Meet the Team That Has Recovered Over $80 Million a Year for Michigan Policyholders

Nik Kalaj is the Founder and President of Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. and has been a Licensed Public Adjuster since 1993. For more than three decades, he has dedicated his career to representing policyholders, helping thousands of families and business owners navigate the insurance claims process following fire, water, storm, and other catastrophic losses.

Known for his honesty, integrity, and client-first approach, Nik founded Michigan Fire Claims with the belief that policyholders deserve experienced representation and clear guidance during one of the most challenging times in their lives. His extensive experience handling complex residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial claims has earned him a reputation as a trusted advocate throughout the industry.

In addition to leading Michigan Fire Claims, Nik is the founder of Ohio Fire Claims and is a longtime member of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA). Outside of work, he enjoys reading, supporting charitable organizations, and spending time with his family.

Matt Slotka is Vice President and a shareholder of Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. Since joining the company, he has played an integral role in representing policyholders through complex property losses while helping guide the continued growth of the organization.

With more than 20 years of experience, Matt specializes in residential and business personal property claims, including high-value residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial losses. His expertise in contents valuation, claim preparation, and property appraisals has made him a trusted resource for both clients and colleagues, and he is frequently appointed as an appraiser on behalf of insureds in disputed property claims.

Matt is a member of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA), an associate member of the Michigan Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (MAPIA), and a graduate of Michigan State University.

Ross Poorman is Regional Vice President of Claims, Executive General Adjuster, and a shareholder of Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. As a third-generation public adjuster with more than 20 years of industry experience, he leads complex property loss claims and advocates for policyholders throughout the Midwest.

Ross’s background includes underwriting, construction, consulting, and claims adjusting, giving him a well-rounded understanding of every stage of the property loss and recovery process. He has successfully managed hundreds of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial claims involving fire, water, storm, equipment breakdown, business interruption, and other catastrophic losses.

His expertise in property valuation, policy interpretation, building reconstruction, business personal property, and complex loss analysis allows him to develop thorough, well-supported claims while helping clients navigate what is often one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

In addition to representing policyholders, Ross is frequently retained as an appraiser on behalf of insureds and is regularly selected to serve as an umpire in insurance appraisal disputes. He is respected throughout the industry for his professionalism, technical knowledge, attention to detail, and fair, balanced approach.

Ross is a member of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA), an associate member of the Michigan Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (MAPIA), and a graduate of Oakland University.

Gary Mok has been involved in the property insurance industry since 1979, bringing decades of experience in claims handling and property loss evaluation. Throughout his career, he has worked for several major insurance carriers, served as an independent public adjuster, and worked as a construction superintendent, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the claims process.

Gary joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team after building a distinguished career in the industry and has been a Licensed Public Adjuster for more than 20 years. He specializes in both residential and commercial property claims, with extensive experience in appraisals and complex loss evaluations. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to serving policyholders have earned him the designation of Senior Professional Public Adjuster.

Chris Vonhatten is a Licensed Public Adjuster, Appraiser, and Loss Consultant with Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. Prior to joining the company, he was a residential builder with more than 12 years of experience in fire restoration. His extensive knowledge of construction, building materials, project planning, and current market conditions gives him a distinct advantage when negotiating claim settlements that accurately reflect the loss sustained and benefit the policyholder.

Chris is a United States Air Force veteran who enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, trail riding, and woodworking.

With more than 30 years of experience in the property claims industry, Tracey Carter joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in 2025 as a Building Adjuster. His background includes managing claims for insurance carriers as well as working as an independent adjuster, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the claims process from multiple perspectives. He became a Licensed Public Adjuster in March 2025 and is committed to helping policyholders receive fair and accurate settlements following property losses.

Outside of work, Tracey enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with his family.

Mike Kaurich joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in March 2025 as a Building Adjuster and became a Licensed Public Adjuster later that year. With more than 30 years of construction experience and a background in insurance restoration dating back to 2007, Mike brings extensive knowledge of building systems, repair methods, and property damage evaluation to every claim. He also obtained his Residential Builder’s License in 2008, further strengthening his expertise in structural losses.

