Self-Insurance Podcast with Kaya Stanley

Hosted by Kaya Stanley

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Gain practical insights for safeguarding your restaurant's financial health and profitability on the Self Insurance Podcast. Hosted by Kaya Stanley, seasoned attorney and CEO of CRMBC, this series features insightful discussions with industry leaders and experienced operators. Learn how to navigate work comp challenges, optimize insurance strategies, and implement best practices from top performers and advisors in the restaurant industry. Success leaves clues, and this podcast is designed to uncover them for you.

Listen to episodes

29 recent

May 21, 2026Episode 217 min

PAGA Update: Michael Adreani on What California Restaurant Operators Should Know

Michael Adreani is an attorney and partner at Roxborough, Pomerance, Nye & Adreani, where he advises businesses on employment, labor, insurance, and workers’ compensation issues.In this episode, you’ll learn: What PAGA is and why it matters for California restaurant operators What changed under the 2024 PAGA reforms Why early evaluation conferences are not always working as expected What operators can do now to reduce riskResources: https://www.crmbc.com/Topic requests: info@crmbc.comChapters 00:18 Introduction 02:01 What Is PAGA? 03:10 PAGA Abuses 08:02 2024 Reforms 10:22 Reality of the Reforms 12:58 Impact on Employers 14:46 How Restaurant Operators Can Protect ThemselvesPlease visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.

May 18, 2026Episode 126 min

Medical Inflation in Workers’ Comp: Dr. Fernando Branco on the Biggest Cost Drivers

In this episode of the Self-Insurance Podcast, CRMBC CEO Kaya Stanley speaks with Dr. Fernando Branco, Chief Medical Officer at Midwest Employers Casualty, about medical inflation and why workers’ comp claims can be especially exposed to rising medical costs.Dr. Branco explains what is driving medical cost pressure, why workers’ comp can get hit harder than other parts of the healthcare system, and what restaurant operators can do to reduce risk early.The conversation covers: Why medical inflation matters in workers’ comp How early intervention can help keep claims from becoming harder to manage Why strong TPA support and nurse case management matter How comorbidities and other risk factors can affect recovery Why restaurant operators should review medical bills carefully before accepting them as final His practical takeaway for operators is clear: act early, stay close to the claim, and do not treat every medical bill as final.Please visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.

November 14, 2024Episode 2620 min

Risk Reduction Realities: Loss Prevention for Restaurants with Alliant’s Tim Leech

In this episode, Kaya Stanley interviews Tim Leech, Director of Risk Consulting at Alliant Insurance Services. Tim shares insights from his 34 years of experience in the insurance industry, focusing on loss-sensitive programs and effective risk management strategies. Learn about reducing the cost of risk, engaging management in safety programs, and the latest industry trends. Whether you are a restaurant operator, broker, or industry expert, this episode offers practical advice to improve your risk prevention efforts.00:00 Introduction to the Self-Insurance Podcast00:21 Meet Tim Leech, Director of Risk Consulting01:50 Understanding Loss Sensitive Programs02:20 Reducing the Cost of Risk06:05 Characteristics of a Successful Program07:14 Engaging Management in Safety Programs11:48 Measuring Success in Risk Prevention17:51 Current Trends in Risk Management19:26 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPlease visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.

November 8, 2024Episode 2515 min

Hazardous Heat: Managing Indoor Heat Risks in Restaurants with Mike Geosano

In this episode of the Self-Insurance Podcast by CRMBC, host Kaya Stanley interviews Mike Geosano, President of O.S.T.S. Consulting, about the new Cal/OSHA indoor heat illness prevention regulations for restaurants. Mike shares his safety consulting background and explains the regulation's specifics, including temperature triggers, hazard assessments, control measures, and required employee training. He also discusses the potential penalties for non-compliance and provides valuable resources for restaurant owners to ensure a safe work environment.00:00 Introduction to Workplace Safety00:14 Welcome to the Self-Insurance Podcast00:36 Meet Mike Geosano01:27 Unique Hazards in Restaurants01:45 CalOSHA's New Indoor Heat Regulation02:53 Specific Requirements for Restaurant Owners05:20 Assessment and Control Measures09:18 Employee Training Requirements11:13 Penalties for Non-Compliance13:39 Resources and Final ThoughtsPlease visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.

October 24, 2024Episode 2415 min

From Chaos to Clarity: The Benefits of Outsourcing HR in the Restaurant Industry

In this episode of the Self Insurance Podcast by CRMBC, Heather Bischoff from Upskill Consulting joins us to explore the critical aspects of human resources management in small businesses. Heather, who transitioned from case management to HR, highlights the importance of fractional HR and its role in preventing workers' compensation claims. She addresses common HR misconceptions, the complexities of employment law, and the financial benefits of investing in HR, even for smaller businesses. Heather shares success stories, stresses the significance of proactive HR approaches, and discusses the implications of timely claim reporting to avoid litigation. Gain valuable insights to enhance your HR practices and maintain a compliant, efficient business environment.00:00 Introduction to the Self-Insurance Podcast00:22 Meet Heather Bishop of Upskill Consulting01:00 The Role of HR in Business Operations01:23 Challenges Faced by Restaurant Owners02:10 Understanding Fractional HR03:47 Common HR Misconceptions05:31 The True Cost of HR07:45 When to Hire HR for Small Businesses08:31 The Importance of HR Compliance10:29 Success Stories in HR Management11:44 Workers Compensation and HR14:41 Final Thoughts and Advice for Business OwnersPlease visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.

