We’re honored to spotlight one of our visionary founders, Jonathon Diego! His unique blend of technical expertise and industry insights drives our data-driven solutions with clarity and precision.
Why did you launch DDA Forensics?
Through my experience working in litigated claims, I noticed a significant disconnect between the insurance and construction industries. The two often speak different languages, and it became clear to me that there was a better way to bridge that gap. With my background in both fields, I realized the opportunity to provide data tailored to insurance matters while still delivering the technical details in a way that’s easy for claims professionals to understand. That vision became the foundation of DDA Forensics.
My journey in this industry began when I was just eight years old, working alongside my family as we renovated and sold homes. My parents, both Cuban immigrants, made incredible sacrifices to invest in their first property. We did the work ourselves, tearing out and hanging drywall, mudding, taping, cutting tile on a wet saw, turning one property into another and then another. I like to joke that they outran the statute of limitation for child labor, but looking back, I’m eternally grateful for those experiences. Later, I worked as a real estate appraiser during the height of the real estate boom in 2005-2006. When the market crashed, I found my way into the insurance world—a perfect fit, given my early childhood experience. I quickly came to love the industry. In time, I became heavily involved in litigated claims and saw the implications of adjuster actions, or inactions, and those impacts during the litigation stage.
It was in these early years of my exposure to disputed and litigated claims, that I began to see the critical need to merge the insurance and construction worlds. At the suggestion of a good friend at the time, I realized that with my background, obtaining my contractor’s license was a real option. So while I was working claims, I began working with a general contracting company, honing the experiences of my early childhood and teenage years. Looking back, I realize that I’ve always had a passion for construction, architecture, and how building systems coalesce to create an interdependent, livable structure. That passion has only grown over the years as I’ve become more entrenched. For this reason, pursuing my Florida General Contractor (GC) license was a major milestone—it’s one of the more difficult tests in the country given Florida’s unique climate, building codes, and exposure to Hurricanes. It requires mastery of both building codes, and trade skills of practically all trades. Obtaining my General Contractor’s license solidified my expertise and reinforced my commitment to creating DDA Forensics, where we could combine technical proficiency with clear communications that are tailored for the specific questions inherent in the insurance industry.
Why are you passionate about the Industry?
Everything to some degree revolves around insurance and managing risk. Every decision we make, consciously or unconsciously, involves some level of risk assessment. Our work at DDA fills a critical need in society, helping individuals and businesses navigate the aftermath of catastrophes with clarity and fairness. Having worked on countless disaster sites throughout the country over the years, I’ve seen the devastating impact these events can have. As a partner at DDA, and an expert witness, I’m driven by the principle of fairness. I’ve seen mismanagement and drastic underpayment of claims from insurance carriers. I’ve also seen entirely unreasonable demands presented by homeowner representatives. Both bother me equally. Everyone deserves what is rightfully theirs—not a penny less, not a penny more. My passion lies in ensuring that both sides of the aisle are treated fairly, and no one is shortchanged.
As a Licensed General Contractor, I’m fascinated by the evolving science of building practices, methodologies, and code. A significant portion of what we do is data-driven, and as our understanding of building resilience improves, so do our methods. It’s the perpetual chase of building resiliency that fascinates me. Being headquartered in Miami, where hurricanes and wind damage are a constant concern, we’re always asking how we can build more resilience to better protect our homes, communities, and infrastructures. Through DDA, it’s rewarding to be part of the national and global research organizations involved in contributing to improving communities throughout the globe.
What do you enjoy most about working with DDA Forensics clients/ client projects?
We seek to work with clients who genuinely want an honest, data-driven approach, hence the D-D-A name. Those are the types of partnerships we thrive in. Our clients value our true professional and unbiased opinions, even when the outcome might not be in their favor. Our role is to provide clarity and solutions, ensuring that the system works as it should. Being part of a team that helps bring transparency and fairness to the process is incredibly rewarding.
What do you like most about the DDA Forensics company culture that you’ve built?