Mike is committed to helping property owners understand the full scope of their damage while ensuring each claim is thoroughly documented and accurately evaluated. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, whether they’re out on the water or cheering on the kids at their sporting events.

Cori Price has been a dedicated professional in the insurance industry since 2008 and joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in 2014. As a Contents Adjuster and Personal Property Appraiser, she specializes in helping policyholders navigate the often-complex personal property claims process following fire, water, storm, and other catastrophic losses.

With nearly two decades of industry experience, Cori has developed extensive expertise in contents evaluation, personal property appraisals, and claim preparation. Her responsibilities include conducting detailed contents inventories, evaluating damages, preparing appraisals, coordinating with restoration vendors and specialists, and working directly with insurance carriers to help achieve fair and accurate claim settlements.

Cori has also earned certifications in Asbestos and Lead Awareness as well as Bloodborne Pathogens Awareness, providing her with additional knowledge when working in loss environments. Known for her compassion, attention to detail, and strong work ethic, she is committed to ensuring every client feels informed, supported, and well represented throughout the claims process.

Jason Marx is a fourth-generation carpenter who began learning the trade alongside his grandfather, father, and brother before graduating from high school. After college, Jason worked as a full-time carpenter, specializing in all types of carpentry, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects. His work included building and remodeling homes, hotels, and Home Depot stores, as well as participating in commercial projects at the GM Technical Center.

Jason started working as an adjuster assistant/estimator in the latter part of the last century, helping his father with catastrophic claims adjusting throughout the United States using Simsol. At the beginning of this century, he became an independent insurance adjuster assistant, handling daily claims for multiple insurance companies using Marshall Swift/Boeckh and Xactimate while scoping losses and writing countless building estimates.

In 2009, Jason officially joined Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. as a building estimator. Outside of work, he spends the spring, summer, and fall gardening, canning, and making jams, jellies, and apple cider.

Nicole Leiter joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in 2014 as a Contents Specialist after relocating to the Metro Detroit area from Traverse City, Michigan. Bringing with her a background in property restoration and contents inventories, she spent several years assisting with the documentation, valuation, and presentation of hundreds of property insurance claims before transitioning into sales operations and business development.

Today, Nicole serves as the Sales Operations Manager and is a Licensed Public Adjuster. She oversees the company’s sales operations, business development initiatives, and marketing efforts, helping connect property owners with the resources and representation they need following catastrophic losses. Her experience in both claims documentation and business development gives her a unique perspective on the claims process and the needs of both clients and the field team.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys crocheting, reading, watching true crime documentaries, and spending time with her family.

David Fruth joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in 2013, bringing with him more than two decades of experience as a Licensed Public Adjuster. His professional career began at the age of 18 when he purchased his first business, eventually owning and operating several successful franchises. Through those experiences, David developed a deep appreciation for exceptional customer service and the importance of treating every client with honesty and integrity.

In the early 1990s, David witnessed firsthand the impact a public adjuster could have after a local church suffered a catastrophic fire. Seeing how dramatically the claims process improved with professional representation inspired him to pursue a career in public adjusting. After selling his businesses, he became a Licensed Public Adjuster and spent the next several years specializing in property inspections, contents claims, and negotiating insurance settlements on behalf of policyholders.

Throughout his career, David has represented hundreds of families following fire and other catastrophic losses, helping them understand the claims process, evaluate their options, and work toward fair insurance settlements. He is passionate about educating policyholders and believes that informed clients are better equipped to make confident decisions during a difficult time.

Ryan Fruth is a Licensed Public Adjuster with more than two decades of industry experience. He got his start in construction as a teenager before entering the claims industry in 2003, working his way up from contents inventories to structure estimating. He joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in 2015 and earned his public adjuster license in 2019.

For Ryan, the work is about more than assessing damages; it’s about standing in the corner of policyholders during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He takes pride in the service Michigan Fire Claims provides and genuinely enjoys building relationships with the people he has the privilege of helping.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Rod Schram is a Senior Adjuster and Appraiser with Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. With more than 25 years of experience representing policyholders, Rod has built a reputation for thorough claim preparation, accurate valuations, and dedicated client advocacy. He believes that informed clients make better decisions and is committed to helping each policyholder achieve the best possible outcome following a property loss.

