HSB's New Ways of Thinking

In Part 3, Dr. Phil Klotzbach joins Jeff O'Shaughnessy to examine the risks that remain after a storm makes landfall. From Hurricane Helene's devastating inland flooding to Ida's impacts far from the coast, Phil explains why rain, flooding, and landslides can sometimes cause more damage than wind—and why they're so difficult to predict. Phil also offers an early look at the climate signals that could shape the 2027 hurricane season.

What does CSU's forecast say about the 2026 hurricane season? In Part 2, hurricane expert Dr. Phil Klotzbach joins Jeff O'Shaughnessy to unpack Colorado State University's outlook, the atmospheric and ocean conditions shaping the season, and the risks that matter most for insurers. From hurricane counts to landfall uncertainty, Phil explains what forecasters are watching and why impact matters more than activity alone. For insurers, the conversation offers valuable context on the risks that could define the 2026 season.

Dr. Phil Klotzbach, senior research scientist at Colorado State University and one of the nation's leading hurricane forecasters, returns to HSB's New Ways of Thinking to help make sense of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Despite concerns heading into the year and several periods of heightened activity, the season proved less impactful for insurers than many expected. Phil joins Jeff O'Shaughnessy to break down what actually happened, why the most damaging outcomes never fully materialized, and the atmospheric and oceanic factors that shaped the season.

Jeff O'Shaughnessy speaks with Christina Villena and Tom Smart about how strong agent relationships shape sensor program success. They discuss early skepticism, growing support, and the challenges of DIY installs for policyholders—plus how outreach and clear communication help agents and insureds stay engaged. They also touch on how sensor data informs risk insights and where they hope these programs go next.

Host Jeff O'Shaughnessy, Christina Villena (The Hanover), and Tom Smart (Philadelphia Insurance Companies) share real‑world examples of how water sensors have prevented losses across schools, cultural institutions, and other properties—especially when buildings are unoccupied. From detecting slow leaks over valuable art to preventing frozen pipe damage during holidays and alerting teams to mechanical room failures, they discuss where sensors have proven most effective and how saves are confirmed and quantified.

Non‑CAT water losses rarely make headlines, but they affect homes, businesses, and carrier portfolios every day. Host Jeff O'Shaughnessy is joined by Christina Villena (The Hanover) and Tom Smart (Philadelphia Insurance Companies) to discuss how events like freezing temperatures, heavy rains, aging infrastructure, and geography all contribute to these widespread and costly losses—and how sensors, data, and early detection can help reduce exposure for various occupancies.

ROI isn't just about numbers—it's about real value. In the final episode, Lewis, CTO and Co-founder of Meshify, and Jeff explore the ROI of IoT programs—beyond loss ratios. They show how Meshify prevents water damage and minor events alike, saving homeowners and business owners from headaches, and wrap up with challenges and what's next.

While many focus on flow monitoring or shutoff valves as a "single solution," the reality is they don't provide full protection and can be costly and invasive to install. In Part 5, Jeff and Lewis explain why point detection should be the first line of defense—you might be surprised how quickly customers act when a leak occurs. They also dive into how Meshify sensors address freeze risks.

Meshify doesn't sell sensors—it provides outcomes. In Part 4, Jeff and Lewis dive into how the team continues to evolve technology, the game-changing impact of Amazon Sidewalk on connectivity, the creation of Meshify Slim, and why designing a sensor people actually want to install—compact, reliable, and unobtrusive—makes all the difference.

Solving the water problem isn't just about sensors—it's about simplicity, reliability, and impact. In this episode, Jeff talks with Lewis, Co-Founder and CTO of Meshify, about how the team evolved from industrial IoT solutions to a next-generation, low-cost, cellular water detection platform, creating sensors that are easy to install and use while protecting buildings from costly water damage.