Meet the Team! – Jessica Schmidt Picarde
Employee Spotlight: Jessica Schmidt Picarde: Growing Together: Balancing Passion, Flexibility, and Family at ClaimsBridge
At ClaimsBridge, we’re committed to fostering a supportive, family-oriented environment, empowering our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Today, we’re excited to highlight Jessica Picarde, our Director of Finance, whose journey reflects the very heart of our company’s values. Jessica joined ClaimsBridge from a demanding career in investment banking, seeking balance and flexibility for her growing family. Over her tenure, she’s worn many hats—streamlining processes, implementing operational foundations, and significantly enhancing our financial efficiency. Jessica’s dedication to realizing the original vision of ClaimsBridge has been instrumental in our growth, and her leadership continues to make a meaningful impact for both clients and colleagues alike.
“What kept me was the drive to see my dad’s vision come to life. Today, we’re larger, stronger, and closer to that goal than ever.”
What initially attracted you to join ClaimsBridge, and what’s made you stay?
My background was in investment banking, working intense 80-hour weeks at Wells Fargo. My dad, Bob Schmidt, approached me just after I got engaged and said, “I need a finance person. I can’t pay you much, but you’ll have flexible hours for family life.” Honestly, that was it—I wanted balance for my future family, so I took the leap.
That sounds like a very intentional decision.
Absolutely. Maybe not glamorous, but that’s why I did it.
And what’s kept you at ClaimsBridge?
When I started, it was just Bob, Jack, and me in a tiny office, all pitching in wherever needed—finance, mailroom, client care, everything. What kept me was the drive to see my dad’s vision come to life. Over time, we grew, brought on Jason and others, and it’s been fulfilling seeing the company finally match that original vision. Today, we’re larger, stronger, and closer to that goal than ever.
That’s a wonderful story. How would you describe work-life balance at ClaimsBridge?
Coming from investment banking, where constant long hours were standard, ClaimsBridge has been amazing. The company offers flexibility tailored to each employee’s unique needs. There’s genuine attention to ensuring people don’t feel overwhelmed or undervalued. It’s very individualized—balanced, supportive, and respectful of everyone’s life outside of work.
Are there specific supports or resources you’ve received to maintain your personal work-life balance?
My husband travels frequently, so during the week, I effectively manage as a single mom. ClaimsBridge provides me tremendous flexibility. I often leave work early to handle family responsibilities and then return in the evening to finish my tasks. That adaptability is invaluable to me.
Can you share your most significant achievement at ClaimsBridge and its impact?
Early on, I implemented foundational operational processes. But more recently, my biggest accomplishment has been streamlining and enhancing our financial operations. We’ve significantly improved efficiency—billing, AR/AP, real-time financial reporting—and we’ve managed this growth effectively without expanding our department beyond myself and one other person. It’s rewarding to support the company’s growth this way.
How has your role evolved over the years, and how have you adapted?
I’ve done almost every role here, from mailroom duties and client implementation to HR management. As the company grew and we brought on new team members, I transitioned those responsibilities to others—many who remain with us today. Now, I focus solely on finance, which was always my passion. That evolution let me dive deeper into what I genuinely love, while still understanding every facet of the business.
How do ClaimsBridge’s culture and values influence your work and decisions?
Kevin’s leadership has greatly shaped our culture. Before him, we didn’t even have an employee handbook! He fosters open communication, transparency, and genuine care for each employee’s unique situation. Even though we’ve grown, ClaimsBridge still feels like a family-run, mom-and-pop business. Decisions are made thoughtfully, always keeping employees’ wellbeing at the forefront. Kevin truly makes sure everyone feels valued, creating a supportive environment where people are comfortable approaching management with any concerns or ideas.
Anything else you’d like to add?
We’ve expanded quickly, yet we’ve preserved our core culture—one where leadership genuinely cares about each person here. Despite growth, ClaimsBridge remains committed to the supportive, family-oriented environment that has defined us from the start.