Olivia Ruse joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in April 2019 and has been a Licensed Public Adjuster since 2014. With more than a decade of experience representing policyholders, she is dedicated to providing dependable guidance and strong advocacy throughout the claims process. She takes pride in helping clients navigate challenging situations while working toward fair and accurate claim settlements.

Outside of work, Olivia enjoys staying active through cycling and participating in organized riding events. She also has a passion for creating art and loves spending time with her pets, family, and friends.

Linsy Gusey joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in 2023, bringing with her several years of administrative experience. She began her career with the company in the Contents Department, focusing on data entry, and has since advanced to the role of Contents Manager. Her strong organizational skills, commitment to excellence, and dedication to supporting both clients and her team have made her an integral part of the department.

Linsy holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from Saginaw Valley State University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and rewatching her favorite sitcoms.

Jennifer Riley has proudly supported the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. claims team since 2023 while actively training to become a Licensed Public Adjuster. She is deeply committed to providing clear communication, compassionate support, and a positive experience for clients throughout the claims process. Outside the office, Jennifer enjoys tending her home garden, where she channels the same patience and problem-solving skills she brings to her work.

Sarah joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in early 2019. She has more than 20 years of customer service experience, allowing her to provide clients with warm, compassionate support throughout the contents portion of the claims process. Although she specializes in contents inventories, Sarah can often be found helping tie up loose ends or assisting with special projects around the office. She is also one of the Notaries Public on staff, helping clients with important documentation as needed.

Outside of work, Sarah is an accomplished artist who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. She also enjoys playing guitar, dancing, and spending time with her husband and sons.

Kay Binder has been a valued member of the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team since 2008. As a Senior Contents Specialist and Licensed Public Adjuster, she specializes in both residential and commercial property claims.

Kay’s expertise includes performing detailed physical inventories, researching replacement costs, and working closely with policyholders to recreate comprehensive contents inventories when a physical inventory is no longer possible. Her attention to detail, combined with her compassionate approach and exceptional customer service skills, helps make the contents claims process as smooth and organized as possible.

Kristina Triltsch joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in July 2018. Since then, she has been committed to providing dependable support to both clients and her teammates while helping keep the claims process moving smoothly. She is CPR and First Aid certified and brings a caring, service-oriented approach to everything she does.

Outside of work, Kristina is an adventure seeker who enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two sons. A devoted sports mom, she is often on the go cheering on her boys. She is also an avid reader, an animal lover, and the proud owner of two dogs, Captain and Ivee.

Brandy Daniels joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in April 2023, bringing with her previous experience in both the restoration industry and the medical field. Her diverse background, combined with her compassionate approach and strong work ethic, allows her to provide dependable support to clients and her teammates throughout the claims process.

Outside of work, Brandy enjoys spending time with her family and making memories with her two children and three bonus children. She loves being outdoors, whether she’s hiking, fishing, exploring nature, or taking motorcycle trips. An avid animal lover, Brandy also enjoys spending time with her two beloved cats.

Kristen Lubinski joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in 2025 as a Contents Specialist. Prior to joining the company, she spent several years in the restoration industry, helping residential and commercial property owners recover personal belongings damaged by fire, smoke, water, and other catastrophic losses. Her hands-on experience gives her a unique understanding of the contents claims process and the challenges clients face following a loss.

Kristen is known for her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to providing compassionate support. She takes pride in helping clients document and evaluate their personal property while making the contents claims process as smooth and organized as possible.

Shelby Cox is an administrative professional with seven years of experience providing organizational support, managing records, coordinating daily operations, and helping maintain efficient office workflows. Her attention to detail and commitment to keeping things organized help ensure both clients and team members receive the support they need throughout the claims process.

Shelby enjoys being part of the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team and values the opportunity to contribute to the company’s success each day.

Tina Olmstead joined the Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. team in 2025, bringing more than 20 years of experience in reception and customer service. As the friendly voice clients hear when they call and the welcoming face they see when they visit the office, Tina is committed to making every interaction a positive one.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central Michigan University, and her genuine compassion and personable nature help put clients at ease from their very first conversation. Outside of work, Tina enjoys competing in dog obedience and visiting nursing homes with her certified therapy dog.