The Experience Behind the Mission
What began in financial analysis evolved into a mission to bring fairness and clarity to property appraisals. Today, Riley Consulting Services is trusted for delivering accurate, data-driven solutions that resolve claims with integrity.
Rooted in Experience. Focused on Resolution.
With more than two decades of experience in property appraisal and insurance consulting, John Howell brings a unique blend of analytical precision and real-world construction insight. He began his career as a financial analyst, where he developed innovative methods for evaluating complex financial losses—laying the foundation for his future in claims resolution.
After seeing firsthand the disconnect between insurance carriers and policyholders during large-scale catastrophes, John founded Riley Consulting Services to bring fairness, clarity, and structure to the appraisal process.
Today, John leads a team committed to delivering data-driven assessments, maintaining transparent practices, and ensuring equitable outcomes for all parties involved in the claims process.
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John Howell
Founder & Senior Appraiser
"My mission is simple: to ensure that every property appraisal is fair, accurate, and backed by data. When both insurance carriers and insureds have confidence in the appraisal process, everyone wins."
Certifications & Expertise
CPIA
Certified Professional Insurance Appraiser
WIND
Windstorm Insurance Network Certification
TWIA & TFPA
Texas Windstorm Insurance Association & Texas Fair Plan Association Certification
State Farm Certified
State Farm Insurance Certified
HAAG Certified
HAAG Engineering Roof Inspection Certification
Professional Journey
Key milestones in our evolution as industry leaders
Where It All Started
Built my foundation in loss analysis at Beggs & Lane, where I engineered a portfolio evaluation system that changed how attorneys quantified financial damage—combining observed losses with missed opportunity cost. It was my first proof that the right framework changes everything.
Baptism by Storm
When Hurricane Ivan tore through Florida, I stepped out of spreadsheets and into the field. Working with contractors on real losses, I learned the language of restoration and the gap between insurance logic and real-world reconstruction.
Licensed. Activated. Ready.
Became a licensed Independent Adjuster, committing full-time to the property claims industry. I wasn't just checking boxes—I was building leverage in every storm I touched.
Cut My Teeth with State Farm
Deployed after Hurricane Ike with State Farm, I handled some of the most complex residential claims of the season. This was where I learned the balance between carrier compliance and policyholder advocacy.
25,000 Claims. One Mission.
As Director of TWIA's reinspection program, I led a team that reviewed over 25,000 claims—including 14,000 during Hurricane Harvey. I turned reinspection chaos into scalable systems that helped TWIA enforce consistency across adjusters.
The Shift to Appraisal
After nearly two decades in claims, I moved into appraisal and dispute resolution—bringing with me not just experience, but an edge: strategic estimating, deep construction fluency, and a negotiator's clarity.
Systematizing Judgment
Built custom software to streamline the appraisal process and launched a mentorship initiative for adjusters. My mission? Raise the bar for integrity and precision in property loss valuation—because the industry deserves better than guesswork.
Our Mission
At Riley Consulting Services, our mission is to elevate the property appraisal process through clear, data-backed assessments that serve both insurance carriers and policyholders with integrity.
We believe that transparency, technical expertise, and a commitment to fairness are the cornerstones of every successful appraisal—leading to faster resolutions, reduced conflict, and outcomes everyone can trust.
Our Values
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Integrity
We approach every appraisal with honesty, objectivity, and the highest ethical standards.
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Accuracy
Our assessments are grounded in detailed research and supported by verifiable data.
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Efficiency
We streamline every step of the process to deliver timely results without compromising quality.
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Collaboration
We foster professional, respectful communication with all parties while honoring the confidentiality of the appraisal process. Our goal is to keep stakeholders appropriately informed and aligned—without compromising the integrity of the panel.
Let's Resolve Your Appraisal Challenge—Fairly and Fast.
Work with a team that brings clarity, accuracy, and professionalism to every claim.