At DDA Forensics, we’ve built a culture centered on continuous integrity, improvement, collaboration, and professional growth. It’s a culture that prioritizes teamwork and values delivering clear, concise, and conclusive determinations for our clients. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to getting it right, no matter the outcome, and ensuring that every conclusion we provide is backed by the latest research and science. Our goal on every project is simple. Get it right, every time.
We pride ourselves on attracting and seeking out top talent with specialized expertise in their respective fields. Whether the issue is commercial or residential, every failure has a cause, and we focus on understanding not only cause, but it’s symptoms with precision. If a request falls outside our scope, we won’t hesitate to refer it elsewhere because we believe in staying true to our strengths and providing the best possible service. It’s also the right thing to do for our client.
Our team is well-rounded and complementary, and what truly distinguishes us is our ability to communicate. We can present highly technical findings in a way that is easy to understand—whether we’re talking to claims professionals, attorneys, a jury, or students. We understand the entire process, from the initial claim inquiry to a courtroom trial, and tailor our communication to meet the needs of the audience. Ultimately, we’re teachers.
Technology plays a critical role in what we do. Much like a doctor using an MRI machine, we don’t rely on a single tool, but leverage every resource available to arrive at the most accurate conclusions. While the insurance industry can be slow to adopt new technologies, we embrace them to stay ahead, ensuring our clients receive the best, most informed outcomes possible.
What do you think is your biggest business strength?
I believe my greatest strength as a leader is empowering my team to excel by giving them the space to do what they do best and getting out of their way. I live by the Richard Branson quote: “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” That philosophy is central to how we operate at DDA Forensics. We prioritize and encourage growth and learning at every level of the organization. From entry-level roles to team members holding Ph.Ds, we want our staff to develop professionally and personally; to embark on something difficult, and achieve it. By fostering an environment of trust, development, communication, and mutual respect, we create a culture where excellence thrives, and our team members feel inspired to stay and grow with us.
What are some successes or milestones you’ve achieved at DDA Forensics?
Wow. So many…..
We had a vision just a couple years ago to launch a Continuing Education program, and we’ve achieved that goal. We now offer multiple classes and provide valuable training for carriers and attorneys. This initiative helps industry professionals stay informed and equipped to make better decisions, furthering our mission to bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical application. We’re truly passionate about helping to advance the industry, one classroom at a time.
I’ve had the honor of presenting at numerous nationwide conferences, including the Verisk Elevate conference and numerous claim and industry association events. Opportunities like these allow me to share insights, engage with other industry leaders, and continue driving innovation in the field, which is so rewarding. Seeing someone’s wheels turning in their heads during a presentation or discussion is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Since launching in Florida in 2018, we’ve experienced consistent year-over-year growth, and today, we proudly operate in seven states. This growth isn’t just about expansion; it’s a testament to the quality and dedication of our team. Brian and I may be at the helm, driving the vision, but none of this would be possible without the collective effort of the incredible individuals we have on board. Our Operations Manager, Ebly Posada; our heroes behind the scenes; our Project Coordinators, Michelle, Victoria, Susana, Sharlene, Jazlin, Jasmine; our team of incredible experts; their expertise, passion, and commitment to excellence are the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished and continue to build. This collective vision to build and be something special is perhaps my greatest professional joy.
Share a fun fact about you!
I have a profound love of the outdoors that I’m lucky enough to share with my amazing wife, Nicole. The rougher the conditions, the better. I’ve summited three glaciated peaks including Mt. Hood in Oregon, the spectacular Grand Teton in Wyoming, and together Nicole and I summited Mt. Baker in Washington. When she didn’t kick me to the curb after that grueling climb, I knew she was a keeper! A few years ago my wife and I spent five nights in the Grand Canyon, where we dropped in from the south rim, navigated along the Colorado River, and ascended back out for one of the best adventures we’ve had together. Nicole and I have a six-year-old son, Phoenix, who is an absolutely amazing and phenomenal little boy. My wife is truly the backbone of our family, so all credit to her. Without her, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to chase this dream of building DDA. She’s an incredibly wonderful woman and life companion. Love you honey, and thank you.