives will be slowing down quite a bit – since we’re expecting our first child in September of this year. We are beyond excited and nervous of course. We’re also in the middle of buying our first house – because we really didn’t have enough going on! I think it’s going to be a busy, but productive, summer!

Meet Yvonne Mills…..

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

I am proud to say I have been with the Temporary Housing Family for a little over 5 years. I don’t use that word lightly; Family is reserved only for such folks J I am humbled all over again when I think of the generosity of everyone here for me and mine - some years back after my father passed away. Tearing up again at the incredible memory.

I am equally proud to be a part of the Customer Care Team of Ladies who services our clients during the “downside” of their stay with THD. Beginning as a Customer Care representative and assisting our clients after our consultants and or hotel team have placed them in housing has been a rewarding experience and continues to nourish my spirit today as the new Customer Care Concierge. It is an honor to be the first entrusted with this position!

I am from Colorado but have enjoyed living in many places in this country and abroad. I have one son Drew who is a recent College Tech Grad-yeah! He is really a great kid -most of the time! When I am not working, my down time is spent arranging get- -togethers for friends and family, scrapbooking, lots of scrapbooking and enjoying each day.

I very much love what I do and the ladies I get to work with daily. THE really great part of our jobs is that most of our clients really do know how wonderful THD is- what a tradition!

In The Spotlight - Kim Canova

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:40:00 GMT

Meet Kim….

I have been with THD just shy of a year. I am currently in the hotel department as hotel coordinator/trainer. I can honestly say that I have never worked for a company that values and recognizes its employees the way that THD does. I find what I do to be very rewarding yet challenging at times. Hotel “sold outs”, moves, insured’s that are “asked” to leave hotels are just some of the many obstacles we face. Hurricane Sandy was the most prevalent challenge yet to our team, yet the entire company came together and we all persevered and helped so many people during what was by far the largest catastrophe to hit the East Coast.

I’ve lived in Texas for 29 years (I’m originally from Elgin, IL, a suburb of Chicago). I bought my first home by myself this past June and I absolutely love it!!! I have 2 boys, Devon is 7 & Dylan is 11. They are “full of energy” and keep me young. I enjoy being outdoors (when it’s warm) and love taking long walks, hiking, bike riding, and working in the yard.

I am so blessed to be a part of this company, and to work with a remarkable group of people. I look forward to many more years to come with THD!

THD 2012 Masquerade Holiday Party

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:47:00 GMT

On Friday, November 9, 2012 THD had their annual Holiday Party in Denver, Co at Kevin Taylor’s restaurant in downtown Denver. This year Teresa Vidger, THD President, decided to celebrate her wonderful team by having a Masquerade themed party that was the highlight of the evening.

With the party being held a little over a week after Super Storm Sandy the THD team pulled together and worked diligently at ”command central “ to help all our customers during the day. Everyone at THD came together and made sure that hotels and temporary housing was located, checks were cut and extensions were made before they went out that evening to the celebration.

The festivities started out with THD’s annual group picture being taken with masks both on and off. From there the THD team was driven in horse and buggy through the beautiful streets of Downtown Denver to Kevin Taylor’s restaurant. The evening started out with a cocktail reception where everyone wore their beautiful masks that were judged and voted on such categories as Best Overall Mask, Funniest Mask, Best Homemade Mask and Mask with the Most Bling. From glitter to feathers the masks were stunning and many were quite original as well!

After the cocktail hour it was time to present awards to THD Associates. Teresa started off by recognizing the THD associates that have hit their 5 year anniversaries. Those employees are Amy Robertson, Robin Wheeler, Amanda Penn, Leah Ryan, Yvonne Mills, Rende Coward, and Tony LaRocca. She also awarded 3 employees that hit their 10 year anniversary this year. They were Nancy Massengale, Melissa Snyder and Lisa Acosta.

