Sean Kling on Grit, Growth, and Building Aaraya Group

Beverly Hills Magazine: Hey Sean! How are you doing today?

Sean Kling: I’m doing amazing! Life is good, and I’m thrilled to be here with you.

Beverly Hills Magazine: Same here! Let’s dive right in. Can you share your origin story and what led you to entrepreneurship, insurance, and mentorship?

Sean Kling: I’m a proud Gen Xer, born in the 70s, raised in the 80s and 90s outside Philadelphia. My dad, a Marine and Vietnam vet with a ninth-grade education, and my uncle ran a construction company doing $20 million a year in the 90s. My mom was a nurse, and we were a blue-collar, military family—my grandfather served in World War II. I played football in high school, joined the Army, and after getting out, worked in construction. It wasn’t for me, so after getting married and having kids—now divorced—I started my own construction business, learning from my dad’s mistakes. Construction was tough—you eat last after paying the crew. I later opened a safety consulting business, went to college at night for a history degree, and even worked as a historical consultant for films with folks like Bruce Willis. In 2018, my brother, a successful attorney, got me into insurance after Hurricane Michael hit Florida, and I’ve been advocating for clients ever since.

Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s an incredible journey, and the discipline from your military background shines through. What inspired you to start Aaraya Group, and what’s the passion behind advocating for the forgotten middle class?

Sean Kling: Aaraya Group is named after my niece’s middle name—she’s half Thai, and it’s a nod to my sister-in-law who became a U.S. citizen. My brother, who speaks seven languages and works as an attorney in Florida, saw the devastation of Hurricane Michael in 2018 and invited me to join the insurance industry. That was my baptism by fire—a Category 5 hurricane. As a public adjuster, I advocate for homeowners and business owners who don’t know how insurance works. The middle class often gets shortchanged by insurance companies, like a widow I helped who was offered $125 for storm damage but got $150,000 after six months, or a paraplegic whose custom Winnebago was undervalued but we secured $250,000. It’s about fighting for people who are at the mercy of big insurance.

Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s powerful work. For those unfamiliar, what exactly does a public adjuster do, and how does the process of working with you unfold?

Sean Kling: A public adjuster is the insurance industry’s best-kept secret. When you file a claim for your home, business, or boat, insurance companies often lowball you. In 46 states, you can hire a public adjuster like me at no upfront cost—we get a percentage of the settlement. I advocate for you, estimating damages and negotiating with the insurer. You can call me before filing a claim, like a restaurant owner after a kitchen fire, or after a claim if you’re unhappy with the offer. I’m licensed in 17 states, including California, and recently helped with fire claims in Pacific Palisades. Some claims settle in three weeks, others take years, depending on the case complexity and insurer. It’s tough—insurance companies don’t want to pay, and clients are stressed, but I fight for them, sometimes even for free.

Beverly Hills Magazine: You’re like a hero for those in need! What should homeowners or policyholders know before a disaster strikes to be prepared?

Sean Kling: First, if your home is paid off, you don’t legally need homeowner’s insurance, but I strongly recommend it. If you have a mortgage, it’s required to protect the bank’s collateral. Read your policy carefully—agents may sell cheaper policies with less coverage to earn residuals. If you’re in a high-end area like Beverly Hills, you might have premium insurers like Chubb, but in less affluent areas, policies are weaker. Review your policy annually, and I can help for free, especially for businesses, by inspecting and documenting everything. That way, if a claim arises, we’re ready to settle quickly.

Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s invaluable advice. How can someone know when they need a public adjuster versus a lawyer or contractor?

Sean Kling: In states with public adjusters—excluding Alabama, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Alaska—only three parties can negotiate a claim: the policyholder, an attorney, or a public adjuster. Contractors can’t legally negotiate; it’s a felony. For smaller residential, commercial, or boat claims, a public adjuster is ideal, with lower fees than attorneys. For multi-million-dollar claims, like $30-$50 million homes in Pacific Palisades, an attorney might offer more leverage, though they take a higher percentage. Hire attorneys on contingency to ensure they’re invested, but public adjusters are often the go-to for accessibility and affordability.

Beverly Hills Magazine: Great insights. Let’s shift to entrepreneurship. What are some key lessons you’ve learned as a business owner?

Sean Kling: My book, Outwork Them All: A Gen X Perspective, covers this, but first, not everyone should own a business. You might excel at a skill but struggle with accounting or business development, so stay in your lane if that’s not you. Entrepreneurship isn’t glamorous—it’s tough, requiring resilience and pivoting through challenges. Networking is critical; surround yourself with successful, ambitious people. I left behind small-town friends who lacked ambition—not because I’m better, but to align with those who inspire growth, like a friend whose family started the Ronald McDonald House, teaching me humanity.

Beverly Hills Magazine: Love that focus on humanity. What are three core principles that Gen X entrepreneurs need to thrive today?

Sean Kling: Resilience—Gen X has lived through the Cold War, economic booms, downturns, wars, and a pandemic, so we bounce back. Perseverance—you must fight for your goals with grit. Adaptability—we started with abacuses and now use high-speed internet, working with World War II vets and future generations. As Gen Xers hit their 40s, 50s, and early 60s, our adaptability makes us natural leaders in business and politics.

Beverly Hills Magazine: You’re so right about adaptability. As someone born in 1983, I just missed the Gen X cut—am I stuck as a millennial?

Sean Kling: Haha, yes, 1983 makes you a millennial! The Gen X cutoff is December 1980. My brother, born January 1981, misses it by three weeks, and I tease him about it. But millennials are coming into their own as leaders too—every generation gets called slackers at first, but time proves their worth.

Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s hilarious! Finally, any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs or what’s next for you?

Sean Kling: For entrepreneurs, get into trades—learn to work with your hands, like I did in my dad’s construction company. Skills like fixing things are invaluable and recession-proof. Not everyone needs a degree; focus on what no one can take away. As for me, I’m growing Aaraya Group, advocating for more clients, and mentoring Gen Xers to outwork the competition. Check out Outwork Them All for more insights. Thanks for having me—you’re amazing, and so are your listeners. Keep chasing your dreams!

Beverly Hills Magazine: Sean Kling, it’s been a pleasure. We’re excited to see what’s next for you and hope to reconnect soon. All the best!

Sean Kling: Thank you! I’ll see you soon!