Wes Spain has been with SFM since 2022 as a Subrogation Specialist & Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Manager. We asked Spain to share a little bit about his background and role.

Tell us little bit about your background.

I grew up in an insurance household. Both of my parents worked for insurance companies, so I watched them and how they handled insurance.

When I got out of college I worked for an insurance company, then at a rental car agency for a bit, then back in insurance for 19 years. I joined SFM in 2022 and got into subrogation. It’s been great and I really enjoy it here.

How would you describe your role in a nutshell?

To be a learner and a leader at the same time. Although I’m a leader of a team, I’m new to workers’ compensation, so I’m learning as I go. My main role is to work with my team, work with attorneys and outside surveillance vendors, handling subrogation claims, reviewing catastrophic claims for subrogation potential, as well as leading a team of SIU reps — being a coach and motivator for them, addressing any issues they have, and hopefully making life at SFM somewhat enjoyable for them.

How is SFM different from other carriers you’ve worked with?

SFM feels like your neighbors, like your family. It’s very closeknit. At other companies, you kind of feel like a tree in a forest. At SFM, you’ll have the CEO and COO asking about you and your kids and your weekend. We all know each other and have a great sense of community here.

Is there a time that stands out to you when your job was particularly rewarding?

Thursdays – I love Thursdays because that’s when we get our results entered. It is a real time measure of our success and it’s rewarding most weeks, because it’s a team effort. Many factors go into making a recovery that could reduce or eliminate our ability to recover so when you get the check it’s a good feeling.

What do you like about your job?

I like the ability to work with different people and different departments. I like working closely with my team.

We’re here to serve claims and I’ve always been a customer service guy. Any time we’re able to accomplish that though bringing back subrogation dollars or completing a strong investigation, that makes me feel like we’re getting the job done.

What’s most challenging about your job?

When I don’t know something — having to figure out who the right person is to get that answer. Being relatively new, I still don’t know exactly what everybody does. Plus, if I’ve done a process, it might have been just once. Figuring out things I don’t do very often and that aren’t in my wheelhouse keeps me on my toes.

What words of wisdom do you have for employers?

I would suggest that they treat their employees well and provide a good work-life balance.

Recognize talent early and make sure you hold onto them and reward them appropriately. Continue to push them up. The best companies have employees who mostly feel like they’re rewarded and recognized for what they do every day.

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