It was an extra special evening as Teresa gave individual Excellence awards to those deserving employees who went above and beyond this year. The list was as follows:

Employee of the year- front end- Micah Paulson

Employee of the year- back end- Terri McDougal

New employee of the year – front end- Maile Brown

New employee of the year – back end- Jolee Snoga

Back to basic- hotel to housing conversions- Elle Cassidy

THD’s Healthy side of the year winner- Yvonne Mills

Innovator of the year- front end- Tony LaRocca

Innovator of the year- back end- Leah Ryan

As the night continued dinner was served and everyone had time to enjoy special time to catch up and get to know their colleagues better. Conversations were buzzing and everyone enjoyed their evening celebrating the amazing people at THD. THD celebrates the holiday season and wants to express the gratitude and deepest appreciation to their customers.

Super Storm Hurrican Sandy

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Super storm Sandy has wreaked havoc on the Northeast. Some families are still without power. THD even had one of their employees that resided on Long Island without power for over a week. The frustration of not having power and the limited amount of gas available has really taken a toll on the local residents. Some of the other challenges are that some of the displaced policyholders may not have been covered by their insurance company. Many disappointed families find out that if the damage was caused by flooding, and they had no flood insurance, their damages are not covered and they do not get temporary housing.

However, THD has been able to help many families, from the ones that needed hotels from the emergency evacuation to the ones that have total losses. Those that have total losses, THD finds housing and provides furniture and housewares, if needed, so they have a place to stay while their home is repaired. One of their customers sent this picture of their home that was damaged. It is clear to see that the damages are enormous and wide spread. THD specializes in disaster recovery nationwide and is proud to be able to make a difference by providing housing to their customers.

For more information about THD call 800-817-3220 or email them at request@thdmail.com

Spotlight on Micah Paulson

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 05:00:00 GMT

I have been at THD for 6 years in November as a Consultant. Recently, my role has changed into the One Point Accounts Supervisor where I oversee seven company accounts and provide these companies one point of contact for their housing needs between myself & one other Consultant. It has been an exciting and challenging change for me and am proud to see how far THD has come over the years! We are able to ask what insurance companies would like for us to do to make their experience better and I am able to deliver the exceptional service we provide at THD!! I enjoy working with the families in need as well as cultivating the relationships with the insurance companies. I love being able to maintain a trustworthy & loyal relationship with each individual adjuster!

I am currently living in Springfield, IL, the state capital! I am planning to be married on March 2, 2013 to the BEST man in the world, Bill!!! Wedding planning is keeping me pretty busy lately but I also enjoy any activity outdoors, traveling, reading, and being with friends and family! I am actively involved throughout the year with my hometown County Fair where I have served on the board for 5 years and have volunteered for my entire life doing advertising, judging contests, home economics contests, assistant to the treasurer, counted ribbons as a child, tractor & truck pulls, horse racing, 4 H shows & classes, and so much more!!!

I love working for THD and all the people here! I feel so blessed every day to “come to work” and do what we do to help those in need!! I can’t wait for what’s ahead for THD and many, many, more years together! J

Join THD at the PLRB/LIRB Central Regional Adjuster Conference Being Held September 5-6!

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:14:00 GMT

On September 5-6 2012 Property Loss Bureau (PLRB) will hold their annual Central Regional Adjusters Conference and Expo in Schaumburg, IL. This conference focuses on high quality education and networking opportunities with insurance industry colleagues and service experts. The Insurance Expo will bring together service providers across the country to network with over 500 attendees. Temporary Housing Directory (THD) will be amongst one of the service providers and will have an exhibit at booth 325. We welcome participants to stop by and meet with our team to learn more about THD’s temporary housing and hotel services we provide to insured’s that have been displaced from home, catastrophe teams and individuals on relocation or temporary assignment.

