Don Marx is the Director of sales and marketing. He is responsible for delivering the companies specialized claims management solutions and programs. Don uses his extensive insurance background to improve CIS’ visibility to the industry.
Prior to joining CIS Don was a physical damage manager with American Family Insurance in the Chicagoland area. In this position he provided team leadership and direction achieving efficient claim handling and quality customer service.
Preceding his role at American Family Insurance, Don was an agent for Farmers Insurance in Colorado Springs where he achieved several accolades for his robust sales. Don was also with State Farm Insurance in Los Angles for many years where he was a physical damage adjuster evaluating vehicles as well as determining liability.
He has over 19 years of industry background that enables him to work as a team with members of the insurance industry.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology and aviation remains a passion.
Prior to joining CIS, J. Mykel was employed at Circuit City for eight years holding multiple management positions.
He began his career at Circuit City as a Sales and Installation Manager in the car audio department. His successes there quickly lead to promotional opportunities including: trainer, policy and procedure master, and ultimately the retail Store Director. J. Mykel served as resident expert in Car Audio and 12 Volt applications.
Prior to working at Circuit City, J. Mykel held a position as a Regional Director of Operations for Arlington Hospitality Management, Inc. In this role he oversaw nine hotels in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri and was responsible for sales, quality control, training and customer service.
As a hobby, J Mykel participates as a competitor, event coordinator and judge for car audio events.
J. Mykel graduated Western Illinois University in 1996, with a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences.
As the Director of Information and reporting, Lou is responsible for collecting and disseminating all claims data for the customer. He maintains all records and company information that is communicated internally and to the industry. Lou also administers customer service, accounts receivables, and training groups. Lou joined CIS in 2006 as a regional sales manager. He has been involved in automotive insurance claims industry for over 25 years which the majority of that time was spent at CCC Information Services Inc. which he held several positions including Marketing Manager, Regional Account Manager, and Industry Relations Manager. He also has been an independent marketing consultant for several start-up companies in the collision repair sector of the industry.
Lou began his involvement with auto theft shortly after graduating Loyola University working for the Illinois Department of Criminal Investigations as an analyst for the SIU division investigating automotive theft and fraud. Lou brings invaluable insight and experience being involved many years in both the insurance and collision repair sectors on the industry.
Mike Cherven is the Vice President and CFO of Commercial Insurance Services and Comprehensive Insurance Services. He is a critical member of the executive management team at CIS and second in command. Mike is responsible for operation, finance, and Information Technology of CIS. He works side by side with the President and Sales and Marketing department to insure that all performance objectives are met and all new product lines are fiscally sound.
Prior to his employment with Comprehensive Insurance Service his background included Regional Vice President for Wynn’s International, Director of Sales for Treatment Products LTD, and Regional Vice President with Dalbert Chemical. His extensive background and comprehension of the insurance industry has helped propel CIS as the leader in the insurance replacement community
Ira Katz is the President and founder of CIS. He started the company in 1978 and has built his company from a small neighborhood car stereo retail store into a national claim solutions provider. Ira has founded CIS on the philosophy of honesty, integrity and keeping cost down for his customers. This is reflected in reputation CIS earned of being the most complete and competitive claims solution provider in the United States.
Ira’s extensive industry knowledge and business acumen extends into the distribution of mobile electronics as well. He also owns A.M. Distributors which is a large Midwest audio and video distributor servicing Illinois and Wisconsin. The synergy created between the two companies allows CIS to vertically integrate the supply channel resulting in the most complete line of product availability and reliability.
Over the past 30 years, Ira has engaged in hundreds of speaking engagements in the industry related to mobile electronics and restoration techniques. He frequently conducts specialized training on fire/flood restoration, odor remediation, and mobile electronics fraud investigations for fire/theft claims adjusters, managers, and Special Investigative Units (SIU’S).
Throughout the continual evolution of CIS into the leading National insurance service provider, Ira has remained committed to provide world class customer service. This is reflected in the direct line of communication and accessibility Ira has maintained with his customers on a daily basis.
Ira is continuously challenging his executive management team and the industry to develop new processes and solutions to the toughest challenges faced.
As the manager for mobile electronics division for CIS, Bayyan is responsible to ensure a high level of performance and quality from his entire team. His personal standards are reflected in his work ethic and are contagious throughout his team.
Bayyan has been in the insurance service industry for over 11 years. He began his career as a claims adjuster with CCS (Coordinated Claim Services) specializing in the investigation and resolution of mobile electronics losses. His customer service and dedication to a fair and accurate resolution earned him high regards with his customer base. An increased knowledge foundation as well as a change in employment has led him to his current position as the manager of the CIS mobile electronics division Bayyan is a graduate of Carmel High School in Mundelein IL and attended the University of Alabama A&M. He currently holds certifications in Fraud Detection and Persuasive Skills.
As a Sr. Claims Manager at CIS, Brenda is responsible for the high level of performance and
quality of claims processed within her group. She leverages substantial experience as a claims
adjuster with CCS (Coordinated Claim Services) to provide a solid foundation of leadership. Brenda
has demonstrated sound decision making skills and created a management style that allows for
the superior delivery of claims solutions. She performs routine audits, ensures that all insurance
companies standard claim procedures are followed, and personally handles key claims to ensure the
best outcome for our customers. Brenda is also bi-lingual and assists in the claims resolutions for
many Spanish speaking customers.
She attended 2 years at the College of Lake County, studying business management. She has
earned multiple certifications in Fraud Detection and Claims fundamentals.
Levon has been in the HVAC industry for nearly 3 decades. During this time he has gained expertise in nearly every aspect of the HVAC industry including commercial, residential, industrial and refrigeration. He started his career as service technician for a small HVAC company and quickly climbed the ladder to become the Service Manager.
After a number of years, Levon became the owner of his own HVAC company specializing in commercial and residential service and installation. After owning his company for nearly 15 years, Levon sold his company to pursue a new challenge as the regional service manager for a national portable cooling and heating company. In this role he was responsible for design and instillation of equipment, maintaining facilities and managing service technicians countrywide. The scope of business encompassed the temporary cooling or heating of construction projects ranging from High Schools to Power Plants.
Levon holds several certificates in both HVAC and Insurance industry.
Certified Claims Adjuster
E.P.A. Certified
N.A.T.E. Certified
Trane Factory Trained
Lennox Factory Trained
Peerless Factory Trained