Trevor Thompson: Commercial Specialist - Local 64
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“I like collaborating with my colleagues on claims where liability might not be as straightforward as we think. Or analyzing accident scene photos and helping my colleagues piece together the puzzle of how an accident happened.”
Relationships are at the heart of Trevor Thompson’s work as a Commercial Specialist at Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).
As one of a handful of commercial adjusters based out of Brandon, Thompson investigates commercial trucking fleet insurance claims. Working with his colleagues to assess complex claims is one of his favourite parts of the job.
“I like collaborating with my colleagues on claims where liability might not be as straightforward as we think,” he says. “Or analyzing accident scene photos and helping my colleagues piece together the puzzle of how an accident happened.”
A day in the life of an insurance adjuster
Thompson is a specialist for many assigned trucking fleets. He works diligently to build a good rapport with the companies so that if any of the semi-truck drivers have an accident, there’s an established relationship to make the insurance claim process as smooth as possible.
Whether an accident occurs in Manitoba, another province, or in the United States, Thompson is the first point of contact for the company to file an insurance claim. His role is to investigate how the accident occurred, who’s at fault, assess values of the vehicles, settle cargo claims, and manage large environmental spill remediations—all while trying to reduce the claims cost for the fleet customers.
Thompson has almost 20 years of experience at MPI. He was a driver examiner for two years and has spent the past 18 years as an auto adjuster – first with in-province claims, then out-of-province claims, and currently commercial claims. As a Commercial Specialist, part of his role is mentoring other commercial adjustors in Brandon and Winnipeg.
“I really enjoy the mentoring part. Someone could come from basic claims and know nothing about how to handle a claim outside of the province [or how to] deal with towing and the environmental spills,” he says. “It’s nice to sit down and teach them and guide them and to help them grow and become knowledgeable in their positions.”
Building connections increases Local representation
The relationship-building approach Thompson applies in his work extends to his union involvement. Currently the president of MPI - Local 64, and health and safety committee worker co-chair,, he began connecting with colleagues on the picket line when MPI was on strike in 2023.
Taking the time to speak with everyone on the line, and continuing that relationship-building in the office, has helped increase the number of members on the local’s executive committee. And it’s meant that people have come to him to be with them at discussions with human resources if a workplace situation arises, a role he’s glad to fill.
Fostering a positive relationship with management has also been important to him and helps him work through situations that may come up.
“If it does come down to something where a union has to be involved, then you’ve already built on that positive relationship so you can work through those issues in a more positive way and hopefully get a positive outcome out of things,” he says.
Life-altering accident prompts positive outlook
After a mountain biking accident in 2020 left Thompson paralyzed from the neck down, his future seemed uncertain. He thought he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life and unable to move. Incredibly, today he can stand, walk, and move his limbs. He is not pain or trauma-free, but the experience shifted his view on life and his desire to focus on the positive.
“To be able to have this amazing recovery, it just gives you a totally different outlook on life,” says Thompson. “My new view on life is trying to be positive and thankful and avoid negativity.”