2024 marks Empathy Claims’ 30th anniversary in business. Like many new companies, our modest beginnings were fueled by a leap of faith, and a belief in the promise of the American Dream.
On this special occasion, let’s reflect upon our three-decade journey and how, because of our clients’ faith in us, we are today blessed with a successful business.
The Seed of a Dream is Planted
James Littleton, founder, president, and CEO of Empathy Claims has had an entrepreneurial spirit since childhood. He spent his youth providing lawn-cutting and snow removal services to his neighbors on Chicago’s South Side.
After high school, James worked numerous jobs in the 1970s, such as a custodian and a truck loader at United Parcel Service (UPS). During his time at UPS, James’ leadership skills were recognized and he was eventually promoted to the role of supervisor.
In the early 1980s, while still working for United Parcel Service, Mr. Littleton met his future wife Kathleen and shared with her the dream of one day starting a business of his own. They were married in August 1983, and within a year, Kathleen earned her law degree. The Littletons started their family soon afterward.
The Opportunity for a New Career
Shortly before getting married, James was hired as a part-time insurance claims adjuster, which eventually became a full-time position. For the next 12 years, he diligently learned the claims adjusting business, building many great relationships with insurance companies, and other industry professionals.
In a total leap of faith, and with seven children already, the Littletons decided that 1994 would be the year they acted on their dream of starting a business. James and Kathleen would eventually grow their family to 19 children (14 living, and 5 in Heaven).
The Work Begins
After leaving a relatively high-paying job and having no clients yet for their brand-new claims adjusting company, James hit the ground running to build their business.
He subleased a small office space from a mortgage company, and began hunting for business. James called hundreds of insurance companies across the nation telling them about their new company and personally visited as many as he could. In time, he secured some accounts. James would handle the claims adjusting duties, while Kathleen typed the reports for clients.
Drawing upon their deep personal faith, the Littletons consecrated the business to Jesus through the Blessed Virgin Mary. From the very beginning, Empathy Claims has operated on the timeless principles of honesty, integrity, compassion, service, and value.
Building a Team & Becoming a Regional Service Company
Within a few months, Empathy Claims hired staff to help James and Kathleen run the business. The company eventually became well-known in the marketplace, with a strong regional presence in Illinois, and surrounding states.
For the next few years, the team continued to build business relationships within the Midwest, solidifying their reputation as a reliable, trusted partner for their insurance company clients.
Empathy Claims Today - A Global Service Organization
Thanks to the faith, and trust placed in us by our many clients, Empathy Claims is today an international, independent claims -adjusting organization operating in all 50 states, as well as many nations worldwide. We proudly serve over 800 insurance companies, and self-funded entities with a wide variety of claims adjusting, and other valuable services.
Each day, we live out our motto, "Service with Empathy," in everything we do. Over the years, our company has endured various challenges, including Mr. Littleton’s diagnosis of Leukemia in 2009. There have also been numerous changes in the insurance industry since we started in 1994, but our flexibility, and resilience have allowed us to adapt to the evolving business environment around us.
During these challenges and more, Empathy Claims has endured, thanks to God’s ever-present help.
Feeling a strong obligation to give back to the communities that have been so good to us, Mr. and Mrs. Littleton continue to support and participate in many charities and other non-profit activities that directly touch the lives of the people they serve.
James and Kathleen are so proud of their family, enjoying time with their children, and many grandchildren.
In addition to providing salaries and benefits for our office staff, Empathy Claims also generates income for over 600 vendor partners, both domestically and globally.
On our 30th anniversary, we sincerely thank all our clients and partners who have helped us be successful. The Littleton family, and everyone at Empathy Claims hope to continue our work and service for many generations to come.