To All Authorized Members,
It’s hard to believe that we have completed the books on another year. It sure doesn’t seem like a year ago when we were celebrating another successful (and at the time, record) year for HMI and our Authorized Member Network.
Last year, we had a 60% increase in emergency tree removal claim assignments over the previous year. Remember, 2023 was also a record year at the time. Members of our Network generated more tree removal sales last year than in any prior year in the company’s history.
HMI responded to five major weather events that required massive deployment of crews. In fact, HMI had 25 companies from our Network, representing hundreds of crews, deploy out of their home territories to support our clients last year.
For those of you who were on the receiving end of all that activity in 2024, we truly value your support and commitment to the HMI program. Collectively, we are making a difference by growing demand for quality workmanship, good customer service, and tree care professionalism.
What to expect in 2025
So, what are HMI’s plans to continue increasing the value of your membership in 2025? We have a lot happening that you will benefit directly from, including the addition of important new insurance carrier clients. We have also grown market share with existing carrier clients as a result of our program's proven success and outstanding service from members of our Network.
Over the past year, HMI has generated millions of dollars in revenue for Network members on commercial properties ranging from retail, resort, camping, and golf courses. We have also significantly expanded our Network, with added capacity in key markets and the opening of new markets in Alabama, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Tennessee.
HMI has expanded our back office to provide timely support for members and clients as our consulting service grows. We expect the continued growth of our programs to increase the volume of tree removal referrals we’ll be sending your way.
Please note that we will be implementing a small 1/2% increase to our sales assistance fee (from 12%-12.5%) effective April 1, 2025. This is required to offset increases we are being assessed by our channel partners. Remember that HMI Customer Service Representatives offer a range of support with closing open files, clarifying coverage questions, and resolving issues. Don't hesitate to contact your CSR when needed.
We are preparing for what will likely be another active year. 2025 has already started off with another natural disaster, the devastating wildfires around Los Angeles. Forecasters are calculating their expectations for what to watch for in 2025. No question, drought conditions in various parts of the country and high ocean temperatures in 2024 have forecasters on edge for this year. Will another El Niño climate pattern emerge this year? Or, will neutral conditions lead to less extreme weather patterns? Stay tuned as we'll know their predictions come Q2.
Certainly, weather events made their presence felt last year, yet it's important to note that a significant portion of the work sold by our Network in 2024 was unrelated to hurricanes. As the year is well underway, HMI will be here to support your success with high quality referrals and the support you need to make the most of every referral.
Congratulations to all the top closers from last year, and thank you for your professionalism and exceptional service. Also, I’m pleased to report that our HMI Pro-Tips series has been well-received by members. Our goal is to provide best practices when handling HMI leads. We appreciate your feedback, so click here to share your thoughts on topics you would like us to cover in upcoming editions. Speaking of...
Important Policy Change - Effective June 1, 2025
“If there isn’t a picture of it, it didn’t happen!”
In recent years, HMI has been encouraging our Network to improve the quantity and quality of photos submitted on referrals. Poor photographic documentation is a constant complaint filed against HMI by our insurance clients. This issue is causing significant approval delays, outright rejections, and slow payments.
Therefore, this year, HMI will be implementing a new policy whereby an incremental fee may be charged on files that don’t contain sufficient quality photos. The fee is intended to offset the additional costs HMI incurs to get files audited, approved, and paid when they don’t contain the required photos.
A recent edition of our Pro-Tips series focuses on this subject. You will be hearing more about this policy before it goes into effect, though now is a great time to emphasize taking more and better photos with your teams. Please know that we hope to never have to assess this fee to our members. But, we will when necessary!
Remember, it’s easy to take and upload pre-labeled photos using the HMI Connects mobile app. Download for iPhone or Android at no cost.
Thank you to all of our members. Stay safe!
Regards,