.By attending PLRB's Regional Adjusters Conferences, you will:

Tackle regional property and casualty claims challenges, evaluate options, and forge successful strategies
Participate in an interactive educational setting with industry leaders and peers
Build upon your knowledge of core insurance issues and boost your job performance
Earn adjuster continuing education credits
Network with national and regional service providers at the Insurance Services Expo

There are approximately 30 educational sessions which provides attendees with a diverse educational experience. Some of the topics include Mediation for Casualty Claims, Ethical Challenges and Good Faith Claims Handling, Catastrophe Claims Handling and Management and Fire Origin and Cause investigations. Adjusters will have an opportunity to earn continuing education credits as well as meet with service providers, including THD staff, at the Insurance Expo that will be open both days

For more information visit www.plrb.org or contact Temporary Housing Directory at 800.817.3220 or at www.temporaryhousingdirectory.com

In The Spotlight - Candice Clifford

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:47:00 GMT

Meet Candice…

Candice has been with THD for 2 years this month. She started as a part-time receptionist breaking in the new phone system, moving to fulltime 9 months later and then to Relocation Consultant in July of last year. Relocation is a great fit for Candice as she loves the fast-paced, quick turn challenge and competing against other corporate housing companies to win a lead. She may have a bit of a competitive streak. She also enjoys working with the transferees to help make a major life change for them as smooth as possible. She loves working for THD and is thankful for the career change opportunity. Prior to working at THD, Candice was a graphic designer for 10 years and then a stay-at-home mom.

Candice lives in Carrollton, TX, a suburb north of Dallas, with her husband and sons Evan (9) and Jake (7). She loves spending time with her extended family and feels lucky to have her 3 sisters and parents within 3 hours drive. She also enjoys reading, knitting, traveling and spending time with friends.

In The Spotlight - Cora Washam

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Meet Cora….

I have been at THD for over a year now and I cannot imagine working anywhere else. From the beginning everyone made me feel a part of the THD family. Now I am. I have been a receptionist over 40 years and I have always loved it. Customer service has become so automated now at some companies but THD realizes the value of real customer service and I am proud to be a part of that.

I live in Dallas with Frisky the squirrel. Of course he is in his pecan tree home. He and his cousins keep me laughing all the time with their shenanigans. My sister and her husband live in Carrollton so they are just a phone call away and are always there if I need them and vice versa. I am enjoying going to the Dallas Arboretum this year and taking pictures of my visits. This is my first digital camera and I have taken almost 15,000 pictures so far in a little over a year’s time.

THD will be Exhibiting at the 16th Annual ACE Conference June 27-29

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The 16th Annual America’s Claims Event (ACE) will be held in Las Vegas, NV June 27-29 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. This conference and exhibits is an industry event where senior managers, practitioners & experts involved with claims operations can get the insight they need to implement effective strategic and tactical strategies for their claims handling process. More than 400 professionals and decision-makers from mid-size to large Fortune 500 companies attend the event to engage in idea-exchange, peer-to-peer learning, n and insight from the experts; gaining access to proven solutions to confront their operational challenges.

The ACE conference will have an Exhibit Hall that will bring together service providers across the country to network with over 400 attendees. Temporary Housing Directory (THD) will be amongst one of the service providers and will have an exhibit at booth 107. We welcome participants to stop by and meet with our team to learn more about THD’s temporary housing and hotel services we provide to insured’s that have been displaced from home, catastrophe teams and individuals on relocation or temporary assignment.

In addition to the exhibits, there will be keynote sessions where focused panels will tackle real world issues involving modernization, process simplification, streamlining, business growth, claims strategy, tactical efforts applications and a holistic exploration of the property casualty market in its short, medium and long term projections.

The 16th Annual America’s Claims Event is produced by Summit Business Media and presented by Claims, Tech Decisions, National Underwriter’s Property & Casualty magazines, Highline Data, and FC&S. To learn more about Summit Business media and its products, visit www.sbmedia.com.

