Jim Blawas - "Where are they now?"

Hi Frank!

Here is what I have been up to for the past 20 years. As most of you probably know, I didn't finish college at PSU. I had a great time at State College and the memories I have and friendships I've made are still so important to me. Keeping up with everyone has been something I could improve on greatly.

I started work after dropping out of PSU in State College and within a year, I had landed another job as an insurance claims adjuster in Lancaster. While there, I was able to hang out with Mike and April Habacker, Jeff Schenker, Todd Harpst, Tony Loriso and the McKenna boys.

After 3 years, I thought it would be cool to start my own business, as an independent claims adjuster. But I wanted to be back in Pittsburgh, so I packed up and moved back. After several months of floundering, I was offered a job at Allstate as a claims adjuster. I had some accounts and wish I would have stuck it out for a while to see where things may have gone. I took the job and have been working for Allstate as an Auto Physical Damage Appraiser ever since.

Within the first 3 months at my new job, my wife came through my door. Funny thing about it -- I had just made an oddly concious decision to stay single. I knew before she stepped out of the car. We dated for one year before I proposed and were married on May 9, 1998.

After 3 years we had our Kate who is now 9 years old. Eighteen months later, we had Hannah. Michael was born in 2005 and Matthew in 2008. I love my wife and kids with all my heart. If we're blessed with any new additions I'll let you know.

I finished my undergrad at Pitt (don't scowl) in Chemisty but haven't put it to any kind of use as I am still working as a claims adjuster. Last year, I started teaching some continuing education classes for collision repair professionals as a way to help me to be better at my job. I really enjoy it and think I might like to move into training and development some time soon.

My wife and I bought a home in Trafford, PA in 2000. When we were about to have Michael, my parents wanted to downsize and we needed to upsize. So we bought my mom and dads home from them. This is the house you came to for Thanksgiving that one year. We kept the house in Trafford and rent it out. We also partnered with my brother in a few other properties.

All in all, I wouldn't change a thing - except I think I would like to have kept in touch with people better than I have. I'm glad you are bringing this back Scoli. I think you may be the lynch pin that has held SKN together all these years and I'm so glad you are who you are. I hope to talk to you again soon.