Hail creates jobs and need for workers

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Talk about taking advantage of a bad situation.

Advertisements for services and jobs started popping up on Craigslist in Austin Wednesday night, just as quick as the hail popped out car windows and damaged roofs.

Alan Barber with Mitchell Construction, Inc. put an ad on Craigslist Wednesday looking to hire salesmen.

Barber said Thursday morning he is looking to hire up to five extra workers at 50 percent commission.

"I look for people that have integrity," said Barber. "I look for people that have a good work ethic."

At least four other companies had advertisements on Craigslist as of Thursday morning trying to sell cleanup services or roofing repair.

And they will be busy. At 1 p.m. Thursday, State Farm Insurance reported more than 7,000 auto and home claims that took place because of the storm.

One of those claims actually came from two State Farm Agents in Northwest Austin. Larry Selby and John Peterson's agency took a major hit to the roof. Insulation and ceiling tiles fell through to the floor with plenty of water damage inside.

"We're covered," said Peterson, with a laugh.

Through their pain, they still had advice for people looking to make a claim.

"If they have broken windows, get them fixed," said Peterson. "Make the car driveable. Keep your receipts. If you get it fixed."

They also say to secure your property to honor your policy commitment to minimize harm.

"Do anything you can to prevent further loss," said State Farm Agent Larry Selby.

Barber also had some advice for people with damaged property. "Don't put a new roof on," if it does not need the total repair, he said.

He said it might be smart to wait for a new roof until the storm season is over.

"You never know," he said. "This could have been the light hail storm and the next hail storm is the strong one."

Barber said Mitchell Construction is looking for workers with integrity and commitment. You can also find more advertisements for jobs created by the hail storm on Craigslist.