Temporary Housing Directory provides cost-effective and comprehensive short and long term housing services. THD delivers the best selection of housing choices, customer service, and pricing in the industry. For more information on THD please call at 800.817.3220 or visit www.temporaryhousingdirectory.com

PLRB Eastern Adjuster Conference Being Held June 26-27 in Providence, Rhode Island

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:31:00 GMT

On June 26-27, 2012 Property Loss Bureau (PLRB) will hold their annual Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference and Expo in Providence, RI. This conference focuses on high quality education and networking opportunities with insurance industry colleagues and service experts. THD is proud to announce that they are a Gold Sponsor of this event and will be exhibiting at booth 434. We invite all attendees to stop by our booth and learn more about THD’s temporary housing services.

By attending PLRB's Regional Adjusters Conferences, you will:

Tackle regional property and casualty claims challenges, evaluate options, and forge successful strategies
Participate in an interactive educational setting with industry leaders and peers
Build upon your knowledge of core insurance issues and boost your job performance
Earn adjuster continuing education credits
Network with national and regional service providers at the Insurance Services Expo

There are approximately 30 educational sessions which provides attendees with a diverse educational experience. Some of the topics include Earthquake Claim Handling. Mediation for Casualty Claims, Ethical Challenges and Good Faith Claims Handling, Catastrophe Claims Hnadling and Management and Fire Origin and Cause investigations. Adjusters will have an opportunity to earn continuing education credits as well as meet with service providers, including THD staff, at the Insurance Expo that will be open both days

For more information visit www.plrb.org or contact Temporary Housing Directory at 800.817.3220 or at www.temporaryhousingdirectory.com

Spotlight on Sarah McCroy

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:58:00 GMT

Sarah has been in the Accounting department at THD for three and a half years. She has been doing accounts payables, including new lease check requests, operating expense invoices, direct bill payments, expense reports, and security deposit refunds. Starting next week, she will be giving up writing a few of those checks in exchange for requesting the deposit refunds – an exciting change. Her coworkers at Temporary Housing Directory have become a second family and she hopes to stay with the company for many years to come.

Sarah lives with her husband, Kevin, and 2 children, Rachel (11) and Jacob (17 months). She loves to cook for her family and in her free time she likes to read, make jewelry, and paint ceramics. She also enjoys doing volunteer work with her synagogue and is currently working on fundraising for an interfaith Habitat for Humanity build, which we hope to complete and dedicate to the family by the holidays

Temporary Housing Options During Catastrophic Times

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:34:00 GMT

In the May issue of Claims Magazine/Property Casualty 360°, THD contributed to the advertorial Temporary Housing Options during Catastrophic Times. The article addresses that large-scale losses often create a shortage of suitable lodging in neighboring areas, so it is imperative for insurers to partner with a 24/7 housing company, such as THD, that are capable of quickly securing temporary housing during a loss.

We invite you to read more about how a strong network is the basis to providing the best temporary housing service to your policyholders, please click here.

In the Spotlight - Lila Yudin

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Lila began her journey with the THD family just over 2 years ago in the Hotel Department. Since this journey began she has developed many great friendships and relationships with co-workers, Hotel staff, Adjusters and Insured’s. During this time she was promoted to Hotel Liaison, some of her duties include, Hotel One Point for AAA and QBE, working with the THD’s relocation and catastrophe team by helping them locate hotel accommodations for THD’s customers..

One challenge Lila faces is when a hotel is sold out and cannot accommodate her customers. Lila is quick to locate hotel options by working with the hotel to find a resolution so that she can provide an immediate solution. Lila takes pride in knowing that she provides shelter for these families during the crisis in their lives. It is especially rewarding when she sees a family has gone through a catastrophe and knowing they have nice place for their family to stay. There are times when she wants to reach through the phone and just hug these families; many can be so grateful and humble. This is what makes what her job so rewarding.

Lila is a volunteer in several community projects; she serves in the OSU – OCHE continuing education for the County. She also has three wonderful children and two beautiful grandchildren. Lila’s youngest is 16 and keeps her busy with his sports, hunting and fishing (although she will not bait a hook or take a fish off). She enjoys these trips with him.

Lila says “I am very blessed and thankful for the opportunities and relationships THD has to offer. I cannot express the gratitude I have to THD. I am looking forward to many more years and the continual growth of THD.”