Property Damage Appraiser Forms Audit Program

Demonstrating its commitment to providing highly personalized service, reduced turnaround time and decreased claim severity averages, Property Damage Appraiser (PDA)—the largest automobile appraisal and inspection service network in the industry—has implemented a rigorous audit program within its franchise operations.

The audit will act as a “checkup” and as a means of implementing strategic direction, allowing PDA to maintain a higher degree of quality control.

“The objective is to use the audit as a tool to spur performance against a series of predetermined measures—as well as call out areas for improvement franchise-by-franchise,” said Rodney Caudill, PDA’s chief operating officer. “Our goal is to create best-in-breed experiences—no matter where you are in the country. Also, aligning and sharing the culture between corporate and franchised locations will build an even stronger organization as we move forward.”

Committed to organizational change, in January 2008 PDA brought Keith Chance aboard as vice president of field operations. Chance has extensive claims management and claims operations restructuring experience. To better assist with the rolling out of new programs and initiatives PDA has also added two additional regional managers to their staff. In conjunction with the addition of field staff, PDA has also launched a new intranet to improve communications with franchisees.

“We want to make sure our franchisees have the tools and guidance they need to be the best in the business,” said Katherine Slate, PDA’s assistant vice president of franchise relations and corporate development. “Our relationships are built on integrity and we’re working hard to create systems that support continuous improvement. There is a reason we were named one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500, Number 1 in Category for six years, and we don’t want to rest on our laurels.”

PDA is a nationwide network of 270 franchise offices and more than 900 auto and property appraisers. For more information, visit www.pdacorporation.com.