October 13, 2024Episode 2316 min

Uncovering Workers' Comp Fraud: Insights from Investigator Gene Immendorf

In this episode of the Self Insurance Podcast, Gene Immendorf, President of Immendorf Investigations, shares insights into the world of private investigation in the context of workers' compensation self-insurance in California. Following in his father's footsteps, Gene has nearly four decades of experience in surveillance and sub rosa investigations. He explains the importance of thorough pre-surveillance background checks and the advancements in technology that have transformed the field. Gene discusses the necessity of verbal communication with employers and adjusters for effective investigations and highlights common red flags in claims. He shares anecdotes from his career, illustrating the challenges and surprises faced in the industry. Listen to learn more about how private investigators manage workers' compensation claims.00:00 Introduction to the Self-Insurance Podcast00:21 Meet Gene Immendorf: A Legacy in Private Investigation01:36 The World of Workers' Comp and Sub Rosa Investigations04:29 Technological Advances in Surveillance07:20 Challenges and Red Flags in Claims10:42 The Importance of Communication in Investigations13:47 Shocking Cases and Real-Life Stories15:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPlease visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.

October 3, 2024Episode 2219 min

Understanding Underwriting: What Restaurant Owners Need to Know

In this episode of the Self Insurance Podcast by CRMBC, host Kaya interviews Scott Gaffner, CRMBC's Chief Underwriting Officer, about the intricacies of workers' compensation self-insurance in California. With over 30 years of experience, Scott examines the advantages of self-insured groups, the importance of underwriting, and the common misconceptions about self-insurance. He explains how self-insured groups offer lower costs and superior risk management compared to traditional insurance markets. Scott also sheds light on how self-insured groups are resilient to market fluctuations and provides insights into aligning members within these groups for maximum benefit. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on why self-insurance can be a strategic choice for large entities.00:00 Introduction to the Self-Insurance Podcast00:22 Meet Scott Gaffner, Chief Underwriting Officer00:37 Scott's Journey into Self-Insurance02:54 The Importance of Underwriting in Self-Insurance04:53 Addressing the Risks and Benefits of Self-Insurance09:15 Understanding Experience Modification (XMOD)14:32 Flexibility in Underwriting for Self-Insured Groups17:06 Navigating Market Conditions in Self-Insurance18:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPlease visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.

September 24, 2024Episode 2115 min

Cutting Costs & Improving Care: Darrin Schenck on the Benefits of Telephonic Nurse Triage

In this episode of The Self-Insurance Podcast brought to you by CRMBC, host Kaya interviews Darrin Schenck, VP of sales for TriageNow. They discuss the importance and benefits of employing telephonic nurse triage solutions specifically for workplace injuries in the hospitality industry. Darrin explains how TriageNow helps mitigate claims, provides appropriate care, and addresses common challenges in the industry, highlighting their impact on both employee care and employer cost-saving. The episode also discusses how TriageNow's military triage approach and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance set them apart in the industry.00:00 Introduction to The Self-Insurance Podcast00:21 Meet Darrin Schenck from TriageNow00:33 Understanding TriageNow's Services02:15 The Importance of Nurse Triage in Workers' Comp03:42 Benefits of Telephonic Nurse Triage08:11 Challenges and User Acceptance10:20 Fraud Prevention and Unique Approaches13:37 Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights15:03 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-UpPlease visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.

September 13, 2024Episode 2018 min

Litigation Lessons: Cooper Brown's Amanda Rodriguez on Tackling Fraud and Claim Documentation

In this episode of the Self Insurance Podcast, hosted by CRMBC, Amanda Rodriguez, an attorney and partner at Cooper Brown, discusses her journey to becoming a workers' compensation litigator. The conversation covers Amanda’s background, the common reasons workers' comp cases get litigated, the importance of employer documentation, and the prevalence of fraudulent claims in Southern California. She also shares insights on the role of private investigators, success stories from her practice, and current hot topics in workers' comp litigation, including the challenges with the panel QME process.Please visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.

August 28, 2024Episode 1912 min

Comparing Traditional Insurance and Self-Insured Groups with Mike McDonough

In this episode of the Self Insurance Podcast, Kaya welcomes Mike McDonough, broker-owner of McDonough Insurance Services, to explore the major differences between traditional workers' compensation and self-insured groups. Mike, an industry expert with over 30 years of experience, explores how self-insurance encourages immediate injury reporting, reduces costs, and ensures better care for injured workers. They also discuss the importance of employee handbooks in mitigating workers' comp claims and overall business liability. 00:00 Introduction00:54 Traditional vs. Self-Insured Workers' Comp01:52 The Importance of Reporting Injuries02:19 Real-Life Example: Handling an Injury Claim03:29 Communication and Cost Management06:30 Legal Representation in Self-Insurance09:17 The Role of Employee Handbooks12:14 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPlease visit CRMBC for our latest news.Follow us on LinkedIn for content highlights.See the latest videos on YouTube to see us in action. And connect with CEO Kaya Stanley on LinkedIn.